If you are not a regular or lack body confidence, the gym can seem like an incredibly daunting place to be. A workout space can be intimidating, especially if it is full of gym buffs who look like they are professionals. However, there are plenty of ways you can make yourself feel more body confident at the gym, and feeling better about yourself can help you perform better! If you are looking to feel more confident at the gym, here are some of our best tips…
Familiarise yourself with the equipment
If you are not a gym regular, the vast array of gym equipment can look frightening, and you may feel too scared to use it if you have no idea where to begin. Therefore, in order to feel more confident at the gym, make sure that you familiarise yourself with the equipment you intend to use. Read some blogs, ask your friends or watch gym instruction videos. Not only will this help make sure you feel more confident when you are using the equipment, but it will also ensure that you are getting the full benefits.
Plan a workout
Whether you are a novice or a seasoned gym-goer, planning a workout can be hugely beneficial and can improve your confidence levels if you have a workout plan ready to go. It will also make sure you don’t waste time wondering what to do when you get there. If you haven’t created a workout plan before, there are plenty of resources online that can help you find what you are looking for. Make a plan, and do your best to stick to it, no matter what everyone else is doing.
Get the right clothing
When it comes to feeling confident in the gym, the correct clothing can be the difference between feeling amazing and feeling awful. Dress comfortably for the exercises you are doing. Make sure things fit well, aren’t too tight and are breathable so you can easily sweat. If you are looking for the perfect women’s gym clothing, check out 11 degrees’ seamless collection, which has been designed to make women feel confident while they work out.
Ignore everyone else
The gym setting can be one where people feel like they are being judged constantly, especially if it is a busy place. However, as with most settings, it is important to note that people care far more about how they look than how you look. If you are struggling with body confidence in the gym, remember that everyone is unique and everyone will look different when they are working out. Make sure that you also go at your own pace. Scared about using weights? Start with the smaller ones, and build up gradually. Not sure about running? Try a different cardio exercise instead, such as rowing or an exercise bike.
Work out with a friend
If you are a novice at the gym and are not so body confident, a great way to gain confidence is to bring a friend along for a workout. By taking someone along with you, you may not feel like all the attention is on you, and you will be much more likely to feel relaxed. By having fun with someone you know, you won’t worry as much about your surroundings.
Work during quieter hours of the day
If you have tried all of the buzz but still can’t quite shake off the belief that people are judging you, an easy way to avoid this feeling is to work out during quieter times of the day. The busiest periods of the day are the hours after work, so try and schedule your workouts for later or earlier than this peak time. That way, you can work out in peace knowing that there are very few people there.
Try personal training
If you are still struggling with your body confidence in the gym, don’t worry! The gym can be a scary scene for many people, especially novices who are unsure about what they are doing. If you are still feeling uncomfortable during your workouts, personal training can be an affordable option, and you won’t have to worry about other people – you’ll be too busy focusing on your training.
Let things go!
This is, undeniably, the most important way to gain body confidence at the gym. If you are new, you are going to make mistakes! Whether you have fallen off a piece of equipment, dropped a weight or have even ripped your trousers, let it go. Everyone will have accidents at the gym, but the sooner you forget about them, the more confident you will feel.
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