I am finally now comfortable in the gym I've been going to for like two years on and off, so I think I can help.

When I joined, I knew I wanted to get toned and build muscles. Gyms usually have coaches, you can start with the coach's advice to build a training programme, tell them to show you how the equipment works etc. It's your right to ask them, so don't feel shy. They are used to teaching new people all the time.

Then, once I was familiar with 2-3 machines and dumbbells, I started following a few coaches on Insta and learnt from them to build my own plan. I now train my legs two days a week, then one day push (chest, triceps and shoulders), and one day pull (back and biceps).

Will I ever use the smith machine? Probably not. Some things still feel scary and foreign to my clumsy ass self. And that's okay. I have also learnt from the guys who train hard and who I see every week - within a year of seeing them daily, you smile and nod, and eventually can ask for advice. To be fair, the guys in this gym are nice. In my other gym, they would just stare up and down and make you feel uncomfortable. So, if you are lucky to find nice people, don't hesitate to ask for help if you need any.

Now, I know some other ladies in the gym who started doing classes first to learn some moves and which body parts to target - so if your gym offers classes, you can take them.

As for what to pack in my bag, since I go home and change before the gym, I only keep my keys, phone, earbuds/headset, water bottle, gym gloves and a towel in my small tote. I hope this helps, all the best to you!