21/01/2026
I was recently working with a client in a Semi Private PT session. As we began, I could see the weight of her fears—self-doubt and gym anxiety—hovering like shadows. We all have our own metaphoric demons, especially in the gym, and I wanted to be there to help her face them.
During our warm-up, she shared, “I just don’t feel strong enough. What must you all think of me?” I could relate; I’ve been there too, feeling out of place in a new environment. It can become this overwhelming sensation. This wasn’t her first experience with these feelings, so I knew it was time to shine a light on her fears.
“Let’s name those demons,” I suggested. “What do you think they are?” The moment we began to name them—“Fear of Judgment” and “Self-Doubt”—I could see a shift in her. We took time to explore these feelings together. “What do you think causes them?” I asked. As she opened up, she revealed past experiences that fueled her belief of not being good enough.
As we progressed through our workout, I encouraged her to embrace those feelings instead of running from them. I reminded her, “Everyone in the gym has their own battles. We’re all here, fighting our own demons.”
The difference now was that she wasn’t facing these demons alone. With the support of myself and the others in the session, she felt empowered. We shared our struggles, and together, we encouraged her, channeling that collective strength into her lifts.
By the end of our session, she had not only confronted her fears but also realised the power of sharing those struggles. We discussed how crucial it is to lean on one another in our journeys and seek support. It’s not a single session that undoes years of insecurity or fear, but it’s a significant step towards picking apart those feelings and replacing them with confidence and strength.
So, if you find yourself in the gym, feeling overwhelmed by your own demons, remember that you’re not alone. Naming them, understanding them, and sharing your journey can transform those daunting shadows into sources of strength.
