The sounds of clanking metal and loud grunts, and the overpowering smell of body odor is all too commonly associated with gyms and exercise. Maybe it is the stereotype portrayed in movies and on TV, or maybe it is someone’s first-hand experience. Either way, this can be a turn-off for many aspiring lifters. For many, even the thought of this scene prevents their exploration of exercise; this inhibits the most important part of exercise— going to the gym for the first time.

People experience their first time in many different ways. It could be going with a friend who has similar health goals, meeting a personal trainer, or even going as a requirement for a high school sport. While they are different paths, they all have the goal of fitness in mind. In my instance, I went with my dad and brother when I was eleven.

As an eleven-year-old, looking eight, walking into a gym that only allows fourteen-year-olds and up, I felt out of place and largely intimidated. Not only did I have to remember a fake birthday in the case of a worker asking my age, but I also had to learn every lift and its correct form from scratch.

Surprisingly, the stereotypes associated with gyms did not affect me, and in fact, were not very present in the gym at all. People were not pouring sweat. The air smelled fresh. Popular pop songs were being played instead of loud groans. The stark contrast to my anticipated view of the gym made it feel much more welcoming, and I’ve also noticed this aura in many other gyms.

While my first-time story is not identical to anyone else’s, most people’s stories have similarities. It is natural to feel intimidation and anxiety when approaching something new, and my intimidation is shared by many other first-timers. Furthermore, many people feel motivated to continue exercising after getting through their first time at the gym. Even though the soreness the next day hurts, the feeling of accomplishment helps ease the pain.

However, it is important that people do not give in to intimidation and anxiety. While initially scary, after facing my first time I felt motivated to keep pursuing my fitness goals. Ideally, gyms should support those aspiring to achieve their exercise goals by being inclusive. A great example of this is Penn State’s IM building. By requiring masks in the gym, the IM building allows those who are more fearful of COVID to still work towards their exercise goals while feeling safe from sickness. Also, it allows those with compromised immune systems to have a safer environment to exercise. Though it may seem like a small detail, these steps towards greater inclusiveness in gyms will help exercise appeal to more people and therefore create healthier people.