Talking makes it better

From the time I entered the gym I tried to remain invisible. I would choose the corner treadmill, I would always use my phone while entering and leaving the gym to avoid eye contact with anybody, when I started going for classes I would always stand at the back corner. I was really very good at going unnoticed.

I did not have the courage to talk to anybody but on the other hand I wanted to make friends with people who were on the same path as me and then there were those people who were so good at what they do I would end up staring at them J

I knew I couldn't keep hiding so I started with a smile and a measly hi...slowly that changed to asking people I saw regularly how their day was...from there things changed nicely for me. Suddenly I found new friends, mentors and people who motivate me to give my best all in one place – the gym. 

Here’s how making friends helped me

I learned new exercises

I am always looking for something new and when you meet new people you learn new stuff. When I started weight training I actually had people telling me their timing so I would get company if I feel awkward about entering the weight room...that was the sweetest thing ever.  Someday I want to be able to do pull ups and I shared this with a few people whom I have seen do pull ups they actually gave me a list of exercises I need to do so I can build up strength to do pull ups.

I moved from the back of the class to the front row

Moving from my usual hiding spot to the front of my classes has actually helped me push myself more. I add more resistance and if I don’t the instructor makes me..so I keep challenging myself more every single time 

Going to the gym has become more fun

Now when I go to the gym I stop to talk with people. I can even call a few of them my friends. Sometimes we do burpees together...sometimes we exchange healthy recipes...it’s so nice to find people who think like you 

My confidence has gone up

Now I don’t have any issues entering the weight room on my own because I usually know somebody who is training, I am OK with being the only one doing floor exercises. I use the skipping rope and the medicine ball; I play around with the TRX and all this because now I have friends whom I can share my experience and be open about my fitness journey. I feel like I am a part of something which is always great!!!

If you are one of those people who is hiding I hope this post encourages you to step out

 Keep Reading I will Keep Writing   

Tanvee