Let’s be honest, walking into a gym for the first time can feel like walking onto a movie set where everyone else knows their lines… except you.

You’ve got people doing burpees like they’re auditioning for Ninja Warrior, others running uphill on a treadmill that’s clearly not going anywhere, and there you are thinking, “What even is that machine — a medieval torture device?”

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. So many women feel that same knot in their stomach before their first session. The good news? It doesn’t last forever, especially when you’re in the right environment.

At AB Health & Fitness in Tullamarine, we see this all the time. Women who start nervous, unsure, maybe even apologising for being “unfit”, and a few weeks later, they’re walking in smiling, strong, and totally at home.

Here’s how you can get there too.

Step One: Everyone’s Too Busy to Care What You’re Doing

You know that feeling like everyone’s watching you? They’re not.

Most people are either:

• Trying to remember how many squats they’ve done.
• Wondering if their leggings are see-through.
• Debating whether to grab a post-gym coffee at Gladstone Park.

The truth? Everyone’s in their own little bubble, focused on their own workout. No one’s judging. And if they are — that says more about them than it does about you.

So walk in, plug in your music, and do your thing.

Step Two: Start Small (and Celebrate Every Win)

You don’t need to smash a massive workout straight away. Start simple.

Walk on the treadmill. Try a small group class. Book a personal training session so you’ve got a friendly face guiding you.

At AB Health & Fitness, we keep things real — no pressure, no posing, just everyday women from Tullamarine, Keilor Park, and Airport West showing up for themselves.

And here’s the secret: showing up is the win. Everything else builds from there.

Step Three: Find a Gym That Feels Like a Community, Not a Catwalk

Some gyms can feel like a fashion show — tight crop tops, ring lights, and more selfies than squats. That’s not us.

At AB Health & Fitness, you’ll find women of all ages, shapes, and backgrounds working out together. Mums, tradies, nurses, teachers — all here for the same reason: to feel stronger and healthier, not to compare.

We’re a local gym with heart. You’ll hear laughter, not judgment. You’ll see friendships forming, not cliques. It’s a place where you actually want to come back — even on those cold Melbourne mornings.

Step Four: Ask for Help (We Love It When You Do)

There’s no shame in not knowing how to use something. We love showing you.

Our trainers will help you:

• Learn proper form (no more guessing what that machine does)
• Build confidence with weights
• Create a routine that fits around your life

Before long, you’ll go from “I have no idea what I’m doing” to “Hey, check out these squats!”

Step Five: Laugh It Off and Keep Going

Everyone’s had that awkward gym moment. You know the one — tripping over a mat, using the wrong weight, or accidentally taking someone else’s dumbbells.

Laugh about it. Move on. It’s part of the journey.

The more you show up, the more natural it feels. And one day, you’ll realise you’re walking into the gym like a boss — confident, focused, and totally in your element.

Step Six: Remember Why You’re Doing This

You’re not training to impress anyone. You’re doing it to feel strong, healthy, and proud of yourself.

• To have more energy for your kids.
• To handle stress better.
• To lift that shopping bag without feeling like it weighs a tonne.

Every workout is an investment in you.

At AB Health & Fitness, we’ve built a space where women feel safe, supported, and celebrated — no matter their fitness level. Whether you’re from Tullamarine, Keilor Park, or Gladstone Park, you’ll find a community that cheers you on every step of the way.

So if you’ve been putting off that first session, take this as your sign to start. You’ve got this — and we’ve got you.

To find out more or join our community at AB Health & Fitness in Tullamarine, visit abhealthandfitness.com.au or call (03) 8364 8984.