Congratulations, you’ve decided to join a gym and get fit and healthy! That’s a great first step and you should be proud. The next step is actually going to the gym and working out, which can be pretty intimidating.

Don’t worry! These tips will help you ease into gym life in no time.

Stop thinking about how you look

You walk into the gym and see muscular people lifting weights and using complicated-looking contraptions or sprinting away on the treadmill. You might be afraid that you’ll make a fool of yourself. You might worry about being judged. Well, put those thoughts out of your mind. Everyone is so focused on what they’re doing that they won’t be paying much attention to you. A few people might judge you, but remember, everyone had to start somewhere and those people were probably just like you at the beginning.

Learn the lay of the land

For your first day at the gym, don’t try to just dive right in, take some time to learn the layout of the gym. Figure out where you can stretch, where the cardio section is and which machines do what. Ask a staff member to give you a tour and explain how to work the various machines.

Try a trainer

It might be worth it to pay for a trainer for the first few sessions. Learn about the machines and moves you should be doing and then strike out on your own.

Start small

Don’t try to bench press your bodyweight right off the bat. Start small, maybe 10 minutes on the treadmill to begin with. If that’s all you do, that’s okay! You’re heading in the right direction.

Have a great playlist

Build a gym playlist that will make you feel powerful and confident.

Go at odd hours

If you’re feeling self-conscious, try to head to the gym at off-peak hours. Perhaps early in the morning, late at night or even during your lunch break. When the gym is emptier you‘ll feel more at ease.

Plan your workout

There are so many free resources online for workout plans and ideas. Plan your workout ahead of time. Heading to the gym with a plan will help you to feel more confident about what you’re doing.

Now go workout!

Sources: Fit University, Nerd Fitness, Pop Sugar