Gym issues...

rachie823
rachie823 Posts: 5 Member
in Motivation and Support
I honestly want to go to the gym... but lack to motivation for so many reasons...

The first being... the starting the stopping! I’m scared I’m going do that all over again and fail...

The next biggest issue... and someone out there has to be with me... the gym is scary when you don’t know what the hell your doing or where to even start... 🙈

And finally how do I fit this into my daily routine when I have a 9 year old who drives me crazy half the time... 🤕😩

Please any advice I can get...

Replies

  • rachelleahsmom
    rachelleahsmom Posts: 442 Member
    1. So what if you start and stop and do it again? Maybe you'll go and love it and not stop. Maybe you'll take a break and get back to it. Give yourself some grace!

    2. Do you have a gym already? If not, find one that will give you some free sessions with an employee to show you the ropes. Our YMCA does that and it is really great to get over the intimidation factor of not knowing what you're doing. It's really in their best interest because they want you to come back and continue paying your membership! Or, find a friend - that can help hold you accountable and you'll have someone to be confused with. :-)


    3. Oh boy! That's a tough one! Age 9 is too old for child care at a gym and too young to be home alone so that makes it tricky. I do think that if you can figure out some arrangement (leave him/her with dad, grandma, etc. or trade times with a friend) that you will be less crazy! It's amazing what a break from your kids can do! Are there any programs at the gym or the library or something that would keep your child occupied for a bit? Can your child walk on a treadmill next to you? Is your schedule flexible so you could go early morning or over your lunch hour?


    4. If all else fails, check out youtube for some great exercises. There are aerobic class types of videos and ones that show you how to use just your body (no equipment required) to get some fitness in.


    5. Best of luck to you! I know you'll do great whatever you decide!
  • nknis8556
    nknis8556 Posts: 26 Member
    Quite a few fitness centers will offer services to look after children while you exercise. I'm sure this differs wildly in different areas, but it is worth a look.

    Agreed on the Youtube recommendation above. Jefit is also a fantastic app that has very serviceable beginner routines included.

    Good luck!
  • StatChicBayes
    StatChicBayes Posts: 362 Member
    Hugs! Do you have a current gym membership or looking for a new one?

    - if new, see if there are gyms that have child care, which might allow you some time to work in exercise several times a week. If not, can you work out playdates with a friend (and reciprocate) to get some "me" time? or have someone look after your 9 year old?

    - ask if the gym has a "new" member orientation program; this is really helpful if you are interested in using any of the weight equipment or other exercise machines (which do seem intimidating!) or are interested in all the group classes that they offer. Or snag a staff member and ask about a particular machine! If you need more help, pay for a single personal trainer session if in your budget to get a start and work out a plan for you. You can try out different group classes - you might ask any of the staff what might be good for someone at your level. I found when I started back exercising (after 12 years of not because of twins) and tried some new classes (eg spin, tabata, HIIT, circuit, yoga), that talking to the instructor ahead of class and letting them know that this was a new activity for me was helpful; eg getting settings correct on the spin bike. Through group classes I also became familiar with all sorts of exercises that I could also do on my own (free weights, resistance bands, or body weight exercises). Hopefully the instructors are encouraging, but, probably the most important thing is to move even if you don't have all the exercises down perfectly! (Neither do the rest of us!)
  • Cahgetsfit
    Cahgetsfit Posts: 1,912 Member
    have you thought of hiring one of the gym personal trainers to show you how to do stuff? They also can give you a program to follow. That way you don't feel lost or like you don't know what to do.

    Does your gym have classes? That is also a good way to get started - you go to class, you have to be there for the whole time - it's accountability. And you even make friends with other people in the class too! Might even meet a gym buddy! I met my gym buddy at a class we got talking in once!

    As for fitting it into your daily routine - I have an 8 year old. I go to the gym during my lunch break at work. I make it work. I eat at my desk.

    If you don't work, you can go to the gym while your kid is at school?

    Some gyms have a kid place. Mine doesn't, but the one near my parent's place does - so when I'm visiting my parents, I take my daughter with me to the gym and she plays around in the kid's zone while I do my thing.

    A couple of weeks ago my gym buddy (the one I mentioned above) was visiting from Germany (she moved away :( ) - we HAD to get in a session together so I took my daughter, gave her the iPad and some coloured pencils and paper and sat her outside my gym in the lobby area (kids not allowed in my gym) and said "wait here until I come out. If you have a big problem as the receptionist lady to call me." She stayed. Wasn't happy about it, but stayed.

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