I had a conversation last week with my friend John that made me think about something that I think is really holding people back form taking better care of themselves.
John is in his 60’s, recently retired and living off the results of a successful real estate career.
We were grabbing coffee and catching up and the topic of working out came up. (This is a common occurrence when you’re a trainer)
John mentioned how he had recently been to the doctor and had been read the riot act for his high blood pressure and the weight he’d gained in retirement.
The doctor told him he should get a gym membership.
This made me shake my head because I’ve been telling John to start working out for years.
Seeing the look on my face as he told me the update, John admitted he knew it was good advice but just couldn’t see himself setting foot in a gym.
When I asked why, he told me that the when he thought of the gym he pictured a loud space full fo muscle heads starting at each other who were only their too intimidate.
It was not and environment he, a 60 something self proclaimed book worm saw himself fitting in.
He felt like he was too old to set foot in a gym anyways and that since he had never worked out then it was too late to start now.
We talked in circles for a few minutes but I realized the only way I could change his mind was too show him the reality.
So I booked and intro for him at my studio this week to show him what real gym culture looks like.
Hint: it’s nothing like he thinks.
My conversation with John got me thinking though.
How many people are avoiding the gym based on negative impressions of gym culture?
It’s has to be a large percent because according to Statista, fewer than 20% of Americans aged 30-45 visited a gym in 2019.
This may be due to the common misconception that gyms are overrun with meatheads or the general feeling of inadequacy that comes with comparing oneself to others who are seemingly more fit or experienced.
So, why are traditional gyms so intimidating for most people?
First and foremost, traditional gyms are often designed to cater to experienced gym-goers.
They feature rows of machines, racks of weights, and a variety of equipment that can be overwhelming to anyone who is new to working out.
In addition, gyms can be loud and busy, making it challenging to concentrate and stay focused.
Another factor that adds to the intimidating nature of gyms is the lack of personal connection between trainers and clients.
As someone new to the gym, you may feel like just another number in a sea of people.
There’s often no personal connection or sense of accountability, making it easy to give up or feel lost.
Finally, the culture of gyms can be a significant source of intimidation.
The traditional gym environment is often associated with bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts, which can make the average person feel out of place.
When a gym is dominated by this culture, it can feel like there is no room for beginners or those who are just starting their fitness journeys.
So what’s the solution?
The key is to shift the focus of the gym from being a place for experienced gym-goers to a space that’s welcoming and approachable to anyone who wants to improve their fitness, regardless of where they are in their journey.
At Virtuo Fitness, we believe that there are three primary ways to make the gym approachable for everyone.
The first and most important way is by building a relationship with our clients.
We meet people where they are at and get to know them personally. We take the time to understand our clients’ unique goals and challenges, whether it’s losing weight, getting stronger, or improving overall fitness.
By getting to know each client, we can tailor their workouts to their individual needs and capabilities. We also provide a sense of accountability and support that can help motivate clients to achieve their goals.
The second way to make the gym more approachable is by creating a fun and inviting atmosphere.
This starts with the physical space. We’ve designed our gym to be visually appealing, with bright colors and plenty of natural light.
We also have a variety of equipment, including machines, free weights, and cardio machines, so that our clients can mix up their workouts and never get bored.
We also have a strong community feel where clients are encouraged to make new friends and feel like part of a family.
Finally, we believe that people need a reason to come back to the gym every day.
This starts with setting clear goals and having a coaching-guided plan to achieve them.
Every day, our clients know exactly what they’re working toward and what they need to do to get there. This not only makes it easier to stay motivated, but it also increases the chances of achieving success.
The intimidation factor at traditional gyms can be too overwhelming for some individuals to ever set foot in one.
But with a shift in focus, gyms can become inviting and approachable spaces for everyone who wants to improve their fitness.
By building a relationship with clients, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere, and providing clear focus and coaching, we can make the gym a space that everyone can enjoy.
At Virtuo Fitness, we believe that this is vital to creating a healthier, happier, and more motivated community, one that looks forward to coming to the gym to make each workout the best hour of their day.If you’re interested in taking the first step on your fitness journey the book a no-sweat intro to see how we can personalize your fitness journey and make it something you look forward to!
Book a free consultation with us here 👉Book Your No Sweat Intro
