Gym goers: Do you ever feel like an imposter

[Amara 94]

The last two weeks I’ve started to go to the gym. I’ve been in and off in the past. This time I’m expecting to stick to this habit as I’m looking at it more like a routine and haven’t thought of any strict habits. I’m just making sure to go at least 3 times a week and do what I can. This is after watching a video about going to the gym and being consistent from a muscle guy who use to be overweight and watching a video about a guy who talks about going to the gym whilst depressed.

However I do feel a bit like an imposter. Especially due to the fact that the gyms closed during the pandemic. It’s like if I go gym I need to practice a healthy lifestyle outside work and maybe try to also exercise outside of work.

But I think I’m like that. It’s sometimes hard to commit to something because I easily can feel like I have to be perfectionistic.

[gregarious_introvert]

I feel like an imposter posting here, as I've never been to a gym in my life, but I do feel that many people have this issue when going there. Obviously, gyms are frequented by a range of people, from those who go occasionally or just for things like zumba and spin classes, to those who seem to live there, body building.

If you are someone who has a tendency to compare themselves unfavourably to others (which, from previous posts, I think it's fair to say of you), then I think you are going to feel that way; also, your tendency towards perfectionism is going to be an issue - even if you were to develop the sort of body which would make Schwarzeneger proud, since perfect doesn't exist, so there would always be something about your body which made you unhappy.

Try to accept yourself as you are and set targets for small improvements in whatever area you think needs improving (bigger biceps, flatter stomach, tighter arse etc.) and then ensure that you recognise those improvements, rather than measuring yourself unfavourably against an ideal it will take lots of time and effort to achieve.

[biscuits]

I’ve never been a member of a gym. I used to go to classes e.g. sofa and dancing classes though. It did feel really awkward at first and a lot of the people seemed to know each other. They were always welcoming and invited me to nights out etc. The gym is probably more individualistic.

I guess if you know your goals and things you want to work on then that’s the thing to focus on really. Everyone there has their own goals that they focus on it. Some people will be quite athletic and perhaps do more days and activities than others. It’s all about what you feel comfortable with and what you’re hoping to achieve. It’s okay if that is different to other people. Everyone there will be doing their own thing too.

As with all things, if you stick to it for long enough the self-conscious feeling would go eventually. And you have to tell yourself that too…that at first it may not feel comfortable but it will do after time and allow yourself to get to that stage.

[Amara 94]

Originally Posted by gregarious_introvert

I feel like an imposter posting here, as I've never been to a gym in my life, but I do feel that many people have this issue when going there. Obviously, gyms are frequented by a range of people, from those who go occasionally or just for things like zumba and spin classes, to those who seem to live there, body building.

If you are someone who has a tendency to compare themselves unfavourably to others (which, from previous posts, I think it's fair to say of you), then I think you are going to feel that way; also, your tendency towards perfectionism is going to be an issue - even if you were to develop the sort of body which would make Schwarzeneger proud, since perfect doesn't exist, so there would always be something about your body which made you unhappy.

Try to accept yourself as you are and set targets for small improvements in whatever area you think needs improving (bigger biceps, flatter stomach, tighter arse etc.) and then ensure that you recognise those improvements, rather than measuring yourself unfavourably against an ideal it will take lots of time and effort to achieve.

True, this is why I am not following a program at the moment so I don’t put myself in the trap of comparing myself to others and then quitting.

[Tonkin]

I've been a member of gyms for years. At first I definitely felt out of place but it was a pretty chilled and mixed gym so it was just in my head.

My current gym is one of those cheap soulless high street ones and no one really goes there to socialise so there's none of that stuff going on really.

I've been to big man gyms in the past were everyone seemed to know each other and treated it a bit more like a place to socialize, while working out. But they didn't mind if you weren't.

My partner goes to a gym where they are all friends and they go out for drinks and meals and have a Christmas party and stuff like that. Although if I went there, I'd probably manage to avoid all that stuff so it does depend on your personality.

I'd recommend following a program. Download an app like Stronglifts of Greyskull and just do the exercises with the recommended progressions. I didn't strictly follow a program for years and it's just wasted time really.

[Amara 94]

I disagree that you wasted time. I think you made a habit of going gym and understood how to use all the tools more which led to you committing to a program. I’ve done programs in the past, seen progress but them not gained knowledge as I was just following a program.

[Tonkin]

Maybe. For a few weeks. After that, following a tried and tested program should be a priority. I put this off for too long as I liked my current self-made program or didn't see the point in doing X exercise religiously.

I also think you would learn more from following and understanding a program than trying to come up with your own one, especially if you're a beginner.

Programs can be hard though, as they do push you and include exercises you might be afraid of, so I an understand the resistance to them

I guess it depends on your goals. But as a former sufferer of ****arounditis I can say from experience, a good program is pretty much essential. Depends on your goals though but I think we should all aim high and programs can help you get there.

[Jam do Bronx]

Gyms are a weird place. There's so many unwritten rules you have to abide by, and I can't handle that kind of pressure. Gyms also feels like a big d*ck contest, a lot of showing off and guys trying to impress each other, even if they're strangers. I don't go to the gym as much these days, because of all of the above, but I'm incredibly consistent and dedicated to fitness by doing all of my lifting at home. I'm really obsessive about it too, never miss a session. When I do go to the gym, I know what I'm doing, I'm obsessive about applying the correct techniques and forms, the numbers I'm lifting are something I'm happy with, and there are stuff that I do in the gym that no one else can do... yet I always seem to feel inadequate, or as if I'm on show, or that people in the gym are secretly criticising me. But that's just SA fking with me. So I completely understand what you mean. But I think you should go ahead and continue to go to the gym, because the benefits seriously outweighs the "what if" monsters that have a field day in your mind.

[Amara 94]

^I decided to follow a callisthenics home workout programme which seems more sustainable for me.