It doesn’t matter if it’s been a week, two months, or even longer – there is no limit and I’m sure everyone can take at least one thing away from this and store it in the brain for later.
Now, after periods of time when we are having a break, it’s natural for doubts to creep in and make things feel harder than they are. Especially with something like returning to the gym, it’s often more about mental barriers than physical ones.
The longer you overthink and let these doubts spiral, the bigger the fear becomes. Before you know it, you’re stuck in a cycle of self-doubt that makes coming back feel impossible. Sound familiar?
Here’s the truth: we are our own worst critics. The thoughts you have about yourself are almost always harsher than anything you’d think about someone else – or anything others would think about you.
Let’s chat about some common fears and why they shouldn’t hold you back.
Common Doubts and Why They Don’t Matter
1. “I haven’t been in so long, everyone is going to notice.”
Be honest – have you ever thought this about someone else? Are you keeping tabs on everyone’s gym attendance? Probably not. And even if you do notice someone returning after a break, you’re more likely to be glad that they’re back than to judge them for it.
2. “I’ve put on weight, and they’re going to notice.”
Have you ever noticed when someone has put on an extra kg or 2 after a holiday? Or even just after having some time off? Again, probably not. The truth is, most people are too focused on their own lives to notice these things. The only person who notices every tiny detail about your body is the person looking back at you in the mirror.
3. “I won’t be able to lift as much as I did before, and everyone is going to know.”
Do you think everyone in the gym has tabs on exactly how much you lifted last week for how many reps? Most of the time they don’t even remember what they lifted let alone what anyone else did. Most (if not all) people at the gym are focused on their own workouts, not yours. The only way to get back to where you were – or go beyond – is to show up and put in the work.
Focus on Your Own Journey
In reality, most people in the gym are too busy chasing their own goals to care about the details you’re stressing over. If anything, they’ll respect your determination to show up and get back at it.
What matters is that you’re trying. Progress isn’t linear, and everyone has ups and downs. What matters is that you’re making an effort to improve. Celebrate yourself and get excited for what’s to come next!
So the next time self-doubt creeps in, step back and ask yourself – would I think this about someone else? Or is this thought helpful, or am I just being hard on myself?
Always remember, you are so much more than your self-criticisms. The person in the mirror deserves your encouragement, not your judgment. Treat yourself with the same kindness you’d show a friend, and watch how much easier it becomes to keep moving forward.