Dealing with your insecurities as they change can be a struggle but turning to the gym to build confidence could be the solution
New research reveals that almost a third of men admit to having seriously low appearance confidence causing them to avoid mirrors, dodge photos, or focus on insecurities every day.
The study – from Jacamo – looks at how men’s confidence changes throughout their lives including what impacts their mental health, along with what spaces make men feel stronger, in the hopes of changing the narrative.
The research found that fitness habits are one of the first places men’s mental health struggles show up, with 26% saying their workouts become inconsistent when their confidence dips or anxiety increases.
But help could be at hand, as, conversely, gyms and sports clubs were second behind parks and green spaces as having the biggest positive impact on men’s mental health.
Wellbeing coach Tommy Hatto said: “There’s so much around us now that relies heavily on looks…for men it’s not just about muscle, but insecurities around things like height or hair loss. The pressures are real, even if they don’t always get spoken about
“It doesn’t surprise me that conversations are moving away from typical men’s spaces. Confidence can be built in parks, run clubs, or even gyms that provide a social element, anywhere men can talk and move together.
“There’s no doubt that exercising can improve mental clarity and actually make us feel better because of the endorphin release. However, it’s important to listen to your body – when you need to rest, take the rest because that’s just as important for your mental health as exercising.”
