Fear and your fitness goals: when to listen, when to push

Fear, avoidance, perfectionism and voluntary discomfort: Ashleigh hosts solo this week and talks through how fear works in the brain and body, and how it shows up around fitness goals and your life in general.

She shares some of her own fears, and the fears listeners sent her on social media; covers the difference between fear and danger; how avoidance is actually beneficial (to a point); three questions to ask yourself when something feels scary and you're determining whether or not you should proceed, and much more.

Have a story about something you were afraid of and then overcame? Share it at musclescience4women@gmail.com and we might share it on the pod!

This episode is sponsored by Peluva, makers of five-toe, zero-drop, barefoot-style shoes. When you put on a pair of Peluvas, you are getting an automatic foot strengthening effect, a toe spacer effect, and a healing effect from the damage caused by regular shoes. Peluva has sufficient cushioning to use for all manner of everyday movement, fitness and athletic activities, and navigating hard modern surfaces. And they look (surprisingly) good, and are super comfortable. Go ahead and use your specialized athletic shoes, work boots or even high heels when you need to, but the more you wear minimalist shoes when walking around and exercising safely, you can reawaken the natural functionality of the human foot to stand, walk, run, and perform. Visit https://checkout.peluva.com/MUSCLEMAVEN and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for 10% off your first pair!

05:43 What fear is
10:50 Fear versus danger
11:52 Fight, flight or freeze
14:10 Fear in fitness goals
15:17 The surprising benefits of avoidance
18:54 Procrastination and perfectionism
24:28 Three questions to ask when you're afraid
37:54 Fitness as a fear practice

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9LhrpUCFlfE

Programs

• Muscle Science For Women, 12-week strength program: https://rgfit.com/msw
• Grow Your Glutes, 8 weeks: https://rgfit.com/glutes
• Strong and Sculpted Shoulders, 8 weeks: https://rgfit.com/shoulders
• Fit Pregnancy Program: https://rgfit.com/fit-pregnancy
• Dopamine Reset Challenge, 10 days: https://rgfit.com/offers/BAQj63ya

Newsletter: https://musclescienceforwomen.substack.com
Ashleigh VanHouten: https://ashleighvanhouten.com, Instagram @themusclemaven (https://www.instagram.com/themusclemaven/)
Rachel Gregory: https://rgfit.com, Instagram @rachelgregory.cns (https://www.instagram.com/rachelgregory.cns/)