How to overcome your gym intimidation and join in

How to overcome your gym intimidation and join inHow to overcome your gym intimidation and join inFor anyone taking theirfirst steps to working out,the gym can be a frightening place. When I first began properly exercising a few years ago I was terrified by the bright lights, pounding music, and complicated contraptions promising to build muscles I didnt even know I had. With fitness fanatics seeming to know exactly what they were doing and dominating everything from the weight machines to the studio, I felt too daunted to do much more than a cursoryrun on the treadmillbefore shuffling back to the changing room. God forbid I should ever even venture close to the weights section, crammed full of grunting men heaving the kind of barbells Im pretty sure I wouldnt be able to lift off the rack, never mind hoist above my head.Gyms can be incredibly exclusionary environments, particularly for anyone who doesnt feel clued up on fitness or who doesnt fit into societys vision of what a gym-goe r looks like. If you arent young and toned, one peek around the changing room door can be enough to send you scampering.This is particularly unfortunate considering that only23% of Americansmeet the recommended amount of exercise, which is said to be around150 minutes of moderate or vigorous activity per week in addition to at least two sessions of muscle-strengthening activities.Women are disproportionately affected and areconsistently less active than their male counterpartsthroughout their lives. Studies suggest that alack of confidence and a tendency to feel self-consciouswhen exercising is a key cause of this issue. Gym intimidation is real, and it has major health implications.Those who are able to meet recommended health milestones will benefit from a wholehost of perks. In addition to preventing obesity and improving heart health and blood pressure, exercise also boosts energy, promotes better sleep, and stimulates brain chemicals that can leave you happier, less anxious, an d feeling more confident. Moreover, the gym can be a great place to simply relax, enjoy yourself, and even socialize. Dont let being intimidated by that gym babe with the perfect deadlift form put you off from reaping these incredible advantages.If youre planning on putting in some serious gym sessions this year but are nervous about getting started, these tips will help you face the fear.Try out classesIf youre new to exercise,classes can be a great way to get started. Youll be able to try out new things under the watchful eye of an instructor and usually within a mixed-ability group. They are also a chance to figure out what you enjoy - most gyms offer everything from Zumba toPilates, as well as more intense cardio and strength classes. With all of the options, youre sure to find something that makes you genuinely look forward to getting yourgym kitout.If youre hoping that classes will be a starting point for more independent training, pick a class that utilizes gym equipment and incorporates a variety of exercises. A circuit or weight training class will include a host of different moves, and a coach will be on hand to demonstrate and correct your form if needed. Once youre feeling confident enough, you can take your new skills out on the gym floor and design your own routine based on the exercises you enjoy most.Find a fitness influencer you can relate to and follow themIf you have no idea where to get started and dont feel confident asking for help, social media can be a surprisingly useful tool. There arefitness influencersfrom all walks of life and with a range of body types and fitness goals that can inspire you. Find a page that you feel aligns most closely with your own aims and hit the follow button.Youll find that most influencers post videos and photos explaining how to use equipment and demonstrating the correct posture for exercises. Many will even share full routines and gym sessions that you can adapt and try out yourself. Thats not to mentio n the major gyminspo youll get from seeing women you can relate to killing it in their sessions. I loveJessamyn Stanley, who advocates yoga for all body types and posts some great vinyasa flow videos andGrace Fit UK, whose super relatable content is all about those booty gains.Find a workout buddySometimes theres safety in numbers. Roping in a friend to join you at the gym may help to alleviate some of your nerves - its even better if theyre a seasoned gym-goer and can show you some moves.Even if your companion is as clueless as you are, bringing a buddy along to the gym has a whole host of benefits. Youll feel less self-conscious with someone to laugh off trying new things out with, you can figure out equipment together, and you can do some partnered workouts as a fun and sociable way to make the most out of your membership.Dont be afraid to ask for helpSee those personal trainers hanging around? Theyre there to help you Dont be afraid to ask a member of gym staff to explain how t o use a machine or to check your form - theyll probably be pleased that youre giving them a break from tidying up the dumbbells.If youd like more tailored attention and have the funds to do so, then you can also enlist the help of a personal trainer. This doesnt have to be a long-term commitment or a regular part of your routine - I personally shudder at the thought of having someone shouting encouragement as I sweat my way through another set of burpees twice a week. Most trainers will be happy to arrange a one-off session to figure out a personal workout plan that you can do in your own time. Youll feel much more confident knowing that your gym session has a professional seal of approval.Remember that people probably arent paying attention to youEveryone in the gym is focused on their own workout, and as much as it might seem like people are staring, the fact is they simply arent. And if someone spots you, so what? Everyone was once a gym newbie and most people wont judge you, e ven if you are looking slightly unsure. You should also be aware that there are a multitude of ways that you can use gym equipment, so people wont necessarily assume that youre doing something wrong if youre trying things out and arent totally sure what to do.If youre not quite ready to break out of your comfort zone, stick to things that you feel safe doing and see how often you hone in on someone else. The likelihood is that youll barely notice other gym-goers - and theyll barely notice you either.Whatever your gym journey looks like, remember that even stepping foot in a new and potentially intimidating environment is a massive achievement. Focus on your goals, and most importantly, have fun. Youll soon feel right at home.This article was originally published on The Everygirl.

Gary Vaynerchuck on Authenticity

Gary Vaynerchuck on Authenticity Gary Vaynerchuck on Authenticity Where has this guy been all my blogging life? He says so much that I think only with WAY more pizzazz.Gary Vaynerchuck is an entrepreneur and a social media guru. If youre like me, watching his videos will give you tons of ideas and renew your energy if youre a little off. (Or he might just annoy you, which Im sure hed agree is perfectly possible -)) I love listening to Gary because he so often says exactly what Im thinking.And heres the funny thing I was thinking that while I was watching his videos (wow, it would be great if I could be that way but Im such an introvert blah blah) and then I clicked on this video, which is Garys response to all those people who come up to him and say I wish I could be like you but Im such an introvert. (See Just as I was thinking it, he had a video about it. Its freaky)But he goes on to say in his video that he is just being himself and that is the core of his success. elend that hes loud and shouty, but that hes authentic, and that it doesnt matter whether you shout or whisper, as long as you are authentic about it. Which, as anyone who has been reading my blog for a while knows, is exactly what I think is the key to job search success. Not inflating your resume to impress people. not trying to be like the other guy. Just being authentically you.One great example of this is Barack Obama. Whatever your politics, you probably agree that Obama was pretty unflappable during his 2-year long campaign. I follow politics closely and during the campaign, I read blogs about both campaigns every day. Each side was throwing advice at their candidate (He needs to be more/less or this or that. He needs to change this or that. He should stop this or that. He needs to start this or that). In Obamas case, the advice was mostly to fight more be more aggressive get in McCains face. But he didnt. Ever. Not once. And he won and when they did exit polls, they found that the lack of attacks was a key factor in his ability to win over swing voters. All those people saying you need to be a different person than the one you really are were wrong.He and Vaynerchuck couldnt be more different if they tried and yet in this way they are the same.So if I were hiring, Id like Vaynerchuck because of his passion and energy and smarts. But what if someone walked in for an interview who was just as knowledgeable, just as smart, had just as many good ideas, but had a different personality? Well that person would be cool too, because theyd bring a different set of strengths to the role.In the end, its about what you do, not how you do it. So learn from others, admire others, pick up tips from others but stick to being exactly who you are because thats how youll fill the potenzial that only you have.

The Top 5 Unusual Ways to Land an Interview

The Top 5 Unusual Ways to Land an InterviewThe Top 5 Unusual Ways to Land an InterviewTired of sending out resumes and never hearing back? Maybe its time to try a new approach.Check out unterstellung five unusual methods to landing an interviewStart an online campaign Remember Matthew Epstein, the man behind the Google, please hire me online campaign? His premise welches simple create buzz and draw attention to himself. This buzz and attention would then lead mega-giant Google to notice his efforts, therefore resulting in a job interview.Though Epstein didnt end up at Google, he had the right idea. When you draw attention to your accomplishments in an unusual way, you stand out. One way to capture this type of attention and highlight why you deserve a job interview is through an online campaign.You can do a number of things to create an online campaign. Like Epstein, you can develop a website that houses your accomplishments, recommendations, and plans for the future. You can also us e the power of social media and your network to do the talking for you. Whatever method you chose, ensure your it factor is highlighted, such as awards youve won or a stacked resume. Youll be memorable in the eyes of the organization when you do so.Create an inside relationshipIts always better to know someone on the inside. From the CEOs assistant to the HR Director, having an internal referral may be your golden ticket to an interview.If you already know someone, make use of that connection. When you abflug at that new job, and do the job well, the person who recommended you will look good for making the introduction.If you dont already know someone, making a connection can be easier than you think.To develop this inside relationship, identify people who are in the best sttte to help you. Next, come up with a compelling reason to make a connection. For example, connect with an assistant by mentioning you want to learn more about the company. Finally when you are in these initial c onversations, ask for advice, not for a job. Youll find people are willing you to help after the relationship is established.Send a plan before they ask for itIts not a requirement to do a lot of legwork before an interview. However, showing youre already thinking like an employee is never a bad thing. Demonstrate your abilities by sending your vision or plan for the position. This plan doesnt have to be incredibly detailed, either. It just has to explain your insight into current company operations and what you would do to improve them. This shows how you can make the organization better before its even required to do so.Promote themAs with the last point, youre not required to do anything beforeyou get hired. However, if you do nothing you wont have differentiated yourself from the competition. Most organizations want to know what you can do for them - what your ROI will be. You can improve that ROI by promoting them before you even start the job. Promote them through your social networks, starting conversations on forums, or mentioning the company in networking events not only creates buzz, but also creates a name for yourself. Advocating for the organization when its not required also shows your admiration and enthusiasm for the position.Suggest a meetingSometimes all you need is a 30-minute meeting to prove yourself. Why not suggest one? Rather than ask for a formal interview, simply request a sit-down conversation.Sitting down with a member of the organization can do a few things. First, it creates a relationship. Second, it gives you a chance to pitch yourself outside of your competition. Since the job search process can sometimes turn candidates into just a resume or a number, an in-person meeting puts you on the same level as a standing employee. Even if there currently isnt an opening, initiating a meeting shows your interest in the company, which may bode well for you in the future.In todays job market, you should embrace every opportunity to stand out from your peers. Dont simply do whats required. Invest the time to differentiate yourselfBy considering your audience first and selecting the appropriate tactic, you can use these unusual yet efficient methods to obtain an interview and fly past the competition because you took an unconventional route to success.What do you think? What are some other unusual ways to land an interview?