Introvert Meets Gym

Photo Courtesy of Pinterest, I do not own this photo

Cue the gasps! For I entered one of an introvert's worst nightmares: a gym. Gyms and I have had a distant, incompatible past circa kindergarten. It began with the ever-dreaded physical education and I was one of the few students who did not look forward to 45 minutes of physical exercise (unless it was free time of course). I am not entirely opposed to doing physical things, the fact of the matter is: I am not good at doing physical things. Not to mention, my chill disposition does not support the aggressive lifestyle that is team sports and physical activities. So you can imagine my reluctance at joining a gym.

I went to my local YMCA with co-author/friend Amanda, as she is an expert at exercising in the sense that she is far more knowledgeable about performing workouts and maneuvering exercise machines than I. And it doesn't hurt that she's had a good 11 or so years of team sports under her belt. Me? Does...dancing in my room count?

On this day in particular, we went to the gym on a Monday afternoon and it was as if fate decided to be funny, for the gym was chock full of attractive, psychically fit, teenage boys wearing the typical jersey shorts and sleeveless tees. Familiar with these situations, I kept my eyes trained on anything else but these boys. But I thank God, that the YMCA architects had enough sense to keep the weight room separate from the treadmills.

After some light jogging on the treadmill, of course fate wasn't done with me yet. I bumped into a classmate of mine. Luckily, she is such a sweet person and I had no qualms against her, but it goes to show that "bumping into people" is a charming and somewhat hazardous characteristic of small town life.

Overall, it wasn't bad all things considering. I had went to two other gyms before this and I can definitely concur with the three bears when they say third time's the charm. As an introvert that doesn't seek out any form of physical fitness (aside from pinning workouts from Pinterest), I relished in the opportunity to improve my health and I could definitely feel my mood perk up afterwards. So those healthy food commercials are right to some degree: when you make healthy decisions there is some kind of domino effect because I would actually eat fruits afterwards. (Also surprising if you are aware of my eating habits). That said, a gym or some sort of physical activity is worthwhile if you know how to go about it. So, here's some things to consider when tackling the monster that is a gym.

Choose Your Gym Wisely

Photo Courtesy of Pinterest, I do not own this photo

One does not simply walk into a gym. It's like Mordor that way but less dramatic I suppose. And less mystical but that should only make it less intimidating. The key is finding a gym that fits for you so you don't have to be surrounded by buff dudes pulling weights. It's all about what suits you and making it work for you.

Headphones are Your best Friends

Headphones are an introvert's best friend because there is an unspoken rule that if the headphones are on, the mouth is off. No talking is required. Music helps create a mini bubble that helps you ignore your surroundings. I find this helps if you're self conscious about working out.

Actual People Don't Hurt Either 

While introverts avoid social situations, it helps to have some back up. Take a friend! It makes you more motivated and pumped and slightly less awkward. So when you can't figure out how to turn on your treadmill you have a helping hand to ease you into the routine of working out.

Should you find yourself dubious of all things gym-related let this anecdote serve as inspiration. At the gym, Amanda and I saw a little boy around 7 or 8 years. He was dressed in slacks and a polo, reading the Odyssey whilst walking around the perimeter of the pool while all the other kids were swimming in the pool. Seeing him, gave my heartstrings a little tug, because I was him as a kid. So if he can make it to the gym, then I sure as hell can too!

Eventually, once you settle into a routine, going to the gym isn't as bad as it sounds but even I know that's easier said than done. So my best advice is just keep trying because you'll find something that works for you and God knows that we introverts need some exercise. Just think: if Frodo can go to Mordor and battle evil forces then going to the gym won't be half as bad.

Lots of Love,
Alyssa