When Liz O'Gorman first thought about joining MFK, she was very sceptical.
Like many people, she had an idea in her head of who gyms were for — and she didn’t feel like she fitted that picture.
Liz worried that everyone else would be younger and fitter than her, and understandably felt nervous about walking through the door for the first time.
What she discovered at MFK completely changed her view of the gym.
The Challenge
Liz’s biggest barrier wasn’t a lack of willingness to exercise. It was feeling as though she might not belong.
She believed gyms were for younger, fitter people and worried she would feel out of place.
Those feelings can make taking the first step incredibly difficult. But Liz decided to give MFK a try.
And it didn’t take long for her nerves to disappear.
Why She Nearly Didn't Start
Initially, Liz was nervous about joining the classes.
She wasn’t sure whether she would fit in or whether her age would make the experience more difficult.
But the welcome she received quickly changed that.
“Initially I was nervous. Very quickly I was made very welcome and encouraged to stay at the classes.”
Instead of feeling like she didn’t belong, Liz discovered an environment where age simply wasn’t an issue.
The Turning Point
As Liz continued attending classes, something much bigger than simply improving her fitness began to happen.
Her confidence grew.
She realised that MFK wasn’t just for a particular age group or level of fitness. Everyone could train together, enjoy themselves and make progress.
“I’ve gained huge confidence, and the realisation that my age is irrelevant in MFK.”
That change in mindset has had an impact well beyond her classes at MFK.
The Results
Since joining MFK, Liz has:
Built huge confidence in the gym
Realised that age doesn’t have to be a barrier to training
Become confident enough to work out independently
Made new friends of different ages
Found a way to exercise while still having fun
Developed the confidence to walk into other gyms while travelling
One of the biggest signs of Liz’s progress is what happens when she goes on holiday.
“MFK has given me the confidence to walk into any gym when I am on holidays and do a workout on my own.”
That’s a huge change from someone who once felt sceptical about joining a gym at all.
What Liz Loves About MFK
For Liz, training doesn’t have to be overly serious to be effective.
One of her favourite things about MFK is being able to have fun with the trainers and other members while still getting the workout done.
“The fun and laughter with the trainers and still getting our workout done, also making new friends regardless of age.”
It’s that combination of exercise, encouragement, friendship and fun that has helped Liz feel so comfortable.
What This Means for You
If you’ve ever looked at a gym and thought, “That’s for younger or fitter people than me,” Liz’s story is proof that it doesn’t have to be that way.
You don’t need to already be fit to start.
And you certainly don’t need to be a particular age.
Liz went from feeling nervous and sceptical about joining a gym to having the confidence to walk into a gym anywhere — even while she’s on holiday — and complete a workout by herself.
Sometimes the hardest part is simply walking through the door for the first time.