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Youve been wanting to try the cardio dance class everyones been talking about.
You sign up and pick out your cutest gym outfitready to slay your workout.
But you walk in and you immediately regret it.
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Never have you felt more aware of the size of your body.
This was supposed to be a fun and health-giving experience, but its become a serious self-loathing session.
But the gym is a place for folks of ALL sizes.
So how do you take advantage of the fitness classes and equipment therewithout feeling discouraged about your body image?
5 tips to stop engaging in body comparison at the gym
1.
Consider yourself-talk while working out.
Is it negative or positive?
Do you already struggle withbody acceptance?
Often repetitive negative thoughts about our body arent true.
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Rather, how our brain processes the information is influenced by our emotional state.
How can you get amped up with positive thoughts before a workout?
Start with gratitude for your own body.
Affirmations and personal mantras can be repeated to flip negative thinking to positive.
Toutant suggests, Choose empowering audio.
Put on some tunes that leave you feeling strong and confident.
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Appreciate body differences
The gym presents a display of various body types.
The key is to not compare and despair when you see people who look different than you.
It would be so boring if we all looked the same!
Studies show2thatbody appreciationis related to better eating habits, fewer body image disturbances, and overall improved mental health.
Furthermore, yourbody sizedoes notdetermine your physical fitness or overall health.
Conversely,health is possible at every sizedespite whatweight stigmawould have us believe.
Focus on yourownfitness
Ever hop on the treadmill next to someone and enter an unspoken competition?
Or add on more weight than whats comfortable to the barbell because someone else can lift that much?
Your needs and progress are your own, Toutant says.
Whether or not someone can do more or go faster doesnt undo how far youve come.
You ARE worthy of belonging right here, right now, as you are.
Theres nothing to prove.
Focus on intrinsic goals, Dunham says.
Be friendly
Your insecurity may make you feel closed off from others, butgym friendscan make all the difference!
Resist the urge to withdraw.
You dont need to make best friends, but its okay to acknowledge one another.
While you may think everyone is noticing your imperfections, other gym-goers are not concerned about your body.
Instead, everyone is in the same boat.
They may even be feelingapprehensiveabout a new class or gym like you are, which is totally normal.
Many people feel insecure at the gym, Toutant says.
Just know at the end of the day, were all human.
Find a place where you feel welcome
Not all gyms are created equal.
Every facility will have its own feel.
Find the gym culture that aligns with your values, Toutant suggests.
Whats themessaging promoted by the gym?
Is it all about body modification or body inclusivity?
Look at customer relations.
Do the trainers treat everyone the same?
Are you greeted kindly?
If youre not feeling the vibe, find an alternative option for exercising.
Movement can happen anywhere, Toutant says.
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