Thinking of trying a new fitness class this year? The bright lights, crazy music, and enviably fit instructors can induce stepping out of your sweaty convenience zone scarier than it was necessary to. But it doesnt have to be this way, told celebrity trainer Astrid Swan, a fan-favorite Barrys Bootcamp instructor in Los Angeles. Your attitude is everything.

And of course , you know that. But still, those negative, self-conscious thinks we all have can attain you less likely to give a new class a fair try, and they may even lead to a crap workout, complete with poor form or even injuries.

We tapped Swan and Amanda Freeman, founder of the Pilates-meets-cardio studio SLT, for a little advice on easing these common first-timer fears.

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Ill just hide here in the back of the room .

You may think going incognito in the corner is a genius route to calm your nerves. The reality is, youre doing yourself a disservice by distancing yourself from the instructor. Take a deep breath and stance yourself right in the thick of it, indicated Freeman. Go for a spot closer to the center of the room where you have both a clear view of the instructor and the mirror to check your form.

Trying a new class with a friend? You may want to space yourselves out.

We make sure that newbies arent right next to each other, Freeman added. It helps to have experienced folks on either side for when you are confounded and need to look at someone to know what should be going on.

Great , a super-toned clique congregating in the front .

Its true, lots of fitness fads attract a cult following of sorts.( SoulCycle, were lookin at you .) Dont let that discourage you from signing up or construct you settle for the last row. Its helpful to remember that they, too, were once in your newbie shoes and wondering how one musters up the gallantry to cozy up close to the mirrors.

Go ahead and chat up your neighbour, who may be a great additional resource, Swan recommended.

In my experience, the cult adherents will take you under their wing. They will tell you how crazy the trainer is but how awesome it is too, Swan said. Theyll take you in, reveal you where things are located, even cheer you on during the workout.

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Although there are times when you need special gear, most classes and studios are up front about items youll need to bring with you. Just do your homework ahead of time: Check the FAQ section of the website or find a review online that can give you an idea of whether, tell, grippy-bottom socks or hand wraps are required.

If its still not clear, call the studio and ask, or check out the studios social media to insure what the typical gear is, Freeman said.( Many class permit first-timers to borrow supplies .)

Then, theres the special gear you dont need to dwell on. Case in point:( overpriced) studio merchandise thats not necessary for the actual class. Some may feel cool wearing it, but unless their promotional tanks and Spandex are made of some secret calorie-torching fabric weve never heard of, its not worth sweating overpun intended.

Wear what induces “youre feeling” strong and confident in a gym set; psychologists believe this idea of dressing the partdubbed enclothed cognitionmay actually improve your workout performance.

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This instructor is terrifying .

Trainers often boast big muscles and a big attitudebut those are undertaking requirements , not scare tactics. With a quick introduction, youll realise they dont bite. Swan exhorts, Dont be afraid to talk to us.

And building that rapport benefits your actual workout, explained Freeman.

Creating a relationship with the instructor will also make it more likely that they pay extra attention to you throughout class, Freeman said.

Top-notch instructors will usually ask if anyone is a first-timer and introduce him or herself first and inquire about whether you have any traumata or restrictions, Swan added. We want to get to know you!

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WTF is this machine ?

Equipment like rowing machines, Pilates reformers and boxing containers may feel foreign if its your first time trying them out, but you dont let that keep you from class. The easy fix: Get there early and ask for a quick tutorial( if the staff doesnt beat you to it !).

I indicate arriving at class at least 10 to 15 minutes before it is scheduled to start, Freeman advised. Plus, you can often get a peek at the class right before yours for a little preview of what youre in for.

Did that girl simply grab 20 -lb. weights ?!

Relax, youre not at the CrossFit Games. In other terms, its not a competition. Comparing your abilities to the gal beside you can also set you up for trauma, Freeman cautioned.

Never do anything you arent comfortable with, and dont give into peer pressure. Everyone is different and everyones bodies react differently to different weight loads, she told. Bolt the 20 -pounders and grab the 5-pounders if thats what youre feeling. Even I wont pick up a weight bigger than 8 poundsever!

Instructors are also there to help you with your equipment needs. We can usually gauge your level. Dont be ashamed either if you have to grab something lighter. Form is route more important, Swan told. If you are not sure, you can grab two different set of weights, just be mindful of your space.

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Im the only one sweatingand its merely the warm up. I hate this .

Dont let the first 10 to 15 minutes build you dread the rest of the session or feel out of shape. If youve never tried that type of workout, youre likely putting to run different muscles, and your body will need to adjust to the challenge.

Think about it, Did you fall several times as baby when you started to walk? Swan asked. I dont expect anyone to come into my class and not struggle a little. Some of my clients are applied to hate my class, but then they realized that I truly do have your best interest in mind.

I am so uncoordinated I should just leave this class .

Not trying to be harsh, but news flash: No one is looking at you. So just do your best! What matters is that youre moving , not that youre are moving forward perfect sync with your entire class.

Its over, and I survived .

Whether you detested your sweat session or totally drank the Kool-Aid, you did it, so congrats! After class, Swan said, you should regroup with their teachers: Talk to us again! The first class is overwhelming, and we understand thatwe also want you to come back. We are here for you.

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Keep in mind that there are some workouts you may not fall in love with right away or they take a few tries to get the hang of, explained Freeman. That said, you will likely know the first time that its something you could see yourself getting into. For those classes, give them a round two for sure.

If at any point you felt unsafe or merely didnt like how the class induced you feel, theres no dishonor in checking it off your listing for good. Move on and try something else, Freeman said. There are lots of options out there.

This article originally appeared on Health.com .

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