I’ve heard it many times. People say they are so intimidated by hard bodied trainers or other fit gym goers that they have a hard time motivating themselves to go to the gym and work out. We live in a very image oriented world and it can be a little tough to work out on the gym floor or change in the locker room with fit people all around you and you think they are all looking at your rolls in disgust.
My advice is… Get over it! Really! It’s not about them. It’s about you. You belong there just as much as they do. You have different goals and you can only achieve them if you stop comparing yourself to others. Only compare yourself to yourself. Track your progress and reward yourself for all your mini successes along the way.
The truth is, even super fit people get self conscious. They compare themselves to other fit people and sometimes feel inadequate. It’s a never ending cycle. There’s always someone better than you. Someone stronger than you. Someone with more ripped abs than you. Stop the insanity! Work on yourself. You can still learn from your fellow gym goers or trainers and not compare yourself to them.
If you are new to working out and need a little jump start in your workout routine and you just can’t bring yourself to the gym to start from zero, use warmer months to work out outdoors. Go for a walk or jog, use playgrounds or benches to do some calisthenics. Being consistent is key. Once you’ve been doing it for a while, it will give you a little confidence boost to continue on at the gym when the temperatures cool. Utilize their free first sessions with the trainers to get you started and don’t look back. More importantly, don’t look around! It doesn’t matter who else is there working out. This is about your health and your life and no one can give it to you but you!