Going to the gym can be intimidating. If you attend a public gym, like most people do, you’ll know what I mean. People of all different backgrounds, sizes, goals and mindsets. For someone who’s new the gym, it could easily be grounds for high nerves and overthinking. There are many ways for you to Ignore The Noise, and make yourself comfortable. Here are 3 ways I found worked for myself and my clients.
1. Headphones
Bring your own music and a set of headphones to help keep yourself focused. Gym music isn’t always the greatest and you simply can’t rely on a radio station to have music you like during your whole workout. Instead, come prepared with your own set of noise cancelling headphones to drown out the sounds. Pick some of your favourite songs, or download a new playlist to listen to while you focus on you.
2. Keep your head down
This one may be a little controversial, but it’s not meant to be negative. When you think about it, the distractions in a gym are plentiful. It’s easy to look up and see something or someone that may take away your focus from your workout. There’s nothing wrong with coming into a gym and keeping your eyes down while you hit every set with maximum effort. In fact, if I seen someone doing this, I would have nothing for respect for them. A lot of people come to the gym as a social visit. Although this isn’t abnormal, some people just want to enjoy their workout and be left alone. There’s always time to chat after the work is done.
3. Focus on your tempo
Putting your mind into your reps is quite beneficial. The reason you’re going to the gym is to make some serious progress, not to walk around aimlessly waiting for someone to chat with. Use your time wisely by honing in on your sets. Move through your reps slowly, with intent, and keep your mind muscle connection strong. By slowing down, squeezing hard and resisting slowly, you’re setting yourself up for an amazing workout. An example of great tempo would be a 2 second concentric into a 4 second eccentric motion (squeeze your muscles into a fully flexed position for 2 seconds, resist the weight as it returns to the starting position for 4 seconds).
Summary:
Blocking out the noise is a skill and may take time to perfect. The good news is you have excellent methods at your disposal. The above 3 tips have worked well for myself and my clients at NFormed Coaching. My clients have been able to change their mindsets in the gym from nervous to confident in a matter of days. They follow programs created specifically for them with tempos and exercises listed clearly. Check out our Online Coaching programs for your own plan designed uniquely for your goal.
Confidence comes from knowing what you’re doing. NFormed Coaching gives you exactly that.
