How To Be More Confident In The Gym
Everyone knows the feeling of trying to cover up their body in the gym and stay hidden away because they don’t want anyone to see them. You may have been embarrassed of the how you looked, what you were wearing, not knowing if you were doing an exercise correctly.
When I first started going to the gym in high school, I would walk directly to this one treadmill. I would get so upset if it was taken because I hated that my routine was already going to be off. Anyways, I would stay on that dang treadmill for an hour and then I would get off and go to a studio room when classes weren’t in there because it was dark, there weren’t usually many people in there, and I was hidden away. I would do some ab exercises and maybe a few other things and then I’d grab my things and leave.
I didn’t want anyone to watch me while I worked out, I hated how I looked and constantly compared myself to everyone else in the gym because I wanted to be just like them.
Thank goodness I never gave up on myself or I wouldn’t be where I am today, the most confident I’ve ever been.
It still comes with moments and days of hating how I look, wishing I looked like others, or trying out new exercises and machines that I don’t know how to use/do correctly. But I walk in there and get my workout done and I go home.
- I didn’t wake up one day and have this confidence in me, it was little by little throughout the years. The biggest thing I did to get it was simply showing up. Not giving up on myself because it was uncomfortable, hard, or weird. Day by day, I gained more confidence walking into the gym.
- I also think there’s huge value in learning about fitness. The more I knew, I felt that I had more authority being at the gym. I walked with my head a little taller because I felt that I knew what I was doing and why. I could explain it to others or validate why I was doing certain exercises. I learned a lot by listening to podcasts, watching youtube videos, and following certain accounts on Instagram.
- I invested in a coach. Aside from showing up, this was the best thing I ever did. A coach’s job is literally to make sure you’re comfortable in the gym. Having a workout plan, nutrition, and someone to check in with each week was so helpful. I see every time with my clients as well.
- Wear clothes you love. I thought because I was a fitness coach and recorded myself often I had to wear only a sports bra during my workouts. Now, I wear sweatshirts, t-shirts, sometimes just a sports bra. Whatever I want to to get it done. Because as much as you think everyone’s looking at you in the gym, they’re not. They’re so focused on themselves. So wear what you like!!
- Don’t switch up your workouts every week. You should be doing the same workouts for 4-8 weeks at a time. You can change reps and sets and things to continue to progress if you hit a plateau. As you continue to do the same exercises, you are going to get more confident in how to do them, but also your routine at the gym. You know where the machines are, you know about how much weight you’re doing as you try to increase it throughout the week so you’re not walking around clueless.
- Find times to go that aren’t so busy. When there’s a lot of people in there it can get overwhelming. If it doesn’t work for your schedule to go at a different time, then make sure you are putting in your headphones, set yourself a time that you’re going to be there til, and get your workout done.
At the end of the day, give yourself a lot of grace. You are going to feel awkward until you don’t. But you always will if you start and stop your routine over and over. Don’t quit on yourself. You deserve so much more than that.
If you’re reading this, it probably means you are someone who wants results. You want to gain strength, look good, maybe lose some weight. Take this as your sign to get a workout and/or nutrition program. I have many options to find something that fits your budget and goals! Don’t wait around any longer wishing for progress. Let’s work together and GET you feeling the most confident you ever have in your body.
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