Confidence is key. Whether it’s going into a job interview, speaking in front of a large crowd, or going into the gym, feeling good about yourself is the number one dictator of how your gym experience will be. So often people fall out of a fitness routine as they fear going to the gym and worry they will look stupid since they don’t know what they’re doing.
Truth be told going into the gym is scary. There are plenty of factors one could worry about such as their physical appearance, lack of knowledge, going in alone, etc. However, the only one to tell you are nervous is yourself, just like you everyone else is going there for the same purpose of bettering themselves. While we all have different reasoning for what pushes us at the gym, creating the best version of ourselves is what were they’re to do!
Here are some tips to get you started in case you are fearing your next gym visit:
Bring a Friend
No one ever said going in the gym has to be a solo exercise in fact you’re much more likely to stay focused and push yourself harder when you have another holding you accountable. Having a friend is great, especially for those moments in between sets where you’re not sure what to do besides immersing yourself in your phone.
Don’t have a friend to bring? No worries! The gym is a great way to meet other people, while you make sure to follow general gym etiquette and not interrupt someone in the midst of their set. Find someone similar to you and strike up a conversation! Odds are they are thinking the same thoughts as you and are just as nervous. But what do I ask? Simple! Ask them if they know how to use a certain piece of equipment to show you, or what body area they are training for that idea. These are both great conversation starters as you can quickly find out who at the gym is in a similar boat as you!
Find a Gym Fit
Not knowing what to wear at the gym can be extremely stressful for people, but the wonder of the gym is it’s like going into finals week. Some may have casual dress on, others may be wearing a mickey mouse t-shirt, shorts from their 8th club basketball team, and some zebra Crocs. The point is the gym dress code is exactly what you make it! Find an outfit that makes you feel good about yourself first, next consider what type of workout you’re doing. For ladies, if you’re wearing leggings are they squat proof? Are you wearing a cut-off that’s too revealing? It’s always important to stay in line with your gym’s dress code however, these are all great questions to ask yourself before working out!
Feeling self-conscious? No worries! Bring a hoodie with, any form of a “pump cover” is a simple solution to keeping your body hidden more and provides for a great sweat!
Make a Playlist
Unless you feel so inclined to listen to a mix of Taylor Swift, ACDC, and Florida Georgia Line all in one sequence I strongly suggest making a workout playlist! Grab a pair of non-restricting headphones (wireless works great) and discover songs that get you locked in! My personal workout music is a series of different playlists, whether I’m there to toss around the weights with some upbeat rap, lift heavyweight with some intense heavy metal, or want a feel-good beat while doing cardio. Making playlists for your style of working out can bring you to the exact headspace you need for that day.
Struggling to find songs? Take advantage of Spotify’s premade workout playlists! If you ever need a quick change or something to toss on, these playlists are great and offer a playlist for almost every workout category!
Pro tip! If you’re a Spotify user make your playlist “enhanced” to find new songs along the way while listening to your regular workout playlist!
Hype Yourself Up
The last tip and arguably the most important is to hype yourself up! Be proud of what you’re doing to better yourself today! Your strongest competitor is yourself, but remember any workout is better than no workout. As long as you are being physically active and pushing yourself, you’ll always be beating the person on the couch who decided to stay home. Put on your favorite gym outfit, grab some headphones, bring a friend and get after it! The day is what you make it and the only person to stop you is yourself!