How to Build Confidence in the Gym

Coming into a new gym environment can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never done anything like it before. You may be unfamiliar with a lot of exercises, uncertain of your capabilities, or just nervous about starting a new fitness routine.

There are a number of things you can do to make the experience more comfortable, and start to improve your confidence in the gym. 

Introduce Yourself to the Coaches

If it’s your first time in a workout class, it’s very likely the trainer or coach for the class will introduce themselves to you, and take a minute to get to know you. The coaches are there to help you learn the exercises and work towards your fitness goals, so don’t be shy in approaching them, asking questions, and getting familiar with them! 

Additionally, at Solcana, we pride ourselves in a welcoming community of gym goers. Making a gym buddy in the classes you regularly attend can help you feel more comfortable in the space.

Ask for Help When You Need It

You are absolutely not expected to know everything – or anything – about different exercises or lifts before starting your fitness journey. Never feel embarrassed to ask questions, or ask for further coaching on certain movements. Asking for help is how you grow better in your form, which can help you feel more confident and comfortable in the lifts that you do. 

Set Goals, and Work to Achieve Them

Setting and accomplishing your goals can be a powerful way to boost your confidence. By achieving something challenging, you prove to yourself how capable you are. Setting goals that are difficult but achievable, and then working hard to accomplish those goals, can build your confidence in your abilities and can inspire you to continue to improve your skills.

Celebrate Your Wins

It’s important to recognize when you’ve done great work. Recognizing when you’ve grown in your skill or form can help you feel more confident in your capabilities as an athlete. Maybe you hit a new personal record in a certain lift, have done your first pushup, or feel less out of breath after a hard workout; recognizing your growth and celebrating that can greatly improve how you feel about yourself in the gym environment. 

Get started today!

Are you ready to start your strength training journey? Our trainers are ready to help you learn the foundations of weightlifting and meet your goals while staying safe and healthy. Our classes provide an opportunity to learn the basics in a small group setting, while our personal training allows you one-on-one time with a trainer to specifically train to your weight lifting goals.

Try our beginner program, (Em)Power Strength, designed specifically for folks new to weightlifting.