This is actually a very common question that I see across multiple platforms. Does working out increase confidence? Well, it changed my life completely for the better. So in this article I am going to discuss the different ways that working out increases confidence.
For a little bit of background, I was kind of an outcast in high school. At 6’1” and a maximum weight of 135lbs, I was an easy target for bullies. Girls would literally laugh at me when I would try to become anything other than a goofy friend.
I even had a girl tell me once that I was hideously beautiful. To this day, I still have no idea what that means. And as you would expect, she wouldn’t go on a date with me, so I don’t think she meant the beautiful part.
All of this obviously made me feel bad. But ultimately I had no direction on what to do about it. I thought I was stuck as the scrawny goofy guy for life. It wasn’t until years after high school that I figured out that as I gained muscle, my confidence increased.
This ultimately led to positive reinforcement from others and I learned how to communicate more effectively.
Before we even get started, I highly recommend downloading our app All Workouts: Personal Trainer (iOS | Google Play). Our FREE workout plans will ensure that your body transforms and your confidence increases.
You become more comfortable in your own skin
This is something that you might not really understand until you get to the point where your body makes a dramatic change.
As I mentioned in the introduction, I was super skinny. Maybe you are overweight. But what it really comes down to is being able to look in the mirror and be happy with yourself.
Here is the thing. This type of mind transformation does not happen overnight. It comes from months or years of working out. And it is so gradual that you probably won’t even notice it until you think about how you used to be.
I always thought it would be like a light bulb going on one day and I would be happy with how I looked. It was more like being satisfied with little things along the way until I realized I was very comfortable with myself.
The funny thing is that I was well out of college before I finally figured out the magic formula to transform my body. So all of the social pressures from high school and college were out of the picture.
Part of me wishes I figured it out sooner, but then again, I would have never met my wife if I had this increased confidence at an earlier age.
Let’s answer our own question, does working out increase confidence? Yes absolutely. Just the act of working out is going to increase your confidence as is. But once your body starts to change for the better, it is going to skyrocket your confidence.
Other people notice
This is something that I didn’t realize was going to happen. I figured that I was going to workout in my own little bubble and just live my life. Then one day I was going to be in great shape.
But what I found happened was that friends, family, roommates, coworkers, and more started to take notice. Even little comments like “have you been working out lately?” is enough to indicate to you that your body is changing for the better.
When I was growing up, nobody had ever told me that anyone else had a crush on me. But when I started working out, I had a friend approach me and tell me that their friend was interested.
I was so taken aback that I thought they were joking. Ultimately I never pursued that person, but I was flattered that it happened.
After years of working out and my confidence increasing, I finally met my wife. She moved in next door to me with 2 other girls. They always joke that I had a pick between 3 single girls.
You might not think about this at the time, but even little positive comments are going to increase your confidence over time.
I think this goes without saying, but don’t count on other people to bring you through this journey. While the positive comments are nice, that is not what is going to keep you going through all the ups and downs.
Before anything, learn how to make exercise a habit.
Your confidence is not tied to your body image anymore
This may seem odd to think about. Because aren’t we talking about working out increasing confidence?
Here is the thing. When you aren’t working out and are out of shape, your body image becomes the focal point of your life. When you finally get in shape, you know you are in shape and can focus on other goals in life.
It’s hard to imagine because it took me so many years to get to where I am right now. I literally could not imagine what my life would be like back when I was out of shape.
The whole point is that when you are in shape and working out, you aren’t going to need to think about your body being an issue. You already know you are comfortable with it.
Main Point: Does working out increase confidence?
By now, you should have the answer to our question. Does working out increase confidence? The answer is a resounding yes! And it is not just in one way.
Whether you are overweight or underweight, getting in shape is going to be one of the best decisions of your life. If you are serious about making a change, spend some time browsing this blog. We have countless articles all geared towards people looking to improve themselves.
As you progress through your journey, you are going to become more comfortable in your own skin. There is no way around this. It is just going to happen, whether you realize it or not.
You may even notice that people are giving you compliments on your physique or even asking you for advice. This is all part of the process. Embrace it and keep pushing forward.
Out of all this, once you do get in shape, you will notice that your body image won’t even be a concern to you anymore. Since you have already hit your goals, you can now focus on other things than your confidence.
But don’t stop working out. In fact, exercise releases endorphins. Endorphins elevate your mood and increase your confidence.
If you can make working out part of your weekly routine, you are going to find that your confidence will be at an all time high.
Related Articles
Working Out When Hungover: Is it a Good Idea?
What to Do if You Are Severely Underweight
Why Do People Get Beer Bellies? It’s Simple
How Do Actors Get in Shape So Fast? Let’s Find Out
Leave a Reply