How to build your confidence in the gym
Do you want to gain more confidence in the gym? If nerves or embarrassment have ever sabotaged your fitness, the first thing to know is that you’re not alone.
It’s super common to feel anxious when it comes to working out, whether it boils down to body confidence, injury concerns, worries about how to use equipment – or something else entirely. The great news is, everyone can gain confidence in the gym. Fitness is for everybody and it doesn’t matter where you’re at or what you want to achieve. So unlock your inner athlete with our top tips:
One of the most common reasons for lacking confidence while working out is the fear of being watched or judged by others. If this rings true for you, then a private gym or training studio could be just what you need. No prying eyes, no comparing yourself to others, just you, your goals and all the space you need to get there. Perfect.
You could say that a good personal trainer (PT) is your fast-track to gym confidence. A qualified, professional PT will work with you to build your confidence levels alongside your fitness. They’ll listen to any concerns or worries you have and can create a bespoke training plan just for you, taking everything you’ve told them into account. Then they’ll be by your side every step of the way.
3, Invest in workout gear that makes you feel great
Let’s be clear – you absolutely don’t need the latest workout gear to smash a session. As long as what you wear is safe and comfortable, you’re good to go. But one of the best ways to build confidence is to wear clothes that make you feel great – and investing in some technical kit might even help alleviate some of your confidence killers too. Worried about sweat marks? Choose a sweat-wicking, highly breathable material. Keen to avoid showing too much skin? Try a high-neck top with mesh for ventilation.
4, Start simple and build up
You know all those people who strut confidently around the gym, grunting and throwing weights about with wild abandon? Well, once upon a time they arrived at the gym for their first ever session. You’ve heard it before, but it’s true – everyone starts somewhere. The key to gaining confidence with working out is to start simple, with exercises well within your capability, and to build up slowly. You’ll be throwing weights around yourself before you know it. Grunting optional.
If the idea of heading to the gym by yourself feels intimidating, then you don’t have to. Recruit a partner, friend, sibling, parent or stranger off the street (ok, maybe not that one) and try a paired workout session. Bringing along backup makes any environment or unfamiliar situation far less scary, and the gym is no exception. It raises the fun factor too.
6, Tell your PT about any concerns or injuries
A PT can work wonders to alleviate any nerves you might have about exercising or the gym – but it helps if they know what they are. Whatever you might be worried about, your PT will have encountered it before, and they’ll know how to help. If it makes you feel more at ease, just drop them an email before your session. Then sit back (well, probably not literally) and let them take you to fitness levels you never knew you had.
7, Choose music that pumps you up
Music is a fantastic motivator. Use it to get yourself pumped up and ready to smash a session by choosing tracks you know give you energy and make you feel good. Whether you listen through headphones or make the most of the super sound system at a private studio like Ellie’s Gym, music can help you temporarily switch off the whirring of your brain and focus on what your body’s doing in that moment.
8, Celebrate the wins
You know what’s best of all for inspiring confidence in yourself? Recognising achievement, both big and small. And fitness training is all about achievement. Lifted something heavier than last week? That’s an achievement. Lasted longer on the bike than in the previous session? That’s progress. Finished your session feeling great? That’s a win. Celebrate these markers of progress. You don’t need to throw a party (although, hey, we’re here for it if you do) but notice them and let yourself feel proud. It’s you making it happen, after all, and that’s pretty cool.