Hey all. Now I’m not one for talking about physical health, as this site is all about mental well-being….but as you know both physical and mental well-being come hand in hand, and exercise is a massive part of my life.
I work out 5 times a week and it’s the one time in a day that I can really switch off from everything. I’ve always been a runner, but in the last few months I’ve really found a love for the gym, and I don’t think I’ll be turning back now.
I speak to a lot of people who know that working out would be good for their mental health, but there’s often one big hurdle preventing them from starting….confidence.
This may be due to lack of body confidence, the fact you are afraid of being judged, or the fact that you just don’t know what you’re doing. So today I’m helping you out….here’s some tips on how to be confident in the gym…so you can stop putting it off!🙌🏻
1). No one actually cares– As much as you think people do, honestly no one cares what you’re doing. Most people are just there to work out, get the job done and go home. In fact, most people have their head in the clouds at the gym, earphones in and their mind elsewhere. No one is looking at how you run or what you’re wearing…as much as you think they are.
2). Plan your sessions beforehand– I didn’t just turn up to the gym one day and work out what I was doing. I plan things. If there’s something I’m not sure on, I’ll google it beforehand or take insiration from a gym workout on YouTube. Don’t set yourself up to fail, be prepared and you’ll look like you’ve got it all together!
3). Buy some new gym kit– There’s so many nice gym sets nowadays, you don’t need to feel rubbish about yourself. Get yourself some kit that you feel good in, one that will help you to feel confident…even when you’re hot and sweaty.
4). Don’t be put off by what anyone else is doing– Just because the man next to you is lifting 40 kg dumbbells, it doesn’t mean you have to. Everyone there is doing something completely different…everyone has different bodies, goals and capabilities. Focus on your goals and your achievements, no one else matters.
5). Pretend you’re a professional– I do this all the time. Sometimes I don’t have a clue what I’m doing because someone’s using the equipment I needed…but I act like that was part of the plan anyway. Walk around with your head held high, acting like you know exactly what you’re doing…no one will ever know!
6). Stick on some feel good music- There’s nothing like a bit of Beyoncé to make you feel good…am I right? Get a banging playlist on and you’ll be strutting round the gym in no time.
7). Go with a friend- If you’re really nervous about starting the gym then take a friend with you! This is such a good way to help you build confidence, then before you know it, you’ll be confident enough to go on your own!
8). Look for a specific gym- Ladies (and any other gender) I know sometimes the stereotypes of gyms can lead us to feel nervous about going alone…well look for a specific gym. There are plenty of ladies only gyms and hopefully one day there’ll be some male only gyms too.
I hope these few tips help anyone struggling with gym confidence. Remember, don’t let anxiety stop you from achieving anything, grab every opportunity that comes your way and make the most of today!! Thanks for reading guys and happy working out💪🏻!🤍
Love your mind 