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
Great 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
Lyosha recently posted…Reaxing Goa times, part 4
Janay says
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.
Brittany says
OMG these are some great tips! I need to get back to the gym…so badly! I miss my classes
Madhusree Basu says
Thanks 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.
Madhusree Basu recently posted…Best Running Shoes For High Arches And Stability in 2019
Mjmamaa says
These are great tips! I just recently got a gym membership and was very insecure about going but tipsmlike this are helpful!
Latte Lindsay says
I 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
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.
Tasheeni says
These are really awesome tips! Thank you so much for sharing!
shanelle says
great tips! I always feel intimated at the gym. great shot of you too by the way!
LiveLoveAndAdventure says
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!
Bindu Thomas says
I 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
These 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.
Francis Bangayan recently posted…Amethyst Bio mat Mini
Mark An says
That’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.
Mark An recently posted…Find the Best Surfboard for Older Surfers
Kyra Rodriguez says
This is what I needed to hear/read right now! I have zero confidence in going to the gym right now!
Kyra Rodriguez recently posted…Reasons Why You Should Try Boxing at the Best Gym in Manila
Mark Ander says
Thanks 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.
Mark Ander recently posted…Find the Best Surfboard for Older Surfers
Kevin Lee says
If 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
Kevin Lee recently posted…Vega Protein and Greens Powder Review
pilates for beginners says
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.
ash green says
It was really insightful.
Thanks for such a nice content.
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jacob says
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 !