If you're a generally all-around-anxious type of person, like myself, you probably feel like any situation where you have to leave your house is a chore. Especially leaving your house to go to the gym. You want to be fit, but you don't want to be seen when you're red as a tomato and producing more sweat than you even knew possible. So you gather up the (mental) strength and decide to head to your local gym, and it goes a little something like this...
While you're driving you think about how your clothes have been a little tight lately...
Which leads you to be extra motivated and ready to smash out a super intense workout. So you get all ready with your workout gear and start to think about what you're actually going to do while you're here.
1. Maybe I should do one of the group classes for cardio?
You think about how much fun it could be to enter into a room full of people you don't know and start pedaling as fast as you can, all while trying to keep up with the instructor and pretend you're having the time of your life. Then reality hits and you realize that doesn't sound like fun for an overtly socially anxious person. At all. Moving on to...
2. I could just do a killer cardio routine by myself.
3. Maybe I'll try running instead.
Ooooh or do those cool moves I see the #fitspo people do on Instagram. Okay... so how do I... maybe if I... okay never mind we're just going to walk to avoid any chance of failure and public embarrassment.
4. How about some weights?
I feel very wimpy with my 5-pound weights and the fact that it actually BURNS to lift these things more than 10 times in a row. Hopefully, no one around me can see how much I'm struggling. Oh, that guy is definitely looking at me. Definitely judging. So rude. One day I'll be the one lifting 40-pound dumbbells like it's nothing. They'll be sorry then. Just wait.
5. Oh there's my friend! Let me ask them for help!
6. So they're trying to get me to try heavier weights. Great.
This is going just fabulously. I look like an idiot. But hey, at least I'm working towards those #gains. I'll be a new and improved (but still anxious) person in no time. Thanks, pal.
7. And now it's time for the cardio I was trying to avoid.
I could say I have somewhere else to be an leave. I really can't stand any embarrassment right now. Oh. We're just going to walk. Ok, this is nice. I can do this. Walking along, no problems here. Just keep on walking'.
8. FINALLY, time to go home.
I have never felt so drained in my entire life. When will this sweat stop?! At least I get to go home now and be by myself, away from all those people. After I lie to my friend about how we "sooo have to do this more often!" I feel calmer already.
9. I can now lay down and never move again.
I will lay here in my sweat and feel proud of myself until I can muster the energy to shower. I am so healthy. The sweat is glistening. I look like a goddess. So proud.
10. Maybe I should do this more often.
It may be extremely intimidating for anyone with any type of anxiety to set foot in a gym, but don't let the fear stop you from working towards your goals. If you want to be shredded with insta-worthy abs then go for it! Even if the gym is too overwhelming at first, try some at-home workouts until you're more confident. You can find them anywhere from Youtube to Pinterest to Facebook. Best of luck, #fitfam.
