Gymphobia is a real thing. The thought of stepping into a gym can be extremely intimidating from the outside. In your head, you think of all the ways people could judge you, but who truly cares?

At this time of year, the idea of getting healthy and fit for the spring and summer breaks is on everyone's mind. There's also a lurking feeling of discomfort for many when it comes to even thinking about going to the gym, but why?

It is easy to let intimidation get the best of you when it comes to stepping foot into a gym, but everyone starts somewhere.

So, what can you do?

First, plan it out!

No one will know that it's your first day in the gym if you go in with a plan. Before stepping foot in a gym, have a plan written down on paper, on a note in your phone, or another place that you can easily access during your workout.

This plan will help you know what you came to do, and keep you from walking in and blanking on what you had in mind.

It's also helpful to remember to keep it light in the beginning.

Tone up with light weights and get heavier as time progresses. It's a common error for people to remember what weight they used to lift and think that nothing has changed, but your muscles are in need of rebuilding.

It is also common for people to worry that the heavy lifters around you are judging you for using smaller weights, but if you do your exercise with confidence, there is nothing they can do to change that.

It's also really helpful to bring a friend! Having this support can make you a lot more motivated to get up and go to the gym. Friends can also bring more excitement to exercises and introduce you to more variations on your routine. If you have a least favorite muscle group to work, create a fun partner workout so you get through it together. Having a friend holding you accountable can also be great motivation.

One thing that most people forget is that your playlist makes a difference.

Put on your favorite upbeat station or tracks and jam out while you work out. Upbeat music sets the pace of your reps or cardio. There are billions of workout playlists online if you don't want to hear the same songs each time.

Another great solution is the classic at-home workout.

If going to a gym is not an option, or you can get past your gymphobia, home workouts are a fantastic option. There are endless videos on YouTube that you can follow and just use your body weight to exercise.

One downside to at-home workouts is that there are a lot of distractions in the comforts of your own home, and suddenly your couch in front of the television appears very tempting. If you go to a gym, everything around you is about exercise and will take away distractions.

Another downside is that you may not have the added weight that a gym membership provides. This added weight will help build your muscles and reach your goals a lot faster than just using body weight or whatever free weights you have at home.

All in all, the most important thing to remind yourself is that you can do this. Write your goals down so that you have a constant reminder. These goals give you a purpose as to why you should want to go and, through hard work, you will be amazed at what you can do.

Remember to focus on you and your muscles in the gym, not anyone else.

Walk in that gym, go at it, and own it.