Now that sounds incredibly harsh, doesn’t it? When you get old, things just change in life: your kids start taking care of you, you wake up earlier for no reason, smaller things seem to entertain you, and the list goes on and on. Maybe things that were once natural for you just feel intimidating now, like going to the gym, for example. Now, generally speaking here, some people are intimidated by the gym regardless of age. But you should really keep in mind that the gym isn’t some exclusive club for people under 40 who drink protein shakes like water. It’s for everyone.
Oh, and it doesn’t matter how big your muscles are or the size of your body (sure, maybe some customers will try to gatekeep the gym or a section of the gym, unfortunately). And yes, that includes you, even if the last time you set foot in a gym was years or even decades ago.
There’s this weird myth floating around that getting older means your fitness days are behind you. Like the second you hit 50, you’re supposed to trade dumbbells for gardening gloves or walking around in a circle at the malls at 8 am and “take it easy.” Sure, you’re welcome to, but that’s not for everyone, and the gym doesn’t have an age limit either.
Everyone’s a Little Awkward in the Gym
Well, most people are. But yeah, for the average person at least, they don’t want into a gym and act like they belong there. For the most part, everyone’s faking confidence at least a little. Even those gym rats who look like they live there? Yeah, they had their “what does this button do?” moment too (it might have been long ago, but they have had it at one point in time).
So if you feel out of place, that’s normal, totally normal. Please try to ignore those TikToks or viral videos, because most people are too busy worrying about how they look to care what anyone else is doing. They’re checking their form in the mirror or trying to remember what rep they’re on.
It’s Not About Age
Seriosuly, just forget trying to keep up with the twenty-somethings sprinting. You’re not there to prove anything; you’re not in competition with them either. Instead, you’re there to stay strong, stay flexible, and keep living life how you want to. It absolutely can’t be stressed enough here, but being older doesn’t mean slowing down.
Yeah, it feels that way, but it’s not like that. Just look for a gym that feels welcoming, like Thrive Gyms, as an example. You want to go to a gym that both looks and feels like it’s for everyone (because not all of them are like that, which is pretty surprising). You want to try and find a gym with the right amenities. Oh, and the right gym that doesn’t treat you like you’re fragile as glass, either, due to your age.
Confidence Comes from Showing Up
The first few times you go, it’s awkward, like needless to say, there. Yeah, you might feel out of place, maybe even wonder if everyone’s staring. But no one is going to care. Again, sure, there are videos online, like TikTok and YouTube, that make fun of people at the gym, but just ignore those.
Those are just bad people; they don’t represent the average gym-goer. Your average gym goer is too wrapped up in their own stuff. Besides, the more you go, the less it feels like “the gym” and more like your place.
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