One of the most difficult things to do whether you’re overweight or underweight is heading to the gym for the first time. You feel like an intruder in land of the lean and even though you’ve made the choice to do something about your health, you’re still intimidated by all the fit people you see, not to mention the plethora of machines. And sometimes people being the cruel beings that they can be will make snide remarks. If it makes them feel better about their own insecurities, great, but should it affect you?

I know it seems easier said than done, and a lot of times it takes great mental strength to overcome. Let’s remember that nobody wakes up with a six pack. It takes hard work and dedication and everyone has to start somewhere.

The thing to keep in mind is that you have made a choice to change your life for the better. Heading to the gym is a big step for anyone. Even the fit people you see there, it took them time and dedication to get where they are.

If you’ve made the choice to do something positive about your life, use the Rocky mantra. He was the underdog, no one expected him win, but he did in all five movies which is quite a feat. Download Eye of the Tiger to your mp3 player and it will definitely get you motivated to accomplish great feats even if its only doing five minutes on the elliptical machine.

Don’t start working out blindly, have a plan, use the tools available to you. Most gyms have personal trainers that you can use for one or two sessions to show you how to work out properly without doing damage and discuss your goals. They are well worth the expense to help you get yourself on track.

Change won’t happen overnight, but it will happen. You have to be dedicated and committed to making a change. One tip I’ve started using is making an appointment to work out. Write down the time in your agenda of your workout plan of the week. Having it written down makes it easier to stick with.

Don’t go overboard with enthusiasm, you can injure self or be in so much pain the next day that you’ll give up on any future plans of working out.

Regardless of where you want to be health and weight wise, be confident now that you have made the choice to embark on a positive change. And if you do have doubts from other people that emotionally sabotage your efforts, remember this-You wouldn’t allow anyone to live rent free in your home, so why let them live rent free in your head!