Confidence in physical activity

Confidence in the gym

“Gym confidence” is the level of assurance and comfort one experiences when in a gym setting. It includes feeling confident using equipment and training in front of others, as well as the belief one has in themselves to achieve their goals.

To build gym confidence, you can try:

Having a plan to follow: a training plan reduces the stress that’s involved with going to the gym, by giving you a clear structure to follow each time you train.
Finding an accountability buddy: arranging to go to the gym at the same time as a friend can make the experience more enjoyable, and having a familiar face can help make the experience less intimidating.
Investing in a personal trainer: a personal trainer can make the process of starting the gym easier. Speak to Ellen, Cameron or Ben for further information regarding Personal Training at LJMU Sport.
Educating yourself: the saying ‘knowledge is power’ rings true when it comes to the gym. Each of the machines here at LJMU are manufactured by Technogym and have a QR on them to take you to a video of how to use the machine.
Choosing what to wear: when it comes to your training attire, choose clothes that you feel comfortable in, don’t restrict your movement and make you feel good.
Focusing on your own journey: Everyone who goes to the gym had to start somewhere, and you deserve to be there as much as anyone else regardless of your experience level.

8p

As part of our mission to be accessible for all students, our annual student gym membership for 24/25 is £30 for the year. This works out to 8p a day.

MHFA

Our staff are Mental Health First Aid trained. Don’t be afraid to approach them for a chat.

2

hours

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2 to 4pm, we have no music playing in the gym. If you struggle with loud noise, or just fancy some quiet training time, these two hours are perfect for you.

What you can do if you are new to using the gym

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Body confidence in physical activity

"Body confidence in physical activity" refers to feeling positive and comfortable about your body while engaging in exercise or sports, which can be significantly boosted by regular physical activity as it improves your physical abilities, strengthens your body, and leads to a more positive self-image, ultimately enhancing your confidence in movement and performance.

Key points about body confidence in physical activity:

Positive impact of exercise: Regular exercise is widely recognized to improve body image and self-esteem, as you start to notice positive changes in your physical capabilities.
Focus on function over appearance: Shifting the focus from solely how your body looks to what it can do can help build confidence in physical activity, regardless of your body type.
Choosing activities you enjoy: Participating in activities that you find fun and engaging can greatly enhance your experience and boost your confidence level.
Overcoming negative self-talk: Challenging negative thoughts about your body during exercise is crucial for building body confidence.
Social support: Exercising with friends or joining a fitness group can provide positive reinforcement and motivation, contributing to improved body confidence.