The Bra Blog

For many of us, walking into a gym can feel intimidating and bring on feelings of self-consciousness or insecurity. From not knowing proper form to feeling out of shape or worrying about being judged, there are many psychological hurdles that can hamper your confidence. However, the gym should be a supportive environment focused on self-improvement – not a place to feel anxious or inadequate.

In this article we’ll explore ways to keep up your confidence at the gym, whether it’s using the right bra or listening to the right music!

How to Feel Confident at the Gym

With some reframed mindset shifts and self-assurance tips, you can learn to feel more confident and empowered during your gym sessions. Bring out your inner strength and the gym can actually become an outlet to boost your sense of badassery.  Here's how:

1. Remember that no one is watching or judging you. It's easy to subconsciously feel like all eyes are on you at the gym, but the reality is most people are too focused on themselves to pay attention to what you're doing. Everybody is just there to improve, so don't sweat feeling like you're being watched or judged for being a newbie.
2. Focus on your personal "wins." Set micro-goals for yourself during each workout rather than comparing yourself to others around you. Adding an extra rep, increasing weights gradually, or simply showing up consistently are all victories to celebrate. Measure your progress against yourself, not others.
3. Take up space. Don't be a wallflower at the gym. Hold your head high, roll your shoulders back, and stride around the floor confidently. Using your body to take up ample space helps exude self-assurance. Claim the areas and equipment you're using, too.
4. Find a confidence outfit. Having gym clothes that make you feel powerful and comfortable in your own skin is key. Invest in high-performance fabrics and properly fitted activewear, like a high-impact supportive sports bra, that allows you to push yourself to the max. We have some tips on that below but you can start with our Anita Active sports bras, which feature comfortable straps, moisture-wicking fabric, and supportive cups.
5. Pump up your playlist. Music can be incredibly motivating and empowering. Make a playlist filled with songs that amp you up, whether that's hard rock, old school hip hop, or energizing dance remixes. Let those powerful beats psych you up during your routine.
6. Cheer yourself on. Don't be afraid to positively self-talk between sets. Give yourself a fist pump, say "Let's go!" or remind yourself "I've got this!" Out loud affirmations may feel silly at first, but celebrating small wins can boost confidence.
7. Connect with others. Gyms contain built-in communities of supportive people who can inspire you and provide an encouraging atmosphere. Simply offer a friendly smile or quick chat with fellow gym-goers. You may be surprised at how welcoming they are.
8. Celebrate your body's capabilities. Rather than obsessing over physique goals, shift your mindset to celebrating exactly what your body can do each day through movement and exercise. Appreciate and feel empowered by your body's strength and abilities.

The gym is meant to be a place of self-improvement, not self-judgment. By focusing on personal wins, championing your body, and exuding self-assurance through your actions and mindset, you can reframe the gym as a confidence-boosting outlet. After all, seeing your own growth and capabilities is incredibly empowering.

Feel Confident at the Gym with the Right Sports Bra: Tips For Plus Size Women

For women with a fuller bust, finding a sports bra that provides enough support and coverage during intense gym workouts can be a real struggle. Not only is inadequate support highly uncomfortable and even painful, but it can also leave you feeling self-conscious about excessive bounce or your breasts' positioning. Having the wrong sports bra can seriously cramp your confidence.

The good news is that our advanced technology and focus on comfort and confidence have made our large cup size sports bras an easy confidence booster. Here’s what to look for in a large cup size sports bra, which are features we incorporate into our own supportive sports bras:

Don't Sacrifice Coverage or Comfort

Having a larger chest shouldn't mean sacrificing your comfort, coverage preferences or workout experience. High-neckline sports bras with reinforced armholes and side panels prevent any potential spillage or side-boob situations. Bras designed with a higher center front bridge also provide additional containment and lift to keep breasts fully secured.

When properly fitted, quality large cup activewear bras like ours feel smooth against the body rather than binding or restrictive. Thanks to their high-tech fabric blends and sweat management features, they're just as breathable and stretchy enough to move freely through your toughest strength training sessions or boxing classes.

By prioritizing features like structured cups, reinforced bands, and ample coverage, you can find a sports bra that makes you feel confidently supported rather than self-conscious about your bust size at the gym. Once you experience that liberating feeling of being fully contained without any distracting discomfort or bounce, you'll be able to push yourself to new athletic heights!