Over the past 6-9 months, we've engaged with numerous individuals in our local area, including north Manchester, Middleton, and Oldham. 

Our aim was to gauge the level of confidence people currently have in taking care of their health and fitness.

To accomplish this, we conducted an "Ownership survey" which asked participants to rate their confidence in various aspects of their health and fitness, as well as identify any challenges they may be facing.

In this article, we will explore the results we obtained specifically from the training section of the survey.

Participants were asked to rate their confidence on a scale of 1-10 when it comes to training in the gym and creating their own training sessions. 

Additionally, we gathered qualitative data by asking about the struggles they encounter in these areas.

Quantitative Results:

 

As you can see these were some of the responses outlined by our ownership survey responders.

What this shows is that this is really important to address because not far off half of the people don't feel confident in going to the gym.

In this article we aim to provide clear advice as to mitigating these factors.

Qualitative Results:

As mentioned earlier, we collected written responses in the ownership survey, focusing on the common struggles and barriers encountered during training.

The most frequently mentioned barriers include:

1. Going to the gym alone.
2. Finding motivation to train.
3. Time constraints for training. 

Let's delve into a few of these barriers in greater detail and explore potential solutions.

 

1. Going to the Gym Alone:

To alleviate anxiety or worries associated with solo gym visits, consider the following strategies:

a. Attend the gym with a knowledgeable friend

Going with a friend who has experience can be beneficial, as they can guide you in performing exercises correctly and using equipment properly.

However, keep in mind that your friend may have developed some incorrect habits over time if they are not a fitness professional.


b. Join group fitness classes

Participating in gym classes is an excellent way to overcome the fear of training alone, they can serve as a stepping stone toward eventually training independently.

You'll be surrounded by like-minded individuals who feel similarly about the gym. Often group classes are not individually tailored, potentially resulting in repetitive workouts.

c. Create a workout plan for a quieter gym spot

Consider developing a plan that involves using dumbbells or kettlebells in a quieter area of the gym. This approach allows you to train alone while avoiding the feeling of being watched by others.

Doing this will allow you to eventually venture onto the main gym floor.

You can claim a free guide at the bottom of this article to help you create a tailored training session. By following this plan, you can gradually build confidence without venturing onto the main gym floor.


 

2. Finding motivation to train

While motivation can play a role in kick-starting your gym routine, it tends to come in short bursts.

To foster consistency, focus on discipline instead. Here are some strategies to enhance discipline in your training:

a. Establish a structured plan

Determine the number of training days, preferred training style, training split, areas you want to work on, and exercises you enjoy or dislike.

Having a clear plan for each session helps maintain focus and enables you to track your progress and witnessing improvements over time can be a powerful motivator.


b. Set training goals

Working towards specific goals can significantly increase your motivation and allows you to stay committed and reach your desired outcomes. 

Focus on discipline to maintain regular gym attendance and progress steadily towards your goals.

 

3. Time Constraints for training

It's important to acknowledge that your commitment level may differ from someone with more free time.

Consider the following approach based on your unique circumstances:

Scheduling to suit you!

Adapting your routine to fit your parameters ensures you can maintain consistency.
 Take a moment to document your typical weekly schedule and identify pockets of free time.

You may realize that you have more available time than initially perceived. By consciously prioritizing your health and fitness, you can allocate the necessary time for training.

By prioritizing training and establishing a structured plan, you increase your chances of sticking to your routine and achieving long-term success.

Summary

For those that are confident and comfortable in the gym, we applaud your achievements. Keep up the fantastic work!

For those who lack confidence in these areas, we encourage you to use the tips and advice provided above in the hope that this will develop confidence in your training. 

To help with this we are providing a free guide to help you create your own training programme and this could be claimed by following the link below!

https://mailchi.mp/beb3099c4e8e/hprpb518ld 

Additionally, we regularly share valuable content on our social media platforms. You can find us at the following handles:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/rikfitdc

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rikfitdc

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@rikfitdynamiccoaching

If you ever need assistance, feel free to drop us a direct message on any of our platforms. We are here to help you in any way we can.

The RikFit Team
RikFit Dynamic Coaching
Contact: 07727919966