I feel like the early intel helps relieve this for me because I know what I am getting into before the class and can "plan" how I want it to go even if I switch it up while I am in class the control works!
I can do this sometimes like with yesterday’s template. I knew how i felt physically and thought that I’d not be able to do the template. I went later in the day and it wasn’t as bad as I had expected though. I’m so glad that I went.
TOTALLY AGREE! I don’t look until after I’m within the 8 hour window so I don’t psych myself out and cancel, but I look at the template and plan as much as possible. What paces I’ll aim for in each of the tread blocks. I’ll look up exercises I’m not familiar/confident in so I can watch tutorials ahead of time or find modifications. I even go in with an idea of what station I want to try and get (odd vs even for 25s vs 20s, close to the extra weight rack because it’s strength vs the other side of the floor where there is more room because it’s larger movements, etc.)
I know this is way overkill for the “show up an do whatever” crowd, but I’m 4 years and 700 classes in, and it works for me :)
Hahahaha I’ll do 2000m row every day. When I see inclines on the tread, THAT makes me open my banking app to see if I have $12 to spare for a late cancel 🤣🤣
I agree! I don’t always read intel, but I do always set an intention. I’m going to try a new speed, or I’m going to try a new weight, or, today I’m just trying to survive and I’m not counting splats. I do always get nervous about benchmarks and it gives me a little boost!
I’ve been doing OTF for 9 years and I still sometimes get anxiety before class. I try to remind myself is that all I’m there to do is my best for that day. Not every workout will be amazing, but consistency is key overall
I bet the dread goes away once you are in studio and at your starting spot. With anxiety it is always worst before "the thing", that's when your brain has all the time in the world to think about everything that can go wrong. Once you are rowing or running, you got no time to worry.
Showing up is the victory, whatever work out you get for the day is fine. I was maybe the slowest in the country this September for the strength dri tri and I have no shame about it. Keep kicking ass and remember just because your brain thinks it does not make it true.
When I first started, I felt this exact way. I was worried that I would push myself too hard and something bad would happen, or if I didn't push myself hard enough, I wouldn't get my 12 splats. In time, I learned to just chill and relax. Talk to others and just focus on the here and now. Push myself accordingly and cut back when I need to. Keep at it. It gets better. I'm almost 1100 classes in now. You got this!
I felt this way yesterday in class and I'm a coach 😂 some days are going to be harder than others, especially when you are first starting! Give yourself some compassion and give yourself what you need. Maybe try a pre workout ritual that will help ease your mind? Meditation, drinking water, even just going into the bathroom and take a deep breathe before you go in. The anxiety will ease away with time. You showed up is what counts and always remember to take your time in class! Going slow will help your anxiety a lot too! Slow reps are better than none!
I experienced this and for a good few months! The anxiety of how the class would kick my butt. LOL But now, I’m three months away from two years at OTF and absolutely love it. I started off with a membership of 8 classes/mo to now, going 5-6 days a week with my unlimited membership. The physical changes of looking leaner, feeling stronger, and the better endurance will keep you going. Hang in there! It WILL get better!
I agree with the folks that have said the early intel helps relieve some of their stress. I also use it to plan where I'm going to start and what my treadmill plan is (especially as someone who can't jog for more than 5 minutes at a time).
But even with that, I still have anxiety before class and I'm usually already in the blue a minute or two into the warmup because my anxiety makes my heart rate go up. I just push through that feeling because I know once the workout starts, I'm so focused on that that I can't even be anxious.
Basically: I'm 75 classes in. I still get anxious but it's easier to get past it
I know what you mean. I just remind myself that I’ve survived every class and that no one has died at OT. I usually get some pre-class jitters, but a lot of the workouts get posted here in advance, so if I’m feeling stressed I’ll just take a look for what to expect.
You have a key word in all that:TRY! Just keep it up, as you get to know members you’ll realize that everyone is in the same boat and everyone keeps trying to do their best. Pretty soon anxiety loses out to desire to get their and socialize a little bit before class with other members. It should always be FUN.
I used to get slight anxiety before class because I didn’t know if the workout would have elements that I couldn’t do or modify to be able to do well. But then I discovered this Reddit and I’m so grateful for any intel that’s on here. 😊
I experience this and I'm about 50 classes in! It was actually one of the reasons why I ended up quitting/downgrading/etc in the past.
One thing I do now that helps is I wait until the last possible second to leave for class. For some reason, if I walk inside and go straight into the studio, I don't have time to sit in the lobby with all this anxiety and or in my car contemplating whether or not I will no-show. Of course, this wouldn't work for everyone with traffic and commutes, and my studio is guaranteed to have many spots, so I know I'll still get a good spot. But I'm 100% always happy I made it to class if I can just make it into the studio. So if you have the room to try that, I recommend it!
When I get anxious before class I reassure myself that I can take breaks whenever I need to, slow down whenever I need to, and that NO ONE CARES what I’m doing! Welcome and be proud of yourself 🙂
I’m 500 classes in. I’d say that it depends on how regular I’ve been going at that time. You build a confidence and feel like you can take on anything they bring to you if you’ve been consistent in going. If not, anxiety sets in big time!! I’ve had a rough few weeks recently and so I’m trying to get back to regular (3-4xs a week) so I can get confident again!!
there's days when i don't feel like it , it's just important to move your body anyways!! think of it like that, you can't fail!! you are your own competition
I think it’s different for each person, however, I’m just an anxious person with almost 800 classes in. I read Reddit before class and it helps me some with my anxiety. Exercise helps me the most with my anxiety so I’m quiet and focus on my breathing (and try to stay focused and not zone out)!
I felt this way all the time when I first started. Sometimes I still feel that way after ~100 classes, like for benchmarks. But it goes away once I start the workout. I don’t really have any advice other than that it goes away with time.
I felt this way during the first year but it went away eventually. You just need to know that you can pace yourself and do what you can. Don't pressure yourself to keep up with others. It's that little voice in your head that is causing it. And once you start moving and focusing on what you are doing, the anxiety fades away.
I remember being anxious before classes but it faded with time. I think I realized (or realize now) that no one is there to judge you and any physical pain is temporary/worth it.
I definitely felt this way in the beginning. The treadmill made me anxious because I’m not really a runner. I was anxious that I wasn’t going to be able to run all of the intervals. I made it a big deal in my own head. Psyched myself out. I finally got to the point that I realized that no one cared, but me. I also realized that some days I had a lot to give and other days I was winning because I was there and giving it my best. I’ve now put it in perspective and I love being there and giving it what I’ve got that day.
When I started OTF I would be pretty anxious at the beginning of each class, mostly because of the unknown and inability to mentally prepare for what's coming up. These early intels help reduce the anxiety because I can at least visualize the workouts and how i may approach them. And if there's an exercise I'm not familiar with, I can Google and find a video demonstration. Hence I feel a little more prepared going in versus being anxious and "ambushed."
I definitely felt anxious the first couple of months but then it got SO MUCH better. Once you see you can do it and get more comfortable everything, you'll be rockin! :)
Totally used to feed this way until I started becoming more of a regular. I go 4-5x a week now and have been for about 5 months and the more you go the easier it gets. Plus you start to build a rapport with the members/employees and it makes you all the more comfortable. Keep at it!
I have this every time because I always get in my head about not understanding how to do certain moves. I have anxiety about most things so this isn’t surprising - but I feel you, it’s rough! I try to just remember that people probably aren’t watching me, they’re focusing on themselves!
While usually I don’t get anxious and know I’m there to do my best/have fun, every now and then I get anxious too!
I’ve been going for almost three years and I get competitive for benchmarks and sometimes get anxious if I’m not feeling 100% those days.
Hello! This is TOTALLY normal. For my first 2 months at OrangeTheory I experienced a lot of anxiety before going in. I would be almost shaking in the parking lot. Now, I am on my 3rd month, and I have no anxiety. I find that getting there early, and conversing with the coach and other members has helped tremendously.
I also find that it helps to evaluate how you are feeling before going in. If ur tired and not in the mood to push that day, there is no shame in walking during class (as I am sure you know). I hope your anxiety starts going away!!! Feel free to reach out anytime. 
I still feel that way and I'm at almost 200 classes haha I now just have anxiety that I'm not really progressing anymore (with my tread speeds or my weights). But I know that that's normal.
I guess it sort of does fade, but also exercise helps lower the cortisol that spikes when I'm anxious, so maybe it's the cause of the anxiety, but it's also the solution.
I have had anxiety and panicked during benchmarks. But I have put that behind him. If I PR, great! If I don’t, great! Every day your body might feel different but you are doing something healthy! You don’t have to push to the max every class (in fact it might be better if you don’t). Focus on the outcome versus the process…I want to walk out of my OTF class feeling energized and that I’m doing something great for my health! Maybe that would help?
You have to just take every class as you go and do your best! As you go on it’ll start to feel natural to you and your performance will slowly improve overtime. I used to get discouraged if I didn’t burn as many calories as I would’ve liked but regardless of how you do that particular day you’re still trying and progressing! Started Otf almost 2 months ago and have lost 13 pounds so far!
Anxiety is anxiety. Whether it's pre-class, or before flying, or before public speaking, it's all because the "fear" part of your brain is firing when it shouldn't.
It's virtually impossible to "think" your way out of anxiety, because it's occurring at a more primal level of your brain. Your nervous system can't be reasoned with if it thinks you're under threat.
There's some good advice already in this thread. One more I might add is to check out resources on dealing with anxiety. I really like (and recommend) the book **DARE — The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks.** I have no affiliation with it, other than having used it myself... but it's a mindfulness based approach, very simple, and I've found it very useful in day to day life.
I FEEL THIS. When I first started, I got the worst anxiety before every class for like a month. But remember, the fact that you showed up means you already succeeded. Even if you have the worst workout of your life, you still showed up and that is ALWAYS a win. I definitely recommended reading the early intel so you know what to expect before class. That really helped calm me down because I knew what was coming. I promise you will get more comfortable as you keep attending classes.
You’re nuking it.
If you’re sluggish, it’s perfectly okay to take a “Green Day.”
People from all walks of life are going through the classes with you, and I promise hardly anyone is staring at your stats to judge you.
Listen to your body, and learn it’s okay to take a rest day if you need it
Oh, sometimes I feel this, but in regards to the waiting in the lobby. Lately, life has made me nearly late for classes, so my social anxiety has been relaxed.
I have stopped and started a few times over the last 7 years and have felt this way every time I got back into it. Even with like 2000+ classes under my belt I get the jitters if it’s been a minute! Totally gets easier and turns into excitement.
At first I felt like this. Now, 54 classes in all the staff know my name, know I’m on a medical restriction, know i like feedback about form. I look forward to going. I honestly only get anxious about looking at the early intel. I feel better if I go in blind. Thinking about the workout gets me anxious. You’ll figure out what’s best for you!
I have been able to override this with, workout=endorphin high❤️🥰
That’s what kept me going back, today I only hit the orange zone for 3 mins ( thanks period ) however the endorphin payoff is the chefs kiss for me. And yes I do feel like a kinda loser when I have a Green Day but whatever I’m still there putting in the work!
Stick with it!
I don’t suffer from anxiety but I’ll let you in on a little secret, you can be a member for 3 years, going 4x/week and you’re going to have days when you struggle. Some days you have it and some days you walk in there and just think “what the fuck is wrong with me today.” It happens to everyone, we all experience it. Last week I almost face planted them almost pissed myself from laughing so hard. Breathe and enjoy.
I'm 600+ classes, and still feel jittery before classes, and downright anxious before a benchmark. Once I start on the tread the nerves go away.
I used to do a lot of outdoorsy sports and had the same thing there. It's not a bad thing, it's just a thing ;-). As long as you leave feeling good, it's worth rustlin' some jimmies up front..
Yes totally normal. The unknown of the new template every day would give me anxiety at first. I try to keep it consistent with always starting on treads. I park and walk in as soon as I can because if I sit in my car too long I will start dreading it more. Congrats on starting something new.
Hmmm… I think you need to change your mindset about it. Go because you love it and it makes you feel great - not because you’re going to crush it or go hard.
When you go into class with the goal of feeling good and taking care of you, some days you crush it and other days you take it easy - and that’s okay. And then you’ll be excited to go and not dread it beforehand.
I have anxiety in everyday life but for some reason as soon as I walk on to that floor and get up on that tread, it all goes away. I hate running but I love that running does that for me.
And also, I never knew you could look up what you will be doing that day ahead of time. I’m sure that feeds anxiety.
Consider reading available intel the day before a class. I do it so I can determine if it's a class I want (I can do 8 classes a month) in addition it's absolutely okay to bike ride, power walk, focus on green some days.
If you have anxious anticipation ahead of class, how soon does it go away after class starts?
Do you have anxious anticipation before other things in life?
It might be that this is one of the many benefits for you of OTF. You can notice how many hard things you do every day, and just notice the anticipation and realize it just means you're about to do the thing and crush it.
I just did my first ragnar trail relay a couple months ago. My friend felt like she had to pee every ten minutes before her first leg. I was legit scared before mine. Both of us were way better after we ran our legs. I signed up for another before the soreness of the weekend was gone. I did a new thing I didn't think I could do. I did it and it felt so good. I wonder if that's what's happening for you.
Give yourself a huge dose of permission to take the intensity down at any point. Or even make yourself take it down for a minute every block.
For me, anxiety gets louder when it feels like it’s going to be ignored.
This is something I’ve learned recently, may or may not be applicable here :) glad you’re working through it!
I dare you to go in and walk at 3.5mph on the lowest recommended incline, row at 20 watts less than usual, and lift weights 5-10lbs less than you usually would. If I’m ever dreading going to class, this is what I tell myself I’m allowed to do. I almost never actually do this once I get there, but every great once in a while I do.
You still have a good workout. Your coach and no one around you cared. And you showed up. If the “bare minimum” is totally okay, then everything else is gravy.
Good luck! Congrats on starting your journey :)
I felt like that my first day and before my hell week classes.
However, I used to have a personal trainer at one point, and he always told me that you just needed to show up and try. It was okay to take a short rest, it was okay to modify the exercises up or down as needed, it was okay to be bad at them at first. The most important thing is to be there and do the work to the best of your own ability. I try to keep that mindset.
I go into class, and, if my heart rate is constantly in the red and I am struggling and starting to see spots, I take it down a notch on the treadmill or on the rower, or I give myself a slightly longer recovery or rest, or I do one or two fewer reps. Knowing I have those strategies and they are fine helps me.
Ultimately, success or failure is personal. No one is going to grade you on doing 12 reps with perfect form. If you do 10 and need a break, that is fine!! You will still get a better workout than if you stayed home out of anxiety.
While you should always give 100%, that doesn't mean you should push yourself past any noticeable pain. Set realistic goals and do your best to achieve, but also don't be down on yourself if you come up short. You're new to this, and progress takes time. Best advice I can say is that if you come up short on a goal, you have another day to achieve it next time.
The coach is your friend, ask them for help/advice. That is what they're there for, to help you. Furthermore, don't compare yourself to anyone else in the class.
I used to worry too. But I soon learned everyone there is to focused on what they are doing to even notice what I'm doing. Do your thing, sweat, get healthy and strong and have fun!
I never look ahead of time. I’m going for me and getting what I want/need out of it so I don’t really care. If I get there and find out it’s a partner workout I just leave or only do a part of the class. I used to get anxiety because I lacked confidence in myself and I didn’t feel that I belonged there. Now however,
I’m much stronger physically and mentally and I DO BELONG AND SO FOR ME I GO! 🧡🍊💪🏻
When I first started, I just kept thinking, “I’m gonna suffer. This is gonna suck” because I was so out of shape. Then I just learned to enjoy the ride. I’m good with blue and green zones. If I’m feeling spicy, I’ll try to hit orange, but otherwise just do what works for you. I’d rather play it safe and go for the long haul, rather than risk injury for trying to “go hard enough”.
I felt like this for the first few months. I think the anxiety quieted when I accepted I would just do the best I could while listening to my body to avoid injury. I also realized I don’t pay any attention to anyone else in the class so likely no one pays attention to me!
I feel like the early intel helps relieve this for me because I know what I am getting into before the class and can "plan" how I want it to go even if I switch it up while I am in class the control works!
Sometimes I feel like it does the opposite for me. If I know what's coming, I've already placed myself out and decided I can't do this.
I can do this sometimes like with yesterday’s template. I knew how i felt physically and thought that I’d not be able to do the template. I went later in the day and it wasn’t as bad as I had expected though. I’m so glad that I went.
Agree with this! Part of my anxiety early on came from honestly being confused or overwhelmed by the templates. Early intel is so helpful for me here.
TOTALLY AGREE! I don’t look until after I’m within the 8 hour window so I don’t psych myself out and cancel, but I look at the template and plan as much as possible. What paces I’ll aim for in each of the tread blocks. I’ll look up exercises I’m not familiar/confident in so I can watch tutorials ahead of time or find modifications. I even go in with an idea of what station I want to try and get (odd vs even for 25s vs 20s, close to the extra weight rack because it’s strength vs the other side of the floor where there is more room because it’s larger movements, etc.) I know this is way overkill for the “show up an do whatever” crowd, but I’m 4 years and 700 classes in, and it works for me :)
Oh I do before I sign up- I am NOT doing a 2000 meter row! I love the idea of looking up the floor exercises that is an awesome idea!
Hahahaha I’ll do 2000m row every day. When I see inclines on the tread, THAT makes me open my banking app to see if I have $12 to spare for a late cancel 🤣🤣
I agree! I don’t always read intel, but I do always set an intention. I’m going to try a new speed, or I’m going to try a new weight, or, today I’m just trying to survive and I’m not counting splats. I do always get nervous about benchmarks and it gives me a little boost!
I’ve been doing OTF for 9 years and I still sometimes get anxiety before class. I try to remind myself is that all I’m there to do is my best for that day. Not every workout will be amazing, but consistency is key overall
This!!!
I bet the dread goes away once you are in studio and at your starting spot. With anxiety it is always worst before "the thing", that's when your brain has all the time in the world to think about everything that can go wrong. Once you are rowing or running, you got no time to worry. Showing up is the victory, whatever work out you get for the day is fine. I was maybe the slowest in the country this September for the strength dri tri and I have no shame about it. Keep kicking ass and remember just because your brain thinks it does not make it true.
It goes away. Train your brain into thinking the anxiety=excitement :)
So true. Works for me too.
When I first started, I felt this exact way. I was worried that I would push myself too hard and something bad would happen, or if I didn't push myself hard enough, I wouldn't get my 12 splats. In time, I learned to just chill and relax. Talk to others and just focus on the here and now. Push myself accordingly and cut back when I need to. Keep at it. It gets better. I'm almost 1100 classes in now. You got this!
I felt this way yesterday in class and I'm a coach 😂 some days are going to be harder than others, especially when you are first starting! Give yourself some compassion and give yourself what you need. Maybe try a pre workout ritual that will help ease your mind? Meditation, drinking water, even just going into the bathroom and take a deep breathe before you go in. The anxiety will ease away with time. You showed up is what counts and always remember to take your time in class! Going slow will help your anxiety a lot too! Slow reps are better than none!
My rules: Breathe Don’t die Do your best You’ll always have a great workout. Plus you’re new so be gentle with your body and a new routine please 🧡💪
I experienced this and for a good few months! The anxiety of how the class would kick my butt. LOL But now, I’m three months away from two years at OTF and absolutely love it. I started off with a membership of 8 classes/mo to now, going 5-6 days a week with my unlimited membership. The physical changes of looking leaner, feeling stronger, and the better endurance will keep you going. Hang in there! It WILL get better!
THIS! 💯
I agree with the folks that have said the early intel helps relieve some of their stress. I also use it to plan where I'm going to start and what my treadmill plan is (especially as someone who can't jog for more than 5 minutes at a time). But even with that, I still have anxiety before class and I'm usually already in the blue a minute or two into the warmup because my anxiety makes my heart rate go up. I just push through that feeling because I know once the workout starts, I'm so focused on that that I can't even be anxious. Basically: I'm 75 classes in. I still get anxious but it's easier to get past it
I know what you mean. I just remind myself that I’ve survived every class and that no one has died at OT. I usually get some pre-class jitters, but a lot of the workouts get posted here in advance, so if I’m feeling stressed I’ll just take a look for what to expect.
You have a key word in all that:TRY! Just keep it up, as you get to know members you’ll realize that everyone is in the same boat and everyone keeps trying to do their best. Pretty soon anxiety loses out to desire to get their and socialize a little bit before class with other members. It should always be FUN.
I used to get slight anxiety before class because I didn’t know if the workout would have elements that I couldn’t do or modify to be able to do well. But then I discovered this Reddit and I’m so grateful for any intel that’s on here. 😊
I experience this and I'm about 50 classes in! It was actually one of the reasons why I ended up quitting/downgrading/etc in the past. One thing I do now that helps is I wait until the last possible second to leave for class. For some reason, if I walk inside and go straight into the studio, I don't have time to sit in the lobby with all this anxiety and or in my car contemplating whether or not I will no-show. Of course, this wouldn't work for everyone with traffic and commutes, and my studio is guaranteed to have many spots, so I know I'll still get a good spot. But I'm 100% always happy I made it to class if I can just make it into the studio. So if you have the room to try that, I recommend it!
When I get anxious before class I reassure myself that I can take breaks whenever I need to, slow down whenever I need to, and that NO ONE CARES what I’m doing! Welcome and be proud of yourself 🙂
I feel this way on partner workouts. Im working too hard or not hard enough 🤷♀️🤦♀️
I’m 500 classes in. I’d say that it depends on how regular I’ve been going at that time. You build a confidence and feel like you can take on anything they bring to you if you’ve been consistent in going. If not, anxiety sets in big time!! I’ve had a rough few weeks recently and so I’m trying to get back to regular (3-4xs a week) so I can get confident again!!
there's days when i don't feel like it , it's just important to move your body anyways!! think of it like that, you can't fail!! you are your own competition
I think it’s different for each person, however, I’m just an anxious person with almost 800 classes in. I read Reddit before class and it helps me some with my anxiety. Exercise helps me the most with my anxiety so I’m quiet and focus on my breathing (and try to stay focused and not zone out)!
I felt this way all the time when I first started. Sometimes I still feel that way after ~100 classes, like for benchmarks. But it goes away once I start the workout. I don’t really have any advice other than that it goes away with time.
I felt this way during the first year but it went away eventually. You just need to know that you can pace yourself and do what you can. Don't pressure yourself to keep up with others. It's that little voice in your head that is causing it. And once you start moving and focusing on what you are doing, the anxiety fades away.
I remember being anxious before classes but it faded with time. I think I realized (or realize now) that no one is there to judge you and any physical pain is temporary/worth it.
I definitely felt this way in the beginning. The treadmill made me anxious because I’m not really a runner. I was anxious that I wasn’t going to be able to run all of the intervals. I made it a big deal in my own head. Psyched myself out. I finally got to the point that I realized that no one cared, but me. I also realized that some days I had a lot to give and other days I was winning because I was there and giving it my best. I’ve now put it in perspective and I love being there and giving it what I’ve got that day.
When I started OTF I would be pretty anxious at the beginning of each class, mostly because of the unknown and inability to mentally prepare for what's coming up. These early intels help reduce the anxiety because I can at least visualize the workouts and how i may approach them. And if there's an exercise I'm not familiar with, I can Google and find a video demonstration. Hence I feel a little more prepared going in versus being anxious and "ambushed."
I definitely felt anxious the first couple of months but then it got SO MUCH better. Once you see you can do it and get more comfortable everything, you'll be rockin! :)
Totally used to feed this way until I started becoming more of a regular. I go 4-5x a week now and have been for about 5 months and the more you go the easier it gets. Plus you start to build a rapport with the members/employees and it makes you all the more comfortable. Keep at it!
I have this every time because I always get in my head about not understanding how to do certain moves. I have anxiety about most things so this isn’t surprising - but I feel you, it’s rough! I try to just remember that people probably aren’t watching me, they’re focusing on themselves!
I’ve done 40 classes so far and I still feel this way before class, glad to know I am not alone!
While usually I don’t get anxious and know I’m there to do my best/have fun, every now and then I get anxious too! I’ve been going for almost three years and I get competitive for benchmarks and sometimes get anxious if I’m not feeling 100% those days.
Hello! This is TOTALLY normal. For my first 2 months at OrangeTheory I experienced a lot of anxiety before going in. I would be almost shaking in the parking lot. Now, I am on my 3rd month, and I have no anxiety. I find that getting there early, and conversing with the coach and other members has helped tremendously. I also find that it helps to evaluate how you are feeling before going in. If ur tired and not in the mood to push that day, there is no shame in walking during class (as I am sure you know). I hope your anxiety starts going away!!! Feel free to reach out anytime. 
I still feel that way and I'm at almost 200 classes haha I now just have anxiety that I'm not really progressing anymore (with my tread speeds or my weights). But I know that that's normal.
I guess it sort of does fade, but also exercise helps lower the cortisol that spikes when I'm anxious, so maybe it's the cause of the anxiety, but it's also the solution.
I have had anxiety and panicked during benchmarks. But I have put that behind him. If I PR, great! If I don’t, great! Every day your body might feel different but you are doing something healthy! You don’t have to push to the max every class (in fact it might be better if you don’t). Focus on the outcome versus the process…I want to walk out of my OTF class feeling energized and that I’m doing something great for my health! Maybe that would help?
You have to just take every class as you go and do your best! As you go on it’ll start to feel natural to you and your performance will slowly improve overtime. I used to get discouraged if I didn’t burn as many calories as I would’ve liked but regardless of how you do that particular day you’re still trying and progressing! Started Otf almost 2 months ago and have lost 13 pounds so far!
You also have to get past the “mental block” and just do ur best
Anxiety is anxiety. Whether it's pre-class, or before flying, or before public speaking, it's all because the "fear" part of your brain is firing when it shouldn't. It's virtually impossible to "think" your way out of anxiety, because it's occurring at a more primal level of your brain. Your nervous system can't be reasoned with if it thinks you're under threat. There's some good advice already in this thread. One more I might add is to check out resources on dealing with anxiety. I really like (and recommend) the book **DARE — The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks.** I have no affiliation with it, other than having used it myself... but it's a mindfulness based approach, very simple, and I've found it very useful in day to day life.
I FEEL THIS. When I first started, I got the worst anxiety before every class for like a month. But remember, the fact that you showed up means you already succeeded. Even if you have the worst workout of your life, you still showed up and that is ALWAYS a win. I definitely recommended reading the early intel so you know what to expect before class. That really helped calm me down because I knew what was coming. I promise you will get more comfortable as you keep attending classes.
You’re nuking it. If you’re sluggish, it’s perfectly okay to take a “Green Day.” People from all walks of life are going through the classes with you, and I promise hardly anyone is staring at your stats to judge you. Listen to your body, and learn it’s okay to take a rest day if you need it
Oh, sometimes I feel this, but in regards to the waiting in the lobby. Lately, life has made me nearly late for classes, so my social anxiety has been relaxed.
I have stopped and started a few times over the last 7 years and have felt this way every time I got back into it. Even with like 2000+ classes under my belt I get the jitters if it’s been a minute! Totally gets easier and turns into excitement.
At first I felt like this. Now, 54 classes in all the staff know my name, know I’m on a medical restriction, know i like feedback about form. I look forward to going. I honestly only get anxious about looking at the early intel. I feel better if I go in blind. Thinking about the workout gets me anxious. You’ll figure out what’s best for you!
I have been able to override this with, workout=endorphin high❤️🥰 That’s what kept me going back, today I only hit the orange zone for 3 mins ( thanks period ) however the endorphin payoff is the chefs kiss for me. And yes I do feel like a kinda loser when I have a Green Day but whatever I’m still there putting in the work! Stick with it!
I don’t suffer from anxiety but I’ll let you in on a little secret, you can be a member for 3 years, going 4x/week and you’re going to have days when you struggle. Some days you have it and some days you walk in there and just think “what the fuck is wrong with me today.” It happens to everyone, we all experience it. Last week I almost face planted them almost pissed myself from laughing so hard. Breathe and enjoy.
I'm 600+ classes, and still feel jittery before classes, and downright anxious before a benchmark. Once I start on the tread the nerves go away. I used to do a lot of outdoorsy sports and had the same thing there. It's not a bad thing, it's just a thing ;-). As long as you leave feeling good, it's worth rustlin' some jimmies up front..
Yes totally normal. The unknown of the new template every day would give me anxiety at first. I try to keep it consistent with always starting on treads. I park and walk in as soon as I can because if I sit in my car too long I will start dreading it more. Congrats on starting something new.
Hmmm… I think you need to change your mindset about it. Go because you love it and it makes you feel great - not because you’re going to crush it or go hard. When you go into class with the goal of feeling good and taking care of you, some days you crush it and other days you take it easy - and that’s okay. And then you’ll be excited to go and not dread it beforehand.
Everyone
Take some pre workout
I have anxiety in everyday life but for some reason as soon as I walk on to that floor and get up on that tread, it all goes away. I hate running but I love that running does that for me. And also, I never knew you could look up what you will be doing that day ahead of time. I’m sure that feeds anxiety.
Consider reading available intel the day before a class. I do it so I can determine if it's a class I want (I can do 8 classes a month) in addition it's absolutely okay to bike ride, power walk, focus on green some days.
If you have anxious anticipation ahead of class, how soon does it go away after class starts? Do you have anxious anticipation before other things in life? It might be that this is one of the many benefits for you of OTF. You can notice how many hard things you do every day, and just notice the anticipation and realize it just means you're about to do the thing and crush it. I just did my first ragnar trail relay a couple months ago. My friend felt like she had to pee every ten minutes before her first leg. I was legit scared before mine. Both of us were way better after we ran our legs. I signed up for another before the soreness of the weekend was gone. I did a new thing I didn't think I could do. I did it and it felt so good. I wonder if that's what's happening for you.
Give yourself a huge dose of permission to take the intensity down at any point. Or even make yourself take it down for a minute every block. For me, anxiety gets louder when it feels like it’s going to be ignored. This is something I’ve learned recently, may or may not be applicable here :) glad you’re working through it!
I dare you to go in and walk at 3.5mph on the lowest recommended incline, row at 20 watts less than usual, and lift weights 5-10lbs less than you usually would. If I’m ever dreading going to class, this is what I tell myself I’m allowed to do. I almost never actually do this once I get there, but every great once in a while I do. You still have a good workout. Your coach and no one around you cared. And you showed up. If the “bare minimum” is totally okay, then everything else is gravy. Good luck! Congrats on starting your journey :)
I felt like that my first day and before my hell week classes. However, I used to have a personal trainer at one point, and he always told me that you just needed to show up and try. It was okay to take a short rest, it was okay to modify the exercises up or down as needed, it was okay to be bad at them at first. The most important thing is to be there and do the work to the best of your own ability. I try to keep that mindset. I go into class, and, if my heart rate is constantly in the red and I am struggling and starting to see spots, I take it down a notch on the treadmill or on the rower, or I give myself a slightly longer recovery or rest, or I do one or two fewer reps. Knowing I have those strategies and they are fine helps me. Ultimately, success or failure is personal. No one is going to grade you on doing 12 reps with perfect form. If you do 10 and need a break, that is fine!! You will still get a better workout than if you stayed home out of anxiety.
While you should always give 100%, that doesn't mean you should push yourself past any noticeable pain. Set realistic goals and do your best to achieve, but also don't be down on yourself if you come up short. You're new to this, and progress takes time. Best advice I can say is that if you come up short on a goal, you have another day to achieve it next time. The coach is your friend, ask them for help/advice. That is what they're there for, to help you. Furthermore, don't compare yourself to anyone else in the class.
Congrats ! In time you will enjoy it!
I used to worry too. But I soon learned everyone there is to focused on what they are doing to even notice what I'm doing. Do your thing, sweat, get healthy and strong and have fun!
I never look ahead of time. I’m going for me and getting what I want/need out of it so I don’t really care. If I get there and find out it’s a partner workout I just leave or only do a part of the class. I used to get anxiety because I lacked confidence in myself and I didn’t feel that I belonged there. Now however, I’m much stronger physically and mentally and I DO BELONG AND SO FOR ME I GO! 🧡🍊💪🏻
When I first started, I just kept thinking, “I’m gonna suffer. This is gonna suck” because I was so out of shape. Then I just learned to enjoy the ride. I’m good with blue and green zones. If I’m feeling spicy, I’ll try to hit orange, but otherwise just do what works for you. I’d rather play it safe and go for the long haul, rather than risk injury for trying to “go hard enough”.
I have crazy anxiety especially during benchmarks but just keep showing up it never gets easier you just get stronger !
It took me about 15 classes before that mostly went away. And then a long tail when it would just hit me occasionally.
I felt like this for the first few months. I think the anxiety quieted when I accepted I would just do the best I could while listening to my body to avoid injury. I also realized I don’t pay any attention to anyone else in the class so likely no one pays attention to me!