Gym life and culture is growing across North America, but a new study shows many Canadians, especially Atlantic Canadians, are still hesitant to join a gym.

Nearly half of Atlantic Canadians reported feeling intimidated at the gym and some describe it as scarier than a new job or meeting the in-laws for the first time.

“People perceive that everyone else knows what they're doing and that those people are potentially maybe judging them on not knowing what they're doing,” says Alicia Johnson, gym manager.

Most people shied away because they were afraid of being watched, or performing an exercise incorrectly.

“I just didn't know, or have the skills to know how to use the machines properly and didn't feel confident in some of the workouts that I had,” says Allison Smith, gym goer.

Even people who work in gyms aren't exempt from the nerves.

“I think back about when I started my fitness journey, it doesn't surprise me, because I completely understand what it's like to make that lifestyle change and jump into something unknown,” says Johnson.

“I think a lot of us do feel intimidated to a certain extent, we don't always feel like we know what we're doing when we're at a gym,” says Janice Bastara, women’s gym manager.

The study also found that women are twice as likely as men to be anxious about working out.

“I tried a few other gyms that were co-ed, and I would never stick with it for more than a few weeks,” says Smith.

Smith switched to a women's only gym and has consistently hit the weights for four years now.

"It was less intimidating initially,” says Smith. “I felt a little bit more at home, or that I could see other women doing the same thing I was doing, trying to figure it out.”

Trainers say once people get over the nerves, it's all worth it.

“Whether it be the same goal or not, we're all here to be a better version of ourselves,” says Chrysa Lewis, assistant fitness manager.

Atlantic Canada ranked second as the region most likely to feel nervous about going to the gym, British Columbia was number one.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Cami Kepke