Regular exercise is an important part of a happy and healthy life, but it doesn’t come easily for everyone.
WHY SO SELF-CONSCIOUS?
Feeling self-conscious during a workout can get in the way of progress and can make some people want to avoid exercise completely. Let’s look at how to overcome this hurdle. Self-consciousness is a heightened awareness of how you might be viewed by others. It’s often linked to negative feelings about appearance or ability and is also tied up with how you see yourself.
Many people have a love-hate relationship with exercise; the sense of achievement and physical rush triggered by working out is its own reward, but it’s also common and understandable to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. This might even put people off trying in the first place.
FEAR OF LOOKING SILLY
The thought of group exercise classes or being picked last for a team at school sport can make even the most confident person break out in a cold sweat. Humans are hardwired to avoid risks that could prove dangerous and because of this have developed an in-built fear of looking silly. This can prevent people trying a new sport or exercise in the first place.
‘Will they laugh at my downward dog?’ or ‘Will they judge my tie-dye leggings?’ are just a couple of the questions that might go through many people’s minds. The trick here is to focus on yourself and how your body is working rather than other people, and there are things you can do to make this easier (see panels overleaf).
BECOMING MORE SELF-AWARE
Experiencing this heightened sense of self-awareness when trying something new is normal. Being self-aware is often a positive trait. It helps people fit in to society and maintain relationships, and can be a sign of emotional maturity. Taking responsibility for emotions – for example, feelings of regret after hurting someone or guilt following anger – is part of becoming a responsible and kind person. But when concern about others becomes excessive, it can have a negative effect on wellbeing by leading to low self-esteem and anxiety.
‘Anxiety levels can run high when starting exercise and that critical voice can be loud,’ says personal trainer Katie. ‘To help you feel more positive, wear workout clothes you feel comfortable in, choose an exercise you like doing, and ease yourself in gently. Start with a beginner class. Try gentle jogging or an off-peak gym session.’
While working out or playing sport can make everyone feel self-conscious at times, it’s important to remember that exercise ultimately makes you feel good. And if insecurities can be contained by focusing on the activity rather than other people, you’ll get stronger and more confident every day.
BREAK THE BARRIER
Check out these pointers for pushing self-consciousness aside:
Simply stroll
One of the best ways to get fit is simply walking. It requires no specific equipment and makes a great group activity. Walking improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens bones, and boosts muscle power.
Try a home workout
If the thought of a group class makes you feel anxious or intimidated, try an online session in the privacy of your own home. From yoga to high-intensity interval training, you can find thousands of live and on-demand classes on YouTube (check with a guardian that the instructor is qualified and the class is safe to follow).
Exercise with a friend
One of the easiest ways to boost confidence when exercising is to get fit with a friend. Working out together is fun and sociable, plus it helps boost motivation and encourages you both to work harder.
Sample all sports
There are many ways to exercise – from running, Pilates, netball,and rugby league, to more unusual options like fencing, water polo, and parkour.
Not everything will work, but trying out a variety of sports and exercise classes will help you find one that’s right for you.
Keep your eyes on the prize
It’s all too easy to lose focus on the end goal of exercise – so identify your reason for working out and hold that firmly in mind. Maybe you want to feel stronger, improve your stamina, or support your mental health and wellbeing. Have a plan, write it down, and reread it before each exercise session.
FIVE TIPS TO TOP UP YOUR CONFIDENCE
- Adopt a power pose. Attitude is everything. Standing with your feet apart, hands on hips, and your head up immediately boosts self-confidence.
- Plan your workout. Whether it’s conquering a three-kilometre run without stopping or doing a handstand, set a target of what you want to achieve from your workout routine.
- Have a theme song. Music is a natural mood-lifter. Have a go-to tune or playlist that boosts your confidence every time you exercise.
- Fake it until you make it. Confidence is catching. If you feel good in your gear, talk the right talk, and smile, then half the battle is won.
- Let go of perfection. Exercise should be fun. Forget aiming to get everything perfect and live in the moment, whether it’s balancing in a new yoga pose or playing beach volleyball for the first time.
