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The Gym Used to Feel Like Home — Now, It Gives Me Anxiety
I’m slowly finding my way and gaining more than just sore muscles
There are some things I’ve missed about going to the gym, and anxiety is certainly not one of them. I’ve finally returned after years away, and I’m back to feeling like an imposter.
Apparently, there is a word for the anxiety people face at the gym: gymtimidation. It’s the fear that everyone’s watching you — or worse — judging you.
Gyms can be overwhelming, and when you haven’t been in a while, it’s tough knowing where things are, or where to start.
I never understood others when they told me they were afraid of going to the gym because, at one point, it felt like a second home to me. I knew my way around and felt confident putting together workouts for myself.
And whenever I did feel a twinge of nervousness, I’d just remind myself everyone was there for themselves, and no one cared what I was doing.
In my mom’s words: You’re not that cool, Carly.
But that was clear back in college, when I was in my early twenties. Not just that, but I was living my life in a constant state of fight or flight; a life fueled by an eating disorder and addiction to exercise.
