Let’s face it, starting out at the gym can feel intimidating. You walk in, and there are people lifting heavy weights like it’s no big deal, everyone looks like they know exactly what they’re doing, and then there’s you—awkwardly standing there, trying to figure out how to adjust the seat on the leg press machine. I’ve been there. But over time, I realized that there are certain things I just don’t care about anymore, and it’s been liberating.
- What people will think about me
When I first started going to the gym, I was obsessed with what everyone thought of me. Were they judging me for using the machines wrong? Did they notice I couldn’t lift as much as them? The truth is, no one cares. Everyone’s focused on their own workout. If someone is paying that much attention to what I’m doing, they’re probably not getting a great workout themselves. These days, I go in with one goal: to better myself. That’s it. If someone’s opinion of me is negative just because I’m not an expert yet, then I don’t want that energy anyway.
- How I look at the gym
Gone are the days where I feel like I need to look good at the gym. I used to spend way too much time picking out a “gym outfit” and worrying about how my hair looked. Now, I’m in my old T-shirt and pants and whatever I have, and I couldn’t care less. The gym is for sweating, not for fashion shows. I don’t need matching leggings and perfectly styled hair to prove I’m serious about my fitness. In fact, the more I look like I’ve been through a sweatstorm, the better I feel. I’m here to work, not to impress.
- Taking photos if I want to
I used to feel self-conscious about taking a quick gym selfie, thinking people would assume I was more focused on Instagram than my workout. But guess what? If I want to capture my progress, I will! Progress photos are a great way to track how far I’ve come, and if it motivates me, then who cares? A photo isn’t for everyone else’s validation—it’s for mine. Plus, everyone’s on their phones during breaks anyway, so I’m really not standing out.
- Working out beside fit people
At the start of my gym journey, working out next to the ultra-fit person was intimidating. I would avoid lifting weights if someone super buff was nearby because I didn’t want to look weak. Now, I’ve learned to embrace it. That person didn’t get fit by sitting at home—they showed up, just like I’m doing now. So instead of comparing myself, I use it as motivation. Maybe one day I’ll be as fit as them, or maybe I won’t—and that’s okay, too. We all have our own journey.
- Feeling ashamed of lifting light weights
There’s a section of the gym that used to terrify me: the dumbbell area. Everyone over there seemed to be bench pressing 100 Kgs or curling weights that looked heavier than me.
Meanwhile, I was struggling with what felt like toy weights. It used to embarrass me, but not anymore. Lifting light weights doesn’t make me any less of a gym-goer. I’ve realized that my progress is what matters. Every heavy lifter started somewhere, and for me, using lighter weights is part of my growth.
The gym is a place for progress, not perfection. I no longer care about what others think, how I look, or even how much I can lift compared to others. Letting go of these insecurities has freed me to focus on what really matters—getting stronger, fitter, and healthier at my own pace.
If you’ve been hesitant to start your gym journey because of these worries, let me tell you: none of it matters. Everyone is focused on themselves, and they’re all at different stages of their fitness journeys. There’s no shame in starting small, lifting lighter, or even snapping that gym selfie for your own motivation. What matters is showing up and doing your best.
