It’s Monday morning and I step into the weight room and look around. Once again, I am the only female here. I don’t mind, but I would love to be one of many women here crushing our strength workouts. Dare I say, I would love to even have more women here than the men some days?
I get it, I avoided the weight room for years. I had always learned the weight room was for “the men.” I hid in the back of the group exercise classes along with 20+ other women and I worked out in the comfort of my home where no one could see me. Always beelined to the cardio machines where I could blend in among the treadmills.
My fears held me back from stepping into the weight room for years. Fear of being judged, fear of not being strong enough. Fear of working out among the guys, fear of looking stupid, fear of not knowing what to do.
I wish I had worked past those fears sooner because once I did, the results I was always looking for finally came. Strength training helped me get stronger, leaner and build confidence I hadn’t had before.
If you’re ready to start working out in the weight room and feeling nervous – here’ a few tips on getting more comfortable:
- Ask a friend to go with you: There is strength in numbers and having a friend by your side will make it easier to conquer the weight room.
- Hire a trainer: Learn from the experts. Take the guesswork out of learning different exercises and using new machines.
- Go at less busy times to start: If you feel intimidated by larger crowds, start at less busy times. After dinner or weekend afternoons are usually quieter!
- Go with a plan: Know what exercises you’re going to do, how to do them and which machines to use.
- Go in with confidence: You deserve to be in the weight room just as much as the men do. Doesn’t matter if you’re newer to lifting, everyone starts somewhere.
- Ask for help if you need it: Not sure how to adjust a machine? Ask someone next to you. Need s spotter? Ask someone next to you. I promise they won’t bite!
- Shop around: Tour the local gyms around your area to find the right fit for you. Different gyms have different vibes and crowds. Find the one that makes you feel most comfortable.
- Make friends: If you workout at the same times every week, chances are you’ll start running into the same people. Don’t be afraid to say hi or start up a friendly conversation. They might be in the same shoes you’re in!
Time to put our fears aside and step into the weight room. See you there, ladies!
