It’s January and a lot of us are trying new things.
If you’re the new one at the gym or in a cycling class or at the weights, it can be hard not to look around and wonder how obvious it is that you’re new. That you don’t have any idea where the mats are or which size weights you should grab.
I’m always a little nervous when I go to a new class or gym for the first time.
I’m afraid people will think I’m staring at them when I’m really looking for the entrance to the cycling studio or for a place to fill my water bottle.
I’m worried I’ll violate some cultural norm I’m not familiar with, like that time I did my first Soul Cycle class and sat too close to the front.
But I’ve learned to relax. To ask someone if I don’t know something before class starts. To get there a few minutes early so the instructor can help me get set up.
I’ve learned that newcomers are welcome. People are friendly. And the ones who are really good, who seem intimidating at first? They love what they’re doing so much that they get really excited that someone new is going to try it.
I love seeing new people. If no one ever joined our gym or signed up for the classes we love, the gym would cost more or offer less. I love a packed class of mixed ability levels, whether it’s cycling or yoga. It feels more exciting. Better energy. It’s fun.
It’s easy to feel self-conscious, but the person you see glancing in your direction with a frown on their face is probably trying to remember what they need at the grocery store or shaking off a leg cramp.
They’re not wondering how long you’ll last or if you’ll be back next week. Who thinks that? Seriously? No one. That’s who.
A couple months ago I decided to try yoga again for the first time in almost a year. I rolled my yoga mat down in what I thought was the back corner of the room only to discover it was the front corner.
I’m still here to tell the tale.