Overcoming Intimidation: Your Knowledge of Fitness
This is possibly the only legitimate reason to be intimidated by exercise. I can't even begin to count the number of magazines, books, self-proclaimed exercise gurus, and videos out there that are supposed to teach the proper ways to exercise. It can be very confusing! I can't believe the amount of fluff that is written today about exercise. It's seems like anybody can give themselves the title "fitness expert" and begin to disseminate information. Now don't get me wrong, there are many well-educated and knowledgeable people out there, but you need to be cautious.
Exercise is a science. In fact, my degree is in exercise science, so I can see how people get confused when trying to get started. This confusion leads to feelings of intimidation due to lack of knowledge. How many people will get involved with something they know nothing about? Not many! Nobody wants to look stupid!
If you feel lack of knowledge is the reason for your intimidation, don't give up. There are many reputable trainers that can help. I'm one of them! When you really need help building and properly executing an exercise program, my advice is to talk to a trainer one on one. They are more than willing to help you out. That's their job. They work with people like you all the time.
A recent poll conducted by the American Council on Exercise found that 35% of people who hire a personal trainer do so in order to get motivated and be educated on how to exercise properly. Take the time to find a trainer in your area.
If you are going to join a health club, many of them will provide you, free of charge, with a trainer who will show you the ropes and help you get started with a program that is based on your needs and goals. They are willing to answer all the questions you can throw at them. The beauty of a health club is that you have fitness professionals available at any time to help you.
If the health club setting isn't your thing, many personal trainers would be more than happy to go to your home and show you how to properly use the equipment you have available.
A trainer can help you with exercise regardless of where you choose to work out-at home, in a health club or anywhere. In a matter of several sessions, with a good trainer, you can figure on eliminating "lack of exercise knowledge" as a reason to be intimidated.
