Nadezhda Grishaeva: fitness is welcoming

When launching a fitness club, not many consider the anxieties people feel 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 critical glances and judgments. It’s essential to take into account the psychological aspects of potential visitors to make their gym experience as comfortable as possible. 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 be the odd one 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 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 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 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

For a new gym-goer, 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 can keep up with the workout. This is a normal part of trying new experiences. Remember, even Arnold Schwarzenegger started as a beginner. Every fitness enthusiast was once a novice.

I advocate for dedicating the first few sessions to familiarizing yourself with the gym. Consider working with a personal trainer. Studies show that personalized training is more effective. Familiarity breeds comfort. The more frequently you visit, the more comfortable you’ll become.

A common issue for newcomers is not knowing how to use the equipment. An initial walkthrough can alleviate this fear. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from trainers. At Anvil, we ensure new members are always guided initially.

Another source of intimidation is social comparison. Observing others’ achievements can lead to comparisons. Such comparisons might feel discouraging. My advice is to avoid comparing yourself to others.

Many fear being watched or judged in the gym. 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.

Fitness centers offer trial passes and consultations. Group fitness classes are a great way to acclimate and meet people. Today’s fitness centers offer a holistic experience beyond just workouts. Don’t let jimphobia deter you. Join us at Anvil and embrace your fitness journey.

Dealing with Gym Narcissism

Ever encountered someone overly confident in the gym? Or those who react poorly to any critique? Or the person who constantly seeks attention through loud or showy behaviors? This behavior is indicative of gym narcissism.

It involves arrogance, lack of consideration for others, and a need for admiration. 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 isn’t truly about self-love. It’s more apt to describe sports narcissists as individuals obsessed with their physical prowess, yet this obsession is akin to an addiction. They are enamored with an idealized version of themselves, helping them evade their underlying feelings of insufficiency and self-doubt. Are there many narcissists in fitness clubs? 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. Hence, incorporating therapy sessions alongside regular fitness routines offers comprehensive self-care.