I used to say I didn’t need the gym. Just the thought of picking out clothes, getting in the car, and driving there felt like too much. Two years ago, I even bought a gym membership… and never went. Those same excuses kept holding me back.
It took me a long time to be honest with myself. I couldn’t avoid exercise forever. Walking wasn’t cutting it anymore, and I knew I had to try something different.
But starting the gym came with a hundred other questions:
“What workouts do I even do?”
"What if people stare at me?”
“How do I get confident enough to just show up?”
I used to ask all those same questions. I was stuck in that headspace and maybe you are too. So how did I go from all that… to showing up and staying consistent for 9 months?
How I Got Started
Okay, I’ll be honest, part of the reason I finally started going to the gym was… because of a guy. We didn’t even meet. It wasn’t some dramatic love story or anything like that. But he was there on social media or in passing and something about him made me want to look good and feel better in my own skin.
At first, I thought that was a stupid reason. “Really? You’re changing your life over someone you don’t even know?” But the truth is, it wasn’t about him, not really. It was about how I wanted to feel. He was just the trigger.
That little spark of motivation got me moving. I started thinking about how I wanted to carry myself, how I wanted to feel in my clothes, how I wanted to show up in the world. So, I decided to go, just once. That was the start.
First Few Weeks
My first few weeks at the gym were… uncomfortable. Not physically, just mentally and emotionally. Everything felt weird and unfamiliar.
It’s not like I’d never exercised before. I grew up around it, I played netball all through school, did swimming, and genuinely enjoyed being active. But once I got to university, it all started to fade. I tried trialling for the netball team, but the girls were on another level, fast, skilled, intense. I didn’t feel like I could keep up. That knocked my confidence, and slowly, I just let it go.
By the time I joined the gym last September, it felt like starting from scratch. It wasn’t in my routine. I had never even stepped foot inside a gym properly. I also hoped the gym might help with something deeper, my anxiety. I’d read that regular movement can really help with stress, and I was quietly hoping it might make a difference.
I started small, just the cardio room. It felt safe. I’d go on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, put my headphones in, and do 20–30 minutes on the treadmill or stair-master. That was all I could manage. But even showing up twice a week made me feel like I was doing something for myself and that started to matter more than how uncomfortable it felt.
Breaking Out of the Cardio Bubble
I stuck to the cardio room for a few weeks. It gave me structure, and at least I felt like I was “doing something.” But eventually, I hit a wall physically and mentally. I wasn’t progressing, and honestly… It was getting boring.
What held me back from doing more was the weight section. It just looked so intimidating. Everyone there seemed to know exactly what they were doing, while I stood there thinking, what even is that machine? How do I use it without looking lost?
Then one Saturday, my sister and her partner came with me and walked me through the main machines, the ones for legs, back, chest, everything. It helped so much having someone familiar show me the ropes. I stuck with those machines for a few weeks and slowly felt more comfortable being in the main gym space.
But that started feeling repetitive too. I wanted to try free weights, dumbbells and all, but I had no clue where to begin.
That’s when I found this workout app that completely changed things for me. It’s basically the ultimate gym companion. It gives you personalised workout plans, shows you exactly what exercises target which muscles, and helps you stay consistent with expert-designed routines. It was like having a trainer in my pocket.
The best part? I didn’t have to guess anymore. I had a clear plan, I could customise it to my goals, and I finally understood what I was doing. That structure gave me confidence I felt like I belonged.
Building Confidence & Exploring Supplements
I kept going with those workouts, and eventually I didn’t need to rely on the app as much. I had a rhythm. I knew my routines. Now, I pretty much walk into the gym knowing exactly what I want to train.
That confidence didn’t come overnight, it came from showing up, again and again.
Around the start of this year about five months into my gym journey, I started getting curious about supplements. I wanted something to give me a bit of a boost, especially on low-energy days.
Naturally, I investigated pre-workout powders, but since I can’t have caffeine, most of those were off the table. So, I started looking into creatine instead. I’d heard it helps with strength and recovery. I found creatine in a capsule form, which was super convenient, and I’ve been taking it since the start of the year.
I’ve noticed improvements with muscle growth, how I feel during workouts, and overall energy. Supplements aren’t essential, they’re more of a bonus extra if you want to try them. But if you’re curious, I’d recommend giving creatine capsules a go. It also comes in a powder form, which is another fan favourite among gym-goers.
One Thing I Wish I Knew Sooner
If there’s one thing I wish I had known earlier, it’s this: You don’t need to spend money on apps to get a solid workout routine.
There are tools now like AI platforms (like ChatGPT), that can help you build expert-level gym routines tailored to your goals, completely free. Whether you want a beginner full-body split, tips on form, or even confidence advice, it’s all right there and super accessible.
If I had realised that sooner, I probably could’ve saved some money. But I’m still grateful for the journey because it got me to where I am now.
So, if you’re just starting out, know this:
You don’t have to have it all figured out.
You don’t need all the supplements or paid apps.
You just need to start. Keep showing up. Use the tools around you. And give yourself the time and space to grow.
This supplement collection features products that are great for first-time gym users who are considering adding supplements to support their fitness journey.
By Eliza Tenni
