So a few of you have said you want to go to the gym but have been put off for one reason or another. Here are a few tips that helped me start. For the record Im a very anxious person. As a teenager I suffered from agoraphobia I still dont use public transport and can often feel

scared of new places. I have much since improved and the benefits can been seen physiclly and mentally in my confidence.
First Tip when visiting the gym ask as many questions as you can, I found it made me feel less of an outsider and more of interested party.

Second tip, have with you headphones for music, chewing gum, water and anything else that offers calming relief. Anything that can help take your mind of your surroudings but not interupt your routine.

Third Tip, if possible ask a friend to show you the gym first and maybe ask to follow a few workouts. This helped me too, as I didnt feel so intemidate by the "regulars"

Fouth Tip, Treat the gym with respect, clean and tidy as much as possible even if it isnt your weights, This helped me feel that other gym users see that Im not there to get in there way but I want to keep the area useable for all parties.

Fifth tip, Dont be afraid to ask for euipment if someone has finished with it. They often will be polite, also dont be afraid to tell someone you havent finished as some guys will ask, everyone is normally polite though.

Sixth tip, You dont need to use the changing rooms if you dont want too, its also not a BRO gym locker room. Its just normal guys, dads etc wanting to workout after there job. So dont think its a high school towel smacking free for all.

Seventh tip, watch other members and see how they behave, I found I learnt so much about gym etiquette buy watching other people interact.

Eighth tip, try to go the same time on the days you do go. The easiet way to learn a new skill is repetition, I go late too so its nice and quiet.

Ninth tip, learn what times are good for you. I go around 8,8:30 as I prefer when the gym is quiet. The less people the more I seem to be able to block out all other distractions.

Tenth tip, Try to think of the gym like driving, when learning to drive there is alot you need to learn both techniclly and mentally, but once you have learnt it it becomes second nature and you begin to get angered by others if not careful.

Eleveth tip, try not to judge people to harshly, Im guilty of this still sometimes, as when you judge people in the gym you will then think others are doing the same to you. This may make you more axnious but let it go and just think about the music you listen too.

Twelfth tip, Find easy excersises to begin with, For me it was swimming I know how to swim and enjoy it, I did this for a year and then slowly entered the gym with basic exercises such as bicep curls bench press etc.

Final tip, Take you time, stretch and warm up. Also go slow on the weights and increments. Take your time too in making sure your euipment is ready and safe to use, remember to lock the weights on bars etc.

Hope this will help some of you these things seemed to help me mentally deal with the new enviroment, Now I see it as like being in Nursery or kindergarten. Also have fun!!! Im sure there too is things I can add at a later date.