Showing Up for Yourself, Not for Others: Your Beginner Gym Guide
If the gym feels intimidating, this is for you.
by Camie Devlin ★ APRIL 13th, 2026
Design by: Maisy Wood
Stepping into the gym can feel scary, whether it’s been a while since you’ve worked out or it’s your first time making it out of a new hobby. You look around and it feels like everyone around you has mastered the perfect routine. From the big equipment to a rack of weights, there are so many options to choose from. On top of deciding how you are going to spend your time, there are moments where we ask ourselves, “Am I doing this right?”
You are not alone. Even if you think everybody else has it down, they felt the exact same way when they first started working out. Truth be told, nobody is automatically “good” at exercising because it’s not a competition or a natural talent. The whole point of the gym is learning about what your body needs to feel good, stable, and healthy.
I started going to the gym this year because I had set goals for myself. For the first month, I strictly only used the treadmill. I was nervous to use any weighted equipment because I was scared that I would embarrass myself or be judged by others. As I slowly eased into my journey, I decided to step out of my comfort zone one day and picked up the dumbbells. I remember the first time I used them and I thought to myself, “Did I even do that exercise correctly?” I never gave up despite feeling unsure in those times and by then, I felt comfortable enough to try new things. It’s definitely an intimidating experience, but it’s not an impossible one to overcome that fear.
Here are a few reminders I kept in mind that helped me conquer my fear:
Everyone is focusing on themselves, believe it or not. Nobody is secretly watching you or analyzing your workout because they have their own routine to keep them occupied. If you don’t catch yourself worrying about others, then everybody is doing the same.
Stop being so hard on yourself to follow everyone around you. I would often try to do workouts that others were doing, but they made me feel weak after and unmotivated for my next gym visit. When you find out what works best for your body, you’ll feel more prepared and less exhausted.
Exercise is about consistency and progress. You should be proud of yourself that you’re moving your body no matter what you are doing. Even if you make time to do ten minutes on the stairmaster, that’s something you should give yourself a pat on the back for.
Listen to music that’s going to make you feel pumped up and confident. Music will boost your adrenaline and grounds you into your own space of comfort.
The gym doesn’t have to be scary and those anxious thoughts should not be a reason to avoid it. When I shifted my mindset from it being a performance I had to perfect to I am doing what’s best for me, I’ve grown to find it a safe space where I can relieve my stress and make it a time where I focus on myself. I hope others can feel the same as well.
Edited by: Mams Jagha