Before I started this journey I had horrible anxiety about going to the gym. I had a fear that people would stare and be like what is she doing here? She doesn’t know what she is doing. I am plus size so it made me doubly anxious  about people watching my every move while I work out. I know deep down nobody really cares what I am doing all they care about is what they are doing and their workouts. I took a tour of my local gym to get a feel for the equipment  and environment. I also did lots of research online on how to use the equipment and different kinds of exercises I could do at the gym so I would kind of know what I was doing when I would go to the gym. I also had to realize that everyone starts somewhere. They might be years into their journey. Don’t allow others appearances make you feel bad. Instead try to feel inspired. I also wear headphones and turn on my favorite music to help me to focus on myself and what I am doing. I use therm so I can zone out and not worry what is going on around me. I bring noise canceling headphones, my phone and my google playlist. I am able to focus on what I am doing and drown out everything and everyone else.I also bought fitness gear that I would be comfortable in. I also try to wear workout clothes I will feel comfortable and confident in. I also try to go to the gym at off peak times, it can sometimes be intimidating to work out in large groups of people. I would choose off peak times because it helps to ease my gym anxiety because there are a smaller amount of people working out at off peak times. Most gyms will be full in the early evening hours and relatively empty in the early mornings or early afternoons. It can vary from gym to gym so I advise you ask the staff at your gym to see when their off peak times are. By scheduling your workouts at off peak times you won’t have to fight for machines. You’ll be able to workout at your own pace and focus only on your own workouts. You’ll feel more comfortable when there are fewer people to interact with and fewer eyes on you. Don’t compare yourself to others. When you are at the gym try to focus on yourself and your own workout. Don’t let your eyes wanders, stay in your own lane and focus on yourself. Pull all your energy into your sets and reps. Wear a hat , by wearing a hat it can really help you to feel safe and hidden under the bill of the cap. Study your routine before you go to the gym. Having a plan before you go will not only make you feel more confident but also get you better results in the long run. Keep going and be consistent. The most effective tip for getting over your gym anxiety is to just keep going and be consistent. The more you go , the more comfortable you will be at the gym. It might even start feeling like a second home. Master your mindset and you’ll master your body. You have to master your mindset and live with confidence in order to truly unleash your full power and reach your full potential. You have to master your mindset in order to truly master your body. Train your mindset as often as you train your body. Have a growth mindset, believe that you can grow through dedication and hard work. Learn as much as  you can about health, fitness and bodybuilding. Remove toxic people who have a negative effect on your mindset, block them out and block all your negative thoughts. Believe in yourself, train hard and stay dedicated and you’ll master your body and achieve your goals. Just give yourself a pep talk and push out all the negative thoughts. You are bad ass you got this now go out and get your butt into the gym and work hard to achieve your goals.

Retro Rebel Girl