When you get more used to lifting, youll find that convenient.

But if youre an outsider, it can be intimidating.

Either way, check out whats available.

But maybe theres a wall in the way.

Even if you cant get a surreptitious look at the weight room, youll still be fine.

If theres a desk you have to walk past, no need to make up a story.

Just say I just want to check out what equipment is here.

Look at your gyms website, where you may find lists of equipment or photos of the weight room.

(Check social media too!)

Ask for a tour.

It istotally normalto be a regular in the cardio room and know nothing about the weight room.

Staff will be happy to find someone to show you around and answer questions.

Get past that by mentally listing what equipment you see, and what actions you see people performing.

Questions to answer:

How many benches are there?

How small are the smallest dumbbells?

Is there empty space on the floor to do exercises like deadlifts?

How manysquat cages/power racksare there?

Do some of the cages have a bar attached?

(These areSmith machines, and you cannot do free weight exercises in them.)

How busy is the area, and which equipment is in high demand?

Youll get over it.

You probably worry that everybody is looking at you.

Guess what: theyre all looking atthemselves.

(Thats why there are so many mirrors.)

If youre worried about people actively leering: chances are surprisingly low, actually.

Just dont snag a weight on your headphone cord.

Do Some Dumbbell Curls

On your first day, plan to do a few beginner-proof exercises.

Consider starting with dumbbell curls (although, going forward, curls are great as an end-of-workout move.)

Thats because you probably already know how to do them: just lift the weight.

Also, you wont look out of place.

Everybody does dumbbell curls sometimes.

Just come into the weight room and do the same exercise.

Stand overthe kettlebell, then pick it up with both hands.

you could do these with a pair ofdumbbellsor with a barbell.

If youre ready for barbells, go ahead and try out that squat cage!

Put the bar on the rack around shoulder height, and start by squatting just the bar.

Stay Safe

Whatever you do, pick up light weights to start with.

There are two reasons for this.

Second, without the machine, there are more ways to screw up.

that it’s possible for you to still do with perfect form.

From there, you could pick a workout plan for beginners.

After all, wandering aimlessly into the weight room is thefirststep in your journeynot the only one.