So you want to start going to the gym—that's great! You pick out a cute outfit, grab your headphones, Victoria Secret water bottle, and some sneakers, and head out, hoping to feel like a new gal when you return. It just so happens that other people want to go to the gym at the same time you are, and other people are lifting much heavier weights, and most of the other people are guys. So you run a mile and head home because the atmosphere is too intense for you.

There was a time awhile back where I decided to use the squat rack on a busy day at the gym. I settled underneath it, lifted, took some steps back, got lightheaded, and began to fall during my squat. In this time, not a single person in the weight lifting area came to help me get the bar off of my neck—but they did watch. I struggled to stand and looked around at the many men in the audience hoping that someone might ask if I were OK. They did not, and they continued their workout. While it took some time to even get used to lifting around the opposite sex, now I had to worry about my safety, too. I walked back to my dorm room feeling angry and incomplete with the workout I had done and complained for weeks that "no one cares about girls in the gym."

Stop this attitude.

Not to continuously preach "female equality," but males do tend to dominate the gym. Especially women who strive toward weight loss or toning, you usually have to lift weights or use the weight lifting equipment to some degree (to see better results). So why are you forcing yourself to do less than what you're capable of because you're afraid of boys? This isn't always the case, but if you have a gym membership and you're only going for the cardio machine, save the money and just run outside. Take your preconceived notion that guys aren't welcoming in the gym, and throw it in a fire because it's all in your head. Imagine how a man would feel walking into a dance class, a female dominated sport. You can use the weights, you can take up a bench, and you can grunt and sweat like anyone else there because your health matters, too.

There are a few ways to cope with the inevitable "smallness" feeling you get when trying new exercises in the weight room, one of them being to actually know what you want to do. If you're trying out a squat for the first time, look up some videos, prepare by doing a few in your room before you leave, and understand why you are doing it and what it should feel like. This will save time once you get to the gym and also prevent any injuries that could happen from user error.

You should also walk with confidence. I'm not really into lifting as a sport, but I want people to see that I know what I'm doing and that I feel good about it. As soon as other people in the gym started to ask me questions, I knew that my attitude and body language showed my knowledge. You'll run with better posture, get drinks from the fountain with your hip popped, and wink at the guy at the front desk because you're hot and know it.

If you need help, ask. Becoming comfortable is the road to plateau in the gym. You're in college now, you drink beer and fall asleep on the floor sometimes—you need to do better. If you're going to try something and are not sure where to start, just ask someone who looks idle, and if they ignore you, tell them their shoulders are looking small. It doesn't hurt to get a second opinion, and sometimes you can make a friend out of it. Even in my example above,where I fell under the bar, I should have asked for a spotter, but I was afraid to bother someone. Not that it will diminish the male-driven weight section, but the next time you go, the more familiar faces you see and the more comfortable you are with asking for help.

You have friends, bring a friend. Friends are a great motivator, whether you use them as competition or someone who can help with new exercises. Although sometimes you go to let off steam, you might not stay at the gym as long as you would with someone there. Friends can spot for you, time you for abs, or be there to let you know if you're sweating through your grey leggings (horrible choice in color, by the way). Find that person that is on the same level as you so you can progress together.

So there you have it—the ways to be an active female member at the gym. It seems strange that in 2016 we ladies are still worried about sexism in the gym, but that's how it is. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Knowing what workouts you're doing, walking with confidence, asking for help, and bringing a friend will all contribute to your success.