How to Actually Start Feeling Confident in the Gym (Even If You're Nervous)
Nervous, anxious, scared to start at the gym?
“Courage doesn’t happen when you have all the answers. It happens when you’re ready to face the questions you’ve been avoiding.” — Brené Brown
Starting anything new is hard. But walking into a gym for the first time? That’s a whole different level of intimidating.
You might feel like everyone will stare at you. Like you’ll be the most out-of-shape person in the room. Like everyone else knows what they’re doing… and you’ll just look lost.
Let me say this up front: That fear? Totally normal.
You’re not broken. You’re not weak. You’re human.
I’ve Been There Too
I’ve been coaching for over a decade. I’ve helped hundreds of people get started on their fitness journey. But I still remember my first time walking into a group class like it was yesterday.
I was sitting in my car, parked outside the gym. Hands sweaty. Thoughts racing.
I almost didn’t go in.
And I love this stuff.
So if you’ve been thinking about starting a new workout routine but haven’t taken the first step yet—this post is for you.
Let’s break down exactly how to build confidence in the gym, one simple step at a time.
Step 1: Just Show Up (Seriously, That’s the Win)
Confidence isn’t something that magically appears before you start.
It comes after you do the scary thing.
So don’t wait to feel ready. You’ll wait forever.
Instead, focus on the smallest possible win: just show up.
Don’t worry about crushing the workout. Don’t worry about being “good.” Don’t worry about keeping up. Just walk through the door.
That’s it.
If you’re anxious, do what a lot of our members do—drive by the gym a few days before your appointment. See where it is. Get familiar with it. Look it up online. Find out the coach’s name. That little bit of prep makes it feel way less scary.
And when you finally walk in?
You’ll realize the people inside are just like you. Nervous. Curious. And a little unsure. But they’re doing it anyway.
Step 2: Focus on What You Can Control
Here’s the truth:
You can’t control who else is in the gym. You can’t control how fit they are, how heavy they lift, or what they look like.
You can control:
Your effort
Your attitude
Your consistency
Your willingness to learn
You don’t need perfect form. You don’t need to be the strongest person in the room. You just need to keep showing up and keep trying.
That’s what builds momentum. That’s what builds confidence.
Every expert you see? Every coach? Every athlete?
They started as a beginner. Nervous. Uncertain. A little out of place.
You’re in good company.
Step 3: Don’t Go It Alone
You don’t need to do this solo.
Find a buddy. Bring a friend. Get to know your coach. Say hi to one other person in class.
At Equity, every class is coached. Every session, whether it’s group training, personal training, or nutrition coaching, comes with someone to guide you.
That matters.
Because when someone’s cheering you on—even when you don’t believe in yourself yet—you show up differently. You work harder. You have more fun. You keep going.
And that is the secret to long-term results: community and support.
The people around you will help you stay accountable. They'll help you feel like you belong. And that confidence you're looking for? It gets built faster when you're not doing it alone.
The Truth About Confidence
Here’s the thing no one tells you:
Confidence isn’t a feeling. It’s a skill.
It’s built, not born.
It grows through doing the work, not waiting to feel “ready.”
You get confident by showing up when it’s scary. By being the beginner. By not knowing… and doing it anyway.
So whatever that thing is for you—whether it’s starting at a new gym, joining a group class, or even signing up for that pickleball league—take the first step.
Do the one thing you can control.
Be okay with being new.
Embrace the fact that this might feel awkward and weird and clunky at first.
And then show up again.
You’ve Got This
Confidence is built one rep, one step, one class at a time.
So take the step.
Send the message. Book the intro. Walk through the door.
We’ll be here to welcome you in.
Cheers,
Coach Berek
P.S.
If this resonated with you, share it with a friend who’s been talking about getting started.
You might just be the reason they take that first step too.
