First Gym Visit Tomorrow

kelziemba

Hi all,

I am almost 2 weeks in to my weight loss journey. I am a 5'4" 38 year old woman who started at 17 stones (238 lbs). I'm currently eating 1200 calories with an aim of 2 lbs a week loss whilst I'm this obese. I lost 8 lbs (water) my first week.

I am facing my fears and going to the gym tomorrow. It's been years and years since I have been to a gym. I used to do the cardiovascular machines and every couple days I used to do a routine of different weight resistance machines. Currently I am really really unfit. Like walking up the stairs is a challenge.

Anyhow I'm just wondering if anyone has any recommendations as to what I should be aiming to do as a starting point. I feel as though I need a plan and a goal going in there. Otherwise I'm going to feel lost.

Any suggestions?

atypicalsmith

Treadmill. You can start at 0 incline and 2 mph and gradually build up. Also, stationary bicycle, where again, you can start at 0 resistance and gradually build up. There are usually plenty of each at most gyms. Congratulations on facing your fears!

RoxieDawn

I use an elliptical. This is easy on my joints and not very much impact or pressure when doing the work, but this is a trickier machine to get used to..

I started out with a recumbant bike (also no joint issues) and I did this for months. Once I progressed I needed something more. I was doing double duty on the leg work..

When I started cardio I could not do any more than a few minutes and had to stop. I had to learn how to breathe when exercising and how to pace my self to get through it so I did not pass out..

However the treadmill will allow you to start leisurely (low heart rate and slow effort) and work your self up as you progress (but any cardio machine will do this). You should try out all of the machines available and see which one best suits you..

And the other thing, you need something that fits "you".. That means your fitness level, something that you will do every time and something you enjoy doing..

Sued0nim

Get a trainer consultation

Take it slow and easy

Consider weight resistance as an intrinsic part of your workout routine (Strong Curves or New Rules of Lifting for Women are good books with good programmes)

Find a recommended personal trainer whose attitude you like and pay for a couple of sessions

atypicalsmith

rabbitjb wrote: »

Get a trainer consultation

Take it slow and easy

Consider weight resistance as an intrinsic part of your workout routine (Strong Curves or New Rules of Lifting for Women are good books with good programmes)

Find a recommended personal trainer whose attitude you like and pay for a couple of sessions

^^ Absolutely!

scb515

Get a trainer to help you create a programme and - more importantly - show you how the machines work! I know you've been to a gym before, but you haven't necessarily used the same kit in this one this time.

If you don't like a particular machine, you don't have to use it. I personally hate the treadmill, but I like the cross trainer and stationary bike. At this point, it's about doing something, anything - when you start to build up a better level of fitness, you can start to think about which exercises which better target what you want them to.

Good luck. The hardest thing is walking into the gym for the first time and not running away. Once you've done that, you can do anything.

x

kelziemba

Well I did it! I made it through the door and worked out to the best of my current ability. I did 20 minutes walking on the treadmill at a fast pace and 10 minutes on the cross trainer. I also did stretches and some stomach crunches. I definitely felt the fact I was working out but it didn't kill me. In fact I felt so energized and motivated that as soon as I got home I spent 45 minutes tackling my front garden - speed weeding lol.

Today was a free trial but I'm definitely joining. I'm going to fit it in after I put my toddler to bed and my hubby is at home.

I wonder how many calories I truly burned at the gym and in the garden? I know my heart rate was up and I was somewhat out of breath and sweating.

Thanks for all the advice. I am going to book a proper induction to get an overview of the machines and then I will see about a session or two with a trainer to get a personalized plan.

snowflakesav

Yay! So glad you went.

ExRelaySprinter

That's great!
The Gardening sounded more daunting tbh. Lol
Keep up the good work.

JillianRN527

Ask a trainer to show you how to use all the equipment so that way you won't get hurt and take a step back with an injury. I take one class per week. It's a new goal of mine. Take yoga, Pilates, etc. Tomorrow I am taking a half hour Kettle Bell class.