Everyone wants to feel confident in the gym, and for some the opposite may never have crossed their mind. However, feeling less than confident in the gym is a totally normal experience. Nearly half (43%) of people admit they have felt intimidated in a gym environment and a further 49% have been nervous and/or anxious within a gym, so if this has been you you’re not alone. Even the most seasoned gymgoers get nervous from time to time.
The good news is that this can be overcome or improved upon. Today we’re sharing our top tips for feeling confident in the gym.
Plan your routine
Going in with a plan, a full plan from start to finish will keep you from hesitating while in the gym. You can use a physical notebook, a workout app or the notes on your phone to plan out what you’re going to do. Before your gym session, think about what you want to do and write down your preferred plan. It’s a good idea to split this between warm-up options, the main workout and some cool-down and stretching options.
You can also use a pre-built plan or speak to staff to start crafting a personalised plan.
Feel confident in your outfit
You don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe or keep up with gym fit trends, but feeling confident in yourself first is a great way to feel more confident in the gym.
Pick clothes that fit your workout style and ones that you feel comfortable in throughout each movement.
Use the support available
Having unanswered questions about the gym, equipment or not being sure what kind of workout plan to try can be daunting and cause you to be nervous.
We have so many options for you to try so you can find what works for you and build your confidence. Staff can always answer your questions and we have other options for you too. Gym classes give you the chance to try something new, with instruction. Working out with a group of people is known to be motivating and not having to plan your own workout can get you over that uncertainty hurdle.
If you want to go even further there’s personal training. Nothing compares to an expert guiding you through a workout, and you never have to worry about doing something wrong as they’ll show you exactly what to do.
Don’t compare yourself
Everyone is in the gym for their own reasons, just like you. People are usually too focused on their own workout to bother paying attention to other members, and you should do the same. Ignore other people working out, keep your thoughts on what your plan is and really try to keep that mind-muscle connection going.
Understand the equipment
When you’re writing your plan make sure you know what to do with each of the moves or pieces of equipment you’ve chosen. Look up videos if you’re not sure about anything, or speak to gym staff and ask for a demo when you arrive. Going in knowing you have a grasp on what to do and what movements should look like will lift your confidence.
Want to get your fitness journey started? You can claim a free one-day pass at an Anytime Fitness gym and speak to one of our friendly and expert team about your health goals.