If there’s one thing us, as girls, can be better at, it’s feeling more empowered walking through the gym. Why do we feel like we don’t belong in the weights section next to all the “buff dudes” ??
There is no answer to this question because we NEED to change this mentality.
If we all were to take some more time to reinforce positive self talk before, during and after the gym, it would make such a huge difference. You need to believe that you’re just as strong, if not stronger–mentally, physically, and emotionally–than most of the guys there.
There’s enough going on that women already worry about on a daily basis and the gym shouldn’t be something that adds to that list. It should be a place where you can get away from the world, a happy place, a place where you can PUSH YOURSELF and not have to even question that others care about what you’re doing or how you’re doing it.
Look, I get that training in a gym can be super intimidating for a lot of people, but just remember that you’re going for YOU and you only.
Here’s a few things to remember the next time you walk into a gym or maybe it’s your very first time going. Either way…
1. EVERYONE has started their fitness journey from the bottom and has been in your position.
2. If you’re extremely unfamiliar with equipment, machines, weights, etc., try going during “off hours” or non-peak times to take your own personal tour of the gym to browse what they have to offer and what equipment you might be into using. Maybe hire one of the personal trainers on staff for a day to help familiarize yourself with the equipment & show you how to use it. Take a few mental notes of the equipment / machines the gym has, go home and look up videos and “how-to’s” on the internet to get a better idea of the functionality of that piece of equipment.
3. The minute you walk into the gym you might fear everyones eyes are directly on you… good news is that everyone could probably care less and are most likely staring at themselves in the mirror (no judgement here!).
4. In the words of one of my favorite IGers, @sarahs_day, “Act confident and no one will question you.”
5. Challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone of only doing cardio equipment and try training with weights! Weight training can increase lean muscle mass, make you feel stronger & burn more calories. If this takes doing a structured workout program or fitness guide, great! Make sure it’s detailed in proper machine use, form and technique.
6. Bring a friend with you! Most things are much easier with a good support system.
xxRachael
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