5 Ways Exercise Boosts Self-Confidence

5 Ways Exercise Boosts Self-Confidence

What if all those burned calories weren’t for a lower number on the scale, but increased self-confidence? Studies show that regular exercise gives you more than health benefits—it’s a huge confidence booster! Not to mention, when you have higher self-esteem you’re better equipped to meet your goals and be successful. 

Those without a strong sense of confidence may take a passive approach to life and be more apathetic about their future. A fitness routine can help you stay more focused and encourage you to take on life’s challenges. So how can exercise improve your self-confidence? 

1. You feel better 
Exercise is good for your body and mind. It can help you break out of bad habits like poor diet choices, overeating and being sedentary. When you feel better physically, you feel better mentally. So, you’re more interested in meeting new people, exploring new places, and you have more energy to take on challenges and overcome obstacles. 

2. You feel stronger 
Regular exercise makes your body stronger and lowers your risk for high blood pressure and chronic disease. It also helps to control weight and reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. When you have physical strength, you often gain mental strength. 

3. You gain a sense of accomplishment 
Exercise is about setting and achieving goals. The success of creating an exercise routine and sticking to it brings you a sense of achievement. When you achieve your exercise goals, you have more emotional stamina to take on your personal goals until you feel like there’s nothing you can’t do! 

4. You have improved self-image 
Sometimes self-esteem issues are tied to body perception. Regular exercise helps build confidence by improving our body image. While exercising you’re likely to strengthen and tone your body, and seeing these results can greatly improve your self-esteem and help you feel better about the way you look. 

5. You have increased brain power 
Exercise makes you smarter. When you do aerobic exercise, you feed your brain with valuable nutrients and oxygen, improving cognitive function. After exercise, you tend to feel more focused, alert and able to complete the tasks of the day more efficiently, thus improving your self-esteem. 

What are some confidence building exercises I can do? 

Building confidence is key to living a fun and fulfilling life. Exercise can have a lasting impact throughout the course of your life, but it can be a challenge to find a workout program that fits your needs. At Jazzercise, we believe that working out is about more than looking great—it should make you feel great, too. Our program fuses cardio, strength, Pilates, hip hop, yoga and kickboxing together in a 60-minute workout and can burn up to 800 calories per class. We provide a welcoming environment for everyone to join the original dance party workout!! 

Aside from the benefits exercise has on your self-esteem, we have outlined some practices you can incorporate into your daily routines that will help build your confidence: 

1. Write daily affirmations.  
We are our own worst critics, but it’s time to break out of this and become your biggest cheerleader! Learning how to affirm, or express, what you are proud of about yourself, what you have accomplished, and most importantly, what you love about yourself can help build your self-esteem. We challenge you to write daily affirmations for at least 30 days and notice what stands out. Maybe it’s your genuine smile or a goal you finally accomplished, there is no wrong answer! Now you can actually visualize your confidence on paper and start to tell those negative thoughts it’s time to leave. 

2. Dress for success.  
If you feel confident in what you are wearing, then you will exude self-esteem. Even if you are going to exercise, you will be amazed at how putting on a cute workout outfit helps you feel more excited, positive, and ready to crush your workout (or Jazzercise class!). 

If exercise helps you look good, feel strong, and have a positive attitude, why not add it into your self-care routine? 

What’s your favorite way to exercise and stay healthy?