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There was a time when I struggled to make fitness a consistent part of my life.
Amber Venerable
But what was I afraid of?
And why is engaging in fitness so scary for some of us?
I had fear of judgment.None of the gym advertising or websites I visited showed anyone who looked like me.
It left an element of the unknown, so subconsciously I avoided it with my go-to excuses.
What I didnt realize is that I was amongst thousands of women who felt the same way.
Gym anxiety is real.
Sport England did an extensive study of women for the popular fitness campaignThis Girl Can.
Their findings revealed ahuge differencein the number of men and women playing sport.
And it’s wasnt because females didnt want to get active.
Millions of women and girls were afraid to exercise because of fear of judgement.
My excuses served a purpose: They protected me from stepping outside of my comfort zone.
But what they really kept me from was living to my highest potential.
So, are you ready?
Being prepared isnt just for the Girl Scouts.
Implementing theknow before you gostrategy can level fear to a mere flicker.
I recommend doing some in-depth research so you know what to expect before attending a gym or fitness class.
The more familiar you’re free to be before you roll, the better.
This is all about fear management and biting off what is palatable, step by step.
Even now, I still have fitness fear.
I can remember waiting to get into the pool at atriathlonand my heart was racing, my fear amplified.
I now implement breathing to combat the pre-race jitters.
Find a quiet corner, close your eyes and just breathe.
Deep breaths in through nose, out through the mouth until you feel calmer.
Everyone in the group was a beginner runner, just like me and I immediately felt like I belonged.
Their likeness to me took my fear from a 10 to 3 in a quick second.
When we are trying something new there will likely be some degree of fear.
Remember, part of athleticism is feeling the fear, managing it, and doing it anyway.
Harness that energy anduse it in your workout!
I recommend daily mantras.
Similar to physical training, mental training is key for dissipating fear.
When we have a strong sense of self-efficacy, our fear is lessened greatly.
Here are some of my go-to mantras:
I am an athlete.
My body will do whatever I train it to do.
I am strong and capable of anything I put my mind to.
Find some phrases that feel authentic to you and chant them till the cows come home!
Remember, take it slow and go!
It takes great bravery to step forward and take control of your health.
But I can assure you, you wont explode or combust during fitness.
