The Days I Don’t Feel Strong - Gym Anxiety, Off Days, & Showing Up Anyway

Not every gym session feels empowering. Not every week feels productive and not every day starts with motivation. That’s something I wish I’d heard more when I first started going to the gym.

So far in this series, I’ve shared the wins, the adaptations, the confidence that’s slowly building — but this post is about the other side of the journey; the days when my energy is low, the days when my confidence dips and days when just getting through the gym doors feels like an achievement in itself because those days count too!

Gym Anxiety Doesn’t Disappear - It Changes Shape

I don’t feel anxious every time I go to the gym anymore but it hasn’t vanished either. Instead, it shows up differently depending on the day. Sometimes it’s worrying about how busy the gym will be, it’s wondering whether the equipment I need will be available, or it’s feeling extra aware of my body, my wheelchair, and the space I take up.

Occasionally, it’s that quiet internal voice asking, “Do I really have the energy for this today?”

What I’ve learned is that anxiety doesn’t mean I’m doing something wrong, it means I care and caring doesn’t disqualify me from being there.

Good Gym Days vs. Hard Gym Days

Some days, everything clicks, body feels strong, my movements feel controlled and my confidence shows up early.The session flies by. Other days feel heavier - physically and mentally.

Weights feel harder, the setups feel fiddly, my patience is shorter and my body needs more breaks. However, neither type of day defines me.

The mistake I used to make was measuring success only by how “good” the session felt. Now, I try to reframe it: Did I listen to my body? Did I respect my limits? Did I show up?

If the answer is yes, that session still matters.

Motivation Isn’t Constant and That’s Normal

One of the biggest myths about fitness is that motivated people always feel motivated, but honestly they don’t.

Motivation comes and goes, especially when you’re disabled, managing energy levels, navigating accessibility, or recovering from illness like I’ve been recently. What keeps me going isn’t constant enthusiasm, it’s routine, support, and self-trust. Some weeks I’m excited to train, some weeks I just stick to the plan or even I adjust the plan completely. All of those weeks still count.

Letting Go of “All or Nothing” Thinking

One of the most helpful shifts I’ve made is letting go of the idea that workouts have to be perfect to be worthwhile. If I show up and do less than planned that’s still something. If I stop early because my body needs it that’s still listening. If I rest instead of train that’s still part of the journey.

Strength isn’t built by pushing through everything, it’s built by knowing when to pause so you can keep going long-term.

Support Makes the Hard Days Easier

On the days when my motivation dips, I don’t rely on willpower alone. Claudia helps me reframe tough sessions and reminds me that progress isn’t linear.

Having people who understand that showing up looks different every day has been a game-changer as it takes the pressure off needing to perform and replaces it with permission to be human.

What I Tell Myself on the Hard Days

These are the reminders I come back to when I’m struggling:

• You don’t have to feel confident to belong here.

• One session doesn’t define your progress.

• Rest is not quitting.

• Your body deserves care, not punishment.

• You’re allowed to take this at your own pace.

Some days, just remembering those things is the work.

Why I’m Still Committed

Even on the days I don’t feel strong, I know this journey matters to me.

It’s helping me trust my body and helping me feel capable all while taking up space with less apology. Even when progress feels slow, I know I’m moving forward because I keep coming back.