“How do I boost my fitness confidence?”
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“Whenever I start a new workout or exercise, I automatically think: ‘I can’t do this.’ How do I stop?” – Sarah
Expert: Blair Whitmarsh, PhD, dean of human kinetics and athletics at Trinity Western University in Langley, British Columbia, Canada.
Success breeds success. Self-efficacy (sometimes called self-confidence) comes most critically from personal accomplishments. In a new workout situation, reflect on times when you’ve been successful in other activities, and use that as a strong indicator of future success.
Here’s a tip for you: Make a list of your past successes and keep it with you in your gym bag or workout journal, so that you can refer to it when you need it. Add to it whenever you overcome an obstacle or challenge, even if it’s not fitness-related.
Also, write down your plan for what you will do when you have a slip-up (skipping a workout or veering from your clean diet), and have it at the ready.