Building Confidence in the Gym For all Fitness Levels

Entering a gym can be intimidating for anyone, especially if you're new to fitness or have felt self-conscious about your abilities for any reason. Whether it’s your first day in the gym, or maybe your first day coming back after an injury; through personal experience and growth, I've discovered three essential practices that have significantly boosted my confidence in the gym.

1. Smiling at Other People and Being Friendly

This one may seem too simple to be true, but one of the most effective ways to feel more confident in any environment, including the gym, is to embrace your friendliness. Even though I am an outgoing person, I have sometimes found it difficult to be social at the gym. It wasn’t until others made attempts to be friendly with me that I fully understood what I had been missing out on. I soon found myself hoping that the people who I made connections with would be in the same classes I was attending because it was more fun than working out alone. Over time this strategy introduced me to some of my closest friends, and it allowed me to fold into the amazing FMFC community with ease.

It’s human nature to feel more at ease in environments that feel familiar, or with people who make you feel comfortable. Attempting to make a friend or two can change your entire outlook and give you the confidence (and bonus accountability) you may be lacking.

2. Being Coachable and Embracing the Learning Process

Everyone in the gym, regardless of their experience level, is continuously learning and growing. When I was newer I used to be self conscious if I made a mistake or needed to scale a movement. 
By shifting my perspective and viewing scales and opportunities to grow as gifts to help me get to my goals more efficiently, I began to embrace the process and the fact that mistakes are a part of the journey. This shift allowed me to slow down enough to correct my form, understand different workout techniques, appropriately scale, and ultimately progress in my fitness journey and career. It’s something I still struggle with from time to time, so even when we learn lessons, this is one we may need to constantly practice. It's okay to be a beginner and asking for help is a sign of strength rather than weakness.

3. Repetition of Doing Hard Things

Confidence is built through repetition and perseverance. Initially, I found certain exercises intimidating and would avoid them altogether. However, I realized that avoiding challenges ultimately hindered my growth and confidence.

By gradually increasing the difficulty level of scaled movements, I not only improved my physical capabilities but also developed mental resilience. Each time I conquered a challenging movement in a workout or achieved a new personal record, my confidence would increase. This reinforced the notion that progress is made through consistent effort and overcoming obstacles.

Becoming more confident in the gym is a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. By implementing simple practices such as smiling and being friendly, embracing the learning process, and challenging oneself with difficult exercises, anyone can cultivate confidence in their fitness journey.

Remember, confidence is not about being perfect or comparing yourself to others; it's about embracing personal growth and celebrating progress, no matter how small. With these strategies, I've not only transformed my gym experience but also empowered myself to tackle new challenges in other aspects of my life.

By: Jules Vansant