Have you ever compared yourself to someone else while exercising in the gym, felt intimidated and totally out of your depth?  You’re not alone. It’s common and totally normal to want to fit in. In fact, it’s a very instinctual human response we probably evolved to help us seek common purpose. However, it’s not always a helpful one if we let it dictate our choices and it stop us from having a go. So how do we get past this and other barriers to sticking to an exercise program? The truth, it’s not as hard as you might think.

If you’re starting out in a gym, whether it’s lifting weights or yoga, unless you’ve plugged into the matrix (pop culture reference in case you’re confused) and you’ve uploaded some crazy skills in the space of 5 seconds, you’ll be like every other beginner who needs support and guidance and will be making a lot of mistakes. There may even be some people who learn faster than you and there is always someone better than us at something, no matter how good we get.

If you really think about it, the greatest stories about champions involve people who face many hurdles but keep trying and showing up. This is because we all have self-doubt and people who keep trying in the face of adversity remind us that it’s more than ok to be imperfect, it’s human, and we too can be our own champions.

You can make this journey less daunting and enlist the help of a personal trainer or coach that suits you. They can help you learn proper technique, design a workout tailored to you and your fitness level and give you heaps of motivation and support along the way.

Remember, Coaches like us were once beginners too and many of us had to overcome our own health challenges. That’s why we get it and are here to help, not bully or judge. In fact, even the most experienced athletes were once beginners who had to learn the basics of their sport.

Starting a new exercise routine can be challenging, but with time, patience and the right guidance, anyone can develop the skills and endurance to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

Fitness Revolution in Bassendean specialises in the over 40’s in a fun and safe environment. Learn more about our personal and group training.

Founder/Director Nicky McKimmie

• BA (Anthropology)
• Fitness Australia – Level 2 Exercise Professional
• Nutrition Coach: Precision Nutrition Level One & Two Certified
• Australian Weightlifting Federation – Level 1 Coach
• Pre & Post Natal (Exercise in the Child Bearing Year)