The world of health, fitness, and well-being is supposed to be a non-judgemental place with support coming from all over, but we all know that it’s a falsehood. With anonymity due to social media feeds and a whole lot of misogyny, and bruised egos, women keep getting bullied for looking after themselves and being strong. We could expand on this topic but we would be here for days.
So, let’s band together and find ways women, especially beginners, can feel more comfortable in public fitness spaces, like gyms.
Spoil yourself with a gym outfit
Confidence starts with yourself and what often makes us feel confident is wearing something great. Whether you go alone or take your gym buddy with you, pick out some new gym outfits that you know will make you feel good.
Remember, it’s not how you look to others around you, but how you feel about yourself, and wearing something spectacular to you is a great start.
Find a gym buddy a.k.a. Accountability buddy
The gym can be a lonely place but having a friend with you can make a big difference. It’s easy to get distracted and feel self-conscious when you’re working out alone. But when you have a friend as a distraction, you won’t feel as judged as much as you “think” others are or as much as you judge yourself. The other plus-side is that they are going through the same workout as you.
“Being with someone you are comfortable with makes the experience less daunting and will provide an opportunity to build comradery and bond.” – Sarah Ezzideen
Not only do you have a friend going through it all at the same time but they can also help you get out of the house to go for a workout on those days you just don’t feel like it. An accountability buddy can also help you stick to your nutrition plan as much as the workout plan. This relationship becomes beneficial for both of you when it is your friend who needs some help.
Plan your workouts
When you’re in the gym and you don’t have a plan, you can start feeling self-conscious about what you need to do next. Feeling lost without a program not only makes you feel this way, but it’s also going to hinder progress.
In the digital age, there are countless apps and resources to find programs to train at home, minimalist gym equipment programs, or full-strength and muscle-building routines for when you start feeling more comfortable. If you’re getting even more confident in investing more time and money, a personal trainer can help you build a program specific to your goals and needs. Your new personal trainer can be in-person or online thanks to technology.
These apps and videos can help you improve your form or help you learn about new equipment and exercises so that you don’t feel lost anymore.
Having a program can help you focus more on yourself and your self-confidence while also helping you make real progress which ends up helping with your confidence even more.
Headphones and tunes!
Music has a way of helping us get into the zone. Whether that’s to relax or feel confident in the gym.
When you’ve found or made a playlist of your favourite music, you can focus on it rather than what’s going on around you. Music helps you live in your own world, drowns out the rest, and can help you feel more confident. And if you get into the zone so much that you “bust a move” between sets, more power to you!
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Almost everybody at the gym is going through the same thoughts as you. Almost everybody there is just trying to improve themselves and when they’ve been on the journey for a while, are always willing to give you some help.
Whether you just want to find a machine, help with an exercise, or talk to a trainer, you’ll almost always find a friendly face who’s willing to help you. You might even find a new gym buddy in the process.
If you’re very shy, start by talking to gym staff and personal trainers. They’re there to help you.
Focus on positive self-talk
When your confidence is low, it can be easy to tell yourself some negative things, but what if you made an effort to turn them into positive statements?
Positive self-talk is a surprisingly powerful tool when you’re exercising. It can help you get out of bed, push yourself to do another rep, or celebrate small wins.
Practice positive self-talk and affirmations:
- “I am strong, capable, and determined.”
- “I believe in my ability to push through any challenge.”
- “My body is powerful and resilient.”
- “I am getting stronger with every workout.”
- “I trust my body’s strength and endurance.”
- “I am focused and committed to reaching my fitness goals.”
- “Each exercise I do brings me closer to my ideal self.”
- “I deserve to prioritize my health and wellbeing.”
- “I embrace the process of growth and improvement.”
- “I am proud of myself for showing up and putting in the effort.”
Everybody had to start somewhere
If you realize that everybody has their journey, you can start focusing on your path and processes. You don’t even need to start in the gym or with structured workouts. You can go on walks, go cycling, join some outdoor training groups, etc.
You can even try all of them to find out what activity suits your personality and goals. If you focus on your goals while doing what you enjoy, you’ll find an ocean of confidence.
This article was written in-collaboration with qualified fitness experts Geek Physique and personal trainer, Sarah Ezzideen. You can find Sarah on Instagram HERE!
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