Search Weight Loss Topics:

Home » Fitness » Tips to gain confidence at the fitness club – Foster’s Daily Democrat

By Melissa EricksonMore Content Now

Gym-timidation is a real thing. If you're not comfortable and confident, it can be hard to walk through the door to the fitness club. It affects both fitness novices and experienced pros who are new to a class or a complicated machine.

If you're struggling, you're not alone. Rachel Prairie, live programming coach at Anytime Fitness, offers some advice on how to overcome gym anxiety and gain the confidence to get fit.

How to start

"There are many gyms, and like choosing a hotel or restaurant, the options can be overwhelming. You know you need to make your health a priority, but how do you possibly choose?" Prairie said. "Joining a friend's or family member's gym may be just the push you need to get started (because we all know it's a little easier to get your butt there when you're accountable to someone else), but there are a handful of other important things to keep in mind."

Consider this your trusty checklist so you can feel confident and comfortable when you shop for a gym.

1. Is it near your home or office? Convenience is king.

2. Is it open when you want to go? Much like convenience of location, if you can't access the gym at a time that is conducive to your schedule, it will be hard to stick to a routine.

3. Would you feel comfortable around the people? Choose a gym that is welcoming and full of people just like you.

5. Do you have enough support? You're not just looking at the gym-goers. Consider the staff and other resources as well.

6. Does it offer the equipment and amenities you want?

7. Is it clean? Be sure to visit during high-traffic times and see how the gym looks.

8. Does it fit into your budget? It's what most newbies consider first, but it's one of many considerations.

Confidence will come

"When you join a gym, don't think twice about what other people are thinking. Just walk in with an open mind. I hope you realize that everyone is welcome there. If you see someone at the gym who deserves a compliment, don't be shy. You might just make their day," Prairie said.

Get fit gear

"There's really no right or wrong way to dress for the gym, formal wear aside, of course. Whether it's an oversized T-shirt and shorts or a color-coordinated outfit, you want your gym bag filled with options that are comfortable, flattering, flexible and make you feel good," Prairie said.

Here are some other things to think about when creating your ideal workout wardrobe:

1. Could you go for a walk in it?

"If you're just getting started on your fitness journey, you may have some reservations about the process. Wear something that you could see yourself walking down the street in comfortably," she said.

2. How many days a week are you working out?

"I work out five days a week, which means I have five great workout ensembles (top, pants/shorts, sports bra, socks, etc.) to last me until the next wash cycle," Prairie said.

3. Make sure you like what you're wearing.

"You'll read articles about the proper material to wear or what pants work the best. Bottom line: If you don't feel comfortable in your clothes, you won't want to leave the house, let alone walk into the gym. Choose clothes that are lightweight, made of breathable material and aren't too far outside of your comfort zone," she said.

4. Protect your feet.

"This may seem obvious, but choose shoes based on the kind of exercise you're doing. It's important for form, comfort and injury prevention. For instance, you wouldn't wear a hiking shoe to walk on a treadmill. Don't be afraid to ask for help when choosing a shoe. And pick something that fits your personality, which will make them even easier to wear," Prairie said.

Fitness may be hard, but the journey is worth it.

"Gather things that inspire and motivate you like success stories," Prairie said.

Link:
Tips to gain confidence at the fitness club - Foster's Daily Democrat

Your Full Name
Your Email
Your Phone Number
Select your age (30+ only)	30313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172737475767778798081828384858687888990919293949596979899100101102103104105106107108109110111112113114115116117118119120
Select Your US State	Select Your StateAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWashington,DCWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
Program Choice	Select Your ProgramInjectable HGHInjectable TestoteroneInjectable SermorelinInjectable Weight LossInjectable HCG DietInjectable Vitamins
Confirm over 30 years old	Yes
Confirm that you resident in USA	Yes
This is a Serious Inquiry	Yes
Message:

Home » Fitness » Tips to gain confidence at the fitness club – Foster’s Daily Democrat