{"id":2737,"date":"2024-08-07T04:47:54","date_gmt":"2024-08-07T04:47:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/why-bodybuilding-healed-my-confidence-as-a-woman\/"},"modified":"2026-08-03T18:22:12","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T18:22:12","slug":"why-bodybuilding-healed-my-confidence-as-a-woman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/why-bodybuilding-healed-my-confidence-as-a-woman\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Bodybuilding Healed My Confidence As A Woman"},"content":{"rendered":"

When I first walked into a gym alone, I felt like I\u2019d stepped into someone else\u2019s story. My hands trembled when I clipped the barbell, a sticky note tucked into my notebook read \u201cdon\u2019t embarrass yourself\u201d<\/em>, and my tea had gone cold on the car roof while I wrestled with the courage to go inside. I expected loud judgments, mirrors that measured me, and trainers who would tell me I was doing it wrong.<\/p>\n

Instead, I found a place that taught me how to be steady in my body, clear in my boundaries, and quietly proud of small, measurable gains. Over months of lifting, the shape of my days changed \u2014 and with it, the shape of my confidence.<\/p>\n

Disclaimer:<\/strong> This is my personal experience and general guidance. It\u2019s not medical or coaching advice. Talk with a qualified trainer, physical therapist, or doctor for individualized plans.<\/p>\n

\"Why<\/p>\n

The Core Idea<\/h2>\n

Thought:<\/strong> Strength Is Only Physical.<\/p>\n

Why We Think This:<\/strong> We live in a culture that separates mind and body, which makes emotional growth feel abstract and unmeasurable.<\/p>\n

What It Really Means:<\/strong> Strength training gives you repeated, tangible feedback loops \u2014 you push, the bar moves, you recover, you progress. Those loops teach trust.<\/p>\n

What Helps:<\/strong> Small, consistent practice; tracking progress; rituals that link movement to meaning.<\/p>\n

The First Lift: A Small Victory That Felt Huge<\/h2>\n

Thought:<\/strong> \u201cIf I fail here, I\u2019ll prove I\u2019m weak.\u201d<\/p>\n

Why We Think This:<\/strong> Fear of failure attaches to identity. We imagine one moment disproves us.<\/p>\n

What It Really Means:<\/strong> That fear is normal. The gym simply concentrates it and gives you a structure for small, re-doable wins.<\/p>\n

What Helps:<\/strong> Start with a weight you can comfortably move for 8\u201312 reps. Celebrate the lift out loud. Journal one line: \u201cToday I moved X kg \u2014 I showed up.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Script To Use (Pre-Lift):<\/strong>
\n\u201cI came to show up, not to perform. I\u2019ll do my best and that is enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

Micro-Action:<\/strong> Before every set, breathe for 10 seconds, feel the feet on the floor, name one small intention.<\/p>\n

Reclaiming My Body Language<\/h2>\n

Thought:<\/strong> \u201cMy body is for other people\u2019s opinions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Why We Think This:<\/strong> Social training teaches women to minimize presence \u2014 smaller gestures, apologetic speech, compact posture.<\/p>\n

What It Really Means:<\/strong> When you lift, your body learns new positions that are open, grounded, and unapologetic. Those physical patterns carry into conversations and how you hold space.<\/p>\n

What Helps:<\/strong> Practice power posture for 60 seconds after a heavy set. Notice how your voice changes. Work on three compound lifts \u2014 squat, deadlift, press \u2014 that demand full-body engagement.<\/p>\n

Quick Checklist \u2014 Posture Habits:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Habit<\/th>\nHow To Practice<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Feet Grounded<\/td>\n1-minute barefoot stand, knees soft<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rib-To-Hip Connection<\/td>\nPelvic tilt drill after warm-up<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Shoulder Pack<\/td>\n3 scapular retractions between sets<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chin Neutral<\/td>\nMirror check 1x per day<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Measuring Progress Built Confidence<\/h2>\n

Thought:<\/strong> \u201cConfidence is a feeling you either have or don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

Why We Think This:<\/strong> Emotions are often presented as sudden and unpredictable. We wait for them.<\/p>\n

What It Really Means:<\/strong> Confidence can be built like a muscle \u2014 with measurable reps. Each small PR (personal record), each added plate, each extra rep rewires belief. The body\u2019s data becomes proof.<\/p>\n

What Helps:<\/strong> Keep a training log. Track weights, reps, mood, and a small gratitude line after every session.<\/p>\n

Training Log Template (Simple):<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Date:<\/li>\n
  • Workout Focus:<\/li>\n
  • Main Lifts & Loads:<\/li>\n
  • Notes (energy, sleep, stress):<\/li>\n
  • One Win: (e.g., \u201cAdded 2.5 kg to deadlift\u201d)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Rituals That Anchor Courage<\/h2>\n

    Thought:<\/strong> \u201cI need a big reason to be consistent.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Why We Think This:<\/strong> Motivation feels scarce; we expect big events to drive change.<\/p>\n

    What It Really Means:<\/strong> Rituals make consistency easy because they remove decision fatigue. Small actions repeated become identity markers: I am the person who lifts on Tuesdays.<\/em><\/p>\n

    What Helps:<\/strong> Create a 3-step gym ritual: (1) Intention (1 sentence), (2) Warm-up (5 minutes), (3) Anchor phrase after the first heavy set.<\/p>\n

    Anchor Phrases (Pick One):<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • \u201cI grow by showing up.\u201d<\/li>\n
    • \u201cThis is my work.\u201d<\/li>\n
    • \u201cSmall gains, steady courage.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      The Community Effect: Finding Allies, Not Competitors<\/h2>\n

      Thought:<\/strong> \u201cEveryone here is judging me.\u201d<\/p>\n

      Why We Think This:<\/strong> Social anxiety and cultural narratives about the gym amplify fears.<\/p>\n

      What It Really Means:<\/strong> Most gym-goers are focused on their own work. Lifting creates a quiet camaraderie: spots, nods, shared playlists. Community reduces shame and provides models of consistency.<\/p>\n

      What Helps:<\/strong> Introduce yourself to one person. Ask for a spotting cue. Borrow 2 strength-focused podcasts or a class to make the gym feel like a shared place.<\/p>\n

      Conversation Script (At The Rack):<\/strong>
      \n\u201cHi \u2014 I\u2019m working on my bench press today. Any tips on bracing?\u201d<\/p>\n

      Boundary Training: Saying No In And Out Of The Gym<\/h2>\n

      Thought:<\/strong> \u201cIf I\u2019m assertive, I\u2019ll be disliked.\u201d<\/p>\n

      Why We Think This:<\/strong> Women are socially conditioned to prioritize harmony over self-advocacy.<\/p>\n

      What It Really Means:<\/strong> Strength training physically teaches boundaries \u2014 you leave the bar in the middle of a set; you tell someone you need them to move. Those acts translate into clearer personal boundaries.<\/p>\n

      What Helps:<\/strong> Use short sentences for boundaries: \u201cI can\u2019t talk right now \u2014 I\u2019m lifting.\u201d Practice a 10-word boundary script for work and relationships.<\/p>\n

      Boundary Scripts:<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • To A Partner: \u201cI need 45 minutes to train; please don\u2019t interrupt.\u201d<\/li>\n
      • To A Friend: \u201cI can\u2019t help tonight; I need to rest.\u201d<\/li>\n
      • At The Gym (Equipment): \u201cI\u2019m doing sets \u2014 can I rotate in after your set?\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        \"Why<\/p>\n

        Rewriting Femininity: Strength Is Not Opposite To Grace<\/h2>\n

        Thought:<\/strong> \u201cStrong Means Masculine.\u201d<\/p>\n

        Why We Think This:<\/strong> Cultural myths pit strength against traditionally feminine traits.<\/p>\n

        What It Really Means:<\/strong> Strength allows more choice in how you perform femininity. It\u2019s a form of care and sovereignty. Your aesthetic, clothes, and self-expression become choices, not defenses.<\/p>\n

        What Helps:<\/strong> Try a style experiment: wear a favorite dress on a heavy leg day and notice how movement feels. Journal about the feeling of \u201cchoice.\u201d<\/p>\n

        The Sciencey Bits (But Not Too Sciencey)<\/h2>\n

        Thought:<\/strong> \u201cI have to understand all the biology first.\u201d<\/p>\n

        Why We Think This:<\/strong> Overwhelm from information can stall action.<\/p>\n

        What It Really Means:<\/strong> You don\u2019t need a PhD to start. Basic principles help: progressive overload, adequate protein, sleep, and recovery. Those build the physiology that supports the psychological change.<\/p>\n

        What Helps:<\/strong> Follow simple rules: increase volume\/weight slowly, aim for 7\u20139 hours sleep, include protein with each main meal, and prioritize consistency over perfection.<\/p>\n

        How Strength Training Changes Brain Chemistry (Briefly)<\/h2>\n

        Thought:<\/strong> \u201cExercise is only for the body.\u201d<\/p>\n

        Why We Think This:<\/strong> Mind-body separation again.<\/p>\n

        What It Really Means:<\/strong> Movement releases neurotransmitters (endorphins, dopamine) and increases self-efficacy \u2014 your brain learns you can influence outcomes. The training-induced neurochemical boost makes you calmer under stress and more present.<\/p>\n

        What Helps:<\/strong> Notice your mood 30\u201360 minutes after training. If you journal, tag the mood entry with a star.<\/p>\n

        When Old Wounds Resurface<\/h2>\n

        Thought:<\/strong> \u201cIf I start lifting, my old injuries \/ anxieties will come back.\u201d<\/p>\n

        Why We Think This:<\/strong> The body remembers pain; movement can bring memories.<\/p>\n

        What It Really Means:<\/strong> Healing is non-linear. Strength work can surface grief, shame, or fear \u2014 this is normal and often part of recovery. The gym becomes a safe place to practice tolerating discomfort.<\/p>\n

        What Helps:<\/strong> Have a recovery plan: scale intensity, use breathwork, check in with a therapist if emotions spike. Use journaling prompts after difficult sessions.<\/p>\n

        Journaling Prompts:<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • \u201cWhat memories did today\u2019s movement bring up?\u201d<\/li>\n
        • \u201cWhere in my body did I feel tense?\u201d<\/li>\n
        • \u201cName one small thing I did well today.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Small Tools That Built My Confidence (Practical Kit)<\/h2>\n

          One-Minute Tools<\/strong><\/p>\n

            \n
          • Grounding Breath: 4\u20134\u20138 (inhale 4s, hold 4s, exhale 8s) before a heavy set.<\/li>\n
          • Affirmation Flash: Look in the mirror, say: \u201cI am capable.\u201d (30\u201360s)<\/li>\n
          • Micro-Gratitude: After every set, name one small win.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            20\/40 Rule For Training Days<\/strong><\/p>\n

              \n
            • 20 minutes focused strength (main lifts).<\/li>\n
            • 40 minutes for accessory work, mobility, and cool-down.
              \nThis creates a predictable, non-intimidating session.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Daily Check-In (3 Lines)<\/strong><\/p>\n

                \n
              1. Today I\u2019m carrying: (emotion)<\/li>\n
              2. Today I want from the gym: (intent)<\/li>\n
              3. Today\u2019s small win was: (win)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                Practical Programming (Beginner-Friendly 12-Week Outline)<\/h2>\n
                \n

                Note:<\/strong> This is a generic outline for confidence-building, not a prescriptive medical plan. Modify with a coach if you have injuries.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                Week Range<\/th>\nFrequency<\/th>\nFocus<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
                1\u20134<\/td>\n3 sessions\/week<\/td>\nLearn movement patterns: squat, hinge, press. Emphasize form.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                5\u20138<\/td>\n3\u20134 sessions\/week<\/td>\nGradual load increase; add accessory work for posterior chain and core.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                9\u201312<\/td>\n4 sessions\/week<\/td>\nIntroduce intentional progression: small weekly increases; test a moderate PR.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                Simple Weekly Structure:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Day 1: Squat + Lower Body Accessory + Mobility<\/li>\n
                • Day 2: Press + Upper Body Accessory + Core<\/li>\n
                • Day 3: Deadlift\/ hinge + Full-Body Conditioning + Breathwork<\/li>\n
                • Optional Day 4: Active Recovery or Technique Work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  Nutrition Essentials (Simple, Not Fussy)<\/h2>\n

                  Thought:<\/strong> \u201cI must follow a strict diet to get strong.\u201d<\/p>\n

                  Why We Think This:<\/strong> Diet culture ties value to eating choices.<\/p>\n

                  What It Really Means:<\/strong> Consistent protein, manageable calories, and regular meals support recovery and confidence. Food becomes fuel and a form of self-care.<\/p>\n

                  What Helps:<\/strong> Aim for a protein-rich meal within 2 hours post-workout. Use simple swaps: yogurt + nuts, eggs + whole-grain toast, chickpea salad.<\/p>\n

                  Mini Table \u2014 Protein Portions (Approx.):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                  Food<\/th>\nProtein (Approx.)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
                  2 large eggs<\/td>\n12 g<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                  100 g tofu<\/td>\n8\u201312 g<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                  150 g Greek yogurt<\/td>\n15\u201318 g<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                  100 g chicken<\/td>\n25\u201330 g<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                  1 cup lentils cooked<\/td>\n18 g<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                  Rest, Recovery, And The Permission To Slow Down<\/h2>\n

                  Thought:<\/strong> \u201cIf I rest, I\u2019ll lose progress.\u201d<\/p>\n

                  Why We Think This:<\/strong> Hustle culture valorizes constant work.<\/p>\n

                  What It Really Means:<\/strong> Recovery is where adaptation happens. Strength without rest is brittle; strength with recovery is sustainable and empowering.<\/p>\n

                  What Helps:<\/strong> Schedule one full rest day per week. Use low-intensity movement (walking, stretching) and prioritize sleep hygiene.<\/p>\n

                  How To Speak About Your Progress (Because We Often Undersell Ourselves)<\/h2>\n

                  Thought:<\/strong> \u201cIf I say I\u2019m proud, I\u2019ll sound arrogant.\u201d<\/p>\n

                  Why We Think This:<\/strong> Women are often socialized to deflect praise.<\/p>\n

                  What It Really Means:<\/strong> Naming achievements teaches others how to treat you and teaches your brain what\u2019s true.<\/p>\n

                  What Helps:<\/strong> Use concise, humble declarations: \u201cI hit a new PR today \u2014 I\u2019m proud.\u201d Practice this aloud once a week.<\/p>\n

                  When Comparison Creeps In<\/h2>\n

                  Thought:<\/strong> \u201cShe\u2019s further along than me.\u201d<\/p>\n

                  Why We Think This:<\/strong> Social feeds and gym mirrors make others\u2019 journeys visible but not their context.<\/p>\n

                  What It Really Means:<\/strong> Comparison is a thief of joy. Use comparison as data, not identity. Someone else\u2019s progress doesn\u2019t negate yours.<\/p>\n

                  What Helps:<\/strong> Implement the \u201cTwo-Question Pause\u201d: 1) Does this comparison help me train better? 2) If not, return to your log and one small goal for this week.<\/p>\n

                  Practical Scripts For Tough Social Moments<\/h2>\n

                  Script \u2014 If Someone Comments On Your Size:<\/strong>
                  \n\u201cThanks \u2014 I train for how I feel, not how I look.\u201d<\/p>\n

                  Script \u2014 If A Trainer Pushes Too Hard:<\/strong>
                  \n\u201cI appreciate your input. Can we slow down on the volume today? I need to focus on form.\u201d<\/p>\n

                  Script \u2014 If You Feel Self-Conscious In A Class:<\/strong>
                  \n\u201cI\u2019m here to learn. I\u2019ll follow along and ask if I\u2019m unsure.\u201d<\/p>\n

                  A Simple Weekly Confidence Ritual<\/h2>\n

                  Sunday 10-Min Ritual:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. Review training log (2 minutes).<\/li>\n
                  2. Set three intentions for the week (3 minutes).<\/li>\n
                  3. Visualize one tough moment on the platform and how you\u2019ll handle it (3 minutes).<\/li>\n
                  4. Write one sentence of gratitude to your body (2 minutes).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    This ritual turns vague goals into specific practice and softens judgment.<\/p>\n

                    Quick Mobility Mini-Guide (5 Minutes Before Or After Training)<\/h2>\n
                      \n
                    • Hip Circles \u2014 30s per side<\/li>\n
                    • Thoracic Rotations \u2014 30s total<\/li>\n
                    • Glute Bridges \u2014 10\u201315 reps<\/li>\n
                    • Shoulder Dislocations (band) \u2014 10 reps<\/li>\n
                    • Diaphragmatic Breath \u2014 1 minute<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      These quick moves reduce tension and prepare the nervous system.<\/p>\n

                      When Progress Plateaus \u2014 A Compassionate Plan<\/h2>\n

                      Thought:<\/strong> \u201cA plateau means I\u2019ve failed.\u201d<\/p>\n

                      Why We Think This:<\/strong> We expect linear progress.<\/p>\n

                      What It Really Means:<\/strong> Plateaus are normal and often signal a need for new stimuli or recovery. They\u2019re data, not indictment.<\/p>\n

                      What Helps:<\/strong> Cycle volume and intensity (deload week every 4\u20138 weeks), vary accessory work, check sleep and nutrition, and celebrate non-scale wins (better sleep, clearer thinking).<\/p>\n

                      The Mirror Work (Short Practice To Rebuild Image Habits)<\/h2>\n

                      Stand for 60 seconds, focus on one part of your body that feels strong (e.g., calves, shoulders), and say aloud:<\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • \u201cThese are the legs that carried me today.\u201d<\/li>\n
                      • \u201cThis is the torso that holds my breath steady.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        Do this once after training or on days you feel disconnected.<\/p>\n

                        Stories Of Soft Strength: Real-Life Examples (Short)<\/h2>\n
                          \n
                        • A friend who learned to say no at work after a year of consistent deadlifts.<\/li>\n
                        • A mother who found quiet pride in reclaiming time for herself with three weekly sessions.<\/li>\n
                        • A woman who left a toxic relationship after the steady discipline of training made her tolerate less.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          These are small, ordinary ways strength rewrites life.<\/p>\n

                          Quick Confidence-Building Exercises And Their Psychological Effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                          Exercise<\/th>\nWhy It Helps Psychologically<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
                          Deadlift<\/td>\nTeaches full-body control and radical competence<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                          Overhead Press<\/td>\nEnhances presence and upward posture<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                          Farmer\u2019s Carry<\/td>\nBuilds groundedness and endurance for discomfort<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                          Pause Squat<\/td>\nTeaches patience and attention to detail<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                          Tempo Bench<\/td>\nImproves focus under pressure<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

                          Safety And Seeking Help<\/h2>\n

                          If movement triggers pain (physical or emotional), stop and consult a professional. Strength is not about proving you can do anything; it\u2019s about expanding what you can safely do. Use professionals for form, therapists for trauma processing, and trusted coaches for programming.<\/p>\n

                          FAQs<\/h2>\n
                            \n
                          • Q: Will bodybuilding make me bulky?<\/strong>
                            \nA:<\/strong> Unlikely, unless you intentionally eat and train for high hypertrophy and use specific protocols. Most women gain strength and lean muscle that often reads as toned, not bulky.<\/li>\n
                          • Q: Do I have to lift heavy to build confidence?<\/strong>
                            \nA:<\/strong> No. Confidence grows from consistent challenge. Heavy is relative. Progressing at your pace matters more than absolute load.<\/li>\n
                          • Q: How often should I train to see psychological benefits?<\/strong>
                            \nA:<\/strong> 2\u20134 sessions per week reliably show benefits in mood and self-efficacy for most people.<\/li>\n
                          • Q: What if I don\u2019t feel better after months of training?<\/strong>
                            \nA:<\/strong> Consider variables: sleep, nutrition, coaching quality, and mental health support. Sometimes strength practice needs to be integrated with talk therapy to move deeper emotional work.<\/li>\n
                          • Q: Can I start if I\u2019m older or have chronic conditions?<\/strong>
                            \nA:<\/strong> Often yes \u2014 with adaptations. Work with a medical professional and a coach who understands your context.<\/li>\n
                          • Q: How do I stop comparing myself on social media?<\/strong>
                            \nA:<\/strong> Limit exposure, curate your feed to include strength-oriented creators you respect, and use a \u201ccomparison pause\u201d to question whether the comparison helps or harms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                            Short Scripts To Use Outside The Gym (Boundary + Proud Announcement)<\/h2>\n
                              \n
                            • At Work:<\/strong> \u201cI trained this morning \u2014 I\u2019m more focused today.\u201d<\/li>\n
                            • To A Friend:<\/strong> \u201cI\u2019m choosing rest tonight; I need it.\u201d<\/li>\n
                            • To Yourself (Mirror):<\/strong> \u201cI did the work. That matters.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                              Practical Packing List For The Gym Bag (Checklist)<\/h2>\n
                                \n
                              • Water bottle<\/li>\n
                              • Comfortable shoes + socks<\/li>\n
                              • Athletic tape \/ small band<\/li>\n
                              • Headphones + playlist<\/li>\n
                              • Healthy snack (yogurt or nuts)<\/li>\n
                              • Small notebook or phone notes for the training log<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                When Confidence Leads To Other Changes<\/h2>\n

                                Confidence often expands into other domains: better sleep habits, clearer communication, improved relationships, and more intentional career choices. Strength gives you options. That expansion is often incremental \u2014 patience is part of the work.<\/p>\n

                                Final Ritual \u2014 The One-Minute Closing After A Tough Session<\/h2>\n

                                After you finish a tough session, sit down, remove your shoes, breathe 3 long breaths, and jot one sentence:<\/p>\n

                                \u201cToday I did X, and that means Y.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                Example: \u201cToday I added 5 kg to my squat, and that means I can trust myself to do hard things slowly.\u201d<\/p>\n

                                Conclusion: Strength As A Practice Of Belief<\/h2>\n

                                Bodybuilding didn\u2019t fix everything. It didn\u2019t erase all my doubts or make me invulnerable. What it did was give me a practice \u2014 a steady, repeatable, measurable practice \u2014 that re-trained my nervous system to expect competence, my voice to claim space, and my calendar to make room for care.<\/p>\n

                                Those small, repeated acts of showing up were the scaffolding on which a different kind of confidence grew: quieter, more durable, and practical.<\/p>\n

                                If you\u2019re curious, start small. Pick one lift, one ritual, one sentence to say before you begin. Let the barbell be your teacher \u2014 it will only ask you to be honest with what you can do today and to try again tomorrow.<\/p>\n

                                Over time, the ledger of small victories adds up, and the person who once worried about being judged becomes the person who knows how to keep their own counsel and how to stand fully in their body.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                When I first walked into a gym alone, I felt like I\u2019d stepped into someone else\u2019s story. My hands trembled when I clipped the barbell, a sticky note tucked into my notebook read \u201cdon\u2019t embarrass yourself\u201d, and my tea had gone cold on the car roof while I wrestled with the courage to go inside….<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[48],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2737","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fitness"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2737","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2737"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2737\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2737"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2737"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2737"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}