Gym insecurity is that feeling of self-consciousness and uncomfortableness that comes with being in the gym, especially as a newcomer. It can be very intimidating being surrounded by a room full of fit people, and it’s actually quite a common situation.
“This is weird. I look awkward. I don’t even know how to use any of these machines.”
“Everybody is staring at me.”
“That was the machine I was planning on using – what should I do now?”
That self-doubting voice in your head can be your worst enemy. Don’t let it win.
Gym insecurity can be tough to deal with, but it shouldn’t hold you back from going and getting some exercising in. Here are five tips to overcome gym insecurity and be more confident at the gym.
- FOCUS ON yourself
-
Everyone at the gym is there for their own personal reasons. It can be so they can better their physical health, help with their mental or simply move some weight after a hard day. Everyone is too focused on themselves and their own gym journey to be concerned with yours. Put your headphones in, blast your music and focus on your workout. Maybe wait until you’re in the parking lot to text back that friend and get rid of any other distractions. Who cares what everybody else is doing? This is a time to concentrate on yourself, and you may feel more confident with this mindset. Remind yourself that you’re at the gym for YOU and nobody else.
- Set some goals and keep them in mind
-
Set a goal to go to the gym at least three times a week. Set a goal to be able to run “X” number of miles by the end of the month. Set a goal to squat “X” pounds for 10 reps in three months. Whatever the goal is, constantly remind yourself of it. Remember your “why.” Fitness goals can help you stay disciplined and help you remember that the reason you’re in the gym is valid.
- Don’t compare yourself
-
At one point, everyone was a beginner in the gym. They fumbled with a specific machine because they had no idea how to use it. They turned their brightness all the way down on their phone, so they could look up how-to videos about exercises. It’s okay to be brand new or inexperienced. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to be a beginner, and don’t avoid trying new things out of fear of looking “stupid.” Think of starting new to the gym as a learning experience, and it’s unfair to you to ever compare yourself with other people. Everybody’s gym journey looks different. Remember that everyone starts somewhere.
- Plan Your workout beforehand
-
Having a plan before you go into the gym can really help calm some nerves about being unprepared or feeling like you’re just wandering around. You can write a workout plan in your notes or save some Instagram workouts from your favorite fitness influencers to look at later. Planning your workout beforehand will not only help you feel more confident and prepared–it will help you hold yourself accountable for what you said you were going to do and get it done.
- Still anxious? Go during slower times
-
If you don’t want to be around a lot of people, the absolute worse time to go to the gym is from 5:00-8:00 p.m. This is the time when everybody’s just getting off work. If you want a less crowded gym, shoot for afternoons, late nights or Sunday’s which is the universal rest day for a lot of gym-goers.