Good luck with starting the gym! As for your questions...
1. You'll be able to tour the gym when you go in--the tour should include a look at the locker room. I will say that most gyms don't have the open showers that you see in gym class...usually there are individual stalls with curtains.
2. You can bring your gym stuff. 24-hour fitness is usually pretty consistent with their policies, so they'll have you fill out a release/waiver basically stating that you won't hold them liable for injury while using their equipment. Make sure you go in for the first time during normal business hours--apparently only certain employees will be able to validate your free pass and you may have to take a quick tour before being able to work out.
3. There will be folks of all sizes and ages, so you don't need to worry!
4. Personal trainers...that's a toughie. With 24 hour fitness, you'll get a free single session with a trainer who will show you how to use some of the equipment, discuss your fitness goals and will probably do a body assessment. They will most definitely try to sell you a training package (and you'll probably get a hard sell). When I was brand new to working out, I purchased a 5 workout package--I think it was worth the price in the sense that I had absolutely no idea how to use most of the equipment safely and I also didn't know what "types" of workouts I should be doing. That said, my trainer definitely gave me the hard sell on purchasing more sessions and on purchasing supplements from their store. Additionally, he kept pointing out this very fit female trainer who had what I would describe as a long-distance runner's body...long lines, lean muscles, not much in the way of curves...he kept telling me that if I worked with him he'd get me to looking just like her, despite my protestations that, while it may be a great look for her, was NOT the look I wanted. I have curves. I like them. I intend to keep them and I don't want to be that thin.
So trainers are a personal thing. They can be a great resource and worth the money. The key is to finding one that will help you achieve YOUR goals (not the ones they think you should have) and, most importantly, won't be too pushy...it drives me crazy when they push over-priced supplements on folks who are on a budget, especially when they make it sound like you can't afford NOT to buy them. But there are good ones out there, ones who will listen to you and work with you and be respectful of your time, goals, and resources.
Good luck!
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheBunneh
Okay, so my husband just got a new job (just graduated actually!) and we are going to have a little extra money to play with and I'm considering getting a membership to a gym (24 hour fitness to be exact) that is only about a block away from our new apartment.
But even the thought of it scares me to death. So I was hoping some of you would be able to answer a few of my questions?
1.) My biggest fear is the showers. I guess since it's so close to home I could walk home sweaty and icky and shower there, but walking outside looking like that kind of freaks me out too. What are the showers like? Are they like the high school showers where everyone can see each other? (And my only experience with these is TV since I was home schooled) Or is there some privacy?
2.) If I print off the free seven day pass do I just show up with my gym stuff and give them the pass? Do I have to go there with the pass before I bring my stuff and workout? Will they show me around the gym and where things are?
3.) I understand that a gym is a place for people to get in shape, so obviously not everyone going there the first time is going to be trim and fit. But I guess I want someone to tell me I won't be the only fat girl.
4.) Is a personal trainer worth the extra cost? What exactly do they do for you?
I guess that's it for now. Thanks to anyone who reads and can answer even one question! And any other advice is very much appreciated as well. I've always worked out at home to videos, but I think that incorporating the gym as well would be a good new challenge for me if I can stop being terrified of it.