Nadezhda Grishaeva: fitness is not scary

When launching a fitness club, not many consider the fears and apprehensions when visiting gyms. Sometimes, a fitness center appears to the average individual as an inaccessible place they’re not meant to be part of, and some are afraid of evaluating glances and judgments. It’s necessary to recognize the psychological characteristics of potential visitors to ensure their comfort. Nadezhda Grishaeva, the founder of Anvil Fitness Club Moscow, shared with Sostav insights the unexpected sides and nuances of the fitness world.

Understanding gym-related fears

In English, there’s a term, gymphobia, indicating fear of the gym. Another less common term is jimtimidation, a blend of ‘gym’ (meaning hall) and ‘intimidation’ — it signifies the anxiety a person feels about entering a fitness club, worried they’ll stand out, attracting skewed 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 define and understand gymphobia’s roots, it’s crucial to differentiate it from gymnophobia. This fear, too, is prevalent among clients and deters them from joining healthy lifestyle 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.

How to overcome fears in the gym

To a newcomer, the gym environment can appear daunting. Fitness equipment can seem as advanced as electric cars. Initial hesitations are common when trying something new. It’s common to question if they’re dressed correctly, will look out of place, 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. As the gym becomes a habit, anxiety decreases. Consistent attendance reduces gym anxiety.

A common issue for newcomers is not knowing how to use the equipment. A simple remedy is an introductory tour. Utilize the gym staff’s expertise. We provide support for first-timers at Anvil.

Comparing oneself to others can be daunting. Observing others’ achievements can lead to comparisons. Such comparisons might feel discouraging. It’s best to focus on your own journey.

Many fear being watched or judged in the gym. The reality is, most gym-goers are concentrated on their own routines. Judgment from others says more about them than about you. Disregard such worries.

Fitness centers offer trial passes and consultations. 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 let jimphobia deter you. Join us at Anvil and embrace your fitness journey.

Sports narcissists

Know someone who’s overly self-assured in their fitness abilities? What about those who can’t handle criticism? Ever noticed someone who’s loud or seeks attention in the gym? These are signs of sports narcissism.

It involves arrogance, lack of consideration for others, and a need for admiration. While some level of fitness focus is positive, obsession can be detrimental. Balancing one’s gym behavior is key to a healthy fitness lifestyle.

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, which serves as a shield against their underlying feelings of insufficiency and self-doubt. Do fitness clubs have their share of narcissists? Indeed, there are.

In a balanced person, there’s harmony between body and mind, echoed in the adage: A healthy body harbors a healthy spirit. Addressing deep-seated fears or narcissism often necessitates expert intervention. Thus, consulting a psychologist and engaging in personal therapy can be a valuable complement to regular gym visits.