I’ve decided it’s time for me to go get that gym bod I’ve always wanted. The only problem is… I don’t know how to work out, and every time I go to the gym I see cute guys there. How do I avoid looking stupid while trying to figure out the machines?
Hey, queen! First, cute guys at the AFC?? Where?? Asking for a friend… If you could let me know what days/times you have been going, that’d be great. Second, I feel you. When I started working out, I too thought I looked stupid—I mean, it’s hard not to after you trip and fly off the treadmill, or sit on a bike seat that’s way too tall, feet flailing trying to reach the pedals. But you know what, from one girlie to another, I’ll let you in on a little secret: no one cares what you do in the gym, so don’t worry—no one’s watching you! (Actually, probably everyone is watching you, lol, but the key is not caring.)
Don’t worry, for the most part, the machines are pretty easy to figure out. They all have pictures with instructions on how to use them. It’s kinda like inserting a tampon for the first time: awkward until you do it enough that it stops being scary. If you want guidance though, you could also watch TikToks or YouTube videos beforehand (@nataleebfitness on TikTok has great content and is the confident gym queen we should all aspire to be, like honestly). And in terms of weights, try everything on a low weight, and once you have the movements down, go heavier until it feels challenging enough. Eventually, you’ll find the one or two machines you feel really comfortable on, so when a cute guy does arrive at the gym (or you sense one watching you), you can show him just how good you are (well, at least at that one machine). Alternatively, you could stand there and look so confused, or actively be trying to use a machine so incorrectly that the cute guy feels obligated to come to your rescue. Good luck, queen!