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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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.
ash green says
May 1, 2019 at 9:06 pmIt was really insightful.
Thanks for such a nice content.
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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.
necklace pendants says
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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