Chapter 1: The Decision to Return

After a two-year hiatus, I made the choice to return to the gym. This lengthy break stemmed from various factors, primarily my struggles with medical anxiety, which intensified during the pandemic. My tendency to be overly cautious, or as my therapist would label it, hyper-vigilant, made the thought of returning daunting. The idea of being surrounded by maskless individuals, heavily breathing and sweating, was particularly unsettling. I even penned a piece about my decision to cancel my gym membership due to these anxieties.

To maintain some level of fitness, I constructed a modest home gym, hoping it would help me gradually reestablish a workout routine. However, after two years, I must admit that my plans fell short. While I frequently used my stationary bike, other equipment remained neglected, utilized only occasionally rather than daily.

Another challenge was the ease with which one can convince themselves that they don’t need the gym when it’s no longer part of their routine. For many, the gym may seem like a luxury. I recall someone remarking, “What a first-world problem,” whenever I complained about feeling sore and tired from my workouts. Such comments trivialize the importance of prioritizing health and strength, which should be integral to our lives rather than viewed as selfish pursuits. Engaging in fitness can be an essential component of self-discovery.

Before the pandemic, I frequented the gym three to five times a week, yet my relationship with it was complicated. I often felt like an outsider, as if I had inadvertently entered a space where I didn’t belong. It was akin to an awkward romantic encounter, where I felt like I was merely following along without any real agency. My childhood perception of being unathletic, compounded by a lack of interest in sports and frequent clumsiness, left me feeling lost in the gym despite the benefits it brought me. Gaining strength has always served as a remedy for my anxiety.

It took me seven years and a significant shift in perspective to recognize that I have every right to occupy that space. I began to realize that the men around me might feel intimidated by my presence rather than the other way around.

Wearing a mask provided a sense of comfort, allowing me to avoid the pressure of smiling at others or seeking their approval to take up space. With the mask mandate lifted in my city, I still choose to wear mine at the gym, as it helps me feel less exposed and contributes to my sense of safety during workouts.

Two additional factors have positively influenced my newfound confidence at the gym: therapy and visits to a chiropractor. I highly recommend that women consider pursuing both therapies concurrently. While chiropractors often receive mixed reviews, I believe it’s possible to find the right practitioner. My chiropractor focuses on gentle adjustments and has only performed significant manipulations a handful of times during our year-long relationship.

As women, we often grow up in environments that discourage open discussions about our bodies, leading us to feel they should be concealed. I’ve now developed a deeper understanding of my body—not just its appearance but its functionality. I’ve learned how various muscle groups work together and how to effectively target them during workouts.

This enhanced understanding has bolstered my confidence. The skills I acquired over the past seven years have empowered me to navigate gym equipment with ease. Recently, a man approached me for guidance on how to use a machine, a scenario I had never encountered before. In the past, any interactions with men in the gym were often criticisms of my technique.

Now, I no longer second-guess myself. This empowerment is exhilarating and spills over into various aspects of my life. I eagerly anticipate the further evolution of my fitness journey.

Chapter 2: Tips for Reintegrating into the Gym

In this video, "6 Tips for Going to the Gym After a Long Break!" viewers are provided with essential strategies to ease back into a gym routine post-hiatus.

Another insightful video, "How To Get Back Into The Gym After 2 Years Off," offers practical advice for overcoming obstacles and building a consistent workout regimen after an extended break.