How to Overcome Gym Anxiety & Feel Confident Working Out

Feeling like an awkward weirdo in the gym? Same.

Listen, everyone feels like this, especially at the beginning of their fitness journey! For some, the thought of walking into a gym, taking up space, and potentially looking publicly confused or feeling deeply awkward makes them want to run away and never come back. But I am here to normalize that it's completely common to feel awkward in the gym, and you must overcome it!

Here's why.

The habits we create in the gym follow us through every step of our lives.

Feel uncomfortable taking up a spot in the gym? You shy away? What happens when you're outside of the gym?

Feel like you might look silly, so you never even try? What if something incredibly empowering was on the other side of that uncertainty?

Afraid to look dumb and fail at trying something new? Then where does that leave the opportunity for growth?

I have been in the fitness world for over 10 years, and to this day I occasionally hesitate when I am trying something new and think to myself, damn, this is about to look real silly, maybe I shou… And I STOP myself. GIRL WHAT?! You're about to stunt your growth because you might look dumb? I think not.

I take that moment to remember these 5 very important things:

• It's nobody's business what I look like in the gym

• If someone sees me messing up, they have the opportunity to kindly offer help

• It is okay to make mistakes, learn, and become better

• I deserve to be in the gym just as much as anybody else

• I can be kind and patient with myself the way I would be with a stranger who needs help

Then I shake that sh!t off and work on becoming the best version of myself, silly or not.

Next time you feel awkward at the gym, remember, the professionals do too. You're normal. And guess what? You're trying. That is something to take pride in.

If you need support building your confidence and learning how to get started working out in the gym, I'm here for you! Available for virtual sessions and LA in-person training.

3 Tips to make meal prep a lifestyle:

We all know meal prep sounds great in theory. She’s organized. She’s balanced. She’s prepared… and she seems hard AF. But here’s the truth: it does not have to be as tough as it looks. Sure, IG can make it seem glam and complicated, but it’s really not. So let’s get into the fundamentals — how to time block, un-complicate, and make this a sustainable nutrition shift.

Time Blocking:
You’ve got to carve out actual time to do your meal prep, but that’s different from the time you’ll need to pick recipes and grocery shop. For example: take 30 minutes to choose four recipes you want to commit to for the week. Then budget at least 45 minutes to hit the store, shop, and get everything home.

Get nerdy with your calendar — literally plug each step in. Seeing it laid out visually keeps you accountable and helps you stay on track with your organized goals. Plus, it ensures you’re being realistic about what fits into your schedule. And if grocery shopping just isn’t happening one week? DoorDash it. No shame in making things easier.

My recs for uncomplicated recipe direction:
You can’t go wrong with Mediterranean-inspired meals. A little olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice can take you far. I keep things simple: Monday through Wednesday, my lunches are the same; Thursday and Friday, I switch it up slightly.

I build each meal around three basics - protein, colorful veggies, and whole-grain or whole-food carbs. Think: 150g baked baby potatoes, grilled zucchini with ½ tbsp olive oil, and 6 oz air-fried chicken. Easy, balanced, and quick.

If you’re new to the meal prep game and want a solid foundation for building balanced meals, check out The Cleveland Clinic Meal Prep Ideas. It’s a great resource.

To keep this sustainable:
Make sure you have the supplies you need. Good quality, easy to match, glass tupperware goes a long way. Easy to wash and easy to rely on. Here is the exact set I use! I purchased a set for me and a set for my boyfriend so we rarely ever run out.

Last but MOST important - make your goals realistic and attainable. Don’t try to invent time where there isn’t any. Be honest about your schedule, prioritize, pivot when you need to, and keep practicing. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to show up and try your best.

Does your social life support your fitness goals?

Hey there! I’m so excited to dive into this topic with you! Today, we’re focusing on one key piece of the puzzle: social support.

As Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” That truth applies especially when it comes to your health. The people around you can either reinforce old habits or help you create new ones; they impact your accountability and even shape your priorities. When you’re striving to build a healthier lifestyle, it’s essential that those closest to you understand your goals and actively support you in achieving them.

I know it might sound corny, but here’s the truth: nothing changes if nothing changes. Maybe happy hour becomes a sunset walk, or late nights out shift into early morning workouts and coffee catch-ups. Dinner out at restaurants can turn into cooking a healthy meal at home with your bestie. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. If you want to change up your nutrition and lifestyle, that means modifying your day-to-day socializing for the healthiest version of you. But! You don’t have to do it alone.

Achieving this with your closest friends starts with clearly and confidently communicating your goals:

“I’m working hard on my nutrition and need your support. Would you be down to help me make these changes? Here are the places I’ll need your help the most…”

Take a moment to think about your own circle. Who lifts you up, and who might need to understand your goals a little better? Start the conversation today and watch your support system grow alongside your goals. Surround yourself with people who match your commitment, and you’ll find that healthy living becomes not just possible, but natural.