Last night my partner finally convinced me to go to the gym after work, as I haven't been since before a holiday back in June. The reason for this is not only because I've been a little bit lazy but because I started a new job with longer hours recently, so I was trying to learn a new routine with my career and home life. Working 8.00 - 17.30, then factoring in traffic on the way home, you find that there just aren't enough hours in the day to do the house work you had planned to do when you get home, whether that is cleaning, cooking the tea, prepping food for lunches the next day, doing a wash load; or it could even be having that much deserved you time, having a bit of a pamper or the dreaded hair wash and drying process (this takes me the longest - or used to should I say, my new gadget has cut down this time but that's for another blog, another day). So I would find that once all this was done it was time to go to bed and even then getting to sleep could be a struggle because I would lay there wide awake thinking about having to do it all again tomorrow and the next day!
Anyway, back to the gym and reason for today's blog. So as I've mentioned I finally managed to get back into the gym last night but it wasn't just as easy as turning up, doing a work out and leaving. Job done right? Wrong! (for me anyway).
Going to the gym can really trigger my anxiety, especially if I've lost my routine by not going as often as I like, so getting back into it I always struggle with. To make matters worse, since my last visit the gym has had a complete revamp!! New decor, new layout, new equipment, NEW EVERYTHING! So this wasn't just a case of going and getting over the fear of starting again, this for me was like walking into a brand new gym and environment that I wasn't used to.
Track back to two weeks ago when I first initially tried to get back into the gym. Again, I went with my partner but he was already in his gym routine for the week and the day I plucked up the courage to go with him it was 'chest day' - This is the one day we wouldn't train together. I walked into this new environment and instantly felt the anxiousness build up inside me. I started to panic, I was getting all hot and flustered, I started to go light headed, my eyes were tearing up and I thought I was going to be sick at any moment. I had been there for a total of 60 seconds before I ran out. I ran and just kept on going for the next 40-50 minutes until I had calmed down - I'm not a runner and don't even like running, so I shocked myself that I even did it!
So last night was going to be a big test for me! Thankfully my partner had said we'd go together and train together, that he'd show me around the gym and where all the new equipment was that I would normally use and how to use them - and he did just that bless him! Once we got that out of the way and we started to train my anxiety began to calm right down to the point where I was suggesting mini-workouts that each of us could do whilst the other was doing the main exercise. That was such a big result for me :)
I know that it's going to take a few weeks before I can get my head around the new environment, new equipment and fitting it into my new routine but with the help of my partner I know I can do it. As it's the same every time and bless him, he will continue to train with me until I feel comfortable and confident enough to do it alone and for that and him I am forever grateful and thankful.
I'm so happy I've finally started back on the path to enjoying working out again, as I do find it is good for us all not just physically; but mentally too. My advice if you have the same struggles as me would be, find a gym buddy (one that's used to going regularly) whether that be your partner, a friend, a family member or colleague - It's a lot easier to start and/or get back into your gym routine with the help and support of someone else.
I dedicate this blog to my wonderful partner. My best friend and my love. I couldn't do it without you sometimes!
Love always,
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