The awkwardness fades with a set plan and reps, no one is watching you, they are focused on themselves.
Almost everyone feels this at first, and the honest truth is other people are absorbed in their own sets, not judging yours. The fastest cure is walking in with a written plan so you never wander unsure of what to do next. Learn a handful of machines and free weights, go at quieter hours at first if it helps, and give it a few weeks, familiarity kills the anxiety.
The spotlight effect makes us overestimate how much others notice us. In reality gym goers are counting their own reps, resting, or on their phones. Even experienced lifters were beginners once and mostly remember their own nerves, not yours.
Most awkwardness comes from standing around unsure what to do. Have your session written out so you move set to set with purpose. Knowing your next exercise removes the aimless wandering that makes people feel exposed.
Comfort comes from reps in the room. Start with a few machines you understand, add exercises as you learn them, and consider off peak hours early on. Within a few weeks the place feels routine and the self consciousness fades.
The awkwardness fades with a set plan and reps, no one is watching you, they are focused on themselves.
