I need some serious advice. Last year, I lost about 50 lbs. Now I need to lose the last 19 or so. Since I apparently would need to eat like 900 calories a day to accomplish this, I thought it was finally high time that I started exercising. I got a membership at my local YMCA.
So, here is the thing. I've never been to a gym in my entire life. When I was young, I played soccer, tennis, golf and swam on teams occasionally but nothing too serious. That was all over 6 years ago, though. I walk a lot and I'm on my feet all day as a teacher, but I've never actually exercised before.
I also think I have exercise-induced asthma. My mother, brother and sister have it. I want to go to the doctor and get an inhaler, but need to wait 2 weeks for my insurance to kick in. Until then, definitely no running. It makes me feel like I might die, which is totally lame because I see people a lot heavier than me running full-force all the time.
So what kind of activities might be good for me? My number 1 concern is feeling too self-conscious so anything like cardio hip hop or belly dancing is out. I was thinking spinning, deep water pilates and/or aqua aerobics, and pilates or yoga. What would you all recommend for a first-timer? Would aqua aerobics be filled with older people? At my college (all women) aqua aerobics was very popular and fun, but I'm worried that the general population does not see it that way.
Also, I have no idea what to wear. A tank top and sweat pants? Or do you need shorts for spinning? I just want to blend in as much as possible. Any advice is appreciated.
I go to the Y too, and love it! Maybe try swimming or aqua aerobics. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about the activities you do. It matters how you feel during and after doing them. Wear whatever you're comfortable in. It's not a fashion show. I saw a guy today that worked out in pajama pants! Whatever, as long as you're making the effort to be a healthier version of you. Good luck to you!!
I kind of know how you feel. I like to be prepared for new things. I like to just walk around the place and see where things are, what everyone is doing and what they're wearing. It helps me feel better, and no one minds. If you want to jump right in, I'd wear some light weight, fairly loose pants, capris, or shorts, and a comfy, not too snug top. But that's just me. Ask someone to show you how to use the weight machines. Even if you don't plan on using them, it's a relaxed way to get to know someone who works there, and gives you a chance to check things out more.
There's no way to tell who will be in the classes, so just call and ask. You don't even have to identify yourself on the phone if you don't want to. I've see Y water aerobic classes that are all large, arthritic older women, and some that are all young hard charging marines recouping from injuries. You never know, and people understand that you're curious. So consider calling, then stop by for a tour. And don't be afraid to try something just once or twice to see if it's a good fit for you. They'll understand that not every type of exercise fits every person. That's why they have so many choices. The main thing is to just be regular.
I go to spinning classes and I wear a tank top and exercise pants (yoga pants) not sweatpants. You do not need shorter pants (if you have some at home, fine, but don't feel the need to buy a new pair) because the gear on the spinning bikes is covered, so your trouser won't get caught in it.
There are some aqua aerobics courses in the rec centre where I swim but they are in a smaller (shallow) pool so I only see a bit when I getting into / or out of my pool. To me, it sounds like it's not a lot of exercise. Mostly, the "instructor' just shows them what to do and then leaves them to their own devices. IMHO, the instructor should exercise with them so that the folks in the pool would try to keep pace with him/her.But I have never done aqua aerobics myself.
Basically, whatever you are doing, if it doesn't feel right and if you think it may induce an asthma episode, STOP. But my only experience with asthma was on the last season of The Biggest Loser, where Jillian tried to convince the contestant, Elizabeth, that the asthma was all in her head.
Working out for the first time...ever
