I had to go back to the gym. And you might want to give it another try too. Now, if you know me, you know this was not an obvious decision. I had created a beautiful workout space at home. I had resistance bands, weights, a really great bike, and everything I needed to exercise without leaving my house. And as an introvert, I loved it.
There was no crowded locker room. No waiting for equipment. No walking into a room full of people and wondering where I was supposed to stand. Except for swimming days, home was where my heart was. But after a while, I realized something was missing.
Hello everyone, and welcome to The Diabetic Toolbox, where we are on a mission to end type 2 diabetes one family at a time through education, support, and empowerment.
If this is our first time meeting, my name is Renee. I am an emotional eating and diabetes lifestyle coach and yoga teacher. I help adults over 40 with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes lower their blood sugar, lose weight, and improve mobility without extreme dieting or spending hours in the gym.
Today, we’re talking about one reason I decided to go back to the gym: I needed the structure and energy that came from exercising around other people. And I didn’t realize how much I missed it until it was gone.
I Had Everything I Needed at Home
Technically, I had no reason to join a gym. I could cycle at home. I could lift weights at home. I could roll out my yoga mat and practice at home with my favorite YouTube yogis or the on-demand classes my gym offered. I didn’t need more equipment. What I needed was a different environment.
There is something about walking into a yoga class and seeing everyone else getting their mats ready, meditating or stretching in preparation for class. Or about being in a strength training class when you’re getting tired, and the instructor says, “We have three more.” Because when I’m working out at home, and I decide I’ve had enough, guess who’s in charge? Me! And sometimes Home Workout Renee can be very understanding. “That was good. We did enough. We can stop.”
But when I’m in class, and everyone else is still moving, I’m much more likely to keep going. Not because I’m competing with them. I’m not trying to lift more than the woman next to me or hold a yoga pose longer than everybody else. It is the energy of being around people who showed up to do the same thing I came there to do. And I missed that; I realized how much I missed it on Saturday when I joined a community yoga class at a new gym. Part of the reason I stopped going to yoga classes was that my arthritis was so bad and I just didn’t feel comfortable. But that class was exhilarating, and when I got tired, I sat on my mat for a bit before rejoining.
You Don’t Have to Be an Extrovert to Benefit From a Group
Group classes are not just for people who enjoy socializing. I don’t need to walk into the gym and introduce myself to everybody. I don’t need to make five new friends before class starts. Sometimes I don’t want to talk at all.
But I can still benefit from being there. The instructor gives me structure. The class gives me a starting and stopping time. And the people around me give the room an energy that I don’t always create when I’m exercising alone. That’s what I needed.
So this month, I made a change. I stored away my home gym equipment, and I’m going to classes. Some days, I go straight from work to the gym because I know what can happen if I go home first. I sit down. I get comfortable. And suddenly going back outside sounds like a terrible idea.
Now, swimming is another story. One of my worst nightmares is a crowded gym and an even more crowded locker room. So my swim workouts start at 5:00 in the morning as soon as the pool opens. Yes, my friends. Five o’clock. Apparently, I am willing to get up before sunrise for an uncrowded swimming pool. And that’s the point I want you to take away from today’s post. .
Make the Environment Work for You
If you’ve been struggling to exercise consistently, don’t assume the problem is a lack of discipline. Look at your environment.
- Are you bored working out alone?
- Would having a class on your calendar give your week more structure?
- Would an instructor help you challenge yourself a little more?
- Would exercising around other people make the experience more enjoyable?
If the answer is yes, it might be time to try the gym again. And if you’re thinking, “Renee, I haven’t been inside a gym in years. I wouldn’t even know where to start,” I have an answer for that too. Start with the treadmill. I’m serious.
You don’t have to walk into the gym and conquer the entire building, or understand every machine. Just go in, find the treadmill, and walk for 10 or 15 minutes.
Take some time to look around and get familiar with the space. Then go home. That’s a workout. On your next visit, you can walk a little longer or ask someone to show you another piece of equipment. When you’re comfortable, you can try a beginner class. Remember, you don’t have to figure everything out on your first day.
Start With One Visit
So here is what I want you to do this week. If you have been thinking about returning to the gym, schedule one visit. Choose an activity you know, like walking, cycling, or swimming. Take a beginner yoga class.
Your goal for that first visit is to get through the door and move your body. Then pay attention to how you feel. Because your exercise environment matters. Some of you will discover that you love exercising at home, and that’s where you should be.
But some of you might discover what I did. You have everything you need at home, but you miss being around people who are moving too. And if that’s you, it might be time to give the gym another try.
Now, once we start talking about physical activity and blood sugar, we also have to talk about what we’re putting on our plates. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes and you’re asking yourself, “What in the world am I supposed to eat now?” I created something for you. Download my FREE What Am I Supposed to Eat Now? Starter Cookbook and Guide.
You’ll receive the 14 Day Whole Food Starter Guide, including 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners, 7 snacks, a simple shopping list, meal-building tips, and a 14-day tracker.
No complicated meal plan. No separate meals for your family. Just simple, everyday food and practical guidance to help you start with your next meal.
Remember, change happens one habit, one choice, one day at a time.
Until next time, take care of yourself and each other.
With Peace & Love,
Renee
More Resources From The Diabetic Toolbox
The Diabetic Toolbox Podcast
Prefer to listen? Join Renee on The Diabetic Toolbox Podcast for practical, honest conversations about managing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in everyday life.
Each episode explores topics such as blood sugar management, emotional eating, movement, healthy habits, weight loss, mobility, and building a lifestyle that supports your health without extreme diets or hours in the gym. Explore previous episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.
Reference Guide: Starting Your Movement Plan
Want something you can save and use when you’re ready to exercise? Download the companion reference guide, Starting Your Movement Plan: Yes, It Might Hurt, But This Will Help. This guide gives you practical reminders for preparing your body before movement, paying attention to how you feel while exercising, caring for your body afterward, and choosing an appropriate place to begin.
Renee & Ruby’s
Renee & Ruby’s was created in honor of my mother, Ruby, whose experience with type 2 diabetes remains central to The Diabetic Toolbox’s mission. Visit the shop to discover apparel, mugs, journals, totes, and other products designed to celebrate strength, encouragement, and the women we love. Your purchases also help support our work serving people and families affected by prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Disclaimer: Health and Wellness Disclaimer
The Diabetic Toolbox provides content for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before changing your diet, medications, or exercise routine. All physical activities, including yoga and walking, carry a risk of injury, and participation is voluntary and at your own risk. Individual results vary, and we don’t guarantee specific improvements in health, fitness, weight loss, or blood sugar. Your health and safety are our priority, and we’re honored to be your health partner.
