“Yes I Can, Yes I Will”
Building Confidence in Your Fitness
Part 1
YES YOU CAN!
A lack of self-confidence is one of the biggest barriers I see in people who truly desire to feel in better shape and want to take care of their bodies. Taking the first step, whether you are starting up a routine, trying something new, or getting back into it, is tough, but necessary in starting to build your confidence.
Maybe you’re at your first spin class and you see the instructor riding fast out of the saddle and you think, “My legs are supposed to move that FAST?”…
Maybe you’re at a strength training class and the coach tells you to go jump on a box. You think “HELL to the NO”...
Maybe you’re a former athlete and you fear stepping foot back into the gym because you think you won’t perform like you did when you were in peak condition…
Maybe you haven’t stepped foot in a gym or even exercised in months, maybe years, and the challenge of getting back into it feels overwhelming…
We’ve all been there. Seriously, I have.
We’ve all experienced self-doubt about trying something new and not being able to do it. We've been disappointed in ourselves and feel like we had been in better shape in the past. We've been discouraged to get back on the saddle because we are just too hard on ourselves. These feelings are NORMAL and it’s OK.
Don’t let the comparison of your performance to others in a group class prevent you from exercising. Don’t let your memory of your former more-in-shape/skinnier/healthier/pre-baby, etc. self discourage you. Don’t let your fears overshadow those beautiful goals you set for yourself.
We all start somewhere. Repeat with me. We all must start somewhere. Forget about the past. Embrace the what the future holds for you and all the positive that will result from you investing in yourself.
So let’s frame our mindsets to build that self-confidence:
Recognize your fears.
It’s hard to sign up for a new experience. It’s hard to get back into it. But we can do hard things.
Accept your reality.
Your first class experience, or first workout, may make you realize that you’ve got some work to do. It may lead you to look at others in class and feel like you can’t keep up. You may feel insecure. Acknowledging and preparing for these feelings in advance will help you manage them in the moment.
Take it step by step.
Don’t worry about next week. Just sign up for your first class. Schedule your first workout. Taking it step by step will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.
Commit to it.
Show up. Put in the effort. Forget about your performance. Just do it. (Thanks Nike)
Remember…We all started somewhere.
You are exercising to create a stronger version of you. It doesn’t matter how you perform compared to others or to your former self. Let that go.
What matters is:
· You showed up.
· You put in effort.
· You accepted challenges along the way.
· You listened to your body.
And guess what? Now you’re a better and stronger version of YOU. Take one little win (or maybe a big one – you might surprise yourself!) from your workout that day and store it in your heart. Better yet, say it aloud. Scream it from the mountain tops! Pat yourself on the back and tell yourself, you’ll be ready to come back another day.
One day at a time. One class at a time. One rep at a time. Your effort and your commitment is what counts.
YOU GOT THIS.
xox
Kat
Coming up in part 2, are some of the things I do to stay positive when sh*t hits the fan. Busy schedules, pandemics (like wtf 2020), injuries and more can throw you off your routine, leaving you frustrated with yourself and the situation. Comment below if you want me to touch on anything specific related to this topic and I’ll be sure to cover it!