We All Need to Work Together to Make the Gym Less Intimidating
An inviting gym environment allows more of us to reach our health and fitness goals
A gym should feel inviting and accessible to everyone — no matter one’s age, gender, training status, or reason for being there. Exercise has the ability to significantly improve people's lives. Being afraid of the gym stops this from happening. As someone who works with older clients, usually with one or more chronic conditions, this is of great importance to me. Luckily, the gyms I work out of do not have an overly intimidating environment, but one where people from all walks of life are made to feel welcome.
This is not always the case of course. I believe it is the job of more experienced gym-goers to help create a less intimidating environment for those newer to the gym, or those who are just less at home in the gym. As someone who is comfortable in a gym setting, you can play a large role in determining whether someone’s experience in the gym is positive or not. Remember the reasons that keep bringing you back to the gym. You reap the benefits of your consistent training — wouldn’t it be great if more people could as well? A less intimidating gym environment means more people can achieve their health and fitness goals.