Making a lifestyle change, like spending more time engaging in fitness or regularly working out at the gym, can be a worthwhile and positive experience. Going to a gym or fitness center can be eye-opening; you may engage in a new form of cardio or begin lifting weights. However, if you are not familiar with a certain machine or a certain technique, nervousness may result because of the lack of knowledge. "Gymtimidation" is being intimidated of the gym and what it has to offer.

The first time I ventured from the treadmill into the weight room, I was taken aback at how little I actually knew about lifting weights.

All of the people around me looked like they knew exactly what they were doing; they knew which machines to use, which areas to target, and which exercises to do. While they did this, I frantically searched the Internet for beginner workouts. I began to feel nervous and intimidated by all that was going on around me.

My journey in the weight room started just a month ago, but I never realized how much overcoming the factor of intimidation would impact my experience. Instead of sheepishly walking into the weight room hoping for an instant change so I could look like all of the people around me, I now walk in with confidence and the understanding that change takes time.

"Gymtimidation" can be a difficult factor to overcome when wanting to make a lifestyle change.

People all around us seem like they have it together, but those who appear to be experienced lifters and frequent exercisers had to learn what they know. Overcoming this intimidation takes time, but it will only get easier with the more experience you have with exercising.

As someone who was afraid and nervous to begin her fitness journey, I can say three things helped me to become more comfortable in the gym: exercising with friends who have experience in the gym and who are also learning, understanding my own strength and setting a goal for myself, and knowing that others are also in the same part of their journey as I am. No one’s journey to becoming fit and healthier is the same, but it can feel like you’re in similar places.

Talking with people and using resources online can be a great start to your fitness journey. You can gain insight into what others do for their workouts and learn about how they have felt more confident and comfortable in the gym. So many websites and accounts on social media show great workout cycles for different target areas, and if you’re just starting your journey, there are countless sites that feature workouts for beginners.

Understanding your own strength is key for setting goals and for feeling more comfortable at the gym. There is no reason to push yourself beyond your limits by lifting a certain weight or doing a certain amount of cardio. Getting outside of your comfort zone can be positive for working out, but knowing your strength and your body is vital so you do not injure yourself. Setting goals can help along the fitness journey.

Knowing others are on a journey is important to remember while overcoming "gymtimidation" because everyone is starting, or has started, somewhere. No one began where they are now in their journey. It takes patience and hard work to gain progress towards your goals.

All progress matters, so matter how big or small.

"Gymtimidation" is something that can prevent people from starting their journey towards a healthier lifestyle. The next time you find yourself thinking about working out, or even find yourself at the gym, go for it. Live life for yourself, and you’ll never look back.