Wednesday 12 March 2014

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

13 comments:

  1. Lovely post Tanvee .... it is amazing how one small word 'Hi' and a smile does work wonders. We just need to take that step ....and you are doing great. It will inspire others I'm sure.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Hi Jan, my smiling and Hi really helped me make friends in the gym..that small step got me a long way

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  2. Hi Tanvee , I am highly inspired by your achievement . I look forward to read your blog everyday . Regards Deepti

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    1. thank you so much Deepti...your comment made my day :)

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  3. I think with confidence, you are willing to try new things on your own. There was a time I wouldn't try a new class without a gym buddy going to the class with me. Now, I do a lot of things on my own.

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    1. yes..confidence does a play a huge part in becoming comfortable...I was such a scary poo..

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  4. This is great! I recently noticed that I am starting to see familiar faces in the gym since I am going so consistently. It's an awesome feeling to have other people who are on a similar journey and can support you!

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    1. yes as time goes by you tend to see the same faces and when you can connect with people who have similar journey it always makes the journey easier and fun :)

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  5. Good, good points! I used to be very shy and try to go unnoticed too. But making contact really enhances life. :-)

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    1. thank you, I still take time to talk to people but I know it helps so I make it an effort to connect with people

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  6. Good to know u have come out of it. Tks for the post.

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