How to Increase Your Confidence at the Gym

Stepping foot in a gym can be incredibly intimidating, let alone getting sweaty and flustered, feeling inadequate next to GI Jane or terrified of the bro room. We are here to help you.

You should feel confident to strut into the gym and lift those weights, regardless of how heavy they are. We want you to grab the bull by the horns and kick ass in your workouts.

Here’s how:

Research Your Workout

Starting out with a new regime can be confusing, especially if you’re not quite sure what the machines do and how hard you should be pushing yourself.

To avoid using a machine incorrectly – and maybe hurting yourself and your ego – we recommend taking some time to thoroughly research the machines and what they can do for you. This will help you maximise your workout and be more efficient with your time – plus there’s nothing sweeter than walking in and owning your workout.

The same goes for if you’re following a new programme: read it through before you go and make sure you’re comfortable with the moves before diving in head first.

Know Your Body

Only you know the limitations of your body, but sometimes when we’re in full-on beast mode in the gym, it can be hard to hold back. Remember, sometimes less is more. You can’t rush in and lift your bodyweight if you’re new to weightlifting. If you want to be confident in your ability, it’s best to start small and build up. This is not only better to help you get more comfortable with the moves and equipment – it will help you build up your strength and minimise the chance of injury.

Have an Induction

Look, you may have used the gym before – heck, you may even consider yourself a bit of a gym bunny – but if you’ve never had a proper induction, why not get chatting to the instructors in your local gym and talk to them about a run-through on the machines you’ve not used before?

It’s half an hour of your time, which works out at about 2% of your day, and if you could save time in the long run and gain the knowledge and confidence you need to give something new a go yourself, it’s worth it.

Get to Know the Team at Your Gym

While you’re at it, get to know the instructors at your gym anyway, even if you’ve already had an induction. The friendlier you get with them, the more support they’ll give you. They can help you understand particular equipment and help you on your form – both of which can boost your confidence in the gym.

Listen to a Killer Workout Playlist

There’s something about a bit of gangster rap blaring down our headsets that really gets us revved up to slay our workouts.

If you haven’t already got an amazing playlist going, we highly recommend you get one. Having the right tunes in your head can help you to really focus on what you’re doing. Plus, a good Beyoncé song can help anyone feel confident.

Dress to Boost Your Confidence

If all else fails, sometimes you just have to dive in head first. So, grab the most colourful pair of workout leggings that Tikiboo offers and get to that gym. Opt for bold colours and patterns in materials that will fit and support you perfectly.

Take a look at our huge range of workout leggings, vests, sports bras and more, to look and feel your very best.

You’ve got to stand out to step forward.

Believe in Yourself

This might be the hardest one, but it really is time to believe in yourself. If you’ve planned your workout, researched the moves, had your induction at the space, dressed for your body type and used many other ways to improve your confidence, then all that’s left to do is take a deep breath and tell yourself, “You got this!”

Every single person in the gym has started from the beginning, just like you. And remember, whether you see an overweight person on the treadmill or a skinny person lifting weights, everyone has different goals and is starting from a different place. Channel good vibes and good vibes will come back to you.

Good luck and enjoy!

For more help and advice, check out our blog.