Good for you for joining a gym! It was one of the best things I did in my weight-loss journey. Without the classes at the gym, I wouldn't have the muscles that I do now. (That sounds egotistical, but I couldn't think of a way to say it that wasn't.
) I rpobably would have lost the same weight since then, or almost as much, but I definitely
look more fit because of what I do at the gym.
Several of my co-workers have since joined the same gym, and one told the other, who was hesitating, "I have
never regretted joining a gym." I thought about this and realized, "I get it--she regretted
not going, but didn't regret joining. Very good point!"
I first joined with a co-worker in September, and I was a little nervous about going to workout with someone who thin and beautiful and 6 inches taller than me and did I mention she's beautiful?
I didn't want to be the overweight one with the red face who couldn't keep up. But I went, and we
both were challenged in class--she's definitely more coordinated than I am in aerobics (my lack of coordination is a bit of a running joke now) but she's not as flexible or strong as me in yoga. In any case, the point is that
we go. I love classes--I schedule them in my day like any appointment (Tuesday, 5:30, strength class; Wednesday, 6:15, yoga...) and then
I go.
Most gyms offer a complimentary assessment/orientation when you first join. Which makes sense--they want you to stay and keep paying your fees! Ask the person at the front desk about it, if no one has mentioned it to you yet. Or ask who takes care of planning/staffing the classes--they might have some recommendations on which ones to try. Maybe ask about guest passes and get a friend to go with you--I'm always less nervous when I'm doing something new along with someone else. Worse comes to worst, take a deep breath and just go to a class! I put off trying a yoga class for almost 10 years, and when I finally went I was like, "Why was I so nervous? I should have done this
years ago."
And yes--it's possible that you may not be quite as fit as some of the people there. However, if you put in a decent effort you'll probably at least be average--I see people in my classes all the time who are really going through the motions but not pushing themselves, and it shows. By the end of class, my face is red and I'm all sweaty, and some are barely even out of breath. For the first class, you might not get the best workout you've ever had, since you'll be getting used to the instructor/the equipment/the music/the exercise/whatever else is new to you. But after that, you'll be comfortable and be able to decide which classes you like and focus on getting a good workout to the ones you do go to.
Enjoy the gym! It's my second home now, and I really love going.
Let us know how it goes, and if you have any questions, please give us a shout!