I wanted to elaborate a little further on how to become more comfortable in the gym environment.

I have been in the gym for years, and I do love it, I'm very comfortable there, but I know it can be a place that can make many women uncomfortable…. men too. That's how it feels at first, but it does get easier.

I've put in the reps over the years, as you know I have been lifting for over 10 years now. I know a thing or two about the gym!

I didn't know what to do at first when I first set foot in my College Fitness Center. I was curious though, which lit the fire about Lifting of The Things.

With education, implementation, and a whole lot of practice, putting in the reps, I eventually started to get comfortable in the gym. I wasn't necessarily nervous or intimidated about going; I was more concerned with how I looked and if I was doing the exercises correctly. I got over how I looked because I was there for me, for my health, for my fitness and no one else. So, I kept going - reps, reps, and more reps!

This brings me to how to get and feel comfortable in the gym…. that's if, of course, you have interest in training in the gym!

One, I want you to know you belong! You're welcome always, you can be there, and you can take up all the space! It warms my heart so much when I see other women getting it in at the gym.

Do not worry about what others think. I know that's harder said than done, but what others think of us is not our business. AmIright?! So go forth, go to that gym, and get your Lift on!

So, seek out several gyms in your area, check them out. Go and get a week or a two-week pass. Ask for a tour of the gyms that you choose. You'll get a vibe and feel of the gym from the minute that you walk in the door - make a mental note so that you can weigh the pros and cons of each!

Familiarize yourself with the gym. Go at different times of the day - see how it is in the morning, the peak times, evening, etc. Ask lots of questions about the gym!

Ask a trainer to show where everything is and how to use the various pieces of equipment or even hire them for a session or two.

Attend some classes to meet other people. Look to see if they hold events or workshops and go to them.

The gym really can be an excellent environment for support, accountability, and motivation.

Secondly, go to the gym with a plan. Know what you're training that day. Sometimes, I see ladies just walking around willy-nilly like - they'll do 1 set of leg press, 1 set of something, etc... They look completely lost. Get a training log and put your workout in the book, then you'll be able to track your lifts and of course, remember what your training for the day!

Know what you're training, stay focused, throw on some headphones and get it in my friend.

And again, don't worry about what others are thinking or if they are staring at you. I can assure you that they are too consumed with themselves. Next time you're in the gym while resting from a set, take a look around, and you'll see what I'm talking about.

That's it my Strong Beautiful Frand! You belong, you can go to the gym if you like, and walk in there like a Queen, because you are!

Hit reply if you have any questions about going to the gym or how to get started with Strength Training!

Have a beautiful weekend!

In Strength,

Xo

Candace

P.S. Have you joined Sisters In Strength yet? - I would love for you to join myself and other badass women kicking the diet mentality to the curb over in My FREE Facebook Community - Sisters In Strength! It's a community for women who are tired of the extremes, the quick fixes and all the cray cray diet culture. We Lift The Things and want to do things that are Sane, Simple, and Sustainable with our Fitness, Nutrition, and Health!