For the New Gym Goer

Look… I should have written this last month. I know.

But better late than never, right?

Right?? 😅

Every day, people step into the gym for the very first time. And that’s huge. The gym feels intimidating. At least it does from the outside.

You imagine a room full of meatheads grunting, sweating, and throwing around heavy weights… while you’re just trying to lose a little fluff and maybe touch your toes again.

If you’re introverted like me, that sounds like a nightmare.

So, here are a few things to calm the nerves, break the ice, and actually get you inside the gym.

And if you’ve already forced yourself in and this no longer applies — send this to a friend. I guarantee you know someone who wants to get healthier but is scared to step through those doors.

1️⃣ Remember… Nobody Cares 👀 

“What? Nobody cares? That’s not what I wanted to hear.”

Stick with me.

When you walk into the gym, it feels like everyone is staring at you. And here’s what you think they’re thinking:

• “Who’s the new guy?”

• “They don’t belong here.”

• “They look so lost over there.”

From one gym bro to another (soon-to-be, at least), here’s what we’re actually thinking:

• “I don’t want to be here today.”

• “I hope I look good.”

And on the rare chance someone does notice you’re new?

• “Look at them stepping out of their comfort zone and trying to get healthy. Nice.”

Nobody is judging you. I promise. We’re all way too busy being stuck in our own stupid insecurities.

And sure, maybe there’s one bad apple. But just like anything else — there are bad cops, bad lawyers, and even bad preachers. That doesn’t mean all cops, lawyers, or preachers are bad.

The same goes for gym people.

2️⃣ Start Now ⏰ 

Starting is the hardest part.

Getting out of the car.
Walking through the doors.
Asking about memberships.
Pulling out your credit card.
Doing that first workout.

That first day will probably be the scariest.

But the sooner you start:

• The sooner faces become familiar

• The sooner you make friends

• The sooner you feel comfortable

• The sooner you make progress

So, go. Right now.

Okay, read the next three tips first… then go.

3️⃣ Be In It for the Long Haul 🛻 

This isn’t a three-month challenge.

We’re not on The Biggest Loser. There’s no finish line where you never have to come back.

Real progress takes months or even years.

And once you get results? Guess what… they disappear way faster than they came, if you stop exercising.

So, learn people’s names.
Make a few friends.
Learn how to do things right.

Because if you’re doing this correctly, you’ll be around for a long time.

4️⃣ Hire a Trainer 🎯 

Okay, this might sound biased but hear me out. I’m not just saying this because I’m a trainer.

When you’re starting out, you need guidance.

I know:

• Trainers are expensive

• You can find information online

• You could figure it out on your own

But will you?

And do you really want to spend the next 2+ years researching, experimenting, and failing… or would you rather skip straight to progress?

A good trainer can teach you in 2 months what might take 2 years to figure out alone.

So maybe you don’t hire me (your loss 😏). But find someone (online or in person) who can save you time, frustration, and injuries.

5️⃣ A Few Rules You Should Know 🧠 

Before you sign up for a membership (and hopefully a trainer), here are a few unspoken rules that will help you fit in — and earn respect.

Put things back
Everything has a place. Use what you need, but return it when you’re done.

Wear deodorant
I speak for the entire gym community. Please. No excuses.

Wipe your sweat
No one wants to sit in a sweat puddle. Towels and wipes exist for a reason.

Wear workout clothes
You don’t need fancy gear, tight clothes, or tank tops… but church clothes aren’t it either, grandpa. Wear something you can move in.

Don’t be obnoxious
Lift heavy. Try hard. Just don’t slam weights or grunt like you’re summoning demons. Equipment is expensive.

Share equipment
If someone asks to work in… say yes. You’ve got to rest anyway. This is how gym friendships are born.

Don’t hog equipment
This isn’t your home gym. Stick to one or two pieces at a time and keep things moving.

Wrap Up 👊

Boom. You’ve got this.

The gym seems scary — until you realize it isn’t. Everyone inside is just trying to figure things out too.

So have confidence. Show up. Own it.

Miss last weeks post? Check it out here.

 10 Reasons to Exercise That Don't Revolve Around How You Look 

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