Gym insecurities happen but SRC welcomes inconsistent gym goers
It seems contradictory, but the gym can be the most difficult place to workout.
The experience can bring a mixture of both physical and social insecurities to new gym goers.
Ryan Tarinelli
I encountered the feeling firsthand when I had one too many Christmas cookies over winter break and decided to start working out again — admittedly on a limited basis.
Like many others, I encountered the wave of intimidation that comes with the thought of working out at the gym again.
The futuristic workout equipment looks impossible to handle and everybody else seems to know how to get a good workout in and how to look good doing it. The weight section is often filled with swol weightlifters going about their intense workout, staring at themselves in the many mirrors.
It’s no wonder the gym environment deters many from working out.
But while the feeling of intimidation is understandable, it is ultimately a poor excuse for not exercising, especially at the University of Idaho.
The Student Recreation Center has done its part to address this perception and make the gym a more welcoming place.
The SRC offers a number of wellness programs, from cycling to yoga, which not only get people working out, but can also get them more comfortable with going to the gym in the first place.
The SRC even offers a program addressing intimidation in the weight room. During the program “Open Fitness,” a personal trainer is on duty to answer questions and teach gym goers how to use weight equipment.
When a question comes up, I found one of the best things to do is ask. Ask fellow gym goers, ask a trainer or ask a desk assistant. The staff is knowledgeable and they often realize when somebody is out of their element.
Becoming comfortable with exercise and gyms serves a greater purpose other than short-term benefits.
College is a time when students develop habits that will carry them throughout adulthood. Setting up a positive relationship with exercise is a critical step forward in becoming a healthier individual.
It’s also important to realize the gym is not the only outlet for exercise. Students can take part in an Intramural Sports team or go on an Outdoor Program trip. And although it is in the SRC, playing a pick up game of basketball or climbing up the rock wall is a fun way to exercise. These activities also serve as a way to exercise without the traditional gym experience.
It’s also important to remember that as the temperature increases so will the opportunity to exercising outside.
Taking the first step is often the hardest, but getting over the initial awkwardness of the gym is something everybody can handle.
Ryan Tarinelli can be reached at [email protected]