The Day I Almost Turned Around in the Gym Parking Lot
- Chantee Lackey
- Feb 8
- 3 min read
(and What It Taught Me About Starting Over)
I remember the day like it just happened.
I was sitting in my car, parked right outside the gym. My hands were gripping the steering wheel, and my heart was racing—not from excitement, but from anxiety. My gym bag was in the passenger seat, packed with all the “right” stuff: water bottle, towel, workout gear.
But no amount of preparation could quiet the voice in my head screaming, “You don’t belong here.”
I stared at the front doors, watching people walk in effortlessly, earbuds in, confidence on display. They didn’t look nervous. They didn’t hesitate.But I was frozen.
Because this wasn’t my first time walking into a gym.
It was my first time starting over.
The Weight No One Talks About
Most people think the hardest part of a gym journey is the workout—the squats, the cardio, the sweat.But for me, the hardest part was facing the invisible weight I carried:
The frustration of feeling like I was back at square one.
The shame of remembering how strong I used to be.
The fear that people would judge me, not knowing my story, my struggles, or the battle it took just to show up.
I wasn’t just fighting to lift weights.I was fighting to lift myself out of a place of self-doubt.
The Moment Everything Shifted
Sitting in that car, I thought about turning around—just driving away, telling myself, “I’ll try again tomorrow.” But then something happened.I remembered why I started in the first place.
Not to be the strongest.Not to lose a certain amount of weight.Not to fit into some unrealistic version of perfection.
I started because I wanted to feel like me again.
I wanted to feel proud of showing up for myself, even when it was hard—especially when it was hard.
So, I took a deep breath, grabbed my bag, and walked inside. My heart was still racing. My anxiety didn’t magically disappear. But with every step, I proved to myself that fear doesn’t get to be the driver—I do.
What I Learned About Restarting
If you’re reading this, maybe you’re in your own “gym parking lot” moment. Maybe you’re sitting with the same doubts I had.So, let me share what I’ve learned:
Starting Over Isn’t a Setback.It’s a sign you’re refusing to quit. Every time you restart, you’re stronger—not because of your muscles, but because of your resilience.
No One Is Judging You as Harshly as You Judge Yourself.People are too busy focusing on their own workout, their own insecurities, their own progress. You are not as visible as your anxiety makes you feel.
Progress Isn’t Always Measured in Reps or Pounds.Sometimes, progress is just walking through the door when every part of you wanted to stay home.
But What About the Days When Anxiety Wins?
I’d love to tell you that one brave moment in the parking lot “cured” my gym anxiety, but that’s not how it works.Some days, the fear creeps back in.Some days, the self-doubt feels louder than my motivation.
That’s why I created the Gym Anxiety Card.Because I needed something real—something I could hold onto when my mind felt like it was spinning out of control.
Here’s What’s Inside This Tiny Powerhouse:
Grounding Exercises: Quick, simple techniques you can do right there in the gym to calm your racing heart.
Mindset Shifts: Reminders that snap you out of the negative spiral and back into the present moment.
A QR Code for Instant Support: Meditations and affirmations designed specifically for gym anxiety, accessible anytime you need them.
It’s like having a quiet, supportive friend in your pocket—a reminder that you’ve done hard things before, and you can do them again.
Your Story Isn’t Over Just Because You Had to Restart.
That day in the parking lot didn’t define me—walking through those doors did.
So, if you’re facing your own restart, know this:
You are not alone.You are not behind.You are not broken.
You’re just at the beginning of your next chapter. And if anxiety tries to hold you back, let the Gym Anxiety Card be the tool that helps you move forward.
👉 Grab your Gym Anxiety Card below and take it with you on your journey.
Because sometimes, the strongest thing you can do is simply show up.
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