Here's how to make your local gym less intimidating and more your home away from home.Grab a friend: Nothing calms the nerves like a buddy. Make a pact that you'll stay together and simply not care that all the machines look alike.
Hire a pro: Most gyms have professional trainers on staff. They can help you learn about the machines, how to exercise right and even talk to you about nutrition.
Change your perspective: If you have a busy life (kids, work, after-school activities, bills and responsibilities), you can start looking at your gym as your personal retreat from it all -- almost like a spa. Don't look at it like working out; look at it like getting away from it all and destressing at the same time.
Slow and steady wins the race: When new things intimidate you, it's sometimes best to start slowly and ease your way into it. After a few weeks you'll know the rules and the regulars and might feel a tad braver about tackling a new class.
Fast and furious wins, too: For the "just jump in the water head first" crowd, consider showing up on Day One with a towel and a water bottle and shadowing people around you (if you can do so without seeming creepy). If you watch someone on a machine, you can pretty much figure it out.
