I just recently started Pokémon Go, and I find myself in the situation that all gyms I can visit in the extended area are of such high level that I get one- or two-hit killed when doing friendly matches versus other members of my team. After every match I tried, I get 0 experience points, effectively having no way to level up my pokemon, simply wasting potions and revives. Even if I keep dodging (or trying to), I keep taking damage.
Is there a way to train my Pokémon in my situation?
Best Answer
While a bit counter-intuitive, training at a gym is beneficial for the gym, rather than your Pokémon. The "training" you're thinking of is "powering up" in this game.
Training at a gym will raise the prestige of the gym, which levels the gym itself up and allows more Pokémon to be placed inside of it to defend it from rival teams.
Powering up your Pokémon will increase their level by 0.5 (to an absolute maximum of 40, or by 1 up to 80, depending on who you ask), which will increase its stats. As noted in the comments, the maximum level of your Pokémon is capped by your current trainer level. For each time your trainer levels up, you are able to power your Pokémon up two additional times. To strengthen your Pokémon, you need to power them up with the appropriate candy and stardust.