Have you ever been in the gym and during your regular workout see someone doing an exercise that you think looks super interesting, but you were too afraid to try it? Or maybe a machine that looks super odd, and you have no idea how it works?

Most people will avoid these machines and exercises. When we avoid the things we do not know about in the gym, we also avoid potential progress and potential fun. The odd exercise you’re afraid to try might be the beginning of a new chapter of progress in your fitness journey, so take these tips for trying new things in the gym.

Tip #1 – Start Light If the exercise you’re trying to learn is attached to a weight stack or uses free weights, choose a lighter weight for your first time. Using weights that are too heavy could be dangerous, especially if you’re trying a free-weight exercise. Starting light will keep you safe, gives you a chance to learn the movement, and lets you gauge how heavy you could go on your next set.

Tip #2 – Ask for Help If you’re super confused, look for a trainer or gym employee for help. Chances are, they know how the machine or exercise works, and would be more than happy to help you learn it. They can also provide you with tips and form corrections to make sure you’re performing the lift properly.

Tip #3 – Take a Class If you’re extra nervous about a particular modality in the gym, look for a class centered around it. This is great because it puts you in the perfect environment to learn what you need to know to get the most out of the new-to-you equipment, and in a room with other gym goers who might have the same question.

Tip #4 – Don’t be Afraid to Mess Up Mistakes are inevitable, especially in the gym. It’s okay to make mistakes, because that’s how we learn. Whether it’s falling off a Bosu ball, using a cable attachment wrong, or sitting on a machine backwards, everyone has been there. As long as you’re not breaking machines or hurting yourself or others, mistakes are encouraged.

The more you learn, the more you’ll be able to do in the gym. Next time you’re looking at some weird machine in the gym, go try it!