Need input on gyms......embarassment here.

Hi. If you have never been to a gym before, you might want to call and ask if they have an introductory program or can give you a tour of the gym. Some gyms have a free program to get you acquainted with the machines, etc. This would help you get started on a program to do there. I would also find out what times are less used. At our gym the heavy times are before and after work. A good time to go is between 1:00pm and 3:00pm or early in the morning or late at night. I wouldn't be embarrased of what people think of you. When I see someone who is really heavy I just think "good for them." I wish you luck--keep up the good work!

My husband and I joined Lifetime Fitness and their facilities are really nice, lots of classes, nice pools, hot tub steam rooms, sauna, towels provided etc., No contracts, perks thrown in for joining. I love, love going. I remember having nervous butterfly stomach the first week, but that was short lived. We have 4 recreation centers with full facilities that come free with our homeowners association dues, but we would rarely go. The gym we joined is pretty and feels like a treat to go. The treadmills, bike and elliptical machines all have tvs on them. I know this is lame, but I find I can lose track of time while on a machine if I am watching a show of my choosing it really helps. Do we need the hot tub, sauna, steam room..no, but after a hard work out they are lovely to have. It sort of takes the initial dread out of going to work out because of the spa type environment we can treat ourselves to afterward. Now neither of us can go often enough. I say pick some place that feels really nice if you can. It really takes the dread out of the thought of going and that is the hardest part. Everyone does fine once they actually get there. You have to want to go and the perks are enough to get me through the door.

Also, please do come. I know I have to lose weight to be healthy and in shape. I want to have a body that still works for me when I am older (I am 51 now) so I will go work out regardless, but I am usually the most overweight person at the gym, and it is a busy gym. I can't tell you how happy it makes me when someone else that is large comes in. Misery loves company right? No one has been mean or snickered at me. The people who are the snooty types are so into themselves they have no time to notice you, they are too busy checking themselves out in the mirror. I say hooray for us that need to be there and are doing what we have to do to get healthy.

Good luck!