feel the fear and do it anyway
I have lost count of the number of times I’ve heard someone tell me they were ‘so nervous’ to take that crucial first step to begin their training.
Hearing phrases like ‘strength training’ and ‘group classes’ in the same sentence can strike fear in the minds of many, especially if they have a specific image of a gym that doesn’t reflect who they are. The very idea of going into a class with people they don’t know to do something they’ve never done before is so overwhelming they never take the plunge. This is something we are determined to help people overcome.
I’ve spoken to members who felt nervous just pressing the “Learn more” button on our Facebook ads. I’ve overheard Coach Natasha reassuring newbies before their first class that they will be just fine. There are many reasons for this:
Fear of the unknown - they lack of exposure to modern day strength training in a supportive, friendly environment.
Failing to meet expectations placed on themselves or assumed expectations of the coach.
Fear of injury - they think they’ll be pushed beyond their limits or they don’t trust their own bodies to move safely.
Fear of embarrassment - they think group classes will put pressure on them to perform at a certain level.
For those of you that can relate to any of these fears, I am here to tell you that, at our gym, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. We will take care of you. And remember that training is as much about learning as it is about lifting weights. Think about your gym as an opportunity to become more educated about how to move your body strongly and safely. Our coaches will teach you everything you need to know, and your “classmates” are in the same boat. We all come together to work on our ourselves, which may seem counterintuitive, but in reality our group classes and our members provide support, camaraderie and encouragement.
It does take courage to press the Learn more button. And it’s even more courageous to follow through with something that scares you. But what’s on the other side is worth it! Trust us.
From ABT member, Claire, “Years ago, stepping in into a gym felt very daunting. It was a place for blokes, blokey blokes and coming back into fitness after babies like a lot of us was tough, but ABT has a heartfelt approach, and it feels like home! It’s somewhere everyone is welcome, a real sense of care and kindness can be felt everywhere! And feeling like I matter is my reason to stay.”