Facing Gym Anxiety: Finding What Works for You
Hey friend,
How do you feel about going to the gym?
For me, one of the biggest hurdles to working out has always been the crowds. I’d love to have the gym all to myself — just me, the weights, and maybe some good music. There have been plenty of times when I’ve driven all the way there, only to turn around and head home because the packed parking lot sent my anxiety through the roof. And if I do make it inside? If the area I want to work out in is full of people, my motivation disappears almost instantly.
These days, with the rise of gym videos and people recording themselves (and sometimes others) mid-workout, it can feel even more intimidating. The fear of accidentally ending up in someone’s viral “gym fail” video? No, thank you.
But I know that for some people, the energy of a bustling gym is super motivating. If that’s you — I truly applaud it! There’s something powerful about feeding off the collective determination in the room, and group classes can be a fantastic way to stay inspired.
For me, though, I’ve found peace in switching things up. I’ve been doing more workouts in my garage with weights and bodyweight exercises, and I take long walks to explore the trails at nearby parks. It’s been a game-changer, removing the pressure I used to feel around exercise.
That’s not to say the gym isn’t awesome — it absolutely is. The variety of equipment, the classes, the chance to meet like-minded people — all of that can be incredibly valuable. But life changes, and so do our fitness needs. The important thing is that we keep moving and adapt to whatever environment helps us thrive.
No excuses, no guilt. Just find what works for you, and keep chasing those goals.
You’ve got this!