Nadezhda Grishaeva: fitness is welcoming

When opening a fitness center, few people think about the anxieties people feel when visiting gyms. Sometimes, a fitness center seems to the average individual as an intimidating place they’re not meant to be part of, and some are afraid of evaluating glances and judgments. It’s essential to take into account the psychological characteristics of potential clients to ensure their comfort. Nadezhda Grishaeva, the founder of Anvil Fitness Club Moscow, told Sostav about the unforeseen aspects of the fitness world.

Understanding gym-related fears

In English, there’s a term, gymphobia, which literally means fear of the gym. Another less common term is jimtimidation, a blend of ‘gym’ (meaning hall) and ‘intimidation’ — it signifies the fear a person feels about entering a fitness club, worried they’ll stand out, attracting askew glances. Jimphobia is one of the reasons why individuals are hesitant to engage in fitness activities. Often, a fitness center appears to many as some inaccessible place they’re not meant to be part of.

Before we delve into gymphobia’s roots, it’s crucial to differentiate it from gymnophobia. This fear, too, is prevalent among clients and deters them from attending wellness clubs. Yet, it’s a distinct fear — gymnophobia is the dread of nudity, the anxiety over being seen naked or undressed.

Many harbor complex feelings towards their body and nudity. People’s fear levels vary, influenced by different contexts. Some might dread public nudity, like in gym changing rooms, while others might be uncomfortable with the sight of others’ nudity. Numerous factors, including religious beliefs, past traumas, or body shame, can influence one’s reluctance to be seen naked or to view nudity.

Addressing nudity fears is challenging but beneficial for mental well-being and self-confidence. At Anvil Club, how have we tackled this issue? We’ve installed individual enclosed shower stalls, offering a space not just for showering but also for changing in privacy. Our king-sized showers were designed for ultimate visitor comfort.

For gymnophobia, experts suggest practicing mirror exercises, where you observe and accept your naked reflection. Interestingly, Anvil boasts over a thousand mirrors, not just for self-acceptance but also due to a common trait among bodybuilders: narcissism, which I’ll discuss later.

Returning to jimphobia, this fear stems from various concerns:

• uncertainty about gym routines, how to execute exercises correctly, and appropriate behavior, often seen in newcomers;
• Self-comparison with surrounding individuals, particularly professional athletes;
• The impression of being observed, discussed, or judged by others.

Overcoming Gym Intimidation

For a new gym-goer, the gym environment can appear daunting. Some fitness machines are as complex as electric cars. It’s natural to feel initial doubts when trying something new. It’s common to question if they’re dressed correctly, might look silly, or will manage the session. This is a normal part of trying new experiences. Remember, even Arnold Schwarzenegger started as a beginner. All gym regulars began somewhere.

I recommend dedicating the first few sessions to familiarizing yourself with the gym. My advice is to hire a personal trainer. Studies show that personalized training is more effective. Familiarity breeds comfort. The more frequently you visit, the more comfortable you’ll become.

Not understanding how to operate machines is a typical newbie concern. An initial walkthrough can alleviate this fear. Utilize the gym staff’s expertise. At Anvil, we ensure new members are always guided initially.

Another source of intimidation is social comparison. Observing others’ achievements can lead to comparisons. These comparisons can have negative effects. It’s best to focus on your own journey.

Many fear being watched or judged in the gym. Most people are too focused on their workouts to notice others. Judgment from others says more about them than about you. Disregard such worries.

Most gyms provide introductory sessions. Group fitness classes are a great way to acclimate and meet people. A modern gym is not just for exercise but also a place for comfort and socializing. Don’t be held back by gym fears. We welcome you to start your fitness path at Anvil.

Dealing with Gym Narcissism

Know someone who’s overly self-assured in their fitness abilities? Or those who react poorly to any critique? Or the person who constantly seeks attention through loud or showy behaviors? This behavior is indicative of gym narcissism.

Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by self-centeredness and a lack of empathy. A healthy focus on fitness is good, but obsession has its downsides. It’s important to recognize and manage these tendencies.

Narcissism isn’t truly about self-love. It’s more apt to describe sports narcissists as individuals obsessed with their physical prowess, which is essentially an addictive behavior. They are enamored with an idealized version of themselves, helping them evade their underlying feelings of inadequacy, shame, and insecurity. Are there many narcissists in fitness clubs? Certainly enough.

In a balanced person, there’s harmony between body and mind, echoed in the adage: A healthy body harbors a healthy spirit. Dealing with phobias or narcissistic tendencies might require professional help. Thus, consulting a psychologist and engaging in personal therapy can be a valuable complement to regular gym visits.