Try it Till You Find It: Finding Confidence to Try New Fitness Classes on Campus

Your Biggest Fear…

Here you are, looking in the mirror at your athletic set; you are ready and excited. You tie up your hair and walk to the studio with confidence and your head held high. You arrive and swing open the door, only for your heart to drop. Everyone is laughing and talking to their friends, and they all stop to look at you in confusion. 

“What is she doing here? You can hear them thinking. 

Suddenly you feel too fat in your new outfit, unqualified to be here and all alone. 

Then you wake up.

If this is a nightmare you have experienced, then I am here to tell you: you are not alone. Going to workout classes can be intimidating, especially by yourself and when you are trying a new class for the first time. 

What if I Hate It?

If you are trying out new classes, there is a chance you might hate one or two that you try out. Unfortunately, that is the case with anything new. There is a place for everyone, and it can be intimidating trying to find the place where you feel you fit best. 

Don’t give up! Even if you hate forty-nine of them, the fiftieth might be your perfect fit, and the thing you were dreading most becomes the highlight of your week!

You don’t have to wait until you’re 100% confident before you try something: the confidence will come as you continue to try new things.

You’ll never know unless you try.

I encourage you to go and pick the classes that appeal to you first and then go and just try it! You will never be the only person there who is inexperienced or there for the first time, and you might end up having a blast and going every week.

How Many Fitness Classes are There Anyways?

GCU offers over fifty fitness classes ranging from barre to boxing and everything in between. 

They have something for everyone, and that includes you too. 

Love to dance? Good news! They have dance classes where they teach you new dances, and there are even levels of classes so you can feel out where you might belong. Love cardio? They have spin classes which are very inclusive and upbeat and geared toward the cardio lovers. 

Confidence is Key

Have you ever heard the expression “fake it till you make it?” Well, in this case, just try it till you find it. Give yourself permission to have the confidence walking into rooms with people you don’t know and activities you’ve never done because in the end if you don’t like it that’s just one more down to finding your dream class. 

Connecting with the instructors and the people there is also a great way to boost your confidence and help you enjoy a class even if you don’t necessarily love the exercises. 

 If all else fails, remember the fitness classes are here on campus, so why not take advantage?

Let yourself find your confidence along the way, but it all begins with the first step. 

• college
• fitness