For some context to the question if you’re interested. I picked up strength training a while ago which has been an amazing habit, you go to the same place, do the same stuff every time, feel good afterwards and you can spend hours watching videos / reading articles about it.
But I’ve noticed that when something changes, like I’m in a hotel and need to use their gym, I get really stressed out and can avoid going. I don’t have any strategies for dealing with this, when it comes up it’s pretty much a coin toss as to whether I’ll be able to push through it or just avoid the whole situation which is better than I used to be but still not great.
Just wondering if any smart folks out there had found good ways to overcome or at least work around this.
What often helps my analysis paralysis is to focus on the first step, for example: I’ve decided to go for a bike ride but it feels overwhelming because I’m not sure which route to take, instead of stressing over the route (which can take hours as I go through different options and how I feel about them etc and eventually stop me from going) I set a goal to go downstairs to the garage where I keep my bike. At that point I already have my cycling gear on and it’s much easier to hop on the saddle and take some direction without thinking about the route so much as I’m already on the move.
So my advice: try setting an easier goal. Think about the first step you can take. For example instead of thinking about doing a full workout decide to just go and see the gym. Now that you are already there you may feel like you want to do some exercise as well.
If you’re temporarily away from home do you need to workout? Which is to say you could let yourself off doing this, perhaps. Maybe being away from home is enough change to deal with. You can pick your battles, energy is not infinite. You could spend the time reading about training instead in your room, or some other interest.
I guess exercise enthusiasts would recommend keeping to your routine where possible, so maybe this is weighing on your mind and creating an internal conflict? I should go. You don’t have to live by that if you don’t want to though. It’s harder for you, make your own rules.
That being said I agree with the comment elsewhere that you could also try small bites of it. You could just visit the gym and stay for a minute or two, then leave. Next day try again. If it doesn’t get easier then maybe it’s not the gym for you, too bright. too loud, or something else maybe. That’s ok. If it doesn’t feel right trust that feeling.
Is there anyone who would go with you? A trusted friend who knows how difffcult this could be would be a great choice. Someone who understands if you need to leave suddenly, no questions.
Some gyms might have a changing area you could retreat to. Having a refuge can be useful. Maybe headphones/earbuds and a familiar song/voice would help too.
