Anxiety in the gym... It's a real thing!
Have you ever been so motivated and pumped to go to the gym then all of a sudden this feeling comes over you and you just cannot for the life of you bring yourself to get in the car and go? Have you ever walked into the gym and instantly felt like you need to turn around and walk straight back out or just stay on the cardio equipment in the corner because the weights room just seems too scary or overwhelming today?
I have! And I can confidently say I'm not the only one. I mean, the gym is my workplace, it's my playground, I spend 14+ hours a day in one & I too still get these feelings some days, especially if I go to a new gym that I'm not used to.
I'm here to tell you that you're not alone with this, but its something that needs to change. I hear this so often from my clients. They're too intimidated to go into a gym without me or another trainer or friend, they feel like everyone is looking at them and judging what they're doing or how they're doing it.
Truth is, no one really cares. Everyone is in the gym for the same reason. They're there to improve their health and fitness, chase some goals, make some gains and to work on THEMSELVES.
Don't be ashamed if you don't know what you're doing. 80% of people don't know what they're actually doing. Go in with your workout planned and stick to it, don't worry about what "Bob" in the corner is doing, because I can tell you he probably doesn't even know you're there.
The world seems to be getting worse as the years go on, More judgemental, more critical, more opinionated and more people are suffering from anxiety. There is NO reason anyone should ever feel anxious or judged for chasing their goals and working on themselves. Everyone is different and everyone deserves to feel like they belong.
Next time you feel like this, here's what I suggest you do;
Pop some headphones in, listen to some music or a podcast & shut the world out
Remind yourself that you're just as entitled as old mate in the string singlet to be in that gym. You have goals too!
Write your workout out prior to getting to the gym so you go in with a plan. Stick to it and get it done.
Take a deep breath & say, "You've got this!"
Don't overthink it, just do it & get it done.
If there's one thing I can't stand, it's seeing or hearing people put other people down for trying to better themselves. Don't let these feelings beat you. Stay strong, be in control of your mind, don't let it control you and most of all remind yourself why you're going to the gym In the first place.
Stay confident and next time you feel like this, read this blog again, get in your car & go slay your workout!
You've got this!
Han
xoxo
