22/11/2023
Do you ever feel a little anxious or out of place when going to the gym? Then this post is for you!
Apologies in advance, it's a long one, but I promise it's worth a read ๐
So if you want to find more confidence in the gym then try the following:
1)ย DON'T do it ALONE- find yourself a gym buddy, go with a friend or get yourself a personal trainer. You'll feel more comfortable with someone there to support you, especially in the beginning.ย
2) Have a PLAN - think about what exercises you will be doing before you even enter the gym. You might have a PT or a gym instructor who can write a workout plan for you or otherwise use a fitness App or similar.
3) Be willing to LEARN - figuring out how to use the equipment or how to do certain exercises isn't always straight forward. It's ok to ask for help. Ask a gym instructor (it's literally their job to help you) and don't be embarrassed to also ask other gym users. Most gyms offer free inductions, which is a great starting point. You can also look up exercises online (e.g. on YouTube).
4) Have a POSITIVE mindset - Reassure yourself that you're doing great and don't worry about what others might think, just focus on YOU. Easier said than done, I know. Try using headphones to listen to your favourite music and to keep you focused.ย
5) Avoid your gym's peak TIME - if you're flexible then try to go to the gym when it's a little quieter. An overcrowded gym can feel quite overwhelming. Peak time is often the Post-Work window, around 5.30-7.30pm but can vary depending on the gym.ย
6) Make it a HABIT to go CONSISTENTLY - It's normal to feel nervous when you do something for the first time. The more you do it, the more confident you will feel!
7) TRACK your progress - seeing results (no matter how small the achievement might be) will keep you motivated and will help you feel proud of yourself and thus more confident!
And remember, the gym is for EVERYONE. It's not just for the FIT, but it's a place to get FITTER - no matter your current fitness level!
Feel free to add any further tips in the comments so we can make this post as helpful as possible โบ๏ธ