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7 Tips to Build Confidence in the Gym

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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!

What is one thing that scares or has scared you about the gym? Tell us in the comments below!

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Comments

  2. Hello,
    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.

    Reply

  7. When 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.

    Reply

  10. What 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!

    Reply

  11. I love the gym and these tips are really awesome for making more confidence to get back in the gym. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  17. This 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.

    Reply

  19. i 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 !

    Reply

  22. Exercise 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.

    Reply

  23. i 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 !

    Reply

  24. I 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.
    Jon Muller recently posted…Types of Lumbar Support for Office Chairs (and What to Choose)My Profile

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  33. The 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.

    Reply

  37. Great 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.

    Reply

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  40. As 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.

    Reply

  41. There 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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  44. Great 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.

    Reply

  45. You 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.
    John Michale recently posted…How to lubricate a treadmill beltMy Profile

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  46. Hello, 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.

    Reply

  47. After 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.

    Reply

  49. I 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.

    Reply

  54. I 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.

    Reply

  57. I 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

    Reply

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