“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek”
This is a quote attributed to renowned mythologist, Joseph Campbell. It means that the most daunting challenges often lead to the greatest rewards. How many times has the fear of doing something stopped you? How did that make you feel? Campbell’s point, is that significant personal growth and fulfillment can come from facing your fears and confronting situations out of your comfort zone.
That fear is applicable when wanting to join a gym and starting an exercise program. A large portion of people fear the gym for a number of reasons.
- Self-Conscious: self-conscious and intimidated from others who seem more fit
- Lack of knowledge: not knowing how to use equipment properly or feeling unsure about which exercises to do
- Judgement: feeling like others are watching and criticizing your fitness level or appearance while exercising
- Body Image: feeling self-conscious about their physique and not wanting to expose it in a public setting
- Fear of injury: fear of injury or re-injuring themselves while exercising
It’s understandable why people choose to hesitate, but the rewards waiting for you are exponential. You just have to step out of your comfort zone and seize them. The “fit” person you see most likely didn’t walk in that way on their day one. They didn’t have all the knowledge going in, and odds are at some point they felt exactly like you do now.
Taking small steps in the right direction is important and key to a successful journey. It will help you feel confident in your decision. Do your research and visit all the gyms in your area. Find out exactly what they offer and if they are a fit for your needs.
Seek guidance from a professional. The wrong program or the wrong trainer could delay your goals. Cheaper is usually not better, especially in the beginning. A good gym is one that takes the time to learn your fears and your limits. So they can make your experience comfortable and keep you accountable.
If fear is a factor of why you haven’t stepped out of your comfort zone and joined a gym, take this as a sign that it’s time to walk into the cave. Face your fears, and potentially make one of the best decisions of your life.
By Stacy Boil @faithfitnessgym.com