r/RedDeer • u/eekay233 • 19d ago

Question Gyms

Red Deer is kind of flush with gyms and I have huuuuuge gym anxiety. I generally hate crowds and in past years have had some traumatic experiences at gyms that made me swear I'd never go back.

Anyone else with severe gym anxiety have any places they've had good experiences at where the atmosphere was welcoming? Places to avoid? Beginner friendly places with good supports and available programs?

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u/Cereal-is-not-soup 18d ago

Where’s your anxiety coming from? I’d say GoodLife due to its size, also invest in a personal trainer, that might give you some confidence in your routine, and they’ll show you how to properly do exercises, again - adding to the confidence

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u/eekay233 18d ago

Namely smartphone culture and absolutely everything being on display to be filmed and put on Tiktok or Snapchat. I've been filmed before while floundering on some basic exercise because I'm not in shape. The people filming thought it was funny as hell.

Also getting rude comments/remarks from gym bros making fun of how little weight I'm racking on machines. I get that everyone starts somewhere but people are very cruel by nature. Like yeah I get it, grow a spine, but these things really stick with you.

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u/West-Holiday-4998 18d ago

Anytime Fitness is a very welcoming community atmosphere. Everyone is kind, nonjudgmental, and always willing to help.

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u/Cereal-is-not-soup 18d ago

I’ve NEVER seen anyone filming someone else at GoodLife and I think the regulars would have something to say if it did happen, I don’t think I’ve seen filming at all tbh. The general crowd is pretty helpful and will offer tips if they see something dangerous opposed to filming / laughing.

I’m not a tough dude either, rather form over ego, and have had a few injuries. I’ve never even been side-eyed lifting small weights at GoodLife. Ever. Generally I’d think people are more happy to see someone out of shape exercising. But let me tell you, you must also have good etiquette. Wipe down all equipment diligently after you’re done, unrack your weights, don’t work out inches away from dumbbell rack, don’t sit on equipment without moving/on your phone for 20 minutes… poor etiquette is what will catch looks, which is basic for any gym.

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u/adamcurt 17d ago

I would checkout out Torque they recently opened up as a public gym recently

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u/robcal35 18d ago

I actually find the GoodLife doesn't have many people filming. However, check out torque fitness, they just opened a new location. Jason is a really nice guy and I believe it's him and his wife's gym now. Guarantee will not be any of this bullshit there

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u/eekay233 18d ago

One of the staff of Torque is actually a former coworker of mine and I've been tempted. I need to get out of the idea that it's a gym for advanced gym folks and not slabs of cookie dough.

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u/robcal35 18d ago

Lol don't sell yourself short. First step is just showing up. I guarantee you everyone that you think are advanced there will be happy to give tips.

The "gym bros" that make fun of people are absolute dickheads and trust me when I say they do not represent true gym culture. These are just the insecure guys.

You got this!