Have you ever felt overwhelmed simply by the thought of exercising, despite having the motivation to do so? Have you ever experienced sudden dizziness, racing pulse or shortness of breath just before going to the gym or before attending that fun workout class you’ve been excited to try for so long? 

If the answer is YES, there is a high possibility that you might be experiencing pre-workout anxiety. 

We, at MotivatePT, have gathered a few simple and easy to follow tricks to motivate you and ease your workout anxiety, so you can enjoy and experience the benefits of regular exercising too! 

1. Understand the root of your anxiety 

Anxiety is your body’s natural way of signalling a threat. Knowing what triggers your brain to associate exercise with danger is the first step towards gaining control over your body. Is it the environment, the people or maybe the fear of performance? Whatever the reason is, allow yourself to feel the emotions and breathe deeply. Once aware of the triggers, try to come up with the best solution according to your situation. 

2. Exercise with a personal trainer at home 

One of the main reasons for experiencing pre-workout anxiety can be related to the fear of performance, feeling inadequate or being judged by the people around you. Using a personal trainer in the comfort of your own home will allow you to have a productive workout, without the fear of being judged by an entire gym full of people. At MotivatePT we can help you pick the right personal trainer, who will help you to achieve your fitness goals in the environment you feel most comfortable in. 

3. Start slowly 

Anxious thoughts can often be the result of feeling overwhelmed by the goals we set for ourselves. This is why setting small but achievable goals will help your body get used to the idea of exercising without making you feel too stressed. Start slowly with setting small goals and build them up over time, once you feel more confident in your physical abilities. 

4. Avoid caffeine before a workout 

If you suffer from anxiety or panic disorder, make sure to avoid caffeine, especially before any intense physical activities. Caffeine is known to increase the heart rate and the release of adrenaline in your body. Water with some fresh lemon can give you the extra boost of energy you need, without the unwanted shivers! 

5. Pick a physical activity you enjoy 

Choosing a physical activity that will excite you is the easiest way to tackle those annoying moments of fear and self-doubt. Does silly dancing in your room sound exciting? How about a relaxing session of yoga or a fun Kangoo jump class? The options are endless, so pick the one which sounds the most fun and go sweat the anxiety away!