Remote Wellness Blog—SA Student-run
Let’s talk about something we do not always say out loud: the gym can be intimidating. Not just because of the machines that look like medieval torture devices or the weights that clearly were not made for people with weak wrists like mine, but because of the way it can make you feel.
For me, the anxiety started way before I ever stepped into a gym. I was once body-shamed by a man: a man who, ironically, was trying to lower my self-esteem so I would accept his advances. Gross, right? His words stayed with me longer than I would like to admit. I started questioning my body, my looks, and my worth.
So, when I finally decided I wanted to move more and get stronger, the idea of stepping into a gym packed with sweaty strangers was not just scary, it was paralyzing.
Why the Gym Just Was not for Me
Every time I even thought about joining a gym, my heart rate would spike, and not in a cardio kind of way. My anxiety whispered things like:
- “You don’t belong there.”
- “Everyone will stare.”
- “They’ll judge how you move, how you look, and what you’re wearing.”
On top of that, I was a broke student. Monthly gym fees? Not in my budget. So, I made a decision: I would create my own space, one that felt safe, personal, and affordable.
Spoiler: It turned out better than I expected.
My Room Gym: Not Fancy, But It Works
Now let me be real: when I say I “built a gym,” I do not mean that I ordered dumbbells online and turned my bedroom into a FitnessTok studio. Nope. I literally moved my chair, rolled up my rug, and used what I had.
Here is what I did:
- Slippery Socks = Core Killer
Doing planks and mountain climbers in socks on tile? A whole workout. Slippery, chaotic, and somehow more effective for my core than anything I’d tried before.
- The Wall Is Your Friend
Wall sits became my go-to leg burner. No equipment needed; just a wall, a timer, and the will to cry silently through the pain.
- YouTube = Free Personal Trainer
There are beginner-friendly videos for everything: low-impact routines, dance workouts, and stretch sessions. I even found one with Gen Z music. Working out started to feel more like fun and less like torture.
- Water Bottles as Weights
Two 2-liter bottles became my dumbbells. Tricep curls, shoulder presses, all powered by water and willpower.
- Dance Like Nobody’s Watching
Because nobody was. I would put on my playlist and dance like Beyoncé meets Zumba. Sweaty? Yes. Happy? Even more.
The Mental Shift That Changed Everything
When I stopped trying to “fit in” at the gym and started doing what worked for me, I actually began to enjoy movement. It no longer felt like punishment or pressure. And something amazing happened: my confidence grew. I started working out not to “fix” my body, but to feel good in it. My bedroom workouts helped me feel strong, safe, and seen by me. And that was enough.
What You Can Try If the Gym Scares You Too
If you are like me; anxious, broke, and healing from the sting of judgment, try this:
- Create a safe zone in your room or any private space.
- Start small: 5 minutes of stretching or dancing counts.
- Make it yours. Use your music, your clothes, and your timing.
- Track your mood, not your weight. Movement is medicine.
- Remind yourself: Your body is not a problem to be fixed.
You Belong in Every Room You Move In
If the gym makes you feel small, remember, you are not the problem. The world is just not always kind to people who are still learning to love themselves. So, build your space. Make it yours. Move your body like it deserves joy, not judgment. You do not need fancy leggings or protein shakes to start. You do not even need a gym.
You just need a little floor space, a sprinkle of creativity, and the courage to show up for yourself. And if anyone ever tries to break your confidence just to get close to you? Let them know you are busy building strength, not stories.
