Hello, my beautiful peaches. Today, we’re going to discuss how to manage gym anxiety.

I’m particularly excited about this episode because I used to struggle with gym anxiety myself. I have about six tips to share with you that have significantly changed my experience. I’ll also share my personal experiences with gym anxiety.

Every so often, I still have moments where I feel overwhelmed, and I want to talk about that. I want to discuss what gym anxiety looks like and how it can impact our results. So, let’s dive into my top tips to help you overcome gym anxiety.

Before we start, you might want to grab a pen and paper to jot down notes. If you’re driving, try voice notes instead for safety. Now, let’s dive in with how to deal with gym anxiety.

Going to the gym, especially when you’re new to strength training or just new to the gym environment, can be intimidating. I used to fear being judged, looking silly, or appearing as though I didn’t know what I was doing. I can completely relate to these fears and I have two personal stories to share.

The first story is about my initial experience with weightlifting. I was a student at Clemson University, studying nutrition and dietetics, and later exercise science and sports nutrition. Back then, I was considering a career as a dentist or orthodontist. However, I shifted my focus to nutrition and dietetics and ended up working at a hospital as a dietician. Later, I pursued my master’s degree and developed a passion for human metabolism, macros, and supporting women through weight loss and food freedom.

During my time at Clemson, I came across some strong, confident women on social media, sharing their nutrition and body confidence tips. This inspired me to start weightlifting. I learned that strength training could help me build muscle and achieve the body composition I desired.

However, starting out wasn’t easy. I remember the first time I tried to do squats at the gym, I felt like everyone was watching and judging me. I ended up leaving the gym in tears, feeling embarrassed and questioning whether I belonged there. Despite this setback, I decided not to give up. I pushed myself to keep going, even when it was challenging.

This brings me to my first tip: remember that most people at the gym are not judging you. They’re likely focused on their own workouts and might be dealing with their own insecurities. Secondly, remember that everyone starts somewhere. Even if you struggle in the beginning, it’s a part of the process. If someone is judging you for being a beginner, that’s their problem, not yours.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re unsure about how to use a piece of equipment or perform a certain exercise, ask someone who looks experienced. Most people will be happy to help.

Remember, gym anxiety is common, but it doesn’t have to stop you from achieving your fitness goals. Keep these tips in mind, and remember to be patient with yourself. You’re stronger than you think.