How to: fight gym anxiety with Sana Powell
If you suffer from gym anxiety, you are not alone! We sat down with Licensed professional counsellor, Sana Powell, AKA the ‘Curly Therapist’, who gave us her advice on how to fight gym anxiety in 2022.
‘The Curly Therapist’ was the title Sana decided to give herself when she started her online Instagram platform for mental health advice. As an Indian-American woman, her curly hair was a huge part of her physical identity growing up, a true representation of her culture and identity! Sana’s goal for her online platform was to create a space for inclusive metal health content, because growing up she felt mental health was “taboo” more than anything else in her culture. As a LPC, she decided, “I wanted to just bring a diverse perspective into the conversation around mental emotional well being, and hopefully help other people realise that their mental health is just as important as anyone else’s”.
How would you define ‘Gym Anxiety’?
When I think of the concept, ‘Gym Anxiety’ it is actually something that is pretty personal to me. Not only have I dealt with it in the past, but still deal with, so I wanted to really reflect on this topic and hopefully bring in some things that I am learning in the process. How I would define ‘Gym Anxiety’ though is I think of this sense of self consciousness that we might feel when we are faced with a potentially intimidating or embarrassing experience at the gym.
What are the signs of ‘Gym Anxiety’?
Gym Anxiety is so broad, and it can look different for each person depending on what their past experiences have been with not just the gym but their fitness, their bodies and their sense of self in general. Some signs of gym anxiety could be anxiety related to aspects, like what other people will think of your appearance, or your abilities, feeling anxious about how competent you are with using the equipment if other people are judging you for not doing it correctly.
For example, I have had a man come up to me at the gym and tell me, “Oh you’re actually not using this machine right, this is how you’re supposed to use it instead”. He was really friendly about it, but at the same time I didn’t want any one else's opinion, I just wanted to use the machine how I wanted. Therefore, I want to validate people in saying it is a real fear you can have, because sometimes people want to give unsolicited advice. When it comes to physiological signs of anxiety, you might experience your heart start to race, your hands get sweaty, you feel like it is harder to think and make decisions. It is like an overwhelming sense of dread, we call it ‘an impending sense of doom’ like something really bad is going to happen. You do not know what it is, but you are hyper vigilant and very protective.
What advice would you give to someone on how to fight gym anxiety?
Check out the gyms website before you attend for the first time, this will give you an understanding of their facilities and you can have a virtual look around, you can also have an understanding on how to get there.
Something that really help me when starting the gym, was talking to the staff about the memberships they offered. They can then give their professional advice and you can ask any questions you have in regards to any you’re worried or wondering in regards to the gym.
Whether it’s a friend, family member or a partner, or a work colleague, try and find someone to go to the gym with. Having that social support when you’re at the gym, especially if it’s a space that makes you feel anxious, it can help ease that anxiety and be grounding. When we have someone with us that makes us feel comfortable, we are able to focus on ourselves more, and we realise that other people may not be as concerned with us or even interested in us as we think they are.
With gym anxiety, you are already dealing with uncertainty when it comes to going to the gym. For example, you are unsure on how many people are going to be there or who is going to be there, therefore, if you can control what you are going to be doing/training that day, it will take away some of that decision fatigue. It can be overwhelming seeing all of the different equipment and machines in the gym, so planning your time/workout will be extremely beneficial to taking away some of the decision fatigue. This leads me on to my next bit of advice...
I’ve always found that people who work at a gym are pretty friendly, and they want to help you. Inductions are there so that you can familiarise yourself with the gym, the equipment to ensure your safety and as ORIGYM states, ‘Gym inductions are a great way to meet the trainers, learn the basics in the presence of a personal trainer and give you the confidence to step foot in the gym without feeling nervous’. It can feel empowering, sort of having that foundational knowledge, once you start using the equipment and machines, you not longer feel like a beginner.
The time you choose to go to the gym can impact your comfort level. If being in crowded places makes you feel anxious, you may want to go early in the morning, late at night or during non-peak hours. I have to say, I’m not a morning person, but I’d imagine you’d have a sense of accomplishment where you’ve gone to the gym before people are even there, you got to your place of work or start your day and now you have your whole day ahead of you knowing that you have already worked out in the morning.
Anxiety can present itself in different ways, you heart could start racing, you start to feel overwhelmed, shaky or your stomach is uneasy -it is really important to be in tune with your body. Moving your body is just one way to reduce anxiety, physical movement is the perfect way to release tension - for some this may be to get your heart pumping, for others it may be stretching or deep breathing exercises.
What’s wonderful about the gym is that you have all of the different spaces and once you get acquainted with what you enjoy doing at the gym, you’ll get a better sense of what helps you to stay calm and feel regulated.
This is your year!
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Your 5-Minute Mental Health Check Up
Hey there! How are you feeling?
That’s a question we don’t ask ourselves enough.
It’s quite normal for us to schedule an appointment with the dentist or doctor to check our oral and physical health, so why is it less common to check on our mental health?
So many factors are closely related to our mental health, which is why it’s important to address the small changes and approaches we can take to prioritise and care for our mental wellbeing.
According to research, one in five US adults experience a mental health problem of some kind each year, while in England, as many as one in four people experience the same issue.
That’s why, for Mental Health Awareness Week, we’ve created a quick and easy five-minute mental health check you can do every day, anywhere.
WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?
Mental health is how you feel in your mind and your mood. Just like your physical health, it depends on many factors, including your genetics, your environment, your circumstances, what you do to maintain it, and underlying physical or mental health conditions you may suffer from, and how they are treated.
This Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from Monday 15th May to Sunday 21st May, addresses anxiety. Anxiety is an emotion we all experience, but sometimes it can get out of control and cause issues for our mental health.
In a survey of 3,000 adults, 34% said they experienced anxiety.
HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Here are just a few things you can ask yourself or do to ensure you’re doing what you can to protect your emotional wellness.
HAVE I DRANK ENOUGH WATER?
Keeping hydrated is key for both your physical and mental health. When you don’t drink enough water and start to become dehydrated, your body triggers warning signals that you’re in a ‘life-threatening’ situation and starts kicking up stress hormones, particularly cortisol. An increase in cortisol is connected to anxiety, depression and mood disorders.
Carry a bottle of water with you to keep your hydration levels topped up. If you’re someone who likes more structure, you can use alarms or trackers to remind you that drinking water is part of your self-care.
HAVE I EATEN THE RIGHT FOODS TO FUEL MY BODY?
Diet and lifestyle can have a profound effect on our mood and research reveals there’s a direct link between what we eat and how we feel.
There are plenty of foods and nutrients that can put a smile on your face and make you feel awesome. When we’re stressed, it’s tempting to reach for comfort foods like pizza and sugary snacks that give us a temporary ‘high’. However, these foods can soon leave you feeling exhausted, jittery or sluggish.
Food high in fibre, as well as fruit, veg, nuts and seeds are more beneficial to your mental health. Discover our very own nutritious mood-boosting recipes here.
DID I GET ENOUGH SLEEP?
Anyone who has struggled with sleep will know what a difference it makes to our bodies, minds and ability to function.
For many people, sleep is often the first thing that suffers when they’re struggling with their mental health. The CDC recommends adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep a day.
If you’re struggling with your sleep, there are a few simple changes you can make, including:
- Establish a bedtime routine;
- Avoid tech and caffeine before you go to sleep;
- Practice meditation/relaxation.
READ MORE: How To Fix Your Sleep Schedule
GET OUTSIDE
Humans are hardwired to need time in nature, as we evolved to prefer environments where we had fresh water, sunlight, and nature because those provided us with the resources we needed to survive. But, nowadays, nature doesn’t just allow us to survive, it helps us to thrive.
Spending even small bursts of time outdoors can greatly benefit your mental wellbeing. A 2019 study found that spending just 20 minutes outside significantly lowered stress hormone levels.
MOVE YOUR BODY
Okay, so this one is our thing for sure. Keeping active has so many benefits, mentally and physically - from lifting weights to flowing yoga.
Regular movement throughout the day can boost your mood, reduce stress and refocus your mind.
Partner some fresh air with your movement to elevate the benefits - and kill two birds with one stone.
Explore our guided workouts and fitness tips here.
REACH OUT TO FRIENDS
Human connections actually boost feel-good neurotransmitters in your brain. The key is not how many friends you have, but to surround yourself with those whom you can be your most authentic self.
Be honest with yourself about how much time you need to spend with your friends to feel fulfilled, refreshed and empowered, and then make it happen - even if it’s just a catch-up dinner once a month, it makes a difference.
Meeting new people can be equally beneficial to your mental wellbeing, as studies have shown that connecting with strangers can help us feel happier and more connected with our communities.
WHAT AM I DOING TODAY THAT I CAN LOOK FORWARD TO?
Planning things to look forward to or that you enjoy doing can help us cope with difficult situations by increasing our sense of hope.
Whether it’s something as small as binge-watching your favourite TV series or something more extravagant like a weekend away with friends, factoring in time to do what you love will help you adopt a more positive outlook each day.
A huge part of prioritising your mental wellbeing is learning to understand and manage your feelings.
When we’re upset, we don’t always know why we’re feeling that way. It often helps to acknowledge our feelings without any judgement or telling ourselves we’re ‘weak’ for feeling the way we do.
We all have good days and bad days, and that’s okay. However, by asking ourselves the questions in this article and adopting these simple habits, we can work toward feeling like our best selves once again. Remember, rest is a basic human need.
How To Start Running
The hardest part of running? Getting out the door.
Running is a great way to get fit and feel better, but sometimes, a lack of motivation - or even know-how - can catch you short.
Starting a new running habit needn’t be difficult - all you need is a good pair of running shoes and the willingness to move a little or a lot, all at your own pace.
To help put you one stride ahead, we’ve pulled together the very best running tips for beginners, so you can get off to a safe start and enjoy hitting the tarmac (or treadmill).
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM OUR BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO RUNNING
THE BENEFITS OF RUNNING
If enjoyment alone isn’t enough to get you increasing your stride, perhaps the proven health benefits of running will?
Running is one of the most effective ways to increase daily activity, cardiovascular fitness and mental health. It also is widely accessible, as you don’t need any fancy equipment, it’s relatively inexpensive and you can do it just about anywhere.
Here are some of the other key health benefits of running:
- Promotes muscle development;
- Can help aid weight loss;
- Helps to relieve stress levels;
- Boosts the release of endorphins, sometimes called a ‘runner’s high’;
- Increases bone strength and joint health;
- Promotes better sleep;
- Increases lung capacity, metabolism and energy levels;
- Reduces cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease.
GETTING STARTED
Whether you’re new to running or getting back to it after a long break, it’s really important to ease yourself in and gradually build up to avoid injury. Here are some top tips to get your started on the right foot.
Now, we’re not saying you need to go out and buy a wardrobe full of expensive new running kit, but what we are saying is that staying equipped for the environment and surface you’ll be running on is non-negotiable.
Start by investing in a suitable pair of running shoes that fit comfortably and offer extra support, cushioning and grip for your runs.
When it comes to the clothing, well, that’s where we step in. Fusing form and functionality, our Pace Collection is designed for practicality - with soft, lightweight and breathable details - so you can run with ease and without distraction.
Take measured steps to keep your body safe and free from injury. Warming-up is an essential part of any workout, especially running. We recommend walking or doing an easy jog for five to 10 minutes before increasing your intensity. You may also benefit from warm-up exercises, such as dynamic stretches.
Be mindful of other safety advice, such as running against the flow of traffic and carrying your mobile with you at all times.
READ MORE: Top Tips For Staying Safe When Running In The Dark
Nothing can get you lost in the moment quite like blasting your beats as you pound the pavement.
We all have our own taste in music, which makes it all the more important to pick a playlist that’ll motivate you to power through, even when times get tough, with the wind against you and the heavens pouring.
If you need a little inspo, we’ve got plenty of tracks to keep you moving. Check out our Spotify here.
OUR TOP SIX RUNNING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
Now that we’ve established the basics, you’re probably wondering exactly how to start running?
Here’s how…
If you’re totally new to running, chances are your motivation levels are pretty high. That being said, it’s as important as ever to pace yourself. This includes your running speed, intensity and training frequency.
Don’t be afraid to start off with a few fast paced walks each week to build up confidence, condition your muscles and create a positive habit you can stick to. Pacing yourself will allow you to continue progressing and reduce your risk of injury.
The likelihood of strains, repetitive stress and foot pain tends to be greater during your first few weeks of running as a beginner, or if you’re returning to running after a long break.
The Run-Walk Method is a great way for new runners to get started, helping to build endurance with less joint stress and is a manageable intensity level.
The method combines running with intervals of walking. Start by alternating one minute intervals of running with one minute of walking, and then gradually try to increase the time spent running. As you become more comfortable, reduce the time spent walking.
Check out our beginner’s running plan further down this page.
Never underestimate the power of rest.
It’s completely natural for your muscles to feel a little sorer than usual, but if you’re experiencing genuine pain or discomfort, it’s crucial you allow it time to rest and recover.
If you’re suffering from sore muscles, more likely than not, it’s DOMS - AKA delayed onset muscle soreness. This is the aching or stiffness you experience as a result of intense training, however, this should subside within 48 hours.
Avoiding exercise altogether can actually prolong DOMS, so consider lower intensity exercise, such as walking, mobility and slow jogging to increase blood flow and relieve your muscle fatigue.
Chances are, you already knew this, but if not, you’ll soon learn that eating well and staying hydrated can significantly influence your runs.
You lose water through sweat, whether cold or hot, so you need to drink before, during, and after your runs. You ideally want to drink 120 ml to 180 ml of water every 20 minutes, but pay attention to your thirst level and drink when you feel thirsty. During longer workouts (90 minutes or more), some of your fluid intake should include a sports drink to replace sodium and other minerals (electrolytes).
In terms of nutrition, it’s best to eat something light and high in carbohydrates but low in fat, protein and fibre. Aim to finish eating 90 to 120 minutes before you start running.
If you’re running for longer than 90 minutes, you’ll need to replace some of the energy you’re burning. A general rule of thumb is to consume 100 calories after an hour and another 100 calories every 45 minutes.
It’s easy to neglect other aspects of your fitness and strength when starting your running journey. Balancing your running sessions with other forms of resistance training and exercise will help to build muscular resilience, reducing your risk of injury and boosting performance.
Repeatedly hitting the road without building strength in the gym can not only lead to injury, but a performance plateau too. Be sure to balance out your training with strength-based exercises to work on muscular endurance, speed, power and potential imbalances - all of which will help with your running in the long run.
You can find plenty of guided workout routines and strength-building exercises, like our Back & Shoulder Workout, on our Fitness page.
Running is a natural movement, but that doesn’t mean you can’t improve aspects of your running form to improve your experience and efficiency.
First things first, keep your posture upright. Keep your head lifted, your back long and tall and shoulders level but relaxed. Maintain a neutral pelvis and ensure you’re not leaning forward or back at your waist.
Likewise, it’s important to monitor your footstrike - this is the way your foot hits the pavement. You might land on your heel, in the middle of your foot, or on your toes or forefoot. It’s recommended that you should try to land in the middle of your foot, and then roll through to the front of your toes. However, if you’re naturally a toe runner (land on your toes) or heel striker, it may be best not to change your stride.
READ MORE: The Principles Of Good Form With Caroline Gravity
RUNNING PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
Without a clear idea of what you’re trying to achieve, and the steps you need to take to get there, you’re making the challenge much tougher than it needs to be.
That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate running plan for beginners.