[lindalou0510]

I pulled the trigger and renewed my Ballys membership for one year! I had suspended it, because I wasn't using it!

Well, I made the committment to myself, and I am finally READY to get this weight monkey off my back forever!

Here's the thing though. I have first time gym jitters! Anyone else have this? It's like, I want to go, I want to work out, but WHERE TO START? I feel like a big dope walking in there, and just standing around pretending like I know what I'm doing.

I'm a 'list' person. I need a plan, and I just feel like going in there cold turkey is what has stopped me in the past. I am thinking I need to hire a personal trainer for my first few sessions, to get on an exercise plan and regime I can follow!

Any advice?

Thanks!

[dream710]

I know exactly how you feel. I'm always apprehensive when joining a new gym. We don't have a Bally's here so I'm not sure how they gyms work but, maybe they could give a tour and show how the machines work and what they are used for. Or maybe if you know someone else that belongs to the gym go with them. I always feel more comfortable when someone goes with me. Good luck on your weight loss journey!

[Leeesa]

If they have a personal trainer available, use him/her for sure! Otherwise you can start slow, for the first week or two try cardio only, 20-30 min if you can on a treadmill/elliptical or whatever, no need to be overwhelmed right off the bat! After you're feeling more comfortable with the atmosphere, you could move onto weights. Do they have circuit training there? That's an excellent place to start with weights, it's all set out for you, you don't have to think about it and plus you can go as many times around as you want at your own pace/ability. I find the hardest part of going to the gym is actually getting there!

[BlueToBlue]

That was me to a T! It took me something like two years to work up the courage to go to the gym near my house. I would drive by and try to sneak sideways glances in the front windows (seriously, I was too chicken to even look in the window).

My gym is a Bally's and if your gym is anything like mine, there are always sales guys around that can give you a tour. Stop at the front desk, tell them it's your first time and ask if someone can show you around. I've even seen these guys showing people how to work the cardio equipment. The staff at my gym are all super friendly and encouraging. They know how intimidating walking into the gym can be and I found that they really tried to put me at ease when I first joined.

Personal training is also a great idea. It really helped me to get comfortable with all of the various equipment my gym offers. And I like the training so much and found it to be so effective, that I'm still doing it three years later. Bally's will usually give you one free session when you join--I'm not sure if you qualify since you had a membership that was suspended, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Another great idea is to try taking some of the free classes. When you get your tour, ask the sales guy which classes would be good for a beginner.

[lindalou0510]

Thanks for all the great suggestions! I will be heading there tomorrow! I set up an appt with a trainer! I am very excited to get going on this!

[nods]

CONGRATS! I love my gym membership. It has changed my life! I was just like you at first. I was so scared to walk in there at 240 lbs and look silly.

I did cardio machines for a couple weeks, elliptical and arc trainer, while doing the C25K two times a week for cross training.

Then I signed up for my first class. Now I take three classes (as of Saturday when I go to my first spin class.) Totally sign up for the classes and get comfortable exercising with other people. I find that watching other fit people really work for an hour keeps me accountable, so I don't slack off on my general workout.

Also, if you get to know people in your classes, it gives you reason to make sure you get to the gym. So you know you won't make up goofy excuses like I like to do and you'll actually get there and burn your calories.

The group classes are a great alternative to personal training which is more expensive. And I was worried everyone would shun me for being so big and out of shape. But actually everyone was very supportive of me and its been great. Also, just getting out of the house and knowing I've been taking care of myself not just the husband, dog, parents etc. has done wonders for my self-esteem. I hope you enjoy!

[Naughtymonkey01]

woo hoo! if you could get a pt i would prolly recommend it (because i want one lol) but if now there are tons of articles and support. I think i have done so well going ot the gym this time because i get to come on here knowing that i did my thing and i am being good!
you'll do great!

[lindalou0510]

I called on Monday, and set up my first personal training session. I knew if I didn't do it, that the money I spent to renew the membership would have gone down the crapper! LOL

I explained to the PT how nervous I am, coming in there at 302lbs and fearing how stupid I'll look or feel. She assured me that she is there to help me, and I felt SO much better after talking to her.

I actually went out and bought a few new things to work out in. I know I will still look FAT, however, you can feel GOOD and look GOOD while you are sweating!

I'll let you know how it goes! I think my life is about to change, and I'm ready for it!