Upon first sight, a fitness center may be an intimidating place. Unfamiliar machines and hard-bodies everywhere you turn can deflate the resolve of even the most gung-ho workout enthusiast. It doesn’t have to be that way. Set aside your self-consciousness for a day and think about the benefits of maintaining a long term fitness plan. You can gain more energy and improve your cardiovascular health by implementing a fitness routine. Here’s what you need to do even before you open the door to your local gym and what happens after you step inside.

First, think about what your reasons are for joining a gym. Do you want to lose weight, tone your body or conquer the treadmills and elliptical machines one at a time? Write down your goals. Visualize yourself in 30 days, 90 days, six months and then a year. How do you want to transform yourself in those time periods? By writing down your goals and then visualizing them, you will be well on your way to the first step of walking inside your gym and making those thoughts a reality.

Very important, yet mostly overlooked is clothing. Wear something comfortable and flattering to your shape. There is no reason to primp before you go to the fitness center, but remember to wear something that makes you feel confident and secure about yourself. Don’t forget to wear a great fitting pair of tennis shoes. Aching feet may mean you cut your routine and fitness short.

Ok you’ve got your wardrobe squared away. Now you need something that will occupy your mind while you’re tearing up the treadmills or gliding on the elliptical machines. Most gyms provide television monitors, radios and magazines to help keep occupied. Bring along your own MP3 player filled with songs that motivate you. It makes the time pass quickly and also keeps you pumped up.

Now you’re ready to walk through those doors. You push them open and suddenly all the resolve you had a few minutes ago disappears into the wind. Don’t fear. Fitness trainers are there to help you. From teaching you how to use the equipment properly, to tailoring a fitness routine aimed at helping you meet your goals in a healthy way, trainers are enthusiastic about making your experience as inspiring as possible.

Working out at a fitness center tones your body, improves posture, increases cardiovascular function and gives you an opportunity to meet new people. Overcoming fears and misconceptions is difficult yet not insurmountable. Think about how you want to look. Set some goals for yourself. Wear something that is comfortable but also makes you feel confident and secure. Speak with a fitness trainer about what you want out of the experience. You can do it!