Waiting to lose some weight before hitting the gym?

I am literally walking/running around my house to get in shape for when I get my treadmill next week. lol

Do whatever makes you comfortable. Better to wait to join a gym than have a bad experience with rude comments or stares which may turn you away from working out forever. Fit people can be very helpful but there are also those who think us fatties don't belong there. Good luck to you in your journey.

I think it is a natural response to be self consious about others seeing you at the gym, but honestly they are most likely so focused on their own workouts that they barely notice others. If anything they would probably be encouraging to you. It's often helpful for motivation to have a membership. (I feel guilty paying for a membership if I don't get there at least 2 or 3 times a week)

When I was heavier, I did what you did. I walked, walked and walked. I think it's a great start!

Best,

Debbie

Walking is great exercise, and do whatever you're comfortable with. Pain will not help you. If you decide to join a gym later on, I've found Planet Fitness to be great--they really are a "judgment free" zone!

I am literally walking/running around my house to get in shape for when I get my treadmill next week. lol

I did this too in the beginning. I spent a LOT of time on the phone cause I am a stay at home mom and so is my sister, so we would talk for hours a day. I decided to start walking the entire length of the house like a mad woman during each and every conversation. I really got to panting! It was awesome!

Remember this is a lifestyle change...so baby steps are good. While you ease into new eating habits and new exercise habits, set some goals for yourself. I don't think waiting until you lose X amount of pounds before you join the gym is the best goal. Frankly you don't need to join a gym at all. But if you want to join, it is reasonable to get your exercise habit started first, then join.

its ok to do that but, no one at the gym is going to look at you funny or say anything , most are glad to help you if you ask, i know i was intimidated when i first started too till i started talking to people, they were willing to help me when i first started now i help others too, , you dont have to join a gym to get fit or lose weight but haveing others aroud to help will make it more fun

I think it's natural to feel a little intimidated to go to a place you've never been to before! In my case, I started going to the gym as a teenager because my dad took me there and showed me the ropes. If I had to go by myself, I'd probably have felt lost and clueless, trying to figure out how to use the equipments and all.

The only rude comment I ever got was at a college gym. Younger crowds, more likely to have immature people... At my local (non-college) gym, I see people of all shapes and sizes, and I don't see anyone getting ridiculed. Everyone is there to do their workout, not to put others down.

That said, walking is a great exercise. Just make sure to push yourself... Increase speed/ duration whenever you can. Work up a sweat!

I also do not go to a gym because of being selfconscience. I am looking for a small more intimate type gym to join. Maybe a female only.

I guess the question is whether you are truly concerned about your health and that's the reason you're staying home from the gym, or if you're embarrassed and maybe unsure what to do there. If it's the latter you can always get a session or two with a personal trainer to learn the ropes, or bring a friend along! And know that lots of people at the gym probably feel the same, or if they're judging, eff them.

All that said - there's nothing wrong with walking outside of the gym, either. As long as you're getting some exercise in, awesome!

Yep! I'm wondering if it's more of a confidence issue or a lack of knowledge on gyming? If your issue is that you are self-conscious about your image I can tell you till I'm blue in the face that no one is gonna give a hoot (since they are there to work out on themselves) and most gyms/people at gyms I've been to have been extremely uninterested/passively friendly places. But that is a lesson learned by oneself.
A pool sounds perfect for your joints. If you can afford the initial fee/membership cost of a gym, perhaps for now look for a used elliptical (or a new one? I have no idea how much they go for in the states these days) and use that at home. Also if money isn't a barrier a heart rate monitor to track your calories accurately. I lost 20 lbs in 4 months dieting, then got back into gym (just because I wasnt going- not that I felt I shouldn't/couldn't go). So weight loss can be done without a gym membership.
Also, MFP LOVES 30 Day Shred, and I'm sure there are many at home fitness programs you can find online that are suitable for your fitness level (exercise.tv is a great resource).
Sometimes I think I could do without the gym as all I do is run on the treadmill, kickboxing, yoga and weight train, which could all be done at home (I live across the street from a huge park). But the accountability I feel from paying the membership fee and also once I'm in the car on my way there I know it's the hardest part is over, it's worth it every day.
Feel free to add me and I'm sure you will find all the advice you're looking for here on the boards

I agree, walking is great exercise. Another thing that helped me get started is yoga - the stretching, flexibility and strength I gained made it easier to get motivated and active. A good instructor will offer you modifications for the knee issues, even in a group class.

I like walking. I have bad knees so I tend to stay on the elliptical, sometimes the treadmill, but if the knees are REALLY problematic then I would probably hit the pool (no one cares what you look like if its the gym pool, they're in the same journey as you, just at a different point in their journey. IMHO)

I've been on here about a month and I'm not exercising yet. I plan to start after I hit the 10 lbs lost mark, I feel like I'm getting the motivation up and getting used to the calorie counting before I start with the exercising. I figure I'll start working out at home as I get used to the early mornings (workout before work) and really spend some time on stretching. It always gets me motivated.

One step at a time for me, and so far its working out great.

Hi. Wa;lking is good. I am doing lots of it at the moment. I started off slow too, but you'll be surprised how quickly your fitness changes and you are able to walk faster and longer. Just be patient. You can do it!