We get it. Going to a new gym for the first time can be super intimidating – especially if you are also new to exercise.
Whether you prefer working out by yourself or in a class it can be a bit nerve racking if you’ve never done a certain exercise before, or if the demographic of your gym differs from your own – we’re talking super jacked gym bros or sleazy old men.
But none of this should stop you from getting your sweat on and feeling confident in your workout, so here are our tips for feeling comfortable in the gym.
Go With A Friend
BB Writer, Montana, says “Definitely have a friend to go with, it makes everything much less intimidating. Also, I find that if I have a plan of exactly what I want to do before, then I feel pretty comfortable because I can just get on with it and not think about my surroundings as much.”
Focus On YOU
BB Writer, Rebecca, says “Don’t focus on what people around you are doing as everyone has their own limits, no matter how hard, or how long you have trained for. I have been practicing yoga for more than 8 years now (and when I say practice, I mean at least 3 classes a week for 8 years – so a lot of yoga), and there are many positions I still can’t achieve and may never achieve. This is often a result of past injuries or my own body’s limitations. Accepting the fact that some poses may never be achieved means, I can accept the level of yoga I have reached within my own fitness level. This makes me feel comfortable in my fitness level and happy with what I can achieve, without focusing on what people are looking at around me.”
Wear Something You Feel Confident In
Whether it’s a cute matching sports bra and leggings, or a baggy t-shirt and shorts, it’s all about feeling comfortable. You don’t want to spend your whole workout pulling up your leggings or wondering if your thong is hanging out, so wear something that is no fuss.
If you’re looking for new activewear that you can feel GOOD about check out our favourite Sustainable Activewear Brands.
BB Writer, Elise, says “if you don’t feel super confident without makeup on, wear a waterproof mascara that won’t smudge when you sweat.” Check out our favourite sweat proof makeup here.
Find A Corner Or Wall
Some exercises (especially glute exercises) can look a bit funny to do. Hip thrusts, Romanian deadlifts and even squats, involve putting your bum out into some potentially compromising positions. BB Writer, Tara, says “my gym is very male dominant and while I am very friendly with a lot of the members, when I first started out I felt very uncomfortable with the idea of middle-aged men watching me thrusting my hips in booty shorts on the ground. Because I didn’t want this to stop me from growing my peach, I just moved the weights into a more private area of the gym where I felt more comfortable. Most of the time you don’t have to move far. Even some deadlift movements, just do them with your back facing a wall if you don’t feel like sticking your bum out in a crowded gym.”
