I won’t lie to you: I am not very fond of exercising. I don’t feel that rush of adrenaline during or after exercising you are supposed to experience. However, I try my best to include it in my weekly routine because I know it is good for my health. A couple years ago I wasn’t so determined to stay active and, after talking about if with a group of friends, I discovered that we all felt similarly towards exercising.

Some of my worst memories of high school take place during the physical education class when I was forced to run next to my athletic classmates. I remember anxiety kicking in when I had to do an exercise in front of the class or when we had to make groups to play a team sport. Nevertheless, that shame I felt during the classes stayed with me for a very long time.

Now, as a young adult, the moment I put on my training clothes the same anxiety I had in high school comes back. Talking about it with my friends they all had similar stories and experiences, so much that 90% of them now exercise at home instead of going to the gym. They argued that at home we feel safe. They can rest or even stop if they need to without feeling others looking at them in disapproval. Even though at home they have limited resources and exercises they can do, they feel in control. I deeply understand that since, a couple of years ago, I started practicing yoga at home because I was too scared to go to a proper class. With time I have overcome some of my fears, although some days are easier than others.

Young people know that being a “couch potato” is not good for them, that exercising is good for them, so don’t pressure them to do so. They might be struggling more than you think just to go out for a simple walk.