Don’t Let a Case of Nerves Keep You from Getting Fit

“Dead last finish is greater than did not finish, which trumps did not start.” — Unknown

Does this sound familiar?

You’d like to join a gym, but you don’t think you’re fit enough yet. 

You’re worried that everyone else there is already in great shape and a lot younger than you. You don’t want to feel uncomfortable or intimidated.

Well, the good news is: You’re not alone. Lots of people feel that way, no matter what age. Gym owners and trainers hear this all the time.

And the better news is: There’s nothing to worry about. We are here to help. And you are more likely to find friendly encouragement from others at a gym than any judgment.

Consider Alexa S. You’d never guess it by just looking at her, but Alexa was nervous the first time she joined our studio just six years ago.

“I had every negative feeling you could imagine,” recalls the former teacher, at 68.  “All the equipment looked like a forest of many great beasts who wanted to chew me up. I thought, ‘I’m gonna look like an idiot. Everybody’s gonna laugh at me.’ ”

But Alexa stuck with it and soon found a welcoming community and a healthy routine that she wouldn’t abandon now for anything. She works out 3 days a week in group training and 3 times a week on the cardio machines, but that isn’t necessary for anyone –she just loves it. Alexa encourages everyone who’s nervous about joining a gym to pursue their own personal fitness goals, whatever those intentions might be.

We are here to enforce Alexa’s message. Come on in, talk it through, and let us make you feel at home.

Why You Need Exercise

You already know some of the great reasons why people over 50, 60, 70, 80 or older should work out. Here are just a few of them as reminders.

• Physical exercise is good for your heart health, balance and bone density.

• It fights off dementia and Alzheimer’s.

• It gets you out of the house and socializing with a supportive community.

• Being strong, toned and limber is helpful for golf, tennis, gardening and other physical hobbies.

• It helps you reduce weight, look better – and perform everyday tasks with less risk of injury.

We offer supportive coaches who will give you a safe, helpful introduction to weight training and other forms of exercise. We will listen to your special health and diet needs, help you determine some appropriate goals, and do everything to give you the environment you need to succeed. Plus, we can take you through every step of a new healthy lifestyle, if you like – or just stand by for when you need us.

If you’re considering a new fitness experience, look for a place that’s right for you, and the time of day that works. Ask about group sessions, equipment, and trainers that are specifically geared toward your age group. Many Baby Boomers and other retirees enjoy working out during the day, when gyms tend to be less crowded. Others might thrive on a bustling scene.

A Safe Place to Start

But everyone will quickly learn that no one’s going to make fun or judge. Most gyms are full of all kinds of bodies – young and old, fit and fat, and everything in between, with all kinds of fitness goals.

We all started somewhere. The important thing is that you’re doing something good for yourself and your loved ones.

And, please: You have lived too much of life to let schoolhouse nerves keep you on the sidelines.
Take it from Alexa.

“I just didn’t give up. I swallowed my pride,” she says.

“As time goes by, you can’t help but become more comfortable and familiar with your surroundings. If somebody looks at you, give them a smile and wave. People realize you’re just somebody who’s doing their thing. That’s when it gets really good.”

Sound familiar? You’d like to join a gym, but you don’t think you’re fit enough. You’re worried that everyone else there is already in great shape & a lot younger than you. You don’t want to feel uncomfortable or intimidated. You’re not alone.

At TASH Wellness in Glenview, we are here for you!  Our specialty is women. We love working with women that have a substantial amount of weight to reduce, or women that are 50 and above.  As a Functional Aging Specialist, Integrative Corrective Movement Instructor, and Aging the Older Adult Instructor, we get all our women moving functionally for the rest of their lives.  We work on balance, cognitive training, fall prevention and strength.  TASH Wellness is not a gym - it's a journey and it's YOUR community.  We serve women in Skokie, Wilmette, Winnetka, Evanston, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Park Ridge, Northbrook, Glencoe, Glenview, Riverwoods, Chicago and Des Plaines.