Do you want to feel more confident and determined when going to the gym?
Want better results in your fitness journey?
Stepping into a gym can feel intimidating for some, bringing up feelings of uncertainty and lack of confidence. Nonetheless in the midst of all the equipment and people, there’s something important we should take note of for ourselves: patience.
Why is Patience So Important at the Gym?
Patience is more than just waiting for results, it’s about embracing the process and trusting in your journey. When it comes to fitness, patience allows you to set realistic goals, progress at your own pace, and overcome obstacles with resilience. By embracing patience, you can transform the gym from a source of anxiety into a sanctuary for growth and self-discovery.
Meet Carla.
She joined the gym with ambitious goals, envisioning a fitter, healthier version of herself. However, she quickly grew frustrated when she didn’t see immediate results and felt exhausted instead. Her personal trainer reminded her that fitness is a journey requiring patience and realistic goals, and with her guidance, Carla adjusted her expectations. She focused on small, achievable milestones, and practiced mindfulness during her workouts. She learned to appreciate how her body grew stronger each day and surrounded herself with supportive friends who cheered her on. 6 months on, Carla has found confidence and joy in the journey itself, realising that patience was the key to unlocking her true potential.
How Can I Better Embrace the Journey?
Achieving fitness goals doesn’t always happen smoothly, and setbacks are bound to happen. However if you embrace patience, you’ll start to see challenges as chances to learn and improve, rather than obstacles. Whether it’s learning a new workout, pushing past a plateau, or recovering from an injury, patience helps you keep your eyes on the big picture while celebrating every little win you achieve.
5 Ways to Develop Patience Whilst Working Out:
- Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that progress takes time and that results won’t happen overnight. Set achievable goals and celebrate each milestone, no matter how small.
- Focus on Consistency: Consistency is key in the gym. Instead of fixating on immediate results, commit to showing up regularly and putting in the work, knowing that each session brings you closer to your goals.
- Practice Mindfulness: Stay present in the moment during your workouts and listen to your body’s cues. Pay attention to how different exercises feel and adjust accordingly, allowing yourself to progress at a pace that feels comfortable and sustainable.
- Be Kind to Yourself: Recognise that fitness is a journey, not a destination, and that setbacks are a natural part of the process. Instead of dwelling on perceived failures, practice self-compassion and treat yourself with kindness and understanding.
- Seek Support: Surround yourself with a supportive community of like-minded individuals who can offer encouragement, motivation, and guidance along your fitness journey.
In the world of fitness where everything moves quickly, patience might feel scarce, but it’s truly a valuable asset for reaching your goals. Once you have developed patience, you can expect to be able to tackle gym challenges confidently knowing that every step forward counts.
So, as you prepare to hit the gym or head out for a run, remember to bring patience along for the journey. Let it be like a trusted friend, guiding you forward with the promise of progress and positive change ahead.
So my advice? Pause, breathe, trust in the journey, and know that with patience, you can achieve anything.
Written by Rebecca Malcolm – Provisional Psychologist – Creating Change Psychology
Supporting those in Sydney, Hills Area, Bella Vista, Western Sydney & Surrounding areas.
