Nadezhda Grishaeva: fitness is welcoming

When opening a fitness center, few people think about the fears and apprehensions when visiting gyms. Sometimes, a fitness center appears to the average individual as an inaccessible 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 characteristics of potential visitors to ensure their comfort. Nadezhda Grishaeva, the founder of Anvil Fitness Club Moscow, told Sostav about the unexpected sides and nuances of the fitness world.

Jimphobia and gymnophobia

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 fear 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 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 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.

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.

Overcoming Gym Intimidation

To a newcomer, many aspects of the gym can seem intimidating. 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, will look out of place, or will manage the session. This is a normal part of trying new experiences. Remember, even Arnold Schwarzenegger started as a beginner. All gym regulars began somewhere.

I recommend dedicating the first few sessions to learning. Consider working with a personal trainer. Studies show that personalized training is more effective. As the gym becomes a habit, anxiety decreases. 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. We provide support for first-timers at Anvil.

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.

A third common gym fear is feeling observed. 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. Disregard such worries.

Most gyms provide introductory sessions. 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.

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? These are signs of sports 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. Sports narcissists can be seen as those overly fixated on their athletic image, which is essentially an addictive behavior. 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.

For a well-rounded individual, physical and mental well-being are aligned, echoed in the adage: A healthy body harbors a healthy spirit. Dealing with phobias or narcissistic tendencies might require professional help. Thus, consulting a psychologist and engaging in personal therapy can be a valuable complement to regular gym visits.