EXERCISE: How to Go to the Gym for the First Time (Even if You're Shinier Than a Mirror Ball)

"I really want to go to the gym, but I'm too shy and don't know what to do. Where do I start, and how do I go about things once I'm there? Should I be wearing gym clothes already when I go? What do I bring? Is there something I should say or not say?"

Going to the gym for the first time can be intimidating, especially if you're shy. But don't worry, we've all been there.

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your first gym experience, even if you're shinier than a mirror ball among a sea of mirror balls:

• Prepare before you go.
  
  Wear comfortable workout clothes and shoes, and bring a water bottle. It's also a good idea to have a plan for what exercises you want to do.
  
  But don't sweat it too much if you don't have a perfect plan.
  
  You can always ask a gym employee for help, though you might be persuaded to purchase his gym merchandise, and end up wearing them as a free advertisement for the gym.
  
  At least you'll be stylish, right?
• Don't hesitate to ask for help.
  
  If you're not sure how to use a piece of equipment, or if you have any questions about your workout, don't be afraid to ask a gym employee for help.
  
  They're there to help you, not judge you. And don't worry, they won't make fun of you for asking questions.
  
  So channel your inner king or queen and strut up to them for help.
  
  Remind yourself: You’re the customer. You’re the boss. And you’re paying them. They don’t pay you!
• Don't compare yourself to others.
  
  Everyone is at a different fitness level. Focus on your own goals and don't worry about what other people are doing.
  
  If you're comparing yourself to others, what's the point? …to lick your wounds in a pity party?
  
  No. You're there to make a better you!
  
  You're going to say to yourself, "Eventually, I'm going to take a proud selfie of myself in front of the gym mirror" while others look on in admiration.
• Have fun!
  
  Going to the gym should be an enjoyable experience. If you're not having fun, you're less likely to stick with it.
  
  So find activities that you enjoy and make the gym part of your routine.
  
  Otherwise, someone might see your bored and grumpy facial expression, and wonder: “Did I owe him money?”

Here are a few additional tips to help you navigate the gym with humor and wit:

• If you're feeling shy, try to think of yourself as a secret agent on a mission to get fit.
  
  You're undercover, so don't worry about who's watching you.
  
  Remember how James Bond likes his martini? Shaken, but not stirred?
  
  So shake off your shyness with a good Russian Twist, and stir away your self-consciousness with an incline bench fly.
  
  Just focus on your workout and get the job done.
• If you see someone using a piece of equipment incorrectly, don't be afraid to gently correct them.
  
  You can say something like, "Hey there, can I show you how I bench it? I noticed you're pounding that iron a little quirkier than I was taught."
  
  This is a great way to show off your knowledge and make a new gym buddy at the same time.
• If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a break and go for a walk.
  
  Or, if you're feeling brave, try to strike up a conversation with someone else at the gym.
  
  You might be surprised at how friendly and supportive people are.
  
  Channel your inner comedian with something like, “Maybe you should flex your bicep harder, otherwise the gym mirror won’t shatter.”

Thought-provoking questions:

• What are your fitness goals for the next 30 days?
• What's one thing you're looking forward to about going to the gym?
• What's one thing you're nervous about?
• How can you overcome your nervousness?

Faithfully Yours, Gary

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P.S. Remember, everyone at the gym is on their own journey. So be kind to yourself and to others. And have fun!