How to get past your fitness insecurities
Don’t let fitness insecurities stop you from reaping the benefits of a fit body and mind. Here are my tips on how to get past the biggest hurdle facing your fitness goals…you.
I’m now on Instagram, and while trawling through fitness mogul Sophie Guidolin’s feed, I read a comment from one of her followers that made me dip my head in sadness.
Sophie had asked her fans to share what their biggest deterrents to exercise were, and one fan had written:
“My own insecurities of being watched/stared at, of not being as fit/strong/toned/thin as the others around and being silently judged because of that. Not knowing how to safely do a particular exercise but being scared to ask for help to improve”
Sadly, there were more of these style comments around feeling silently judged and lacking confidence. It has fueled the need to write this helpful hack, as this is one deterrent that needs to be booted.
Here are five truths you need to know, if you can relate to those fitness insecurities:
1. Everyone starts off somewhere. It takes time to work your way up to becoming a strong, toned, fit machine. If you take this perspective, it changes the inward focus on yourself, to an external one centred on appreciation and gratitude. And know this: those super fit people have their off days too!
2. 9/10 times you’re not being judged. Most people in gyms/working out these days have a great attitude. Trust me, if they see you, they are giving you silent props and thumbs up for wanting to be fit and healthy. Yes, there will be that 1/10 who is judging (there’s always one in every bunch) but don’t sweat it. Literally. They’re not someone you’d want to waste time caring about what they think.
3. You deserve to be fit and healthy. Fitness, and the feel good endorphins that come from regular exercise, isn’t a monopoly that can only be owned, bottled and celebrated by a few. It’s for everyone.
4. There’s no shame in asking for help. You’ll get more kudos from those around you, as it shows you’re committed and you’ll get a lot of respect for it. Gym staff at the front counter can show you how to use a machine or how to exercise safely/use right technique. They want your membership $$ so put them to work! 😉 OR ask one of those super fit types. They’ll love the fact that you asked them for help; and they’ll become your number one fan and motivator.
5. Commit this mantra to memory: You don’t have to be fitter than the person next to you, just fitter than yourself the day before. You’re on your own fitness journey. Don’t forget that.
If you’ve got a great tip on how to banish fitness insecurities, do share. Just post in the comment box below – I’d love to hear it.
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Until next time,
Maryanne K
