Saturday 4 March 2023
10 TIPS ON HOW TO FEEL CONFIDENT IN THE GYM
Confidence issues in the gym is something that affects most people, especially beginners. Whether you're an experienced gym goer joining a new gym, or a beginner just venturing in to their fitness journey, here's my honest 10 tips on how to feel confident in the gym.
Wear a gym outfit that makes you feel confident AND comfortable
When it comes to picking an outfit for your first day in the gym, opt for something that you feel comfortable and fab in! There's nothing worse than feeling too comfortable that you feel a bit slobbish or equally choosing an outfit that looks amazing but digs into your skin or keeps falling down. When looking for gym outfits, I usually shop at Gymshark, Adanola, Women's Best or Lulu Lemon.
Have a plan and stick to it
It's always a good idea to go in with a plan of exercises that you'd like to do in your gym session. This will prevent you from wandering around feeling a bit lost as to what to do. If you're new to the gym and don't know what equipment they have or if you don't know any exercises, I'd recommend doing a bit of research prior to going so that you can have a few exercises in mind as options. You could try and remember 3-4 bodyweight exercises for the worst case scenario where you can't get on any equipment; a few basic equipment movements such as leg extensions or chest flies; and some compound exercises such as squats and deadlifts.
Watch tutorials and do your research
Don't forget to take your phone in with you, that way if you're not sure on what to do and there's no one to ask, you can quickly google or YouTube it for a tutorial. There's so much brilliant fitness content out there now. Alternatively, I'd always suggest speaking to the gym team for help, they're literally employed to help and support you on your journey to meet your fitness goals. They'll always be happy that you asked!
Don't worry about everyone else
When I first joined the gym, I remember thinking EVERYONE was looking at me but guess what? They weren't. They were too busy getting on with their own workouts to be staring at me the whole time. Remember this when you next go in!
If you do catch someone looking, take it as a compliment or remember that (if they're anything like me) they're probably zoned out in between sets thinking about what they're doing next.
Listen to music, always!
Comparison is the thief of joy
Avoid peak times if you can
Go with a friend
Never be too shy to ask for help
Invest in a personal trainer if you can
Sunday 3 May 2020
How I Stay Fit and Motivated at Home
Morning Yoga
Practice Mindfulness
Workout at Home
This blog post was guest featured on The Avenue, Boux Avenue's blog platform, view it here.
Sunday 17 November 2019
How I Beat Gym De-motivation
Whatever your reason may be for missing out your workouts or for ghosting your exercise class, there's a number of ways that you can help yourself get back into working out and beat that gym de-motivation. Firstly, let's not go down the rabbit hole of feeling guilty for what we may have missed. Sometimes life, and even health, can get in the way. I'm a firm believer that you need to do what is best for your body at that moment in time, and you'll probably find that a little bit of rest is exactly what you need.
When I've previously had time off from the gym, I almost forget the feeling that it gives me. Even after just one session back in the weights room, I am instantly reminded of the unbeatable endorphins and the reasons why I started training in the first place. There is nothing like the feeling of pushing yourself to achieve, and actively taking part in something positive for you and your body. I always encourage others to think of the rewarding feelings post-workout, instead of the procrastination before starting one.
If you find yourself struggling to pick up the courage to walk into the gym alone, it may help you to try going to the gym with a friend, a family member, or your partner. Having the support of the other person, and also being encouraging to them in return, will help you realise that you're not alone if you're feeling self-conscious or worried. With the addition of a popular playlist, a busy gym will turn into the perfect activity for you and your new gym buddy.
Procrastination can be an absolute pain when you're trying to commit yourself to a time to get back into the gym. There's nothing like a signed and dated commitment when you're struggling to tie yourself down. Booking a group class or a session with your favourite personal trainer will make you far less likely to cancel last minute. If you cancel, you'll be letting others down as well as yourself, and if you're anything like me, that will feel awful enough to make you get going!
Lastly, my favourite tip of all. Give me any excuse to go shopping and I'll be there, it's time to update your gym wardrobe! There is such a thing as buying a new dress and feeling a surge in confidence once you put it on. Well, it works just the same for new activewear. Find something that you feel comfortable and confident in and you'll feel a lot more motivated to get your sweat on! In this post, I'm wearing figure shaping leggings that were kindly gifted from the new MyProtein Curve collection. A comfortable and stylish pair of gym leggings can be hard to find (especially if you're on a budget), but at £32 these are ideal. While available in four different colours, I chose the very on-trend sesame style. In a seamless design, the leggings optimise comfort and flatter the natural curve of your body. The thicker branded waistline is elasticated and super soft, providing a clever illusion of a smaller mid-section while covering the belly button for a high rise fit. With subtle two-tone shaping patterns that have been specifically placed, you can say hello to that bottom you've always wanted!
Shop the look
Saturday 7 September 2019
Exercise Fashion DOs & DON'Ts in the Gym
It's one thing getting yourself to the gym, but feeling confident inside the gym is something that comes with time (and maybe a killer gym outfit). When we dress in outfits that make us feel good about ourselves, we feel instantly lifted, often feeling more powerful and capable. It's no different with activewear.
I've gone through my fair share of gym leggings and sports bras to be able to advise what is worthwhile and what should be avoided. I have listed my top points to remember when shopping for new gym outfits below:
Always do a squat test
The most important point in this list - always, always do a squat test! What I mean by that is check, check, and triple check that your leggings are not see-through by bending over in front of a mirror. It is such a common problem and every girl's nightmare! Activewear materials can often thin and wear over time, so it's worth checking after washes too.
High waisted leggings are the most flattering
Comfortable and super flattering around the waist, high waisted fits are a personal favourite of mine - especially if I want to cover my lower belly!
Wear colours that you feel confident in
I'm all for expressing your individuality. Gone are the days when we only had black or navy gym clothes to choose from. There are so many gorgeous colours and prints available to us now, we may as well have fun with it! The gym is typically a male dominant environment and it can be daunting, but there is absolutely no reason why us girls can't wear what we want or train for ourselves in that environment too. Feel your best and train your best!
Get the support you need
Look for sports bras that have the necessary support for you. Bras typically range from unpadded to heavily padded, and everything in between. Be sure to consider this when shopping because your comfort should always be a priority.
Invest in quality, but stay reasonable
Personally, I avoid cheaper leggings because they're likely to either be see-through, wear easily, or tear during intense workouts. That being said, I don't believe that you need to purchase the most expensive option to have a high performing activewear outfit either. I often opt for leggings between the £30-40 mark.
A popular choice is seamless
Seamless has been very on trend this year in the activewear world. Flattering and comfortable, seamless designs can offer the practicality required from activewear without restricting or uncomfortable seams.
Avoid complicated designs
For sports bras, I always find that the less straps, the better. There is nothing worse than trying to peel off a multi-strap sports bra when your body is warm and sweaty. Complicated back strap designs often get twisted, and no activewear needs to be that complex!
Look for dry technology and stretching fabrics
An important practicality and design tip is to check the labels and descriptions of products. I always look out for the words "dry technology" because I know that the product should be absorbant and reduce showing any signs of sweat. Looking for mentions of how a fabric stretches also indicates its opaqueness, and its ability to stretch with you during workouts. No rips during the splits, please!
Sunday 18 August 2019
My Message To Gym Beginners | What To Avoid
So you're new to the gym and you're not quite sure what to expect or perhaps you're a little nervous? Don't worry, those feelings are perfectly normal and once you get into the swing of things, you'll soon be at ease and working out confidently.
I've been training consistently in weight training for around three years now. It has become an activity that allows me to push myself out of my comfort zone, work on myself for myself, and also keeps me sane in the most stressful of times. Like many, I didn't begin my gym journey confidently. I initially found the thought of going to the gym so intimidating. All through my childhood and teenage years, I passionately hated exercise - PE lessons and sports days were my unconfident teenage self's nightmare. If anything, I've proven to myself and to those around me that once you find a form of exercise that you like, you can keep at it and enjoy the process of improvement too.
You may want some reassurance before you sign up so I've put together a list of things that gym beginners should avoid at all costs.
Stretching is important
You may think of it as the boring part of working out, but try treating it like a mindfulness practice. You'll quickly learn how much it helps your mind AND body.
Don't mis-use machines
This can be dangerous and greatly increase your risk of injury. If you're ensure, ask someone to show you how to use the machine or ask a member of staff for a guide of the gym's machines.
Shop the look:
Activewear Leggings {gifted item}
Activewear Sports Bra {gifted item}
- use code EVIEROSELANE15 for 15% off
Sunday 30 June 2019
Are Gym Memberships Actually Worth It?
@evieroselane |