First time fitness fright; How first time gym goers can eliminate the initial fear

By Maximiliano Delgado, '22

|Photo: Faith Murphy

Zar Czarlinsky, a freshman marine engineering student, lifts weight in the P.E Facility.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, The Mountain, Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt, Rambo, and Johnny Bravo. These are the names and faces that come to mind when picturing top physical fitness and are usually the end goal for many whom attempt to start the physical lifestyle. However, you may feel dissuaded by a variety of factors such as your new to the scene, you may lack confidence or motivation, or you may feel like you just don’t have the time to consistently follow through with a regiment. These are all things that can be managed and overcome, granted, you are serious about it.

As Misa, a student worker at the gym explains, “You slowly but surely learn to overcome those jitters and you realize it’s not as a big of a deal as you may think it is, it’s only as big as you make it.” She also affirmed that the more you go to the gym, you are likely to gain more confidence and shed some of the negative deterrents that you first walked in with. Stating “Everyone had to start somewhere, don’t expect to bench for the day and walk out completely transformed. Consistency is the name of the game ladies and gentlemen.”

Another technique suggested by multiple gym goers is to “buddy up” and take a group with you to help with your comfortability at the gym. One such believer in this method is Jack Cezer, a gym attendee and fitness enthusiast. He believes that taking a buddy with you not only helps with confidence but adds an extra layer of motivation and competition to keep you going. “Even though it’s not defined competition, it’s friendly competition. This competition therefore helps increase your productivity and makes sure you don’t just lift weight for five minutes and call it a day.”

However, the biggest killer of physical aspirations is time. When you first start to approach a near consistent level of regularity, you may find that you are seemingly short for spare time to spend. This can be the case because you have to study for an exam or one out of your thirty Saplings is due that day. But, ask anyone about how they overcame this problem and they will most likely tell you to just simply find a flexible routine during your week. You don’t have to “go to the gym at exactly 3:30pm everyday or else you’ll never work out again.” What makes this lifestyle unique and lucrative is that you can positively, absolutely, one-hundred percent pick up and leave off at any day, any time, and anywhere.

So, go out there and have fun, stay hydrated, and stay open minded. Who knows, maybe you may find that you really enjoy Yoga or Zumba dancing. You could find that you have a natural knack for basketball or powerlifting. But no matter what your niche is, you’ll be met with a warm smile and a welcoming environment at our fitness center.