Whether it's in your high school, your local gym, or your college weight room, it's easy to feel intimidated when working out. Now, this is from a girl's perspective, mind you, and upon my first visit to the weight room, I remember the distinct smell of grimy sweat, the look of the big machines that loomed over me and the grunting and groaning from bulkier and more fit people (mostly guys). It wasn't a very appealing environment.

Let's just take a second to narrow down some of the top reasons why going to the weight room can be an overwhelmingly experience, and a few tips on how to get past them.

1. The people you find there.

There are certain types of people that regularly go to the gym. Some, it may seem, live there. You know the people. Whether you go to the gym in the morning, afternoon, evening, or later at night, they're always there. Do they do anything else besides workout? Probably not. These people are fit. This alone can cause someone to peek through the windows to the gym and just keep walking. Just looking at their toned, slim bodies effortlessly lifting can make your own want to give up.

Which leads me to my next point...

2. I already know I need to workout, thank you.

So when you first walk in and see all of these people in "exceptionally good shape," it can either motivate you to join them or completely destroy any idea you had of working out. Just think, everyone in there started as a beginner at one point. If we got discouraged every time we saw the success of another person, we wouldn't get anywhere in life. So why do we do that in the weight room or gym?

Tip: Just get in there and work out! If you don't, you'll always regret it.

3. Everyone's staring at me.

Occasionally I'll see that creepy guy on the other side of the gym that's watching me lift weights or do squats–yes, I see you. It's really awkward when I'm trying to better myself physically and you're over there staring.

But for the most part, everyone there is just trying to get in shape as well. Besides, if you're really at the gym for the right reasons, what other people think shouldn't matter! You're there for you, to improve yourself.

Tip: Sometimes it helps to stare back. They usually don't like that.

4. I don't know how any of the equipment works.

Not a good enough excuse. Most machines and equipment in the gym have a "how to use" label that you can see while on the machine. It's that simple! You don't need to start with a heavier weight setting. Start small. Take your time. Working out should be an experience that betters you, not one that stresses you out.

Tip: Lighter weights with more reps equal a toned and slimmer body! Heavier weights with less reps can cause a bulkier build–what the majority, but not all, of girls want to avoid.

So when you do decide to head over to the gym, don't let yourself be intimidated too much. A little intimidation can be a great motivator, but don't let it overwhelm you!

Tip: If this looks more your speed, maybe Zumba is the place for you...