"Misconceptions" by Jessica Tyrrell, Gold's Gym Member

I’ve come to realize that the one place I love most in the world is the place that most people are horribly terrified of. I am not sure why but I’ve noticed that almost everyone I’ve brought in has this preconceived idea that only people with perfect bodies are allowed to set foot into Gold’s. The more I thought about it and tried to see where they got that idea from that just lead me back to the first time I worked out at Gold’s. Thinking back I guess I was just like everyone else. I didn’t think there would be people my size in there walking around and I also thought that if I worked out for a few months I’d have a perfect body. Definitely wrong on both accounts! What is a perfect body now days anyway? Everyone has their own idea or dream of what they want their body to look like. All that matters is that you’re happy with how you look. The people walking around Gold’s are not all perfectly fit but they all have that one goal in mind – they want to be healthy! There are people there of all shapes, sizes and age.

The second thing I remember thinking is that everyone in the gym was just there to stare at me! I thought that if I went with a friend it’d make people stare at me a little less but now that I think about it I’m sure there were so many other people in there that were even afraid to make eye contact with me because they were thinking the same thing! What’s so funny is that no one is there to stare at you. They’re there for the same reason as you! Someone could be looking at you because you inspire them to come into the gym everyday! You just never know!

The last thing I remember is sticking to one machine for months. There is that one elliptical machine in the back right corner that I married myself to. I would stay on it the whole time and would never branch out. I just thought that I was in the back corner I was invisible. What I didn’t know is that staying on one machine will do you no good after so long because your body gets use to it. I think the very best way to get over the fear of branching out is to try a class! There is an instructor in the room teaching the class, others are around and it’ll help you feel more comfortable trying new things.

Just remember – there is no such thing as “perfect” and Gold’s Gym is the best place on earth! : )