Getting fit: battling anxiety and embracing mistakes
“Get fit,” they say. “It’s good for your wellbeing,” they say. But what they don’t tell you is all the mistakes you’ll make along the way!
Recently, I’ve been more mindful about improving my health and joined some classes through the Come and Try Fitness Program. Overall, it’s been a great experience but hasn’t been without its own mental battles. While the obvious benefit of attending a fitness class is physical wellbeing, the unexpected bonus is the impact on mental wellbeing—calming the whirlwind of anxious thoughts and building mental resilience to help handle life’s unexpected challenges.
The Mental Battle of Fitness
Anxiety can be a real demotivator and a general vibe killer. Overthinking can make you feel like you’re failing before you even start. When left unchecked, these thoughts can spiral, leading me to back out of plans and later beat myself up for it. Does any of this sound familiar? Thoughts like, “I don’t know anyone here,” “I don’t know what I’m doing,” “I’m not wearing the right gear”, or “What if I completely embarrass myself?” All while your mind’s inner critic cranks the volume to 11.
Even during a Pilates class, the instructor remarked, “You have an overactive mind, don’t you?” Yep, well spotted! It’s like my brain won’t give me a second’s break. But here’s the thing: No one cares about these things as much as I think they do. And everyone else is likely wrestling with their own version of anxious thoughts, too.
Embracing Imperfection
Amidst these mental battles, there’s something else I’ve learned—perfection isn’t the goal, and mistakes are inevitable. How can I suddenly forget the difference between up and down when the instructor tells us to point our feet towards the roof?! Mishaps like this remind me that it’s okay not to be perfect and that mistakes are all part of the process. And at the end of the day, if you can laugh about these things, it’s just a funny story to tell your friends!
The Victory in Showing Up
After every class, I’m glad to have gotten a physical workout, but I have an even greater sense of accomplishment that I’ve won another mental battle, silencing those overwhelming anxious thoughts for another day! Getting fit isn’t just about the physical results; it’s a journey of mental growth, resilience, and self-acceptance. So, if you’re thinking about trying a new fitness class, or anything else for that matter, remember to embrace the mistakes, laugh at the awkward moments, and that showing up is half the battle.