Building Confidence in the Gym

Building Confidence in the Gym

By: Abby Fulmar

If you have ever shown interest in trying out weightlifting, you have probably heard the common criticism that weights will make you appear bulky. Thanks to rumors such as these, many people, most commonly women, can feel overwhelmed, intimidated, and out of place while in such a male-dominated environment. This fear combined with the popular idea that there are forms of exercise created exclusively for men or women makes people feel limited in what they can achieve. Weightlifting can be a complex topic, but it can also be simple and gratifying if structured correctly. If you are looking to switch up your routine, here are a few tips and tricks to make you feel more comfortable and confident while lifting weights. 

While slightly materialistic, what you wear can have a direct connection to your mindset while in the gym. If you feel confident in how you look, you will be more confident in how you perform. Wear anything that makes you comfortable; that could range from a colorful biker short set to an oversized tee. If your outfit makes you feel a little more at home in the gym, you are less likely to fall victim to the specific anxieties of trying a new workout for the first time.  It is impossible to have an effective workout while constantly looking over your shoulder and worrying about how others might be perceiving and judging you. For anyone especially nervous, throw on a baseball cap or some noise-canceling headphones to make you feel less exposed and help you focus on the task in front of you. 

Your perfect workout routine is ultimately going to be a result of trial and error. But no matter where you are in your fitness journey, it is important to have a basic plan before you step into the gym. Organizing a routine will help you remain consistent and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the intensity of lifting weights. Do not feel pressured to have a structured split (like push-pull, etc.) – it will just overcomplicate things. Keep it simple by having basic arm and leg days and occasionally incorporating low impact cardio like walking or jogging. When it comes to structuring the actual workouts, having 2-3 compound, 1-2 unilateral, and 1-2 isolation movements is a good way to start. By focusing on both the bigger and smaller muscle groups you are able to cover all the bases evenly. While following a layout is key, the way to see continuous results is by implementing progressive overload. Make sure to slowly be increasing weight, reps, or sets every week or so. Your routine might start to seem a little boring or repetitive over time, but nothing happens overnight. If you give it time, you will see a substantial difference in not only your physical well-being but your overall mental state as well.

After you have a set workout plan, building confidence gets a bit easier. Although it can seem like people are judging your workout or physical abilities, most people are solely focused on their own workout. It is important to remember that the gym is a place where people go to improve and enhance themselves. There is a quiet understanding between everyone in the gym; if you think of the gym more as a community and less as a competitive environment, you will find that you will become much more secure in yourself and your performance. 

Weightlifting and exercising in general can be both nerve wracking and exciting. No matter if this form of exercise ends up working for you or not, remember that it is your journey and no one else's. Implement a few of these tips and give yourself a chance to see the results that are possible, both physically and mentally.

For more fashion, beauty, and lifestyle tips, keep reading Square Magazine and follow us on Instagram here.

Images belong to their respective owners.