We've all been there-you're ready to reinvent yourself. You're ready to start your health and exercise journey, and then you remember-the gym! That's when the fear and anxiety sets in. What if I don't know how to work the equipment? What if others laugh at me? What if I'm the only one there who isn't fit? That's when you start to make excuses not to go before you've even gone! Well that thinking stops here with these 7 fabulous tips to boost your gym confidence once and for all! Thank you Merakilane.com
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1. STOP NEGATIVE SELF-TALK
While a little self-criticism can be motivating, consistently focusing on our failures can have a devastating impact on our self-esteem, which does nothing when it comes to motivating ourselves to get back in shape. Rather than doing something to change the things we dislike about ourselves, we get so caught up in self-blame that we become sad and depressed and wonder if we should even bother.
2. FIND SOMETHING YOU ENJOY
When it comes to exercise, I’m a firm believer that you have to focus on the things you enjoy. Stop worrying about which workouts will deliver the best results, and focus on doing the things you find fun. Sign up for a water aerobics class. Give cycling a try. Challenge yourself to hot yoga. Do Zumba. You’ll eventually stumble upon something you enjoy, which will make the act of exercise feel like less of a chore.
Frequently asked questions
Girl, everyone feels a bit awkward at the gym at first. It's normal! We all think people are watching, but trust me, most are just focusing on their own workouts. Just do you!
No worries! Most gyms have trainers around who can help. YouTube is also your best friend for quick tutorials. And it’s okay to ask someone nearby; they’ve all been where you are.
Mistakes happen to everyone! Go with exercises you're comfortable with at first. As your confidence builds, you can try more new things. Remember, everyone started somewhere.
Wear something you feel good in! Comfort is key, and having the right gear can make a huge difference. A cute outfit can give you that extra boost of confidence.
Absolutely! Start with quieter times at the gym to get comfortable. Create a playlist of your favorite songs and focus on your goals. Breathe and remember why you’re there—to get stronger and healthier.
3. BOOK a SESSION with a PERSONAL TRAINER
One of the biggest challenges people have when they sign-up for a gym membership is not knowing how to use the equipment, and at the risk of looking silly, they tend to stick with the things they know, which can be very limiting. Fortunately, most gyms offer personal training sessions, and while they’re often pretty pricey, my experience has been that most trainers are willing to offer a complimentary 30-60 minute session to teach you the basics so you feel more confident and don’t hurt yourself. All you have to do is ask.
4. WORKOUT with a FRIEND
While not for everybody, some find it a lot easier to face their fears of exercising in public if they take a friend. It forces them to take ownership over their commitment to get back in shape, and helps buffer their fear of looking foolish.
5. DON’T EXERCISE at PEAK TIMES
If you really struggle with the fear of exercising in front of others, consider working out very early in the morning, or really late at night. There are heaps of 24-hour gyms around, and since the young and hip crowd tend to go to the gym during their lunch breaks or right after work, you may feel more at ease scheduling your sweat sessions at a different time.
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6. EXERCISE at HOME
If all else fails and you just cannot get over your fear of working out in front of others, there are loads of different ways you can get back in shape from the comfort of your own home. Lots of personal trainers offer in-home training options, and YouTube is full of great at-home workouts that deliver serious results. I read a fabulous quote last night that really inspired me:
Set goals.
Stay quiet about them.
Smash the sh*t out of them.
Clap for your damn self.
I have no idea who said those words, but they are so powerful, they gave me goosebumps.
7. Realize They We're All Where You Are
When you start to see the fit people at the gym, doing their thing and looking great, you need to remember at one time they were in your position. They were new, they didn't know what they were doing, and they STILL went and did their best! I’ve spent a lot of time exercising in different gyms over the course of my life and can confirm that NO ONE has the time or energy to worry about what you’re wearing, how much you’re sweating, how much you weigh, if you’re using the right form, or whether you’re able to complete your workout. They are too focused on themselves and you should be too.
Are you too embarrassed to exercise in front of others? Did these tips help?