Feeling comfortable at the gym

In the gym or out on the walking trail, get in about 30 minutes of exercise a day.Credit: Sean Locke, via iStockPhoto, Sean Locke, via iStockPhoto

Now that it's warming up, there is every reason to start exercising so you feel great in your summer clothes and bathing suit. While you can enjoy a workout anywhere, the gym is a great resource to obtain access to a variety of cardio and strength training routines, class workouts and my favorite part of any gym: the amenities (especially the sauna).

Some don't feel comfortable going to the gym. You may not want people watching you work out, you feel like you don't belong or that you're out of shape and you don't want others to see you huffing and puffing away on the elliptical. The truth is, no one is watching you and what you're doing for a very basic reason: they are getting in a workout and concentrating on themselves! Step into a gym and you'll find people of all sizes and fitness levels trying to be better versions of themselves.

So, if you've been putting off joining a gym for reasons like these, here is what you need to know:

Workout Gear

You don't need to go out and buy a new workout wardrobe before joining a gym. Many facilities require that you wear comfortable workout clothing and no street clothing. If you don't have a couple of t-shirts and shorts lying around the house, you can easily find inexpensive items at a retail store like Target. While you don't need to look fancy to go to the gym, keep in mind that what you wear can help you feel confident and ready to work out the minute you walk into the building. You'll also need to have a pair of sneakers and for those who love to listen to music when you workout, an iPod or other MP3 player. Don't forget the must-have item: a water bottle.

What to Do First

When you walk into a large gym, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the available equipment. A gym is usually separated into two sections: strength and cardio machines. Typically, new members to a gym will get a tour of the facilities and a basic guide on how to use the cardio machines. They are pretty self-explanatory though, because you most often just need to press ''¹...start" and adjust the speed or incline, which is designated by a ''¹..."+' or ''¹..."-''¹..."symbol. Still, if you need help there are plenty of staff members who are willing to help you feel comfortable and get the best workout possible. Start out with a cardio workout using any of the machines like the treadmill, elliptical, rowing machine, stationary or recumbent bike. Go slow at first, especially if it's your first time, so you feel comfortable and don't overdo it on your first day.

Etiquette

A gym has its own rules and etiquette to follow, so here are a few basic concepts that make everyone's workout enjoyable.

-- Maintain your personal hygiene. Make sure you don't have unpleasant body odor or douse yourself with a gallon of perfume before heading to a cardio machine. The people around you won't be happy either way.

-- Keep the machines clean. Take a small hand or face towel with you when you start your workout so you can wipe down machines after you use them. No one wants to use a machine after you've left your sweat behind.

-- Don't hog the equipment. When the gym is busy, usually in early morning and after dinner, respect the time limits on cardio machines. Usually, gyms have a 20-minute maximum use time during peak hours to ensure everyone gets a chance to use a machine.

Finally, if you are joining a workout class, be sure to get there with plenty of time to get the equipment you need and a spot so you don't disrupt others after they've started working out.

So, there are plenty of benefits to using a gym and if you are paying for a monthly membership you might be more inclined to go so you don't waste your money. Feel confident when you head to the gym and remember one thing -- everyone at the gym started the same way as you, so after a few weeks you'll be a gym-going pro!