Let's be honest, like with many things in life when going to the Gym, the first few times can be Awkward. It's nerve-racking to go to a public space with sweaty strangers. A place where god-like creatures walk around with their bulging biceps and Instagram worthy keisters. You have no idea what you are doing, therefore you assume everyone knows you're clueless. For some weird reason, you think everyone is watching you. You avoid eye contact, skip over machines you want to use, but aren't exactly sure how, and in the end, you end up leaving the gym before finishing the workout.

Now you're walking back to your car telling yourself, well I'll never do that again.

Uh, you should probably calm down a little. Like the Bad Man, Aaron Rodgers once said R-E-L-A-X.

First-time nerves are normal, but you have to be willing to overcome those nerves if you are ever going to reach your fitness potential and walk among the gods. That's why I'm here. Constructed below is a list of four ways you can overcome your nerves at the gym.

Four ways to stop feeling awkward at the gym

Have a Gameplan.You need a gameplan that looks as if it was prepared by Bill Belichick. Know your workout inside and out. If it's arm day then know exactly which exercises you're doing, how many sets, and the exact weight.

You should have toured the gym before you joined. So, you need to be familiar with the layout. Know where you're going, know what's next. Be a man on a mission.

We live in the day and age of YouTube. Look up exactly how to do an exercise before you go to the gym and attempt it. Study the technique and the form used. The more you know the more confident you'll be.

Those nerves will slowly start to fade as you began to focus on the workout.

Look the Part. I'm not telling you to go out and spend an exorbitant amount of money on fitness clothes, but try to blend in. You would not believe the number of people I've seen workout in jeans, like actual blue jeans (please don’t be that guy). A nice new pair of fitness shoes can be just the confidence booster you need in order to dominate your workout.

Plus, if you're like me, once I purchase something I have to use it. Spending money on fitness clothes propels me to go to the gym more often.

It's all about Feeling comfortable and that sad truth is that most of us feel comfortable when we blend in. So, buy a pair of joggers, a Gymshark hoody, and whatever activewear you think you need.

Find a Gym Partner. Remember back in High School when you almost felt invincible while hanging out with friends? Having someone to go to the gym with just makes you feel better. To quote the great DJ Khalid, "It's a vibe!" Feeling awkward at the gym is all due to you being too much in your head. Having someone there keeps you preoccupied which doesn’t allow you to think about other people who may or may not be watching you.

Knowing someone is depending on you is also more motivation to go to the gym. Unfortunately, most people are okay with letting themselves down, but when they know someone is depending on them, they are more likely to stick it out.

Go to a Quiet Place. A temporary solution to avoid feeling awkward at the gym is to avoid people. Workout in areas where there isn't a lot of traffic. If the gym has an area that barely anyone goes to then do your workouts there. If you attend a 24-hour gym, then go at odd times when you know not many people will be there.

When I first started going to the gym, I went every day a 5:30 am and was out by 6:15 am. I was able to complete my workouts and get used to the machines.

With only a handful of people being in the gym at this time, I was able to become more comfortable. As time went on, I subconsciously started going later and later. Now I am at the point where I go to the gym at whatever time is convenient.

Again, I prefaced this to be a temporary solution. Unless your schedule dictates it, you shouldn't always go to the gym at odd hours and you shouldn't always exercise in the empty room. At some point, you have to be able to adjust to gym culture.

Now Go

Get out of your head and go to the gym! With the four tips listed above, you have no excuse for not going. It's time to get up and change your lifestyle and get the body you always wanted.
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