HOW TO BOOST YOUR GYM CONFIDENCE
Now that the new year is here, you may have set yourself a goal to join a gym for the first time or even to return after a long break. We know that going to the gym can be an overwhelming time for many, especially if you have never trained before or you are quite self-conscious about the way you look. It can be extremely difficult to venture out of the safety of the cardio zone and walk into the unknown of the weights area of the gym. We’ve both been there and we know exactly how you feel!
But you can do it! As we always say, it’s important to face your fears head-on. A lot of overcoming a lack of confidence in the gym or anxiety around stepping foot in a gym is centered around managing your negative or anxious thoughts. Here are some important reminders:
- You do NOT need to be fit to go to the gym. It doesn’t matter if you’re not “in shape”. The gym is where you go to work on your goals!
- No one is looking at you. No one is judging you. We promise. Everyone is there to work on bettering themselves.
- You DO belong there. You have just as much of a right to be there as anyone else.
Let’s discuss a few other things that may help you feel more comfortable and confident…
- Go with someone
Training with a friend will make you feel more relaxed and confident in the gym. This can also help with motivation and accountability!
- Get a program to follow
Get yourself a structured training program to follow or write down your workout before you go to the gym. Going in with a plan will help avoid feelings of uncertainty or wandering around.
- Choose your outfit carefully
Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Wear darker coloured, looser clothing if sweat patches make you anxious.
- Make a workout playlist
Put on your headphones and get in the zone! Put together a motivating playlist of all your favourite songs and focus on what you need to get done. This will help make you less concerned with the people around you and more focused on YOU.
- Go when it’s quiet
If your life schedule allows it, choose a time to go that isn’t a peak time! This will help you feel less overwhelmed. The bonus is that more equipment will be available too!
- Hire a personal trainer
If you’re new to weight training or you’re not overly confident with your form, then hire a PT for a few sessions to help show you how to use all the machines and help correct your form until you get the hang of it. This will help boost your confidence for when you train by yourself!
The more you go to the gym, the more comfortable you’ll feel about it and the less anxiety you’ll have around it. So make the commitment to overcome your fears and start working towards the goals you set for yourself!
