Walking into an unfamiliar space, especially a gym, can feel overwhelming. The fear of looking like you have no idea what you're doing, with everyone’s eyes on you, is enough to make any woman want to turn around and leave. If we had the time, you could probably list a hundred things that make you anxious about stepping into a gym, and I'd agree—they're all valid reasons to feel nervous.

     But let's be honest—you’ve faced this kind of fear before, even if it wasn’t in the gym. Maybe it was when you joined that pottery class last year, or when you had to walk into a party where you didn’t know anyone. It’s totally normal to feel anxious in awkward or new situations, but here’s the truth: most of the time, that anxiety isn’t based on anything real. Our minds love to make us feel small, especially when we're trying something new and aren’t immediately perfect at it.

     So, how can you quiet that voice in your head that’s making you second-guess yourself? One strategy that has helped me is what I call logic-blocking. Anxiety often feeds on irrational thoughts, so the key is to counter them with logical ones. It’s not about denying your feelings but rather recognizing that they aren’t always rooted in reality.

     For example, when I first started taking the gym seriously, I was convinced everyone could tell I was new and had no clue what I was doing. I felt like I was walking around with a sign on my back that said “newbie.” But I stopped and asked myself: Is anyone actually staring at me? Most likely, no. And if someone glanced my way, it was probably just accidental eye contact, like when you're walking down the aisle in a grocery store. Am I drawing attention to myself by doing anything ridiculous? Definitely not. And honestly, does anyone really care that I’m here? No! The truth is, no one at the gym is paying that much attention to you. Everyone is there for their own workout, focused on their own goals. And that’s a relief.

     Now, I get that trying new exercises can be nerve-wracking—especially when you're worried about looking silly or struggling with the equipment. We've all experienced that awkward "walk of shame" when you grab a weight that’s too heavy and have to quietly return it. But there are ways to work around these fears.

Here are a few tips:

• Go with a friend. If you're nervous about going alone, having a workout buddy can help ease that anxiety and give you the motivation to push yourself. You can encourage each other, and the experience becomes more fun and less intimidating.
• Do your research. Just like you might have looked up pottery ideas before your class, take some time to watch workout videos or read up on gym equipment. Walking in with even a little knowledge can make a huge difference in how confident you feel.
• Hire a trainer. This is a game-changer. A trainer not only helps you avoid common mistakes, but also fast-tracks your progress so you don’t waste time figuring things out on your own. Plus, having a trainer by your side is like having a personal bodyguard—no one’s going to bother you, and you can focus on your workout with confidence.

     Finally, and most importantly, grow your inner confidence. Whether you “fake it till you make it,” build confidence through knowledge, or even just wear a cute gym outfit that makes you feel great, confidence is the key to long-term success. I teach my clients to develop aplomb—confidence in the face of challenges—because there’s nothing cooler than sticking with something new and growing into the best version of yourself.

     By tackling your anxiety with logic and confidence, you can navigate those early gym jitters. Consider the tips I’ve shared and don’t hesitate to reach out to me at support@aplombtraining.com if you’re ready to start training with confidence. Together, we’ll make sure you walk into the gym like you own the place!