Going to the gym for the first time can be daunting for lots of people, but there are many ways to combat this stress and build your confidence.
1. Book some sessions with a personal trainer. It can feel overwhelming to step into a gym and not know how different machines operate or what to do. Having some sessions with a personal trainer can help you find exercise you enjoy doing that you can do alone, as well as make you more comfortable when using the machines on the gym floor. Having someone who can personalise and vary your workouts will help you achieve your specific goals, and they can adapt your program to suit you as your needs change. It is also important to make sure you are doing exercises with the correct form to avoid injury. At Sound Mind and Body there is a team of experienced professionals who can help you start your fitness journey at your own pace and level.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Everyone has been in your position when trying out the gym for the first time before and would be more than happy to help you out if you were struggling to adjust a machine or needed help repacking a weight. Other gym goers might even have tips and advice for you that they have learned from their experience at the gym. Asking for help will also make you seem more approachable for help by other people, contributing to the inclusive atmosphere Sound Mind and Body strives for.
3. Join groups and classes to meet new people. This is a great way to socialise in the gym and find people with similar interests to you. Classes are timetabled during the week, so it can be a great way to establish a workout routine. If you’re feeling anxious about working out alone, joining a class can be a great way to exercise in a more supportive environment. Attending a class is a great way to step out of your comfort zone and find something new you might enjoy. At Sound Mind and Body, classes are diverse and instructed by professionals for people of all abilities.
4. Be consistent. Regularly going to the gym will help you make progress and establish routine quicker, making it become a habit of your lifestyle. This will boost your confidence and improve your discipline and time management. Consistently exercising can have lots of positive effects on mental health and mood, helping to reduce stress. Sound Mind and Body is open 6am to 9pm every day, allowing you to come to the gym at a time that suits you any day of the week.
5. Set achievable goals. This will keep you motivated and give you targets to aim for, as well as allowing you to measure your improvement. This will allow you to assess your progress and adjust your program where needed. It is also good to have milestones to help motivate you to continue exercising and provide mood boosts. Goals can also give you direction and help you structure your workouts according to what you want to get out of your sessions.
6. Get some good workout gear. Wearing something you feel comfortable and confident in will help you translate that feeling into your body language and how you carry yourself, stopping you from feeling self-conscious. Good workout gear should not restrict your range of movement, but rather improve your performance in the gym and help you feel like you fit in to the gym environment. At Sound Mind and Body you can use the changing rooms equipped with anything you might need, so you can arrive at the gym as you are.
7. Make a playlist. Playing music you like through your headphones can put you in a good mood and make you feel more comfortable when you exercise. Uplifting music you enjoy will boost your mood and motivation as well as distract you from fatigue, improving your performance. Blocking out the background noise around you can also help you focus on your workout and not worry about feeling self-conscious in the gym.
8. Go with a friend. It always seems easier if you go with a friend. Whether that’s a friend who already goes to a gym or someone who also wants to start training, a family member or a neighbour. That first step is always the hardest, but we all start at the same place and we will give you all the support you need once you walk through the door.
9. Go to a friendly gym. Most gyms are friendly once you start going, but to start with they can feel intimidating, cliquey, and unwelcoming. Sound mind and Body may not be convenient for you, close to you, be the gym your friends are at or have all of the equipment you want, but we are friendly, welcoming and we will get you so confident and comfortable in a gym you’ll be able to walk into any gym and know you are doing what’s best for you well.
Even if we’re not the gym for you come and have a chat and we can point you in the right direction.
