January 12, 2013

By Lisa English

Id really like to try your boot camp, but I dont know if Im in shape enough to do it I would come to your boot camp, but I dont want to look stupid in front of all the fit people I need to lose some weight first, and then Ill come to your classes I dont feel comfortable exercising in front of people I dont know.

Do any of the above statements sound familiar to you? They do to me because several of my clients have expressed these concerns before coming to train with me. Lack of time and money are two of the most commonly cited reasons for not exercising; but a growing body of evidence has shown that the fear of embarrassment is also a significant barrier. I believe that it could be even more of a barrier than time or money for a lot of people.

So if you or someone you know is intimidated by going to the gym, what can you do to get active? Im going to share with you 5 strategies that can make getting active less intimidating and more comfortable.

Enlist the help of a workout buddy. Social support is one of the key drivers of success whenever we are trying something new or making a change. Having a friend to go walk with, take a class with, or to show you how to do some basic exercises can remove some of the fear factor from working out. You also get the added benefits of built in social time and accountability!

Downsize. Instead of going to a typical big box gym, go check out some of the smaller private studios in your area. These are often more intimate environments that offer a sense of community. Classes tend to be smaller and youre likely to find people just like you who are too intimidated to go to a big gym and want more out of their workout experience than just big machines and cardio theaters. For example, I own a private, in-home training studio where I offer personal training, small group or partner training, and boutique boot camps. I promote an inclusive and welcoming environment where all fitness levels, sizes, ages, and personalities can come together for a common goal. I also have a private Facebook group for all of my clients that serves as a safe, social support forum for people to interact, share, ask questions, or just observe. Its amazing to see the friendships that have blossomed! My clients show up for one another in ways that go Beyond Fitness and transcend into genuine care and concern for what is happening in everyones day-to-day lives. To me, that exudes comfort, inclusiveness, and trust. Theres no room for intimidation or embarrassment.

Try working with a personal trainer. An experienced fitness professional can help you get started with an exercise program that fits your ability level and your lifestyle. Its important to find the right fit when looking for a trainer. Research has shown that the most important traits that clients look for in a personal trainer are personality and the ability to understand the client. I always offer a complimentary consultation (either by phone or in person) so that potential clients have an opportunity to meet me and get to know me. This is a time for you to essentially interview a trainer. You will most likely know after that initial meeting if that trainer is right for you.

Work out at home. If you really just want to have complete privacy when you begin your exercise program, try doing something at home. You can exercise on your own time, you dont have to travel anywhere, and you dont even have to brush your hair or have on matching socks, lol! All you have to do is start moving and if you dont know what to do purchase an at-home program to follow. I recently launched an on-line 8-week challenge that can be done at home. It includes workouts, a nutrition plan, weekly motivational coaching emails, and bonus educational materials. You can learn more about that in the video below.

Dont let fear, embarrassment or intimidation keep you from getting healthy and reaching your goals. . This is more of a mindset strategy and perhaps the most important one of all. You have to value yourself enough to take care of yourself. You deserve to engage in exercise and not feel self-conscious. You are entitled to a healthy, vibrant, fulfilling life. All you have to do is take the first step and know that you are worth it !

Tags: exercise , fitness , weight loss