How to Get Confident at the Gym
The gym can be an intimidating place…. scratch that, the gym IS a very intimidating place. To those who are not familiar with a gym, it can make you feel very out of place. In return, gym anxiety kicks in and confidence goes out. And in the age of social distancing and more social anxiety in the mix, gaining confidence at the gym can feel impossible. What if I told you that there are ways to get over the dreaded gym anxiety and build your confidence, similar to building a muscle? These are my three tips on how to get confident at the gym so you can get to your workout.
If you’re new to strength training, you may get overwhelmed with all of the equipment at the gym. Not to mention the gym rats who practically live there and can tell you the difference between your triceps and your traps. You may venture into the sea of dumbbells and barbells only to walk right back out to the more familiar machine: the treadmill. Here’s what you need to do:
Tip One:
Make sure you are wearing something you feel comfortable to work out in. If you feel uncomfortable, you’ll look uncomfortable, meaning you’ll look even more awkward than you already feel. Need an idea of what to wear? Check this post out: Plus Size Workout Clothes.
Tip Two:
Go to the gym at times where there is less foot traffic. This is the best time to get familiar with the different machines and what is available at your gym. Get a feel for the layout and have a general idea of how the different machines work. Got questions? Don’t be afraid to ask them. Ask your questions to someone who works at the gym that are qualified to give you the right information.
Tip Three:
This is probably the most important tip that will help with your anxiety, and that is to have a game plan. Have a list of all of the exercises you want to do. Use the internet to see what equipment you need and how to do them. If you’re starting from square one, keep your workouts simple. When you have a clear idea of what you’re trying to accomplish, you’ll have more energy in focusing on the workout itself and less on the people around you.
Those are my three tips on how to get confident at the gym. Just remember that you are not alone when it comes to gym anxiety. Gym anxiety is something many people deal with, no matter their circumstance. Although going straight to a cardio machine is your comfort zone, it’s just as important to add strength training to your workout regimen.
My friend Sarah is very passionate and knowledgeable about this subject, so I’ve decided to pick her brain a bit. She’s sharing four strength training exercises you can start adding into your workout routine TODAY. In this video, Sarah shows you how to do Dumbbell Squats, Dumbbell Strict Press, Hollow Holds, and Dumbbell Dead Lifts. While Sarah shoes the standard workout, I demonstrate a modified version of those exercises. These are a few great exercises you can keep in your back pocket for the next time you’re headed to the gym. I hope this video was helpful and hope you learned at least one thing from it.
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