You’ve joined the gym. You’ve set your goals, downloaded your playlist, and told yourself this time will be different.
But then you walk in… and suddenly, confidence feels harder to find.
The anxious thoughts creep in:
Everyone’s looking at me.
Am I doing this right?
They’re all lifting heavier than me.
I don’t want to squat in front of everyone.
Maybe I should’ve gone to a female-only gym.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. I’ve been there too.
Where It All Began
Over a decade ago, I hadn’t stepped foot in a gym. I barely exercised at all.
After two babies in twelve months, I was dealing with gestational diabetes, anaemia, and the weight of exhaustion, both physical and emotional. I knew something had to change.
So I started small. Walks with my boys in the double pram. Ten minutes of fresh air that became my daily reset. Then, one day, I joined a gym.
Those small steps led to huge transformation.
I lost 30kg in six months. I found strength I didn’t know I had. I fell in love with the process, not just the results. That journey led me to compete on stage, become a qualified trainer and nutritionist, and eventually launch The Bod. A space for women to build the confidence I once had to fight for.
Confidence Takes Time
Walking into the gym with confidence sounds simple, but it’s something you build, not something you’re born with.
It took me months of pushing through self-doubt and reminding myself that I belonged there. That my worth wasn’t measured by how much I lifted, but by how much I showed up for myself.
Now, I can honestly say: I love it. The weights, the challenge, the feeling of strength, both in my body and my mindset.
If you’re just starting out, here’s what helped me (and still does).
My Tips for Gaining Confidence in the Gym
1. Seek guidance.
You don’t have to know it all. Whether it’s a trainer or a structured program, professional guidance will help you learn correct form, build consistency, and boost your confidence faster than trial and error ever could.
2. Focus on how it feels, not just how it looks.
When your motivation shifts from “I need to lose weight” to “I want to feel stronger, calmer, and proud of myself,” everything changes. Movement becomes freedom, not punishment.
3. Get in the zone.
Headphones in. Volume up. Focus on you. The moment you tune out the noise, the gym becomes your space, not anyone else’s.
4. Do it for yourself.
Remind yourself why you started. Use affirmations if you need to:
I am worthy.
I am confident.
I belong here.
5. Bring a friend.
A familiar face makes all the difference. Training with someone who supports you can turn nerves into laughter, and consistency into something you look forward to.
6. Don’t compare your chapter one.
Every strong, confident woman you see started exactly where you are. Confidence is built in the reps you don’t quit on.
7. Plan your workouts.
Walk in with a plan. It gives you direction, purpose, and a sense of control. The ultimate confidence booster.
8. Keep showing up.
No one can do the work for you. Consistency is where your confidence grows. One workout (or movement) at a time.
Small Changes, Big Shifts
Confidence doesn’t come from waiting until you feel ready. It comes from showing up anyway, even when your hands shake or your inner voice doubts you.
That’s what The Bod is all about: giving women the structure, guidance, and support to actually follow through.
If you’re ready to stop overthinking and start feeling strong, physically and mentally, now’s the time to join The Bod Membership.
Doors are closing soon, and after that, you’ll need to jump on the Project You waitlist, our exclusive program for women ready for deeper transformation.
Start now. Start small. Start before you feel ready. You’ve got this ❤️
With love,
Sophie x
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