Gym Confidence 101: Overcoming the Fear of Starting Again

Getting back into exercise after a break can feel daunting. You walk into a new gym, everyone looks like they pretty much know what they’re doing, and you’re thinking crap…what does that machine do?

Here’s the truth: you don’t need to know what you are doing to start; you just need to start.

Many of my clients come to me after years away from training. Life, work, kids — it all happens to all of us, and we can easily get stuck in a rut. But the biggest win is showing up again.

If it’s been a while, start small and focus on consistency, not perfection. Two 30-minute sessions a week done regularly beat five you can’t sustain long term. Trust me – within a few short months, you can be doing five sessions a week. It just takes time.

The best machines to start on at the gym are the treadmills. Easy to learn, and I promise you are not going to fall off! If you like weight training, using the resistance machines is the best way to get back into things.

And remember, pretty much everyone at some point needs to restart their fitness journey. Confidence grows from action. Each workout you complete rebuilds not just fitness, but self-belief that you can do this again.

If you’re ready to start again but unsure how, reach out — I help people rebuild strength, confidence, and routine safely and sustainably. You’ve got this — one rep, one step at a time.