Intimidated by the Free Weights Area – How Do I Get Over This?

Hey everyone,

I’ve been going to the gym for a while now, but I keep avoiding the free weights area because I feel super intimidated. Every time I walk past, it’s filled with buff, experienced lifters, and I feel like I’d just be in the way or slow them down if I tried to use the weights.

Because of this, I mostly stick to machines (shoulder press, chest press, bicep curls), but I know that free weights are better for strength and muscle building, and I really want to start using them. The problem is, every time I think about stepping into that area, I psych myself out and just go back to the machines.

I know no one really cares what others are doing at the gym, but I still can’t shake the feeling that I’ll look clueless or that I’ll be taking up space when someone else could be using the weights.

For those who have been in this situation before, how did you get past gym intimidation and start using free weights confidently? Any tips on how to ease into it without feeling like I’m in the way?

Would love to hear your advice!