#Ownyourspace | PT Reveals How To Feel Empowered In The Gym
Gyms can be a daunting environment — the ‘scary weights room’ is something you’ll hear a lot of people talking about. But feeling intimidated by something isn’t an excuse to not give it a go.
Recently many women have been put off going to the gym because of the unwanted attention they receive, with platforms like TikTok helping their experiences go viral. We caught up with Myprotein PT Nerissa Shea to see how she would deal with unwanted attention and to pick her brain for any advice she has for women in the gym.
“#ownyourspace”
Nerissa is all about mindset. If you believe something to be true, then it becomes true. Let’s put that in a gym context. Whether you’re confident or not, strut into the gym, pick up some weights and #ownyourspace. You’ll feel great. And remember, no one is even watching you anyway.
We asked if there’s a simple way to improve confidence in the gym.
Nerissa works with all sorts of clients — some confident, others not. She encourages them to speak to other people in the gym, ask them how long they’ll be on the beloved squat rack. Simple actions like this help her clients to own their space.
“No one else is entitled to be in there any more than you”
While Nerissa, luckily, has never experienced any unwanted attention in the gym, she sympathises with those who have.
It can be daunting to report someone to management, but you’ve got to look out for yourself. And remember, if they’re making you uncomfortable, they’re probably doing the same to other people. This is another way you can #ownyourspace.
You’re every bit as entitled to be there as someone else. And that includes your right to not be made to feel uncomfortable when you work out.
“Wear what you want”
It simply doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. Your body is your space. Wear what you feel comfortable in, not what you think you think other people might want or expect you to wear. We've said it before and we’ll say it again:. #Ownyourspace.
Nerissa loves to see the confidence women gain by wearing whatever they want and owning it. She sees the gym as time for her body and her mental health, so that’s all she focuses on. She can’t afford to waste time worrying what anyone else thinks.
“It's one of the most life- changing, empowering things you can do.”
As a dancer, Nerissa used to consider herself the ultimate cardio warrior. She’d punish herself on the treadmill day in and day out. But since she discovered weight training, she hasn’t looked back.
Now, as a strength-training-lover and PT, Nerissa encourages her clients to hit the squat rack immediately. And what a shock, they love it.
Take Home Message
#Ownyourspace. Whether it’s strutting up to the squat rack like you own the place, wearing your shorts for no reason other than wanting to or reporting unwanted attention to the manager. Each and every little step you take towards owning your space in the gym will only add to feelings of empowerment. Put your headphones in and squat your worries away.
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