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Conquering the Fear of the Free-Weights Section

Let me set the record straight: the free-weights section of the gym doesn’t feel intimidating to me anymore. These days, I walk in with a sense of confidence that comes from embodiment of my skills and valuing my growth. It’s taken years of experience, professional certifications, tears, fights with myself, and a genuine love for heavy lifting to get here. But trust me, it wasn’t always this way.

I still remember a time when the thought of venturing into the free-weights section made me want to bolt for the elliptical and stay there indefinitely. Despite my knowledge and training, my confidence just didn’t match my qualifications. I’d let my inner critic run wild, whispering nonsense like, “Who the f@ck do you think you are?” or “Everyone’s looking at you.” Spoiler alert: no one was looking at me. 

Looking back, I realize how universal that feeling is. So many people experience what I like to call “gymtimidation,” that uneasy fear of stepping into a new space where everyone seems to know what they’re doing except you. Whether you’re a beginner or just trying something new, it’s a mental hurdle we’ve all faced. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to stay that way.

In my journey to overcome gymtimidation, I discovered a few truths that helped me turn fear into confidence. Here are four tips that stood out and can help you do the same:

1. Everyone Was a Gym Virgin Once

Every single hardcore ripped MF in that free-weight section had a first time. That shredded guy bench-pressing 150 pounds like it’s a stack of paper? He had a first time. That badass chick deadlifting 225 pounds before breakfast? She was once a newbie, too. Nobody is born knowing how to crush a workout. The only way to make the free-weight section less intimidating is to just dive in. Awkwardness is temporary; progress is permanent.

Not sure what to do with a piece of equipment?

2. Ask for Help

Wait, you mean I have to talk to someone? Yes, you do. If you don’t want to end up with a pulled muscle (or worse), it’s worth asking for guidance. Whether it’s a gym employee or someone who looks like they know their stuff, asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a step toward confidence.

And here’s the fun part: Once you’re the confident one rocking your routine, you’ll be happy to pay it forward to the next gym newbie.

3. Nobody’s Watching You Anyway

Let’s be real. Do you go to the gym to judge everyone else? Probably not. And neither does anyone else. Sure, there might be the occasional judgy person out there, but most people are way too focused on their own workouts (and post-workout selfies) to notice what you’re doing.

We’re all at the gym for the same reason: to work on ourselves. Keep that in mind next time you feel those “all eyes on me” vibes creeping in.

4. Stop Comparing Your Beginning to Someone Else’s Middle

Ah, the comparison trap—the quickest way to derail your confidence. When you compare your Day 1 to someone else’s Year 5, you’re setting yourself up to lose. Every. Single. Time.

Here’s the thing: The people crushing it now? They didn’t get there overnight. They practiced. They put in the reps. So instead of measuring yourself against their highlight reel, focus on your own progress. It’s not a competition—it’s your journey.

In Summary: Flex Your Confidence

The free-weights section doesn’t have to be scary. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, asking for help is a power move, nobody’s actually watching you (unless you’re benching with sparkly unicorn dumbbells), and your journey is yours alone.

So, the next time you feel a twinge of gymtimidation, channel your inner badass and stride in like you’ve been lifting there your whole life. Confidence isn’t just about how much weight you can move—it’s about owning your space and knowing you’re capable. And hey, if all else fails, just remember: even the most shredded gym-goer was once the newbie awkwardly fumbling with a dumbbell.

Now go out there and crush it—preferably with good form.

Originally posted 11/8/2018