Nadezhda Grishaeva: fitness is not scary

When opening a fitness center, few people think about the anxieties people feel when visiting gyms. Sometimes, a fitness center appears to the average individual as an intimidating place they’re not meant to be part of, and some are afraid of critical glances and judgments. It’s essential to recognize the psychological aspects 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.

Jimphobia and gymnophobia

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 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 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.

Overcoming 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 private 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, many aspects of the gym can seem intimidating. Some fitness machines are as complex as electric cars. It’s natural to feel initial doubts when trying something new. Everyone has probably felt self-conscious at some point, wondering if they’re dressed correctly, will look out of place, or will manage the session. Such concerns are part of facing the unknown. 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. Personal training has proven benefits. 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. 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. Noticing someone lifting heavy weights or a bodybuilder’s pose might trigger self-comparison. Such comparisons might feel discouraging. My advice is to avoid comparing yourself to others.

A third common gym fear is feeling observed. The reality is, most gym-goers are concentrated on their own routines. If you feel judged, remember that it reflects more on the judger than on you. Disregard such worries.

Most gyms provide introductory sessions. Join group classes like Pilates or yoga to get familiar and socialize. Today’s fitness centers offer a holistic experience beyond just workouts. Don’t be held back by gym fears. We welcome you to start your fitness path at Anvil.

Sports narcissists

Know someone who’s overly self-assured in their fitness abilities? What about those who can’t handle criticism? 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. Balancing one’s gym behavior is key to a healthy fitness lifestyle.

Narcissism should not be confused with genuine self-appreciation. Sports narcissists can be seen as those overly fixated on their athletic image, which is essentially an addictive behavior. They are infatuated by an idealized version of themselves, which serves as a shield against their underlying feelings of inadequacy, shame, and insecurity. Do fitness clubs have their share of narcissists? Certainly enough.

In a balanced person, there’s harmony between body and mind, as the saying goes: A sound body houses a sound mind. 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.