Confidence is one of the most desired traits in society today and, for many people, can be difficult to achieve. However, a surprising new method of gaining confidence has grown in popularity over the past few years: exercise. This may seem extraordinary to some and ridiculous to others but it has been proven effective by science. Let’s take a look at a few ways that exercise can help build confidence.

How Exercise Boosts Self-Confidence

The act of working out causes many changes in a person’s body, some of which are obvious and some are more subtle. The outward physical effects of gaining weight, losing muscle, and increasing endurance are well-known and, for many people, the point of exercising in the first place.

For these reasons, people who work out regularly tend to look and feel better than those who don’t. This, in turn, leads to higher levels of self-confidence. Looking and feeling good internally helps project an outward feeling of happiness and joy that others will pick up on almost immediately.

Among the lesser-known effects is an increase in brain power. Being in good physical condition will increase the amount of blood flowing to the brain, which allows it to work faster and better. Your decision-making skills, outward appearance, and outlook on life combine for increased levels of confidence.

Best Exercises for Confidence Boosts

The best exercise for you to boost your self-confidence will depend on you. Since everyone is different, they’ll naturally respond differently to different exercises. For example, if you’d like to get stronger, weightlifting or medicine ball exercises might be the best choice.

That being said, there are a few exercises that will help just about everyone. Yoga and other forms of stretching will increase flexibility and help improve your overall physical well-being. If you feel good physically, you’ll be more likely to feel good mentally, too, which will boost your overall confidence.

Other excellent choices include your favorite type of cardio (such as running, jogging, riding exercise bikes, or anything else designed to get the heart pumping) and taking classes with others around the same skill level.

Other Ways to Increase Self-Confidence

In addition to exercise, there are many other great ways to boost your self-esteem and self-confidence. Achieving goals that you’ve set for yourself, whether they’re related to exercise or not, will give you a sense of satisfaction and inspire you to keep up the good work.

Daily affirmations and other forms of positive self-talk can “re-wire” your brain by turning around insecurities and helping you to realize just how special and amazing you truly are. And how great it is to just be you.

Another important consideration is your clothing. By wearing comfortable clothing that you like and feel good wearing, you’ll project an air of confidence to everyone around you.

These are just a few of the many ways that you can increase your self-confidence, both at the fitness center and at home. No matter which option you choose, we wish you good luck in your self-improvement journey!