Gym Anxiety and How to Beat It

Be kind. You never know how hard it was just for someone to get through the doors.

GYm Anxiety

Has anyone else felt like there was an unseen battle going on that’s keeping you from getting back in the gym or in better shape? I know I’m not alone in this. At home, thinking of everything under the sun I need to do in order to justify not having time. In my room, freaking out that nothing fits right and I have nothing I can wear to the gym.* In the parking lot, trying to get an exact game plan so I don’t stand out.. but it’s too late now. My mind is going too fast to make a plan now.. so heart rate increases. “That’s it, I’m not going!” You know what I mean. Overcoming these lies and ultimately ending the “gym anxiety” is achieved with a new perspective.

*Side note: I’ve noticed I always feel bomb in a short sleeve crop top and high waisted leggings.. it’s my go-to combo now!

Positive perspective

Going to the gym, or wherever you want to get in shape, cannot be seen as punishment. We can’t expect to tell ourselves that we eat too much or don’t look good enough (which is negative) and have anything good, healthy, or positive come out of it. Negative motivations will eventually lead to negative outcomes. Positive motivations will eventually lead to positive outcomes. So! Let’s talk about some lies that need to be shut down and perspective that needs to be changed!

Dos & Don’ts

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Some may relate to these, others may find them silly. It’s just a few of the lies I deal with personally. Most of them come from being worried about what others are thinking. One of the most important things to remember is that you are going to the gym FOR YOU. So if someone wants to waste their time and energy on paying attention to you, then let them. Chances are it’s in your head and everyone else is focusing on themselves anyways. Focus your time and energy on yourself and the positive results will follow. 

Spiritual Reality

Oh! If anyone else felt like the mention of an unseen battle really resonated with them, read on! You may be familiar with 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 where it talks about our bodies being a temple of the Holy Spirit. I believe that keeping our bodies healthy is a part of glorifying God. This would make sense then that the enemy would want to hinder you. Working out not only helps to take care of your body and get into better shape, but it also helps you mentally due to the hormones it releases in your body. After working out, you can be more productive and have more energy to do whatever it is God is wanting you to do. So, of course, the enemy wants to stop it. Press on! Remind yourself that you deserve to have good health and you will glorify God in the process!

Strength in numbers

If you struggle with gym anxiety, having an accountability partner is so important! Sometimes one of us may be feeling beat down with lies while the other is standing firm in truth. This means we can let them know, “Hey, I looked in the mirror today and I’m disgusted. I don’t like how I look in anything I put on. I just don’t even want to go anymore.” This is just reality sometimes!! Having an accountability partner means instead of believing the lies and staying negative, you have someone to encourage you and lift you up! “First of all, you’re a beast. Second of all, you planned to go to the gym to better yourself and you deserve to do that. Go!! And post a picture after because you look amazing!!” If you don’t have an accountability partner, shoot me an email.. I got you!

Just a few tips to help beat gym anxiety

• Be positive & kind to yourself
• Realize & fight the spiritual battle
• Get an accountability partner

I’ve put off going to the gym for a year because of these lies plus more. What are some struggles you have when it comes to getting in the gym? Tell me in the comments! For more gym reads click here: http://momgymeatrepeat.com/gym/ !