-Feeling nervous and overwhelmed now gyms have reopened?
-Do you go to the gym and then get hit with this wall of confusion around programmes, splits, plans, exercises and machines?
-Have you had a real sense of anxiety when it comes to exercising and going back to the gym?
-Do you feel like you’re all alone and everyone is judging / critiquing you ?
Stop. Firstly you aren’t alone at all - chances are a lot of other people are feeling the same way right now. Not only is change of routine nerve wracking, confusing and takes up a lot of mental energy, but the gym and training can be a minefield as it is What with the sheer amount of information out there telling you about the quote on quote ‘perfect’ diet, training programme, way to exercise for your body type [eye roll], there is a lot to get overwhelmed with. Your brain can only process so much. Likewise, the gym is a situation that puts stress on the body. Last thing you need is to add to that through stressing yourself out before you've even arrived.
Remember -
There are professionals out there who can support you in both training and with diet advice.
A lot of people are in a similar boat now with regards to how they feel surrounding exercise. It's not uncommon to feel a bit overwhelmed and lost- give yourself some credit that you're making the steps necessary to start on your fitness journey.
Chances are, no matter what you think the people in the gym aren’t judging you for making mistakes, looking different to how you did pre-lockdown, lifting less etc. They’re there to train. You’re there to train.
Judgemental people are not the sort you want to associate with and shouldn’t care about their opinions anyway. They should channel that negative energy into their own training and it may help them more- you never know.
Loud music can cure a lot of things and a good atmosphere can really help. If your current gym isn't servicing you or makes you feel uncomfortable and like you don't want to be there, look at changing gyms [within reason, I know this isn't always feasible].
Start slow. Just because you see someone on Instagram doing a single arm overhead kettlebell squat with a pause and heels elevated…..doesn’t mean you should be doing that too.
Realise that progress is unpredictable and not linear at all - strength and muscle growth take time, practice and commitment. What you find hard at first, will become easier over time and seeing progress and improvement is incredibly motivating! Having a well thought out programme with direction, goals can definitely make you feel more assured and confident. Reach out today if you’re looking for a coach, assistance writing a plan or generally feel a bit lost!
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