Tips For Getting Into The Gym Routine When You're Feeling Self-Conscious

Posted on: 11 March 2016

It's no secret that getting into shape is important for your health. But when it's been years since you've set foot in the gym and you're self-conscious about your body, the prospect of pulling on your workout clothes and lifting weights in front of everyone can be intimidating. Worries of people staring at you or of embarrassing yourself in front of others can keep you from ever beginning the fitness regimen you so desperately need to start. Here's the truth: you need to get out there and start working out in order to feel better about yourself. It's going to be uncomfortable (physically and mentally) at first, but with these tips, you'll have an easier time putting self-consciousness behind you and hitting the gym.

Tip #1: Choose a private gym instead of a big, commercial one.

Big commercial gyms look intimidating. They have a very clinical feel to them, and the rows after rows of equipment they contain can make your head spin. Small, private gyms, on the other hand, are a lot more welcoming and less intimidating to the self-conscious gym-goer. There will be fewer people watching you, so you can relax and focus on your workout. Private gyms are generally well stocked with the equipment you need, but not loaded with row after row of gimmicky contraptions you can't figure out.

Tip #2: Schedule a session with a personal trainer.

The prospect of having someone close to your body when you're getting your sweat on might be scary, but you'll save yourself so much stress in the long-run if you have even just a session or two with a personal trainer when you're first starting out. He or she can show you some basic moves and ensure you're doing them with proper form, so you don't feel so unsure and embarrassed when you later do them on your own. Remember, your personal trainer's job is to help people like you get more fit. You have nothing to be embarrassed about. Your trainer won't be judging you, as he or she will be too busy figuring out how to help you reach your goals.

Tip #3: Find workout clothes you feel good in.

Don't just pull on any old set of sweats that makes you feel dowdy. Visit a sporting goods store, and try on athletic clothing until you find an outfit that makes you feel confident and attractive. You'll feel far more confident in the gym when you wear properly fitted, fashionable workout clothes -- and when you feel confident, you'll be driven to push yourself to the next level in your workouts.

Tip #4: Don't be afraid to start off slow.

If even the mere idea of setting foot in the gym intimidates you, then make that your only goal for the first day. Just head to the gym, walk around looking at the equipment, and then leave. Just going there will boost your confidence when you realize nothing bad will happen. Make your goal for the next day to show up and walk on the treadmill for 10 minutes. The day after that, walk for 10 minutes and try 1 other machine. Keep building until you're getting in a full 30 - 60 minute workout. Your confidence will grow as your waistline shrinks.

Tip #5: Bring your own music.

Most gyms play music and have televisions, but if you really want to get lost in your own world and not focus on the people around you, bring your own music on your phone or mp3 player. Throughout your workout, just think about your music and the moves you're doing. Don't let yourself get drawn into worrying about the other people around you and what they might be thinking. When you put headphones on, it's so much easier to stay in your own little world like this.

Setting foot in a gym when you're overweight or self-conscious about your body is intimidating. However, once you use these tips to make going to the gym a more comfortable habit, you'll leave that fear behind -- along with your extra pounds.

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