2. Knowledge

Going in with a plan is always useful. You’ll feel more comfortable asking someone if they’re done with their kit if you really know what you want to do with it after. “Seeking out that knowledge before you go gives you confidence – and means you don’t just stand there and panic when looking at the machines. It also might mean that you go with a PT, who will be more comfortable finding the space for you in the gym, or in a class where the kit is already lined up,” says Dr Windgassen.

It’s also much better to understand the mechanics behind the exercises, rather than performing them. For example, if you have a plan that dictates you do leg press followed by hamstring curls, what do you do when neither of these are free? Knowing how to switch out exercises for something similar can make you more comfortable with being able to jump from machines to dumbbells, and means you can work with what’s available to you at that moment without compromise.

4 ways to exercise in a busy gym with confidence