Nadezhda Grishaeva: fitness is not scary

When launching a fitness club, not many consider the fears and apprehensions when visiting gyms. Sometimes, a fitness center appears to the average individual as an intimidating place they’re not meant to be part of, and some are afraid of evaluating glances and judgments. It’s necessary to take into account the psychological characteristics of potential visitors to make their gym experience as comfortable as possible. 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, indicating 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 stand 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.

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 private 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.

Conquering Gym Fears

For a new gym-goer, the gym environment can appear daunting. 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. Such concerns are part of facing the unknown. 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. Personal training has proven benefits. 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. It’s best to focus on your own journey.

A third common gym fear is feeling observed. The reality is, most gym-goers are concentrated on their own routines. Judgment from others says more about them than about 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. We welcome you to start your fitness path at Anvil.

Dealing with Gym Narcissism

Ever encountered someone overly confident in the gym? What about those who can’t handle criticism? Or the person who constantly seeks attention through loud or showy behaviors? This behavior is indicative of gym 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. It’s important to recognize and manage these tendencies.

Narcissism should not be confused with genuine self-appreciation. 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, helping them evade their underlying feelings of inadequacy, shame, and insecurity. Are there many narcissists in fitness clubs? 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.