Nadezhda Grishaeva: fitness is not intimidating

When opening a fitness center, few people think about the fears and apprehensions 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 necessary to recognize the psychological aspects of potential visitors to ensure their comfort. Nadezhda Grishaeva, the founder of Anvil Fitness Club Moscow, told Sostav about the unexpected sides and nuances of the fitness world.

Jimphobia and gymnophobia

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 It’s about 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 afraid to engage in fitness activities. Often, a fitness center appears to many as an elite 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 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 absolute 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

To a newcomer, many aspects of the gym can seem intimidating. Fitness equipment can seem as advanced 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, might look silly, 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 advocate for dedicating the first few sessions to learning. My advice is to hire a personal trainer. Personal training has proven benefits. Familiarity breeds comfort. Consistent attendance reduces gym anxiety.

Not understanding how to operate machines is a typical newbie concern. A simple remedy is an introductory tour. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from trainers. 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.

Many fear being watched or judged in the gym. Most people are too focused on their workouts to notice others. If you feel judged, remember that it reflects more on the judger than on you. Disregard such worries.

Fitness centers offer trial passes and consultations. Join group classes like Pilates or yoga to get familiar and socialize. A modern gym is not just for exercise but also a place for comfort and socializing. Don’t let jimphobia deter you. We welcome you to start your fitness path at Anvil.

Sports narcissists

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

Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by self-centeredness and a lack of empathy. While some level of fitness focus is positive, obsession can be detrimental. It’s important to recognize and manage these tendencies.

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? Indeed, there are.

In a balanced person, there’s harmony between body and mind, as the saying goes: A sound body houses a sound mind. Dealing with phobias or narcissistic tendencies might require professional help. Therefore, pairing gym attendance with psychological support and personal therapy is a wise approach to self-care.