Getting Over my Fear of the Gym and How to Avoid the Freshman 15

This sounds silly, I know.

I am a very confident person; except at the gym.

I am writing this blog post in hopes that someone else feels the same and that I am not alone, and nor are you!

It is not because I’m not confident in my body or how I look, but rather because I was never taught how to use gym equipment. I am also not the most coordinated person. I also don’t like to be watched while I workout. I get super sweaty and make funny faces, and I don’t want people to look at me!

Z by Zella tank top | Z by Zella leggings | Nike sneakers

We had gym class my whole life, all the way up until senior year of high school. Yes, we would use the weight room, from time to time, but I didn’t really know how to use certain machines, so I just avoided them all together. 

 Up until this past year, I strictly went to group workout classes. I would sit in the back of the room and do my thing. 

I love workout classes because I like a coach or someone motivating me and showing me exactly how to do everything.

I would go to one just about every day.

Pilates twice a week. Spin once or twice a week. BodyPump, Barre class. You name it, I was there!

I always invited friends to go with me, which is super fun, motivating and a great way avoid the freshman 15. After class, we always made sure to get a meal together afterwards. It was a great way to make friends and avoid the freshman 15 together!

I’ve always eaten healthy, but it is even more important to do so in college, when mom and dad aren’t there making you eat your veggies. I ate lots of fruits and vegetables. Lots of whole grains. I also made sure to drink a lot of water. I also tried to workout at least 4 times a week.

However, this past semester, when there weren’t workout classes on the weekends, and I still want to work out, I have been going to the gym to use the free weights with a friend or two, during the less busy hours of the day. 

It took me three and a half years to be comfortable and confident enough in my gym abilities to go and workout without a workout class.

After going a couple of times, and dipping my toes in the water, I felt more comfortable and liked going because it made me feel good! I love to feel the burn. 

I am still not 100% confident but going when there are less people is really helpful, because I feel that there are less eyes on me.

Wearing a cute, coordinated workout outfit doesn’t hurt either!

I also have been taking baby steps and only doing workouts in public that I am comfortable doing, and that make me feel good. Such as riding the stationary bikes by myself and listening to music.

Baby steps. If you are afraid of the gym too, do this with me!

I’ve really enjoyed it and I’m much more confident now in my gym abilities than I was three years ago.

Everything takes time. I am still not super confident with going to the gym by myself. But with a little push from my friends to try something new and go outside my comfort zone I am becoming more confident at the gym. 

:)