Emily Wilcock
Writer and expert2 years ago
Moving from the cardio section to the weights section can feel like a daunting task in any gym. Is my form right? Are people staring at me? Are my leggings squat-proof? – we get it. The gym should be an escape and somewhere to get our blood pumping, not somewhere to feel self-conscious and insecure.To celebrate female empowerment this Power Week, we asked some of our female ambassadors what makes them feel confident, to help you feel like a boss in the gym.
Plan, plan, plan
What could possibly go wrong when you have a good plan?If nothing else, a plan can help you to stay on track regardless of how uncomfortable you’re feeling. Power through – it will get better! Alternatively, outfit planning not only serves as great motivation, you can also tailor your outfit to your workout – not today see-through leggings. Our ambassadors love to plan too...
Hanh Dinh
“I’m a firm believer in when you look good, you feel good, and for me that means a high ponytail and wearing fun, bright colours! Sometimes you just need to put on your favourite pair of shorts you own, tighten that ponytail, and get to work! Having this mindset when I go into a workout has worked for me every time "
Self-love is always the best love
Why do we lack confidence? A lot of the time it’s because we’re seeking validation from others, but if we know who we are, then what does it matter what anybody else thinks? Confidence comes from within, you just need to find it. Our ambassadors couldn’t agree more...
Hanh Dinh
“Change the narrative- insecurities and negative self-talk are ways that we sabotage our potential. We need to reframe our thoughts so that they work for us, and not against us!”
Lesley Fernandez
“Fake it to you make it for me I had to turn from being my worst critic to my biggest supporter even if I didn't believe the positive things I was saying about myself at the start overtime I believe in the positive affirmations I gave myself. Also, I stop comparing myself to unrealistic beauty standards. I focused on being the best me, not who I thought I should be.”
Marisa Turner
“Give yourself compliments daily. Tell yourself what you love about you and focus on your strengths. When we are focused on loving ourselves, we become more confident in our entire being.”Our ambassadors found their love for themselves, now it’s your turn. Self-love equals confidence. Now say it louder for the people in the back.
Take a step back
It’s far too easy to sit and compare yourself to the people around you. People with a higher PB, people with more confidence, the list could go on. It’s important to remember that you don’t know everything about the people around you, so how could you make a proper comparison? It’s simple. You can’t. Our ambassadors have learnt to master this...
Hanh Dinh
“Set measurable goals and monitor your progress- set goals that can be quantified! Numbers don’t lie and it can be such a confidence boost when you see how far you’ve come from when you started your journey!”
Lesley Fernandez
“Hitting a PR for sure or anytime someone goes out of their way to complete me at the gym it means a lot my hard work is noticeable”
Marisa Turner
“Accept yourself fully where you are— knowing that you may still have work to do but also seeing how far you’ve come. Self-acceptance can help you develop a new perspective towards yourself that can lead to greater self-confidence.”Don’t get bogged down with comparisons. Focus on yourself, your improvements, how far you’ve come and how you’re going to reach your goals.
Take Home Message
Keep in mind these top tips from our ambassadors, face your fears and strut into that weights section with your head held high and hip-thrust to your heart’s content. As long as you’re happy and doing what you love, it doesn't matter what anybody else thinks. You go girl!Catch up on our other Power Week article here...
Our Ambassadors
'Wear The Damn Shorts' | Ambassadors Share What Empowers Them In The Gym
Three women share who they look up to and what makes them feel confident.
2 years agoBy Monica Green
Emily Wilcock
Writer and expert
After completing an internship with Myprotein, Emily returned to university to finish her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Marketing.
With experience in lifestyle writing, Emily aims to entertain and educate through her work. Her focuses include recipes, real and inspiring stories, and working with writers to help provide easy-to-digest evidence-based research.
Her work on recipes has been previously featured in The Supplement magazine, with a particular focus on high-protein, nutritious meals, plus advice on how to properly fuel your body.
Outside of work, Emily’s top priority is food. She’s a self-professed star baker and a connoisseur of all things baked. In her spare time, she’s either cooking up a storm, our looking out for the opportunity to try out Manchester’s newest restaurants. But as a huge fan of carbs, if it’s not pasta or pasta-adjacent, she’s not interested.
If she’s not in the kitchen, she’s tucked up with a book for an early night, or you’ll find her in the gym working up a sweat. Afterall, all those carbs require quite the appetite.
