Join a gym or other type of class, even if you’re feeling self-conscious.

“Despite my overall positive experience at the gym or in fitness spaces, though, I have had a few instances where my size or progress have become the focal point of conversations. Sometimes other gym-goers would use my body as a reference point of how they started, or how they do not want to be. Your body is constantly being judged, and other gym-goers might assume that you are not capable. “To feel confident at the gym, I wear clothing that I feel sexy and comfortable in. I also push myself to attend the gym alone. It’s important to find your rhythm and place of happiness. I use the gym as a form of me time and a place of release, and I’ve found that I don’t need friends with me to accomplish this. I find talking while exercising slows me down, so I would rather work out alone. “Plus, I have a gym playlist for going on the machines when I am not in a class, which I find really grounding.”

“I go to the gym 3 to 4 times a week - sometimes just for 15 minutes on the elliptical, sometimes for 2 hours cardio and weights. I signed up 6 years ago. There still is a floor I've never been to, and machines I've never used... Just out of fear I'll look stupid or hurt myself or walk somewhere I don't belong, all in full view of the regulars.”