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sports bra // leggings // sneakers // phone case // necklace
Welcome Back Cuties!
Throughout the years, I’ve talked a lot about my tips and tricks to help you all reach your fitness/health goals but I realized as of recently that I’ve never really talked to ya’ll about the actual gym itself. Recently, I read a similar blog post centered around the same subject and as I was reading it, I couldn’t help but think “wow, this person has no idea what they are talking about“, which sounds bad but it is what really prompted me to write this post. Unlike others, I have first hand, personal experience on the subject. I know what it’s like to be a “true beginner” and what it’s like to not feel comfortable in your own skin.
If you’re someone who’s not super familiar with the gym, then you know that even the thought of the gym can be absolutely terrifying! It can be super overwhelming and discouraging all at the same time. Trust me, I know exactly how the gym makes you feel – but I promise these tips will help!
They worked for me and will work for you too.
How To Feel More Comfortable at the Gym
(1) Go to a Smaller/Less Well-known gym
I’ve said this a million times to you guys and it’s from my own personal experience. I truly believe that at the beginning of my fitness journey, if I would have joined a super fancy gym or one that everyone in my high school went to at the time, I don’t know if I would have stuck with it…
I was really insecure and scared to walk into the gym at first but starting out at a smaller/less well-known gym allowed me to get comfortable without feeling judged. I was able to create a routine, figure out how to use the equipment without feeling like everybody was looking at me, not feel judged and was overall just able to concentrate on my goals.
(2) Do your research and have a plan before going in!
That way, you’re not just walking into the situation blindly. Decide before going in what you’ll be doing that day. For example: Walk in knowing what you want to do first. Whether it’s walking on the treadmill to warm up or heading straight to the mat to stretch a little bit. If you walk in with no plans, you’ll feel overwhelmed immediately.
If weight training is what you’re wanting to get into, but don’t know where to start, I highly recommend:
- Kayla Itsines Sweat App
- Linn Lowes on the Fitt App
Just make sure that the apps are downloaded before you get to the gym and that you have given yourself enough time to look over the workouts you’ll be doing, the equipment required and the flow of workouts!
(3) Create somewhat of a routine and stick to it for a few weeks until you really start to feel comfortable.
Forming a routine will help you feel less anxious and more confident when going to the gym. You’ll find peace in knowing that every time you go in, you’ll know exactly what you’ll be doing for that day.
When I first started working out – my routine looked something like this:
- A 2-minute walk followed by a 1-mile run (no stopping) to warm up.
- 15 minutes of abs and stretching.
- 30 minutes of full bodyweight training and machines
At this time I had no idea what I was doing, there were no apps to follow and I just had to learn as I went…So even though I wasn’t an “expert” in the gym, sticking to this simple routine helped me gain confidence and helped me lose my first 20 lbs in a year.
Now, my routine looks something like this:
Monday = Legs; Tuesday = Chest and Tricep; Wednesday = Cardio; Thursday = Pilates; Friday = Back and Shoulders; Saturday = Cardio
- A 10-minute walk/run on the treadmill. I’ll usually walk during the slow part of the song and run during the chorus.
- 30-40 minutes of weight training.
- 15 minute Stair Stepper at a steady but faster pace.
- 10 minutes of core and stretching.
(4) Wear clothes that fit right and make you feel good.
Trust me, this is so important. Not because I’m like “omg buy these clothes” but because your clothes can really make or break your workout. Take this from personal experience. If you don’t have the right gear or if your clothes don’t fit correctly, you’ll spend your whole workout worrying about them, messing with them and feeling self-conscious… you’ll be doing everything besides focusing on your workout.
I’ll add my favorites below, but a few must-haves:
- Head Phones that won’t fall out.
- Leggings that Fit (fit is SO important ya’ll!)
- Reliable Hair Ties
- Supportive Sports Bra
- Comfortable/Lightweight Shoes
(5) Take a deep breath and walk in with confidence.
When you walk in, feel comfort in the fact that there’s a very strong chance that nobody will even notice that you’re there. I’m telling you, majority of the people in the gym are far too self-absorbed and worried about themselves to focus on you 😉
This isn’t to sound harsh or mean but as I mentioned above, to give you comfort! No one (and I mean no one) will be staring at you, critiquing every little move or mistake you make. So hold your head up high, walk in with confidence and feel proud of the step you are making in your life.
Favorite Workout Gear
I hope really hope you guys enjoyed these tips!
xo,
Lauren
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I’m one of those beginners. I’ve been going for 3 months and I STILL don’t have a routine! I really need to sit myself down and work on a game plan as so. Thanks for that tip!!
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