How to Build Confidence in the Gym

New to the gym? Looking to re-boost your confidence? In this post I share 10 of my best tips to help you feel more confident in the gym!

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Going to the gym when you don’t have much experience or are just starting out can be scary and intimidating. When I first started working out in the weights section, I was constantly paranoid that people were looking at me and judging me. Slowly, I started building my confidence in the gym, and I wanted to share with you exactly how I did it.

1. Go with a friend.

When I first started working out in the weights section, I was lucky enough to have a friend show me what to do. We worked out together until I felt ready to do a workout on my own. In my opinion, going with a friend who knows their way around the gym is probably one of the best ways to start out. Not only will you learn how to do certain exercises, but you will also observe how confident they are in the gym and realize there is no reason to be afraid.

2. Watch videos.

I highly recommend watching videos of other people working out on Youtube and Instagram. Videos are a great way to learn how to structure a workout, get new exercise ideas, and improve your form. On Instagram, I like to save videos to specific folders so that I can quickly go back to them at the gym. These are just some of the folders I use to organize workouts I find on Instagram!

3. Make a plan.

Once you have done your research and have found some exercises that you want to try on your own, write them down! If you go to the gym with a plan, you will feel more confident and prepared. If you don’t go with a plan, you’re just going to add to your stress and waste time. Your plan should also include how many times a week you want to go to the gym, and at what time.

4. Ask for help.

I still remember the first time I asked a stranger for help at the gym. I was planning on using the squat rack to do some squats, but the bar wasn’t at the proper height. I had to take the bar off the rack to adjust the height and knew I wouldn’t be able to lift it back up. Instead of freaking out and ditching the exercise, I went over to a guy working out nearby and asked him to lift the bar for me. I was pretty embarrassed, but I realized he didn’t care and was happy to help. This leads me to my next point!

5. Nobody cares!

Nobody is watching you in the gym and nobody is judging you. Absolutely nobody. Most people who go to the gym do it because they like the atmosphere; they like being surrounded by other motivated people. Personally, if I notice someone who looks like they might just be starting out, I feel inspired, and I feel happy for them. Everyone was a beginner at some point.

Also, if someone is staring at you, they are probably staring because they like what they see or are interested in the type of workout you are doing (see #8).

6. Schedule a session with a personal trainer.

If you don’t have any friends you could tag along with, try booking a session with a personal trainer. They will usually ask you what your goals are and what type of exercises you want to do, and here you can share with them what about the gym scares you and what you would like to learn.

7. Be kind to yourself.

Like I said, everyone was a beginner at some point. Don’t beat yourself up just because you aren’t getting it the first time around. It will take some time to build up confidence and start seeing results. It’s a process, and you shouldn’t give up. The only way you can fail is if you don’t try!

8. Pay attention to the workouts other people are doing.

This is kind of counterintuitive to #5 but hear me out. I don’t mean stare at someone while they are working out, but if you admire their physique and notice their confidence, take a mental note of the kinds of exercises they are doing. You can incorporate them into your next workout and watch how to perform them properly.

9. Start light!

Do not sacrifice your form for more weight!

Don’t let your ego get in the way of your workouts. Start light and add weight only when you can perfectly execute the exercise for 10-12 reps at the weight you’re currently starting out at. Also, it’s perfectly okay if you start out with just bodyweight.

10. Wear an outfit you feel confident in.

Nothing else gives me a boost of energy and confidence in the gym like a cute outfit does. Invest in some high-quality pieces to give you that extra confidence when you need it. Plus, money is a powerful motivator. If you’re spending money on a gym outfit, you’ll be motivated to actually get yourself to the gym and wear the outfit!

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I hope these tips help you feel more confident the next time you step into the gym! As always, if you ever have any questions, please reach out!

Stay glowing,

Julia