Nadezhda Grishaeva: fitness is not scary

When opening a fitness center, few people think about the anxieties people feel 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 concerned about evaluating glances and judgments. It’s necessary to take into account the psychological characteristics of potential visitors to ensure their comfort. Nadezhda Grishaeva, the founder of Anvil Fitness Club Moscow, shared with Sostav insights the unexpected sides and nuances of the fitness world.

Jimphobia and gymnophobia

In English, there’s a term, gymphobia, which literally means fear of the gym. Another less common term is jimtimidation, a blend of ‘gym’ (meaning hall) and ‘intimidation’ — it signifies 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 an elite 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 healthy lifestyle 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.

Overcoming 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 private shower stalls, offering a space not just for showering but also for changing in privacy. Our king-sized showers were designed for ultimate 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

For a new gym-goer, many aspects of the gym can seem intimidating. Fitness equipment can seem as advanced as electric cars. It’s natural to feel initial doubts when trying something new. Everyone has probably felt self-conscious at some point, wondering if they’re dressed correctly, will look out of place, or can keep up with the workout. Such concerns are part of facing the unknown. Remember, even Arnold Schwarzenegger started as a beginner. All gym regulars began somewhere.

I advocate for dedicating the first few sessions to familiarizing yourself with the gym. Consider working with a personal trainer. Studies show that personalized training is more effective. Familiarity breeds comfort. Consistent attendance reduces gym anxiety.

A common issue for newcomers is not knowing how to use the equipment. An initial walkthrough can alleviate this fear. Utilize the gym staff’s expertise. We provide support for first-timers at Anvil.

Comparing oneself to others can be daunting. Observing others’ achievements can lead to comparisons. Such comparisons might feel discouraging. My advice is to avoid comparing yourself to others.

Many fear being watched or judged in the gym. The reality is, most gym-goers are concentrated on their own routines. Judgment from others says more about them than about you. Let go of these concerns.

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.

Dealing with Gym Narcissism

Know someone who’s overly self-assured in their fitness abilities? What about those who can’t handle criticism? Or the person who constantly seeks attention through loud or showy behaviors? These are signs of sports narcissism.

It involves arrogance, lack of consideration for others, and a need for admiration. 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. It’s more apt to describe sports narcissists as individuals obsessed with their physical prowess, yet this obsession is akin to an addiction. They are enamored with an idealized version of themselves, which serves as a shield against their underlying feelings of inadequacy, shame, and insecurity. Do fitness clubs have their share of narcissists? Indeed, there are.

In a balanced person, there’s harmony between body and mind, as the saying goes: A sound body houses a sound mind. 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.