How to do a workout if you are an introvert

Introverts are people who prefer spending time in solitude rather than in social settings. They feel comfortable when alone, find fulfillment in thinking and analyzing, and don't like to be interrupted. They do have friends, often a small number of very close ones, but even with them, they prefer one-on-one interactions. They tend to avoid crowds, noise, and large groups. Superficial interactions can be draining and sometimes induce feelings of anxiety. Initiating new connections can be challenging, and they may choose to talk to themselves rather than with someone they've just met.

How to do a workout if you are an introvert?

With a personal trainer. With an online trainer. Alone. In the gym or at home. You want to minimize the number of people actively involved in the process.

Cross out group workouts, pilates classes, CrossFit, functional training, running teams, and working out with friends, your best man, or a close friend.

How to get started?

The key is to have a plan. Create a plan at home, with a clear mind, a few days before your first workout. A plan serves to minimize your thinking. In situations that are uncomfortable for introverts, excessive thinking and overanalysis can lead to increased anxiety, which ultimately results in a mental blockage and giving up. Having a plan means you follow the plan and don't overthink it.

Choose a place before you start working out. Visit gyms in your area and see which one suits you best. Check if it's clean, crowded, how loud the music is, the cost, and all other criteria important to you. When you start working out, you'll undoubtedly find numerous flaws, but it's better that these are imagined shortcomings resulting from your discomfort and not the objective shortcomings.

Before you start, you should know what you will do and who you will workout with. If you're looking for a trainer, whether online or in person, remember that, in addition to expertise, which is absolutely essential, the trainer should match your sensibility. We all aim for continuous training, and that won't happen if we're with someone who irritates us, even if they're the best trainer in the world. You're not a pro. Your primary goal is to feel good.

If you don't have a trainer, have a program. Remember how much a shopping list helps when you go shopping. This is the same but far more critical. You'll be tired and stressed, and it will be even more challenging to adapt on the go. You should know which exercises you're doing, in what order, how many sets, repetitions, and how long your breaks are. Leave no room for improvisation. Going to the gym will be uncomfortable, the last thing you need is second-guessing whether you should do squats or deadlifts now.

A workout must have an end. Imagine two boxers hitting each other endlessly. No knockout, just countless rounds. Eventually, you'd see two exhausted bodies without any concentration, mechanically doing movements that bring no benefit. That's you if you think it's a good idea to spend hours in the gym because, well, you haven't finished everything. Set an agreement with yourself or your trainer on how much time you want to spend on training. Create a program accordingly. If you have three more sets left, and your time is up, the training is over. You're not a child to stay at the table until you've finished everything. You'll have plenty of distractions when you start working out, and everything will be new. You need time to adapt. That's okay. Have understanding for yourself. Finish the training when planned, and go. It's just one workout. You want hundreds of them.

Personal Task: It is crucial for every introvert. Assign it to yourself before every workout, by answering the question: "What do I want from next workout?" Don't set goals too high when you're a beginner. I always start with the task of going to the gym, having a coffee, and going home. You can choose to find all the equipment you'll need to do your program. After that, you can start thinking about the program. Assign yourself this task to understand the adaptation process. After a few workouts, you'll perform the exercises without a problem, and then you can give yourself a more challenging task, like switching with someone using the equipment you want to use, asking a trainer to explain an exercise, and so on. This will gradually make you comfortable in the training environment.

So, answer these questions...

- Where am I working out?

With whom am I working out?

What exercises am I doing?

How long will I workout?

What's my personal task for next training?

... and you have a plan.

And when you start…

SILENCE!!!

Introverts often stumble right at the beginning because they immediately tell people around them that they've started working out. They seek opinions or praise and get a sense of anxiety that they don't even understand. For an introvert, peace is more important than praise.

Here's why you shouldn't tell anyone that you're working out:

1. You avoid pressure. Anyone you tell that you're working out will have an opinion, advice, which, even if well-intentioned, can create pressure and expectations.

2. You stay focused. Your thoughts are concentrated on your own work rather than explaining yourself to someone else or listening to them.

3. You neutralize negative comments, even if they are joking; they are unnecessary.

4. You prevent comparisons. The moment you start working out, it's hard enough; you don't need someone telling you how they did it or what you can do better.

5. You maintain inner motivation. It's highly important for introverts. It's nurtured and developed, and sharing your plans and goals can shift your focus from internal motivation to someone else's approval or recognition.

If you do talk, talk to someone who understands you and will provide support in a way that suits you. If you need help, focus on asking specific questions and getting concrete answers. Any extended conversation will only dilute your energy.

Introvert’s strengths:

Attention to detail - Once they overcome initial shocks and irritants, introverts connect better with their bodies and focus on details, which makes their progress higher in quality and speed.

Independence - When it's no longer "fun" for those around, introverts remain alone, which is the situation that suits them. Extroverts have trouble continuing to work out when it's no longer "fun," but introverts enjoy it because they seek the fun within themselves.

Deep thinking - The longer they work out, the more introverts engage in introspection. They better understand their desires and needs and can adjust their training to best suit them. This leads to continuous work and enjoyment.

In Conclusion..

We're all struggling with something. So, if you're an introvert, don't feel sorry for yourself or be discouraged without even trying. Embrace yourself and know that, if you endure the initial discomfort, you have a great chance to keep exercising throughout your life and genuinely enjoy it. Everyone goes through a storm, some sooner, some later. Introverts go through it first. Good luck.