The People's Gym · Cork
Gym anxiety: a gym that gets it
If the thought of a gym makes your stomach turn, you are not being silly and you are not alone. Big, loud gyms full of mirrors are designed for people who already feel at home in them. Ours is small, quiet and coached, and this page is an honest description of what walking in is actually like.
Gym anxiety
What makes a gym feel safe
It is not the equipment or the music. It is knowing someone is expecting you, that nobody is watching, and that you will never be left standing there wondering what to do.
Someone is expecting you
You are booked with a coach who knows your name and your story before you walk in. There is no wandering in and hoping.
Your own programme
Nobody is keeping up with anyone. Your coach writes your programme and runs it with you. There is no class to fall behind in.
Small and quiet
Both gyms are small. The personal training area has a handful of people in it at a time, all with their own coach, all minding their own business.
No mirrors full of people
No rows of treadmills facing the room, no one filming, no one comparing. The age and shape range is the whole of Cork.
Ask for what you need
A female coach, a quiet time of day, a particular gym, to be told exactly what will happen first. Just say so on the form.
Leave whenever you like
If it is too much on the day, you say so and you go. Nobody will make it awkward and your coach will not think less of you.
Real Google reviews
From members who started where you are
In their own words, straight from Google.
"When I first joined ATP, I was so nervous and anxious when it came to the gym. The trainers were so good and patient with me and now 2 1/2 years later I’m a new person because of it. Highly recommend the Gym such a family feeling when you’re there."
"My previous experiences of Gyms/ Fitness classes was quite intimidating and I would not go back at all .initially I would have considered my self a reluctant attendee to ATP ,However now a few months later ,I now find my self looking forward to the classes … The team are very supportive /Patient and actually take the time to speak to you which can make a difference whether a person will come back again .Its a lovely and inclusive gym to be in so well done all !"
"I would recommend ATP Fitness if you want to join a gym but are a little intimidated about joining one. You will be made feel welcome here, the PTs are genuine, chatty but also make sure you train to your ability."
"ATP has really changed my view on the gym, I once feared entering a gym but the staff at ATP have made me feel so welcome and have changed my attitude completely towards fitness and exercising. I love the classes options, I’ve made great friends here and I also enjoy the personal training sessions I have had here."
The honest version
What walking in is actually like
A lot of the people we coach avoided gyms for years, and most of them for the same reasons: they did not know what to do, they felt watched, and they were sure they were the least fit person in the building. Those are reasonable fears in a big commercial gym. They just do not apply here, and rather than tell you it is friendly, which every gym says, here is what actually happens.
Before you come in
You fill in the form below and tell us as much or as little as you like. If it would help to know exactly what will happen, say so and we will tell you. If you would prefer a female coach, or the quietest time of day, or a particular gym, say so. We ring or message once to arrange a time. That is the only contact.
Walking in
The door opens onto a small gym, not a warehouse. Your coach is expecting you and comes to meet you. You sit down and talk first, then some easy movement, then a short, gentle session. Sessions are 1:2, one coach with two clients, each on your own programme, so the person beside you is on their own plan and paying you no attention. The whole thing is 30 minutes and you are out.
After the first few visits
The thing people tell us most often is that the anxiety was about the unknown, and once the gym was known it went. By the third or fourth visit you know where everything is, you know your coach, you know the faces, and the walk through the door is just a walk through a door.
Getting started
Your first session is free. Claim it below and tell us whatever would make it easier. It is a real coached 30-minute session at Douglas or Ballincollig, no card and no commitment, and it will be gentle. Our first session page describes it minute by minute, and if you have never trained at all, our beginners page is written for you.
Memberships & pricing
Simple, flexible pricing
Personal training from €20.56 a session on a rolling membership, €35 pay as you go, and no-expiry packs from €289. See full pricing →
FAQ
Gym anxiety questions
If yours is not here, give us a ring. We would rather talk it through.
Will people be looking at me?
No. The personal training area is small, everyone in it has their own coach and their own programme, and they are concentrating on that. There are no rows of machines facing the room.
What if I am the least fit person there?
You will not be, and it would not matter if you were. Nobody is comparing. The age and shape range at both gyms is the whole of Cork, and every programme starts from where that person is.
Can I ask for a female coach?
Yes. Say so on the form or when we ring and we will pair you with one at Douglas or Ballincollig.
When is the quietest time?
Mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays are usually the quietest. Say you would like a quiet slot and we will find one.
What if I panic and want to leave?
Then you leave. Tell your coach, or do not, and go. Nobody will make it awkward and you are welcome back whenever you are ready.
Is it a class or personal training?
Personal training, 1:2. One coach with two clients, each on their own programme. There is no class to keep up with.
How much does it cost?
Rolling memberships start at €179 every 4 weeks for two sessions a week, and our no-expiry packs never lapse. Your first session is free, no card and no commitment.
Get started
Claim your free session
Tell us a little about yourself and a member of the ATP team will be in touch to book in your free session.
ATP Fitness App
Manage your sessions on the go
Book your PT & classes straight from your phone, manage your membership and top up credits any time.
Find us
Two locations across Cork
Douglas
2nd Floor, Unit A1, Donnybrook Commercial Centre, Donnybrook, Cork City
Tel: 087 649 4134
Mon-Thurs: 6:30am - 8:30pm
Friday: 6:30am - 7:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am - 2:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Ballincollig
Unit 1A, Link Road Business Park, Carrigrohane, Ballincollig, Co. Cork
Tel: 085 725 2370
Mon-Thurs: 6:30am - 8:30pm
Friday: 6:30am - 7:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am - 2:00pm
Sunday: Closed