Until recently, I was overweight and out of shape. I wanted to get in shape, but to gain access to exercise equipment (weights, treadmill, elliptical, rowing machine, etc.), I would have to brave the gym. The thought of walking into a room with dozens of thin, fit people who make exercising look effortless filled me with anxiety and dread, and I would use any excuse to avoid going. I didn't want to face the judgement from all of those fit people who would look at me, sweating and jiggling and puffing after only a few minutes of exercise, silently mocking me. Objectively, I knew that most people weren't doing that, too focused on their own workouts, and even if they were, it didn't matter as long as they kept their opinions to themselves. But tell that to my severe lack of self-esteem.

Today, I'm still overweight and out of shape, but I'm exercising regularly and making great improvements, getting stronger and fitter every day. And yes, I go to the gym.

Allow me to walk you through the steps I find necessary every single time I go to the gym so that I don't feel self-conscious and, occasionally, worthless.