Hey there. You’ve probably heard it before. “The gym is my therapy.” I’ve even said it myself. And while I understand where that phrase comes from, I want to be clear about something. The gym is a powerful tool for your mental and emotional health, but it is not therapy.
For me, workouts have always helped me process things. When I’m focused on lifting or moving, my thoughts can settle in a way that makes everything feel more manageable. The gym helps me work through stress, release energy, and reconnect with how I’m feeling. But as helpful as that is, it’s not the same as sitting down with a trained therapist who can help you explore your thoughts and uncover blind spots.
Therapy is something entirely different. A therapist listens to you and helps you see patterns you may not even know are there. They can help you work through emotional weight you’ve carried for years. Sometimes we don’t even realize how much we’ve buried until someone gently guides us through it. I think everyone should have access to that kind of support. But I also know that access is a challenge. Finding the right person takes time. And therapy can be expensive or hard to schedule.
So here’s how I look at it. The gym is part of my toolbox. So is journaling. So is mindfulness. So is having a solid morning routine. These things all help me stay grounded and clear-headed. They also help me prepare for therapy sessions. When I go to therapy now, I can say here’s what I’ve been working on. Here’s what I want to focus on. That makes the sessions more effective.
I’m not saying this as a fitness professional pretending to be a therapist…therapy is well beyond my scope. I’m saying it as someone who’s personally been in both spaces. I’ve felt the shift that happens when you really connect with yourself during a workout. And I’ve felt the deeper clarity that comes from therapy. Both are valuable. Both can help. But they are not the same.
If you’ve said the gym is your therapy, I get it. But I encourage you to look at both tools with the value they each bring. Build a toolbox that supports you from all angles. Your mental and emotional health deserves that kind of care.
If you’re ready to build a sustainable, inside-out plan that supports your fitness and your mindset, join The YLF Experience. Let’s work on your foundation together.