By the time that you are reading this, I will have been going to the gym regularly for seven weeks straight. In those seven weeks at the gym I have had a plethora of good, "bad" and weird experiences and I have learned so much about myself.

I by no means am an expert at the gym and honestly if someone asked me for help I would probably direct them to someone else. However, I know a lot about muscles and movements that will benefit specific muscles. And I will openly admit that there are people at the gym who know way more than me and sometimes I feel intimidated by those people.

I mean come one they are so confident in their abilities, and know exactly what works for them. I always feel like that are watching and judging me even though I know that they are genuinely just trying to concentrate on their work out. I also would not be upset if one of these people gave me a few pointers to help me out or prevent me from injuring myself.

But there is a fine line by providing helpful criticism and actually discouraging someone from the gym.

There are parts of the gym on campus that I avoid on purpose. I used to completely avoid any section where there were weights and over the last seven weeks have overcome part of that fear and have been actively lifting free weights. I decided the other day I wanted to use a weight machine to work specifically on a shoulder muscle which is located in the "forbidden" part of the gym.

It was early and there were very few people at the gym so I figured why not. I was about halfway through my set when this older man came up and was working out on the machine next to me and I didn't not really think anything of it I saw him waving vigorously at me. So I turned and took my headphones off…

...and this is what he said:

"I mean you can do whatever you want but you work more of your shoulder muscles if you pull it backwards. Pretend there is a line between your shoulders. I mean you can do whatever you want, but I'm just saying this is the better way to work your shoulders. But do whatever you want."

Now I completely understand that he was trying to help me get a better workout with my shoulders and I am grateful for people who are trying to help however there is definitely a time and a way that help should be provided.

The way that this man spoke to me made me feel very awkward about working out and that I was not doing anything at the gym correctly. In reality the way I was performing the exercise was targeting a specific muscle group and his advice was a general way to expand the muscles being used.

As a beginner at the gym, it is very hard to feel confident in what I am doing and having someone almost belittle you makes it even harder to continue to go to the gym. Beginners are nervous that people are judging them, they don't know exactly what to do and the best way to do it.

Of course it is important to help us when we need it ESPECIALLY in the case where an injury can occur but make sure you do it politely without making the person feel belittled or discouraged.Start by introducing yourself, and please please please wait til they are done with the exact set they are working on and talk to them while they are resting.