Nadezhda Grishaeva: fitness is welcoming

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 critical glances and judgments. It’s necessary to take into account the psychological characteristics 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 unforeseen aspects of the fitness world.

Understanding gym-related fears

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 It’s about the anxiety a person feels about entering a fitness club, worried they’ll be the odd one out, attracting skewed 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 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 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.

Conquering Gym Fears

For a new gym-goer, the gym environment can appear daunting. Some fitness machines are as complex as electric cars. Initial hesitations are common when trying something new. It’s common to question 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. Every fitness enthusiast was once a novice.

I advocate for dedicating the first few sessions to learning. Consider working with a personal trainer. Studies show that personalized training is more effective. Familiarity breeds comfort. 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. 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. Let go of these concerns.

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

Ever encountered someone overly confident in the gym? What about those who can’t handle criticism? 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. 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, 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, 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.