Tamra's Fitness Tips: Dealing With Gym Anxiety

The Real Housewives of Orange County star Tamra Judge is never afraid to hit the gym -- she works at CUT Fitness, the one she opened with husband Eddie Judge, remember? But that's not the case for everyone.

During her series of fitness tips here on the Dish, Tamra's been filling us in on everything from her own daily diet to drinking alcohol in a healthy way. This week, she takes on gym anxiety...and tells it to take a hike!

Kelly Whitten asked on Facebook, "How do you personally break through mental blocks when it comes to fitness? Despite years of being active, I've recently begun having anxiety about even getting to the gym."

I totally understand your feeling. Prior to opening CUT Fitness, I would dread going to the gym and running on the treadmill watching the TV right in front of me then trying to figure out which machines to use. Then dealing with sweaty, smelly men who want to pick up on you, ugh! I got to the point where every single workout was the same and nothing really excited me so I would not go. I struggled in my head because I knew I needed to work out and just could not find something I could stick to.

I thought about all those negative things when I was opening CUT Fitness. I wanted a place to walk into that has everything that helps me get motivated and enjoy my time there. I don't have to think about what I have to do; rather, I just pick a class based on what my coach or trainer recommends and go. This could be a strength-based workout, a cardio-based workout or a core-based workout.

Group fitness has all the reasons for me to go workout. I look forward to seeing my friends that are as committed to their health and fitness as I am. I look forward to getting a great workout without setting any self expectations (I leave that up to the coach) and I leave feeling awesome and energized, ready to either start my day or go home and make dinner for my family. This helps me avoid any mental blocks.

I think the simple answer is finding something you really enjoy doing. Nowadays getting a workout does not have to be in a big box gym that is very intimidating. Think outside the box: boot camps, jogging clubs, group fitness, DVDs -- all are available to you in every city.

Some people just hate working out -- remember, misery loves company! So recruit your best friend into helping you both get healthy. What are friends for? I wish we could open a CUT Fitness in every city to show you how easy and fun group fitness can be, how mixing up your workouts and cross training will give you the body you deserve. Kelly, I am not sure where your anxiety stems from but always remember that working out does not just make you look good, it also reduces stress, boosts happy chemicals, alleviates anxiety and increases relaxation (just to name a few things).

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