Friday, 20th January 2023
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Reasons for ‘gymtimidation’ range from feeling like you’re being looked at, feeling awkward for not knowing what the equipment is for, being self-conscious in sports wear or just generally feeling like you don’t ‘belong’ there.
We pride ourselves on offering leisure facilities for everyone in our communities, and as a not-for-profit leisure trust our main focus is getting everyone enjoying the healthy lifestyle.
You deserve to be in there as much as anyone else so we’ve put this together to help break down any barriers which you might think are in your way…
1. Ditch Your Preconceptions For so many people, it is the weight of perceived expectation that can put them off the gym. The idea that everybody in there are super-fit athletes who are lifting heavy weights and showing off their six-packs. This is simply not the case. Our gyms are for everyone – you’ll find a wonderful cross-section of Pendle residents all just doing their own thing, with a variety of body shapes, a variety of fitness experience and each one with a different reason for being there. You would be a welcome addition.
2. Start Small Think about the first day of a new job…all you really learn is how to clock-on and where the kitchen is for brews! It’s weeks or months before you might start to feel confident in what you’re doing. It’s the same in the gym – ease yourself in. Keep it very simple and if you’re in there for just 10 minutes for the first few sessions, that’s fine. In time, as your confidence builds, your anxiety will fade.
3. Bring a Friend Our Activo Adult Memberships come with guest passes to ‘Bring a Friend for FREE’. Be sure to use them – just having a friendly face there means you can share any fears, have a laugh and generally feel a lot more confident. There’s nothing saying your friend even has to work out! If you would feel better just having someone with you as support, do it.
4. Remember This – Nobody Cares J (and we mean that in a really positive way!) We completely understand that walking into a gym can be intimidating, especially if it’s totally new to you. Even people who have been in gyms before still get nervous going into a new and different gym.
But we assure that you are not being watched and nobody is judging you. Everyone is doing their own thing so be proud of yourself for being there and do your best to not worry what people might be thinking, because they probably aren’t thinking anything!
5. Go at Quieter Times If it’s the sheer presence of other people being in the gym that intimidates or worries you, why not start your fitness journey at quieter times of the day? All our centres’ peak times vary slightly but ask at reception and then schedule your sessions around that. Pretty soon your confidence will have increased to be able to go at any time, but in those early days avoiding crowds can really help as you learn your way around and find what works for you.
6. You Are Safe Our gyms and pools are constantly staffed and any unwelcome, inappropriate or offensive behaviour is not tolerated. You are free to enjoy your exercise in a safe and welcoming environment
7. Use Our FREE Personal Trainers Our Activo Adult Memberships come with the fantastic add-on of one FREE personal trainer session a month. Personal Trainers are NOT boot camp, military style task-masters (although they can be if that’s what you want!) – they are understanding and welcoming and will be happy to just be a companion with you whilst you get familiar and gain confidence. They will have great ideas for new exercises, they’ll give gentle encouragement, they’ll answer any questions no matter how small and they will only create sessions that you are happy with and which are suitable for you and your goals.
8. Keep it up! Like with almost anything, the more you do it the easier it becomes. So the more you get to the gym, the quicker anxieties will fade. Very soon you’ll feel part of the Pendle Leisure Trust family and very soon it will be you welcoming new starters who initially might seem a little nervous!
Pendle Wavelengths - 60 Leeds Rd, Nelson BB9 9TD
01282 661717
Pendle Leisure Centre - Crown Way, Colne BB8 9NP
01282 661166
West Craven Sports Centre - Kelbrook Rd, Barnoldswick BB18 5TB
01282 666710
Seedhill Athletics & Fitness Centre - Surrey Rd, Nelson BB9 7TY
01282 661616