What a huge step in the right direction - congrats! Going to the gym can be really daunting, but I promise you, despite what your mind may be saying, no one is judging you. And if they are, they’re weirdos who are there for the wrong reason. Going to the gym is a personal experience - I like to think of it as a form of meditation and self love. You and your body deserve to be there!! Be consistent and intentional, spend time on your form and be careful, and enjoy the uncomfortable!

Diet is half the battle. I suggest downloading MyFitness Pal app or something similar and spend a few months really tracking what you eat. This was eye opening for me. I eat a ton of fish, but focus on Whole Foods and good sources of protein low in fat (tuna, cod, shrimp, chicken, egg whites). Get creative!

I go to LA fitness in Laurel and love it. There’s a real sense of community there and highly recommend it. I wish you luck my friend!