Too Self-Conscious for the Gym, Try These Tips!
The hardest part is over. You showed up.
Jess Sims
I know I bang on a little about exercise but, it’s an important part of my life and something I love to share with you! I was chatting to a friend in the week who wasn’t looking forward running outside the impending shorter, colder, greyer days which are on the near horizon. I suggested she broke it up a little with a few trips to the gym. Her answer;
“Oh no, I couldn’t do that, I feel really self-conscious working out in-front of all those gym-bunnies!”
So Sarah, this one’s for you!
Gym anxiety is very real and very normal! You are entering unfamiliar territory with machines and equipment that at first glance, may seem foreign to you. Perhaps you are intimidated by what other people will think of you, your appearance, abilities and lack of knowledge on how to use the equipment correctly. Or, maybe you are concerned about the gym being too crowded and busy.
Whatever the current trigger is, here’s 7 tips that will help you feel more confident in the gym!
Choose your gym
Spend time exploring a space before committing to a membership. Get a feel for the location, opening times, range of equipment, staff and all the available facilities. Familiarity creates comfortability and a strong sense of safety which is a great first step on your journey towards being more confident at the gym. If smelly, musclebound men are your objection, there are plenty of women only gyms all over the place now!
Make use of the gym induction process
Almost all commercial gyms have fitness instructor staff that upon signing up, will take you around the gym and show you each piece of equipment and training section. This is extremely helpful, giving you a chance to ask questions and map out the parts of the gym that you would feel most confident in.
Hire a personal trainer or follow a professional program
Confidence comes from action and action comes from knowing what to do. If your budget permits, hiring a personal trainer is a great way to boost your confidence in the gym, (this is what I did initially!). A good personal trainer will tailor a program suited to your goals and needs, teach you correct training and breathing techniques, actively work on building your confidence and become a support system for you on your fitness journey. In the instance that you cannot afford a physical personal trainer, there are online trainers as well as professional workout programs and apps that are low-cost and easy to follow.
Try training during off-peak hours
Training during off-peak hours gives you the opportunity to exercise at your own pace and zone in with minimal distractions. Using equipment without having to wait around or feel rushed gives you the opportunity to really connect with what you are doing.
The gym should always feel like a safe space for you, which means finding a good balance between location, time, environment and accessibility.
Set goals and don’t compare
Everyone in the gym has their own journey, goals and focus. They are not there to compete with you or make you feel inferior. Have a set goal in mind and focus on taking small steps towards getting there. Having a goal will keep you focused, moving and motivated!
Pick your favourite gym outfit
Wear something comfortable that you can move in and makes you feel great. Much of our confidence is baked into how we see ourselves, and what we wear plays a huge role.
Whether your choice is something fitted or loose, if it makes you feel good and look good, then wear it! This will make going to the gym feel like an event that you should make an effort for and in turn, add to your motivation.
Find a workout partner
We are naturally social beings and being around like-minded people with similar goals is uplifting and very motivating. Finding someone to train with will help you feel comfortable in the gym, is great for accountability and will ensure that you find a routine.
Studies have also found that there is a positive correlation between social support and physical activity. How do you find a gym buddy…
Ask family, friends or colleagues
Join a fitness class
Try a bootcamp
Use the gym noticeboard
The gym is a great space to help further you on your fitness journey, and while accessibility is dependent on the facility and equipment available, it should always feel like a safe space for you. I hope the tips I’ve shared are helpful however, the most important thing to remember is that this is your journey. Prioritise what will make you feel safe, confident and comfortable. If this means trialling several gyms until you find the right one, then so be it! Take your fitness journey in the gym one step at a time and tailor the experience to your needs.
What’s on this week?
Head & Eyes – LeLutka EvoX Avalon 4.0
Hair – DOUX - Kikichun Hairstyle [S]
Face Skin – DeeTaleZ Love for LELEVOX / BROWS: none/ MixCold
Shape – DeeTaleZ Shape for Lelu EVOX Heads "Love" - Tweaked!
Nails – . PUKI . (FIX-MID-ONLY) Square Nails. Maitreya
Rings – (Yummy) Chained Ring Set - Maityrea
Earrings – e.marie // Anisa Earrings - Golds { EvoX human F }
Bodysuit Necklace & Skirt – {ViSion} // Amara - Maitreya PetiteX
Shoes – UtopiaDesign - "NYX" - (M.LaraX)
NB - Another I couldn't see it but I may have blogged this outfit before however, that's okay as it's really a celebration of all those fabulous designers out there that have embraced Maitreya LaraX and have rerigged some of their older but still brilliant outfits - Thank you!
Pictures taken at the Very Resourceful Backdrop City
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