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.
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.