Starting the gym........

soon2blollar

I've been on and off MFP for a couple months. My boyfriend just came back from Iraq in March so I have been off since then. I came back to it yesterday with actual motivation. After he got back he signed us both up at the gym which is awesome except for one thing......I HAVE YET TO GO! I feel embarrassed going into the gym because of my size. I'm really not sure where to start. Years ago I used to work out regularly and would walk in with no problem. Now I feel lost. I feel as though if I don't go in and work out for 2 hours then I'm not doing it right. I know it's all my head......

I guess my question is this.......Where do I start? I feel if I go in with a plan I can do it.

dad106

Start where your comfortable. If its on a treadmill walking, then so be it. If it's off lifting weights, then do it. I also find that bringing your ipod or headphones to plug into the tv(if your gym has TV's on the machine) helps. You can zone out and not worry about what others are doing. I would also start off slow.. only 30 minutes or slow. Then increase from there.

I would also see if your gym offers a free session or two with a personal trainer. They can tell you what you should be doing, eating, etc.

breezymom81

If you are having a tough time see about hiring a trainer for a few sessions or ask your bf if he can help you out...being in the service he has a routine, you won't be able to do his but he should know his way around the gym. Also an orientation to the gym can help! My gym has a strict dress code to it, no half shirts, no no shirts no super short shorts...that helps me feel better!

bmontgomery87

Just start slow.
You don't have to go in there and kill yourself from day 1.

Don't worry about your size, the people who are there that are serious about their fitness aren't looking at other people.
They're gonna be too busy focusing on their workout.