One of my goals for December is to try a few more classes at my gym.
I absolutely LOVE classes, they're challenging, motivating and extremely fun BUT I will admit it can be a bit intimidating for your first time.
I worry:
Will I look out of place?
What if I can't keep up?
What if it's too hard?
What if I embarrass myself?
But then I ask myself, do I let what might happen (and probably won't) stop me from accomplishing something that I want to do? And the answer is always NO. Like Helen Keller says, "Life is a daring adventure or nothing"; so my motto is to be open to trying new things, worry more about how I feel than what other's think about me, just have fun!
How to Get Over Your "What If's" & Try Something New at the Gym
1. Realize you're not going to be perfect, but that's okay you don't have to be!
When you try something new you need to give yourself a little slack to screw up, and don't be afraid of making a mistake. They're just mistakes after all not the end of the world.
2. Be prepared and be early.
I find asking the front desk staff for advice on what to bring to certain classes always helps me come prepared and be sure to get there early so you can....
3. Ask for help
When you are using a new machine or in a new class make sure to let the instructor know you're a newbie. It'll really help you out because they'll be able to show you how to use the equipment so you don't hurt yourself.
4. Remind yourself that you aren't going to die.
Even though it may be super hard and you may feel like you're going to pass out from exertion you will not die so just ease up a little and don't push yourself too hard.
5. Just remember to have fun and smile.
Whenever something is really hard I smile and it reminds me that I should be enjoying what I'm doing, not killing myself. Also, sometimes by smiling you trick your brain and body into actually enjoying what you're doing versus hating every second.
6. Don't care yourself to other people in the class.
Okay, so the girl next you to knows every single move and can go faster than everyone else and you start to get frustrated. Well rather than getting made just let it go and realize that it doesn't matter how they're doing, you should be focusing on you!
7. Don't give up.
Like I said in #1 - you aren't going to be perfect the first time you try yoga or kick-boxing but every time you go it's going to be a little easier and more fun. Rather than getting frustrated and giving up after 1 class try a few more times to see if you really hate it or you just had to learn something new.
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In the grand scheme of life I've discovered that life is SO much more fun and enjoyable when you give up the hope of being perfect, laugh at your mistakes and take joy in having new adventures. My advice: give up the "what if's" and live the life you want.
If you want more tips and advice on healthy living check out my blog, www.CreativeSoulinMotion.com.
Thanks,
Erin