NOW I’m no Instagram fitness model but I know my way round a gym.
I lived in Los Angeles for 12 years so believe me when I say I’ve experienced it all.
I’ve done rock ‘n’ roll spin class in the dark, I’ve sung my heart out in Gospel Step and I’ve looked out over Malibu Canyon whilst doing Goat Yoga – yes a goat really does jump on your back while you’re in downward dog.
I thought nothing exercise-related could surprise me. That was until I visited Gymophobics in Droitwich.
Dragging myself out of bed on a cold, rainy, miserable Monday morning to hit the gym is not my idea of fun. But as soon as I swung open the gym door and was welcomed by so many warm, smiley faces… I felt right at home.
This gym is loved and that was clear the moment I stepped inside. Franchise owner Carol Thompson welcomed me with a cup of tea and I started to chat to some of the ladies as they were going about their workout circuit.
The first thing you notice is the lack of men. Now don’t get me wrong I love having men around in everyday life… but not in the gym.
They just make you feel a bit self conscious don’t they?
Here at Gymophobics you don’t need to think twice about whether your bum looks big in your new workout gear or how to kick that heavily oiled bodybuilder off the leg machine.
In fact, you don’t even need to wear gym gear at Gymophobics – they say to just wear something comfortable you can move in. One lady told me she popped in before work in her comfortable suit just for a quick stretch!
The whole female-only environment is just so much more welcoming and altogether less frightening than a regular gym. And another thing I love is there are no mirrors!
So no Instagram gym bunnies hogging up the machines taking photos of themselves doing #BEASTMODE. It’s a revelation.
The women at Gymophobics are all shapes and sizes, all ages and of all abilities. Their youngest member is 13 and their oldest member is 86. I feel right at home and slot right in.
The next thing you’ll notice is the lack of clanking weight machines and barbells to negotiate.
Instead it’s a clean, easy to use ten station circuit with smooth, silent AIR powered machines which were apparently designed by women.
Owner Carol shows me what to do and I’m away. It couldn’t be easier to set your resistance and start the movements. It feels just like pushing and pulling against a cushion of air.
I’m informed it takes just 30 minutes to complete the circuit and once done, I will have worked each major body part. This is my kind of workout. The ladies all laugh and chat to each other as they complete their circuit. I decide this gym is also a great way to meet new friends.
One gym goer Jill Scoltock informs me: “I come three days-a-week but on my days off I miss it so much I start craving to come back in!”
Another member Cally Taylor adds: “I only signed up two weeks ago but I’m loving it already.
“I want to come in everyday.
“I’ve already lost an inch on my waist.
“Come back in six months and I can’t wait to show you the new me!”
And I’m sure I will be around in six months to see Cally’s progress as I’m signing up right now.
You can keep your yoga goats and intimidating gyms for the Instagram posers… this is my kind of gym.
Thank you Carol and everyone at Gymophobics for a brilliant workout and a really fun Monday morning.
I’m already feeling muscles I haven’t felt in a while.
As Arnie would say: “I’ll be back!”
To sign up go to the Gymophobics website: www.gymophobics.co.uk/gyms/Droitwich or call 01905 312424
