Nadezhda Grishaeva: fitness is not intimidating

When opening a fitness center, 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 evaluating glances and judgments. It’s essential to recognize 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 It’s about the anxiety 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 delve into 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.

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 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.

How to overcome fears in the gym

For a new gym-goer, the gym environment can appear daunting. Some fitness machines are as complex as electric cars. It’s natural to feel initial doubts when trying something new. It’s common to question 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. 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. Personal training has proven benefits. As the gym becomes a habit, anxiety decreases. Consistent attendance reduces gym anxiety.

Not understanding how to operate machines is a typical newbie concern. An initial walkthrough can alleviate this fear. 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. Let go of these concerns.

Fitness centers offer trial passes and consultations. 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 let jimphobia deter you. We welcome you to start your fitness path at Anvil.

Dealing with Gym Narcissism

Ever encountered someone overly confident in the gym? Or those who react poorly to any critique? 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. A healthy focus on fitness is good, but obsession has its downsides. It’s important to recognize and manage these tendencies.

Narcissism should not be confused with genuine self-appreciation. 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, which serves as a shield against 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, echoed in the adage: A healthy body harbors a healthy spirit. Addressing deep-seated fears or narcissism often necessitates expert intervention. Hence, incorporating therapy sessions alongside regular fitness routines offers comprehensive self-care.