3 Ways to feel confident
In The Gym
I understand that the gym can be a very scary place. I refused to join a gym for at least a year into my fitness journey. Simply because I was too intimidated that I would look stupid going there. It wasn’t until I realized that I had hit a limit on the things I could accomplish from just running. I also was getting annoyed when I couldn’t run outside because it was either raining or too cold. So I needed an alternative. My first gym experience was at a YMCA. I have mentioned this before, I joined with the intention of only running. But quickly realized I wanted to try other things because I wanted to get stronger, not just faster. So I did a lot of research on machines, dumbbells, etc to figure out what was best for me. It took me a LONG time to feel confident going to these areas despite all of my research.
Here are 3 ways to feel confident (if you’re new to the gym):
Set up a new member orientation with a trainer. These orientation sessions are designed to help you get better acquainted with the gym equipment. They SHOULD be completely free to you as the member. This will help you get a better understanding of how each piece of equipment works so you can feel comfortable using them.
Find a Gym Buddy. Join a gym that you know at least one person there. This should be someone that you have had regular conversations with. Don’t join the same gym as Nancy, from accounting, when you work in marketing and don’t ever talk to Nancy. Join the gym with someone that you feel comfortable enough to ask questions to. They will also serve as a resource for you in the gym when you are unsure. They might also be willing to be an accountability partner to you while you are getting started.
Hire a Professional. When the two options above may not be available. Your next best choice is to hire a personal trainer for at least a month to get you started in learning different aspects of the gym. You can lay all of this out to the trainer when you first hire them as well so they are aware of how to best prep your sessions.
Now picking the right trainer will have to be a topic for another day. But I hope that these 3 ways give you the confidence to finally join the gym to reach your goals.
Learn from my mistakes. Take these 3 ways so you can feel confident way sooner than I did. Don’t let yourself get in the way of reaching your goals.
