There are so many reasons to go to the gym. It's healthy. You only have one body so take care of it, blah blah blah. We've all seen the motivational stuff on Pinterest and Instagram (I'm not the only one... right? I can't be.)

Well I recently (and by recently I mean last week), started going to the gym at my university. As a non-athlete, socially awkward person, these are some of my thoughts that I had first going into the gym - and also a few tips for you newbies like me.

1. "Nope"

Literally, walked in and social anxiety was like "Get out." But I just had to gulp back that fear. If you feel uncomfortable being there, it may just be a result of being in an unfamiliar space. The anxiety fades, I promise.

2. Tip: take a class

I probably would've walked out if I hadn't signed up for the High Intensity Interval Training class. (Yes, it's as scary as it sounds). The great thing about the class is that you don't have to know what you're doing! The instructor has a plan already!

3. What to wear...?

Yikes. Any time I think about spending money, I can hear my bank account crying in pain. My advice is: Do not get work out clothes until you've started working out. Then, you'll know what exactly your looking for. For my first week, I wore my old sweats and random t-shirts. Was it cute? No. But I know what I need to get now. I also advise you to talk to a trainer at your gym about shoes. Make sure you get the right shoes for what you need.

4. How are they doing that?

I swear on my life, I could not do a burpee to save the world. Or a squat. I was trying- and failing- to mimic the other people but I just could not get it.

5. Help

This is why being in the class was SO worth it. The instructor helped me work on my form and now I can do five burpees! (After that I'm tired... hey, it's all about progress.)

6. Bring a friend

So, the class I went to only meets once a week, but I need to go more than that in order to reach my own fitness goals. I have a friend who is in track and she came with me to the gym twice as a pseudo-trainer. She talked me through different exercises and she was really encouraging. Plus, a friend can keep you accountable, and push you to be your best self.

7. What else is there?

Try new things. Take Zumba. Climb the rock wall. Do weights. More weights. Kickboxing. Run on a track, a tredmill, an eliptical. Push yourself. Now is the time to get it done.