The Gym Gave Me Anxiety Too

Walking into a fitness space for the first time is terrifying. Especially if you're dealing with a disability or you're just not built like the people in the Instagram ads. I get it. Here's how to get past that fear and actually start moving.

First off, let me tell you something: everyone at the gym is too worried about their own workout to pay attention to what you're doing. I know it doesn't feel that way. I know it feels like everyone is staring and judging. But they're not. They're thinking about their own form, their own goals, their own insecurities.

That said, not all gyms are created equal. Some places really do have a culture that makes people feel unwelcome. Here in Loudoun County, I've seen the difference. The big chain gyms can be hit or miss depending on what time you go and which one you pick.

Here's what I tell people who are nervous about getting started:

Go at off-peak times first. Middle of the day, early afternoon. Way less crowded, way less intimidating. You can get a feel for the space without dealing with the after-work rush.

Bring headphones, even if you don't always use them. Having them gives you an excuse not to make eye contact if you're feeling overwhelmed. It's like a little bubble of protection.

Have a plan before you go. Nothing fancy, but know what you're going to do for your first few visits. Wandering around trying to figure it out makes you feel more self-conscious.

Remember that everyone started somewhere. That person who looks like they live at the gym? They had a first day too. They felt awkward and out of place too.

If you're dealing with a disability, don't be afraid to talk to the staff about what accommodations they have. Most places want to be helpful, they just don't always know what you need unless you ask.

But here's the real talk: you don't have to go to a gym at all. Some of my best clients train at home, at parks, in their apartment complex fitness rooms. The goal is to move your body, not to fit into someone else's idea of what exercise should look like.

I've trained people in their living rooms who got stronger than some people I've trained in fancy gyms. Location matters way less than consistency and effort.

If you're in the Purcellville area and you want to try a gym but you're nervous, start with the community center. It's not fancy, but the people there are generally pretty welcoming. Or honestly, just start walking the trails around town. Some of the best exercise happens outdoors anyway.

The hardest part is starting. Once you get moving, once you prove to yourself that you can do it, the fear starts to fade. Your body starts to feel different. You start to feel different.



And that's when the real changes begin.