Have you ever felt that mix of excitement and anxiety before stepping into something new? Think back on the first day of school for the new year. Or a first date. Maybe even a new job. We often don’t even pursue another first date or a new job because of all the anxiety those situations have caused us in the past. We all experience those butterflies in one way or another in different areas of life. If you are reading this, you might be nervous to join a gym.
I remember how scared I would be the first day of class. I was the shortest, I had eye tics that showed when I was anxious. I was very introverted, only child, etc. The easiest thing is to blend in and not be noticed when you feel like that.
Shortest, kid who is always blinking or twitching, and already introverted, was all a combination for some pretty big anxiety.
Thinking of joining a gym to get help with what to do, how to do it, and where to start for YOU, can and will definitely evoke those types of feelings. Give me a few minutes here to explain how it affected some of our new clients and how things changed after just 1 session.
It is Normal to Feel Nervous
Did you know that feeling nervous is completely normal? In this post, we’ll explore these feelings and how they transform into excitement after your first personal training session. By focusing on what you CAN do rather than what you can’t, you set the stage for an empowered fitness journey at Northglenn Health and Fitness. Let’s dive deep into the transformation and growth you can expect from day one!
Starting anything new can be exhilarating yet intimidating. Think back to a time in school when you walked into a classroom for the first time. The mix of nerves and excitement was palpable, right? That initial feeling of stepping into the unknown is exactly what many clients experience when they arrive for their first personal training session. So, let’s unpack this experience, find value in the emotions, and discover how we can channel these feelings into building a robust foundation for your fitness journey.
The Commonality of First Day Jitters
You are not alone. For many, the thought of entering a gym brings back memories of your first day in a new school. You fidget nervously, unsure of what to expect. Often, this can lead to negative self-talk and the belief that you won’t be able to feel comfortable in this new place. Your feelings are valid, and they’re shared by countless others who walked through the same doors at Northglenn Health and Fitness, uncertain yet determined to not give up.
The Impact of Nerves on Performance
The feelings of anxiety can impact your performance. Research shows that a small amount of anxiety can help with focus, but when it spirals into overwhelming self-doubt, it can affect your progress in a negative way.
These are some common feelings that our clients have told us they have when coming in for the first time:
- “It seems scary and overwhelming.”
- “I don’t feel confident or comfortable in my body.”
- “I used to be athletic.”
- “I have never been athletic. Almost failed high school because I would skip gym class”
- “I feel so low in energy from the minute I wake up.”
- “I feel like my family is always waiting for me to keep up.”
- “I thought my muscles had forgotten what they used to know.”
- “I had been working on my own for months and was starting to really struggle. I couldn’t figure out how to fix it or what to do.”
- “I was overweight, overstressed, and knew I needed a supportive, non-judgmental place.”
This is why everyone, and I mean everyone, who steps in our doors starts with our OnRamp program. You can read more about it here. But to summarize it, it’s a way to onboard you into the gym, into your new program in a way that is custom to you. Staring with 5 1:1 personal training sessions, just you and your coach, to acclimate you back into moving properly and knowing your new baseline.
We are not here only to coach your body, but your emotions and brain as well! This is why we have our own in house certification process – read more about that here – because we know it takes WAY more than education or a technical certificate to make sure you have a positive gym experience!
You Will Have a Change in Your Mindset
When tackling the nerves and uncertainties, the key along the way is to continue to show you what you CAN do vs only focusing on what you can’t do. Have you heard this saying before? “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.” This really shows up in the context of fitness – or really any area you might feel nervous about. It might be hard to believe on your first day, but the language we use matters significantly in shaping our self-image and our journey forward.
You Can Feel Better After Just the First Session
At the end and often during your first session, a beautiful transformation often occurs—you will realize that your body can do so much more than you assumed. A common theme after the first session – which is just an assessment of your current baseline – is surprise and excitement at how capable they feel. Here are some quotes from clients after their first session:
- “The team is amazing about going at your pace and your speed and allowing you to feel comfortable and not overwhelmed.”
- “I feel more confident and comfortable with myself and my body.”
- “After talking with my coach, I understand that progress takes time and that listening to your body and not overdoing yourself gets better results.”
Language Matters: What You CAN Do
This concept of focusing on what you can do is weaved in throughout your training at Northglenn Health and Fitness. As you progress, we will discuss your challenges in a positive light. We will encourage you to discuss bright spots vs putting yourself down.
- “Joining NHF has been life changing for me. I joined with both semi private personal training and nutrition coaching. When I first started I was overweight, over stressed, and knew I needed a place that was supportive and non-judgemental. In the first 12 weeks of my program, the support I received was invaluable! With NHF’s support, I have learned how to fuel my body, lost fat, gained muscle, met a ton of cool people, and leveled out my stress.”
- My muscles are remembering what I thought they had forgotten! It feels so good to be back in the gym.”
- “I have my motivation back.”
- “This gym is more than a place to work out and I don’t feel alone in the process.”
Building On Your Experience
After your first few sessions, the excitement builds, and the nerves continue to fade. You may begin to feel like you belong in the gym. This is when the compounded interest effect of consistency kicks in. Your coaches at Northglenn Health and Fitness are here to guide you, and they love celebrating your progress with you.
- Connection: If you want to get to know others on a similar path, you can talk with fellow clients and share experiences. These commonalities can really help improve your health and fitness journey. If you want, you can take the time to build friendships; shared goals like these can create a sense of community.
- Routine: Establishing a routine will help you feel more at peace with your workouts. Whether it’s a morning session or an evening session, find what fits your lifestyle, and this will make it easier to show up consistently.
What Happens with this “Compound Interest” of Personal Training at NHF
After several training sessions, clients will often find themselves thinking back to their first day. A couple of months later, they may reflect on how nervous they felt initially and how far they’ve come. This reflective practice helps in understanding personal growth. Celebrate these milestones, regardless of size! Clients commonly share amazing feedback a few weeks into their journey, such as:
- “I never thought I could stick to a fitness routine, but I’m going three times a week now!”
- “Weight loss was a huge goal for me, but the unexpected boost in confidence and energy feels even better!”
So Where Do We Go From Here?
It really matters to us that you understand that nerves when entering a new space like a gym is extremely common. And there is no way to change that except starting. Just like that first day of school. Calling in sick only works for so long! Eventually you had to show up!
What really sets you apart is the choice to lean into the discomfort and move forward. Remember that everyone from experienced athletes to first-timers has been where you are now. By placing a spotlight on what you can do, partnering up with a coach to help you along the way, and leaning into to the supportive community, will help this become a lifestyle change that can really improve your day to day quality of life!
Don’t wait any longer to take that next step—click here to see our schedule for a 10-minute call to learn more about starting your journey with Northglenn Health and Fitness! By taking this action, you open the doors to new opportunities and experiences.
The path to fitness is filled with opportunities for growth and self-discovery. You’ve already taken the first step by considering your journey. Celebrate the courage it takes to start on any new adventure in life. Just know that every session ahead is a chance for more growth.