If you’ve ever walked into a gym and been terrified, you are not alone! Most people, at one point or another, have felt their confidence wane when walking through the gym doors.
Even though the gym can seem like an intimidating place, these tips can help you use the gym with confidence.
Select a gym that is right for you. Not all gyms are created equal. While some gyms are designed for hardcore bodybuilders, many are intended for the regular person that wants to stay or get in shape. When considering a gym, take a tour to see what type of people are in the gym. Ask friends for recommendations and do your own research. Be sure to consider which amenities you will actually use and look for those. Here are a few things to consider when selecting a gym.
Dress the part. Before entering the gym, purchase an appropriate workout outfit. Stores like Target and Walmart generally have a great selection of affordable workout gear. Invest in a decent pair of workout pants, capris or shorts, a sports bra for women, and a properly fitting top. Appropriate shoes are a must as well. While having the perfect outfit may not seem necessary, wearing an outfit that is similar to other gym patrons will help you feel like you fit in.
Bring a friend. Friends can make working out so much more fun while making you feel less self-conscious. Schedule a time that works for both of you and make it a regular date. The accountability of having a workout partner is a great way to set you up for success as well!
Become a regular. Nothing builds confidence like familiarity. You’ll become more familiar with the equipment and how the gym operates with regular attendance. Making the gym a regular part of your week will help you see improvements over time as well.
Take a fitness class. Many gyms offer group fitness classes as part of their membership. Try out several of these classes and see which ones you like best. Rest assured that the other class participants are focusing on their own workout and will not notice if you miss a step or two. And the instructors will help you modify or adjust as needed.
Work with a personal trainer. If group classes do not appeal to you, try working one on one with a personal trainer. A personal trainer can help you learn how to use each piece of equipment and will help you work toward your specific health and fitness goals.
Avoid peak hours. Ask your gym when the busiest times are and avoid those. Find the time when the gym is less crowded. This will allow you to move at your own pace and not feel like people are watching you.
One final tip to help you build your confidence at the gym – don’t compare yourself to others and remember why you are there. Know that everyone has to start somewhere and you are where you need to be. Working out is not a competition and you will have your own personal victories as you regularly work out. Be patient with yourself and keep trying! You’ll get there!
Lyosha says
March 3, 2019 at 9:57 pmGreat tips! I love GYM and I try going there as often as possible to me. Being confident in what you do and how you feel there is important to me
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Janay says
March 4, 2019 at 12:26 amHello,
These are so really awesome tips. I never even thought to avoid peak times but that’s a great idea. That way it’s not crowded and I can really focus on my workout. I also think bringing a friend is a really good idea.
Brittany says
March 4, 2019 at 1:20 amOMG these are some great tips! I need to get back to the gym…so badly! I miss my classes
Madhusree Basu says
March 4, 2019 at 2:43 amThanks April for the handy tips. I was also extremely self conscious initially when I started with the gym.. however with time it settled. One more thing which worked for me was I went for walk/jogging for few days before I joined the gym. This helped me to cope up with the stamina required for the workout session.
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Mjmamaa says
March 4, 2019 at 8:06 amThese are great tips! I just recently got a gym membership and was very insecure about going but tipsmlike this are helpful!
Latte Lindsay says
March 4, 2019 at 12:41 pmI need to get back to the gym, I think I’ll be going to classes until I get my confidence back. And I’ll be avoiding the gym when it is busy too 🙂
Dalene Ekirapa says
March 5, 2019 at 7:59 amWhen I’m going to the gym, I’m always in comfortable and chic gym wear because that gives me so much confidence to take up my fitness class.
Tasheeni says
March 6, 2019 at 8:01 amThese are really awesome tips! Thank you so much for sharing!
shanelle says
March 6, 2019 at 11:39 amgreat tips! I always feel intimated at the gym. great shot of you too by the way!
LiveLoveAndAdventure says
March 6, 2019 at 5:49 pmWhat a great and inspiring post. I need to get back to the gym. I’m so busy with work and blogging and some charity work, and the gym always gets pushed to the bottom of the list. It definitely needs to move up!
Bindu Thomas says
March 7, 2019 at 12:12 amI love the gym and these tips are really awesome for making more confidence to get back in the gym. Thanks for sharing.
Francis Bangayan says
March 16, 2019 at 12:07 amThese are great tips when you are going to the gym. thanks for sharing, reading this articles is making me motivated to go to the gym again.
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Mark An says
March 19, 2019 at 5:24 amThat’s true. Going to the Gym, will boost your confidence. Have been going to one for years now. Fell really confident in anything I do. We also have treadmill at home, just in case.
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Kyra Rodriguez says
March 29, 2019 at 3:10 amThis is what I needed to hear/read right now! I have zero confidence in going to the gym right now!
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Mark Ander says
March 29, 2019 at 12:11 pmThanks for the great post. What you mentioned in the article is really true. We have been running a gym for 2 years now, and folks who come in here are really happy.
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Kevin Lee says
April 13, 2019 at 9:32 amIf you are not ready to hit the gym yet, you can start at home. A few weeks of exercise at home might be all you need to build that confidence. There is one piece of equipment I recommend for you – Bodyboss Home GYM.
Thanks for the great post! -Kevin
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pilates for beginners says
May 1, 2019 at 4:21 amThis is very helpful in people that are 1st time going to the gym and trying to be fit. It can be nerve-wracking and stressful for them and turn them away. So thank you for citing these tips.
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jacob says
May 6, 2019 at 6:33 ami don’t usually write posts or comments on articles but your blog was so convincing and is written with such diligence i had to praise. great work !
Miko says
May 11, 2019 at 10:39 pmThese are really informative tips! It’s pretty helpful for me. Thanks for sharing.
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May 30, 2019 at 12:20 pmGood tips these are and I tried these that’s why I am commenting here. Confidence is very helpful in gym and this blog is very helpful for that.
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June 7, 2019 at 10:51 amExercise is one of those rare things where the hype actually meets reality. Next to not smoking, getting regular physical activity is arguably the best thing you can do for your health. Any amount of exercise is better than none. The more you get, though, the better. And remember: Cutting back on television-watching and other sedentary pastimes is just as important as becoming more active.
jacob says
June 11, 2019 at 1:54 ami don’t usually write posts or comments on articles but your blog was so convincing and is written with such diligence i had to praise. great work !
Jon Muller says
June 13, 2019 at 5:56 amI like the final tip. Just be yourself and you will surely accomplish more. Just want to add that you can also gain more confidence if you will have workout discipline even outside the gym. I’m talking about proper diet. Eat the right food and drink plenty of water. That can make a big difference. You also have to stick to your gym routine when working out for quicker result.
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July 29, 2019 at 9:20 amExercise is the miracle cure we’ve always had, but for too long we’ve neglected to take our recommended dose. Our health is now suffering as a consequence.
kabirkolle says
August 2, 2019 at 5:26 amHi,
great information. We need to warm up before starting.
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kabirkolle says
August 2, 2019 at 5:26 amHi,
Nice information. We need to warm up before starting.
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amar kanaujia says
August 3, 2019 at 1:05 pmAwsome tips for good fitness. Fitness blogs aim to inspire, empower, and motivate you to reach your health and fitness goals.
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August 4, 2019 at 1:56 amreally awsome tips for best health fitness thank so much…
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August 4, 2019 at 1:59 amplease post more! I love you and your content❤❤ I’m going through a rough time in my life and I need some advice, please help 🙁
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tasnia says
August 5, 2019 at 5:01 amGood tips these are and I tried these that’s why I am commenting here. Confidence is very helpful in the gym and this blog is very helpful for that.
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Anne Kepner says
August 7, 2019 at 10:33 pmThe confidence comes from completing what you thought was an impossible task. Lifting will not make women walk up to you and rip your clothes off and the only people that appreciate your new physique / form are the people that also know how much work goes into it.
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Rohit Kumar says
August 15, 2019 at 11:53 amthat is very helpful information
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Importance of Exercise says
August 23, 2019 at 5:39 amGoing to gym with friends are always stay enjoyable time and keep you motivate for fitness. I think we should consider these tips to keep our confidence high in the gym.
Thanks for sharing such post here with us.
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August 24, 2019 at 12:30 pmGreat job for publishing such a nice article. Your article isn’t only useful but it is additionally really informative. Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us.
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August 29, 2019 at 1:05 pmGreat tips. Some people are too shy to go to the gym for workouts and just do it at home. But doing and learning proper procedure in working out is important to be taught by professionals.
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Luke says
September 2, 2019 at 12:32 amAs a regular follower of your blog, I always find your content valuable and eye-catching. Quite a helpful an informational blog for me. Thanks for your valuable effort.
Saguren Redyrs says
September 5, 2019 at 3:07 amThere are some great tips here. I would add remembering that other people are there for the same reasons as you – to get in shape. We can end up being so focused on what other people are thinking about us that we forget that everybody else is thinking the same thing – we’re all in the same boat. To answer your question, the one thing that used to intimidate me about the gym was actually the sales people (and I know I’m not alone). I sometimes hesitate to go and inquire about a new gym in person because I know that I’ll be badgered for weeks afterwards.
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United Memorial Medical Center says
September 20, 2019 at 8:45 amAmazing helpful tips! Thanks for sharing!
John Michale says
September 24, 2019 at 9:32 amWell, I am not a gym person. I have set up my small home gym and doing my daily exercise there. However, your tips will be helpful to anyone who want to get admitted to a gym.
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a blog to health says
September 26, 2019 at 2:04 amGreat job for publishing such a nice article. Your article isn’t only useful but it is additionally really informative. Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. This is an extraordinary motivating article.I am basically satisfied with your great work.You put truly exceptionally accommodating data.
John Michale says
October 5, 2019 at 3:41 amYou are right. Most of the gym seems to be overwhelmed to me. My first day at gym was really terrifying. I still remember that day. I was a very thin person back then. When i entered into the gym i saw a bunch of muscular man. I feel like a ant compared to them. However slowly i build my confidence level and started exercising regularly. Your article make me nostalgic. Thanks for the post.
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Louis wilson says
October 22, 2019 at 8:33 amHello, thanks for sharing this informative post. This is something I felt because my wife is a housewife, she has been thinking for a long time about joining the gym. Unfortunately, she skips this thinking always. May this blog motivate her.
Nancy Lee says
November 18, 2019 at 1:21 pmAfter reading this post, feeling something inspiration. I have to return to the gym center. I was additionally amazingly hesitant at first when I began with the rec center. Be that as it may, with time it settled. One more thing which worked for me as I took a stroll for a couple of days before I joined the rec center.
Graham Forbes says
November 28, 2019 at 5:44 pmAwesome article and very helpful. I am also happy to share my blog post that may help people who are interested about fitness and health. Keep up the awesome writing!
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Ivy Baker says
December 2, 2019 at 10:29 pmI liked what you said about how I might want to try going to the gym when it isn’t during peak hours. That could help me use different fitness equipment. Also, it might be smart for me to get a professional to teach me how to use all of the equipment.
Steven Wilson says
December 17, 2019 at 4:18 pmWell said, I need to get back to the gym classes asap
Savoy active says
January 3, 2020 at 6:36 amNice blog about 7 tips to build confidence in the gym. Your blog is very helpful for more people. Thanks for sharing the information.
Savoy active says
January 3, 2020 at 6:36 amThanks for sharing the information.
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January 22, 2020 at 4:55 amGoing to the gym can be hard for some people. But remember that you go there to better yourself and you should feel good about yourself by doing that.
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Tori Raddison says
January 24, 2020 at 4:47 pmI had no idea that some gyms are designed for regular people but that makes me a lot more confident! We haven’t gone to a gym in such a long time, so my husband and I decided to start going again. We’ll look for a gym that is more our speed.
Nova Smith says
January 28, 2020 at 2:33 amAwesome tips, I am not too comfortable in the crowd, going to follow some of these tips, thanks for sharing.
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Jhon Ashraf says
January 29, 2020 at 12:52 pmHi, I always love fitness and keep body fat free. Now, I go to the gym for my body fitness. I am searching for tips for fitness and got your article. In a word, this is really nice and well-written advice. I am very motivated and have also learned a lot of new advice. Thanks
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lily says
February 26, 2020 at 8:22 amI love this! This is such great advice. I used to think I had to be following some popular “plan” to be successful with weight loss. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve attempted to make to follow a diet but failed, hope these will give me confidence and boost me to the gym for weight lose
Michael J. says
March 18, 2020 at 2:59 pmHave you tried to calculate the total budget that will be required to create a home gym?
Rifat says
March 22, 2020 at 7:58 amI have learned huge knowledge from here. I am waiting for your updates
Ava Grey says
March 31, 2020 at 11:40 pmThank you for this article! I have Type 2 Diabetes and I am really careful with my workouts. With the pandemic, I am now trying to be on my top shape even at home. Thanks for this article! But I am hopeful that it will be over soon and I try this https://www.clkmg.com/iqun/KILL and now I am feeling better than ever. I hope we can all survive this coronavirus. God bless you and take care!
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April 28, 2020 at 6:26 pmI really love these, Thanks for the tips.
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May 1, 2020 at 1:47 amI really love these, Thanks for the information.
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Kate Hansen says
May 20, 2020 at 1:23 pmI loved how you suggested getting recommendations from friends. Recently I decided that I want to start working out again so that I can feel healthy and confident, and I want to find the right place to workout in. I’ll make sure to keep this information in mind as I search for a gym that I can use to workout in.
Ivy Baker says
May 26, 2020 at 10:29 pmI want to get in better shape this summer. Thanks for explaining that I will want to consider working with a personal trainer. It is good to know that a personal trainer will help me meet my fitness goals. Also, I would want to get a professional who knows how to help petite girls gain muscle mass.
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Graham Forbes says
June 2, 2020 at 1:42 amAbsolutely great post here. Aside from increasing your physical work capacity, it also enhances your ability to perform activities of daily living. In addition to this, having a home gym workout machine would be a great help. I have provided more information regarding this topic in my website. Keep up the awesome writing!
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Zoe Campos says
January 14, 2021 at 9:15 amI never knew that not all gyms are created equally until you mentioned it. My friends and I are thinking of just finding the nearest one where we can go to for our fitness goals but I guess it doesn’t work that way. It would be better to look for gyms that offer trial membership and see if we’ll feel comfortable there.