Many new gym-goers admit feeling intimidated by strong-looking bodies lifting weights and doing workouts that only superhumans can attempt. For someone new to gym life and finding their way around, seeing people performing these exercising feats can seem frightening. And that is not factoring in the locker room where you get to see the true nature of these fit bodies. It can be a lot to take in and affect their confidence and performance.
People feel intimidated because they feel unfit and worry about how others see their workout. Many people stay away from crowded gyms to avoid those staring eyes while they workout.
Your determination must come in at this point. If you are serious about reaching your fitness goals, follow these five tips to improve your confidence when you are in the gym.
Find a gym that meets your needs
While most gyms will have most of what you need to achieve your goals, some do better than others depending on what you want to achieve. The first step to finding the right gym is to identify your needs to help you know what you want from the gym. You also need to know what types of workouts you enjoy and the type of people you want to share the gym with. If you prefer workouts with people of your sex, choose a single-sex gym. If you are trying to lose fat and have a better body composition, you should stay away from gyms for bodybuilders that host bodybuilding contests. Whatever gym you choose, ensure that you fit in and feel comfortable.
Always have a plan
It is easy to feel overwhelmed by all the gym equipment and machines that you have no clue what to do or where to start. To avoid feeling lost, you need to have a daily and weekly plan. A plan will allow you to hit the ground running from the moment you step into the gym. Having a plan will help you feel more confident, and knowing that you will have a great workout will keep you motivated and eliminate those negative thoughts or feel inadequate.
Dress appropriately
Dressing the part can help you blend in and not feel left out. The last thing you want is to draw attention to yourself because you went to the gym with the wrong type of shoes or clothing. Sometimes you need to look the part to feel confident. Invest in good running sneakers, gloves, and apparel. You tend to feel confident when you know you look good in your gym gear. If you want to feel even more confident, don’t hesitate to check yourself out in those strategically placed gym mirrors.
Get a tour from a trainer
Speaking to a trainer first will make it easier for you to get right into it. Sign up for a session with a trainer so that they can evaluate and determine what you need and the best workouts for you. Trainers will also offer you training tips and a tour of the gym floor – the machines and how to use them. Some gyms offer free training sessions when you sign up.
Block out distractions with a playlist
Another easy way to focus on your workout and forget about what others think about you is by working out with a playlist. Create a playlist of your best-energizing songs that make you want to workout nonstop. With your headphones on, you will hardly think about anything else asides from what you are doing, and that is how your confidence will improve.
