The Nauti Truth: The Gym Doesn't Have to be Scary!

Working out and staying fit is something people put so much pressure on themselves to do or be. This pressure, I think, is caused by what people perceive as being fit and being afraid of never meeting the ‘criteria’ that defines someone as fit. When it comes down to it being fit should be a personal journey that focuses on YOUR goals. It shouldn’t be about looking like someone who works out 3 times a day and happens to already have an athletic body type, it should be about moving your body and doing whatever it is that makes you feel good. 

I have always been one to compare myself to others and my competitive nature feeds into my mentality of always pushing myself to be better. It wasn’t until recently that I changed my outlook on fitness to doing it for my health and because it genuinely makes me feel good. Sure I will always be pushing myself to reach new goals, but I understand that fitness shouldn’t be something that creates negativity and comparison amongst individuals.  

That being said, I think everyone should take small steps to incorporating fitness into their lives. I know from my experience that it isn’t always the easiest thing to do because of how intimidating the concept can be. The gym isn’t the most pleasant place especially when it’s super busy and you have no idea where to start. I guarantee that after the first time you go, it will get A LOT easier and less scary :) If you have absolutely no idea what to do when stepping foot into a gym, fear not I will give you some simple guidelines I lived by my freshman year. 

Back in the day, I would usually go to the ARC express and spend about 20-30 minutes running/walking; if there wasn't a tread open I resorted to elliptical OR started with some basic floor exercises then ended with some cardio when the machine I wanted opened up. The express gym can be nice since it is smaller and easier to get around, but if it’s during a busy time of the day it can get pretty overwhelming. If that is the case, the regular ARC is better because there are a lot more machines and options for you to pick from. Even if you just stay in the cardio area for 30-45 minutes, that's more exercise you would have gotten compared to if you were just staying at home! However if you do want to do some floor work, if you go at a time where there isn’t a class in the studio rooms there is so much space to do whatever you want. 

If you are just starting out at the gym, having a “gym buddy” can help immensely. My friends bring out my confidence and can act as a sort of security net, so if having someone there makes you more comfortable bring them! Going with a friend also holds both of you accountable for getting up and going to the gym, because obviously no one wants to let down their best friend. Freshman and sophomore year I would go to the gym with my best friend, it brought us closer together and made me realize how dedicated I was to fitness. It was time we set aside to better ourselves while also being in each others company. 

Ultimately, going to the gym doesn’t have to be scary and it should be something that makes you feel good and productive. There is always something to be proud of and everyone starts their journey somewhere. Just try making it to the gym a couple times this week, or even just once, and notice the difference it makes in your life.

P.S.

Always remember even though it feels like people are watching you at the gym, there is no one actually watching you :) but I understand the fear. 

Stay Nauti,

Brooke