BOD POD, Gym Trial, Inspiration

Hey Guys!

I just wanted to share a great experience I had today. I've been back on track with MyFitnessPal for nearly two weeks and I'm down 14lbs (I have over 200lbs to lose, so this is a reasonable amount at the beginning--you can check my profile for more info; I'm under doctor's care). I wanted to give myself a two-week head start on losing weight before I began working out. I've also been really curious about my actual BMR vs. online estimates, so I went to BODPOD (one of the most accurate body composition devices) and searched for a location in my area. I found one at a Gold's Gym and called to set up an appointment.

Of all gyms, I'm probably scared of something like Gold's Gym the most because of my impression that everyone there is some super-fit tank, so I was terrified to even walk in there. However, the trainer was absolutely delightful! He wasn't nice in some salesman way. The use of the BODPOD was $25 for members and $40 for non-members, which I thought was very reasonable. On a very simple technical level, I want you to know that my at home measurements were taken with great care and told me I had a body fat percentage of 63.7%. HOWEVER, the BODPOD actually clocked me at 57.4%. That's a pretty significant difference. Sure, I'm still morbidly obese, but--I feel great starting with an accurate record of where I am at. So, my first recommendation is to try to find a BODPOD location in your area; I just wanted you to know that it's accessible. When I saw it on Biggest Loser, I thought it would cost hundreds of dollars to use!

Second bit of information, again, that trainer was amazing. It was an older gentleman, former bodybuilder. He ended up giving me a two hour tour of the gym and taught me to use each different type of machine--actually made me sit down and give them a try. He even taught me several simple things I can do at home! Then, even though they were closing and in a rush, he talked the manager into giving my husband and me a two-week long free trial (compared to the usual one week!). He actually made me get a little teared up along the way too. Most people, when speaking to someone as obese as I am, think we don't know anything about weight loss. This guy however was very respectful and after a lifetime of building and shredding (as a bodybuilder) understood the struggle and all the information I'm processing. Instead of talking to me like I was a pile of poo that needs to be turned into gold, he talked to me more like I'm a great block of gold with...well...a pile of poo on top of it. lol.

The point of this post is just to say--try to take a risk. It was very scary for me to walk in there and yet, it was extremely beneficial. I'm not sure if a gym membership fits into my life just yet (as I can add many free forms of activity to my sedentary life before I need to really push the envelope), but I'm going to use that two week membership.

I told the trainer, "I'm really scared of everyone looking at me!" and instead of the usual assuaging of fears where people say "Ohhh no one is looking at you!!!" he was honest. He said "everyone is looking at you, BUT!!! who gives a damn? You've clearly spent your life not being selfish enough. Just think of yourself now!"

I loved that. I had to pass that on. Good luck on your journeys!