Overcoming Exercise Phobia

Ever want to try something and decide to keep it quiet in case you fail? That’s what I did. I’m finally ready to share my secret.

Six months ago, I joined a gym. Ok, that doesn’t sound like such a big deal, right? But you need a little background information to understand why this was a big huge for me.

Other than some gentle yoga, a brief stint at the local YMCA, and some hiking, I hadn’t moved my (almost) 55 year old body in about 20 years. During that time, I had years of back pain  resulting in surgery  to continue to walk comfortably. After surgery, I was afraid of pushing myself. Fear was holding me back, and, let’s face it, laziness. Ever feel like the less you move, the less you want to move. That was me. And then there were the excuses and rationalizing, sigh, I found lots of reasons to stay out of shape.

What got me started now? I had a few friends who were posting pictures, and sharing about their workouts. They seemed to be transforming their bodies and their lives. They had one thing in common, Orange Theory Fitness (OTF). I heard comments like “intense”, “addicting”, “crazy hard”, “life-changing”, “worth it”, etc. I kept making excuses, but it there was a soft voice in my head that kept saying, “try it out”. I was terrified, but I psyched myself up and took my first class.

That was 6 months ago, and I’ve never looked back. I’ve worked out twice per week since I started. Never missed a class. I am addicted.

I hope that you can find a type of exercise that fits your lifestyle, and personality, the way I have. I’ve never felt as comfortable at a gym as I do at OTF. The coaches, the staff, the other members, are all so welcoming, encouraging, and genuinely happy to be there. I work out next to men and women of all ages, sizes and fitness levels. Everyone works their butts off, at their own levels and speeds. I literally come home bragging to my husband, trying to explain the workouts, wanting him to understand what I have achieved that day, because I am so proud of what my body is able to accomplish. Of course, there are times during my workout that I want to stop, that I doubt my ability to finish, that I’m afraid I’m pushing my old body too far…But I keep going, knowing that I will get through it and feel better for it.

And do I feel better? I sure do! I feel so strong and my energy level and stamina is incredible. I am losing inches, and slowly feeling muscle emerge where it hasn’t been in a long time. 

Now that my secret is out, I’m upping my game. After six months of slow and steady, I’ve upgraded my membership and I’m going to commit to at least 3 workout per week. I’m looking forward to the challenge, and the results. My goal is to be a healthy, vibrant and upright woman. I want to keep my heart strong, my blood pressure low, and my bones supported. I don’t want to become fragile and weak as I age. I truly believe that this body can conquer any challenge I ask of it, at my pace, in my own time, because it is, one workout at a time. I’ll keep you posted on my progress. I may need the accountability here!

Exercise is important If you suffer with PCOS, or any other chronic health condition. If you have a chronic condition, you may have similar motivation issues as I did. It’s often hard to get started with an exercise plan when you aren’t feeling well. It can be challenging to find the right workout for you, to feel supported physically and emotionally. I hope that my journey will inspire you to start. Take the first step. It gets easier after that.

I’m not sure if OTF is the right gym for you, but it might be. (For the record, I have no financial affiliation with the gym). If you are considering starting a workout, start slow, get medical clearance (I did), chose a recommended program, go with a friend, be brave. Most importantly, believe you can do it and you will.

And if you decide on OTF, which I highly recommend, tell them I sent you, then let me know how you like it.