Disclaimer - not a physical guru, not a doc, not a nutrition person, just me offering my thoughts okay??

So...

Is there anyone there that can give you a tour to show you the different options on the machines and circuits? At the Y we use Activetrax there, it takes all the guesswork out of what I am doing that day. I go to the computer, print off my workout for the day, and when I am done, I log in what I did and it sets up a rotating workout every day. I am sure that there are also workout aps available as well to help you get started.

I personally dislike the testosteroni grunts and groans from the heavy weightlifters behind me , but that is just me.

Also, remember that your pace is the only thing that matters. Don't worry about setting a speed record on the treadmill or biking, set your own speed and work from there.

Um, lets see what else. Oh, bring your own towel for sweat and such while you are working out, or perhaps that is just me that tends to overheat and sweat a bunch, but also make sure that when you are sitting on equipment or something, sanitize and wipe down before and after and I tend to sit on towels when sitting at machines. But sanitize and wipe down after each machine. Our gym provides a little spray sanitizer bottle and a towel for you when you come in so you 'clean up after yourself'.

Don't worry about special clothing, just get out there, and find something you enjoy doing while there. Put some headphones on, netflix, spotify or whatever you listen to for music while on the treadmill or something, and just go for it.

The biggest change I made in gym attendance when I started my pre-surgery diet and exercise plan was that I focused on the number of trips I made, rather than trying to maximize each workout. In the past, I would killmyself at the gym and end up sore and give myself excuses for not going back regularly. This time, I cut way back on the intensity of my workouts and made sure to hit the gym three or four times a week, no excuses. For instance, in May 2014 (I believe), I set a goal of 25 trips to the gym before July 4th. i hit that goal, saw great results and kept at it through my surgery in September.

I need to get back some of the gym mojo, but I am convinced that slow and steady is the way to go, especially for non-regular exercisers (which i was).

Rob