Feel More Confident in the Gym

You've purchased your gym membership, and you were excited to get started on the path to achieving your fitness goals. But, when the next morning comes around, you just can't get yourself there. Or, if you do get there, you leave sooner than you would have liked because you just feel, well, uncomfortable. You know how to use free weights, but the area is full of jacked gym rats and you can't bear the embarrassment of picking up a 5 pound dumbbell around those guys. So you stick to the treadmill, even though you don't need a gym membership to go on a run.

If you can relate to any of this, this post is for you. I too was like this when I first joined a gym. Here's what you can do to become more comfortable in the gym.

1. If you're able, try going off-peak, at least once. You'll get to have a proper look at the machines and work out how they're used without feeling embarrassed and thinking that everyone is looking at you while you go through the initial struggle stage.

2. Wear the right clothes. This is more important than you might think. And no, I'm not saying you have to go spend lots of money on new workout clothes. All that's important when it comes to gym clothes is that you don't feel self-conscious whilst wearing it, so you can focus on your workout and not feel self-conscious. If you have an outfit that you feel kick-ass and unstoppable in, that's even better - a recipe for a great workout.

3. Start with a form of exercise you feel comfortable with. For your first few workouts, focus on doing exercises you are comfortable with and machines you know how to use, and gradually include new things so you don't feel overwhelmed. My first day in the gym I just used free weights and the treadmill, and that's okay - you'll get there, take your time.

3. Listen to some music. If you are doing steady state cardio, this is essential for keeping you going without getting terribly bored. But, perhaps more importantly, listening to music will help you feel less self-conscious. Embarrassed about how heavy you are breathing after a few reps/only a few measly minutes of cardio? You won't even hear yourself with your music blasting, not to worry.

4. Take your time - remember everyone was a beginner at one point. If you need a few minutes to test out how to work a machine properly with good form, so be it. Don't be embarrassed about not knowing how to use a machine - we've all been there.

5. No one's looking at you (really) - 90% of the time, people really aren't looking at you. The other 10%, they are either just looking in your general direction totally absentmindedly, or they think you're cute 😎  Either way, you can get on with your workout without worrying.

6. Stop caring what other people think 💁 - a general good piece of advice that takes conscious practice/effort. It is not just important for the gym - it will help you seize more opportunities in life overall if you value your own opinion more than those of others. Remember that the only people that really matter in life are yourself and your friends/family/loved ones. Would your best friend judge you for doing an exercise incorrectly or not knowing how to work a machine? Of course not. The people that actually matter would never judge you, so don't think twice about those who do.

7. And if all else fails, just go as regularly as you can. You'll feel more comfortable with time.