Today I Joined a Gym!!

[NJGirl32 43]

Well, I made the BIG commitment and joined a gym with my 19 yr. old daughter! I have NO idea where to even begin! I guess the treadmill and excerise bike is a good way to start, but I am also thinking of doing the beginning circuit fpr toning.

What was your exercise routine when you join and were still on the heavy side and out of shape?

[sweetpea61956 6]

I tried the recumbent bike..uh..warmup was 7 minutes...I made it two minutes. But I have been going to Water aerobics twice a week for an hour. See if they have a quick start program where you get a free trainer for one visit to set you up a program.

[Tabby Ann 10]

Well, I made the BIG commitment and joined a gym with my 19 yr. old daughter! I have NO idea where to even begin! I guess the treadmill and excerise bike is a good way to start, but I am also thinking of doing the beginning circuit fpr toning.

What was your exercise routine when you join and were still on the heavy side and out of shape?

wow thats GREAT! I joined the gym about a mnth ago. I think it is great you have a buddy to do this with you. I also go with the lady that does my hair. Support is key on this journey. I was told to start out at 15 reps each of lower and upper body strength training. I also do either bike or treadmill... I was also doing Zumba but since the gym is going to be offering zumba classes I am going to be doing that there after my body heals from the surgery. The guy that owns the gym is a PT so I am going to get in touch with him and see if he will help me with a good workout routine. I know I am skipping around here tonight but I also wanted to say that the strength training is important because it helps build up muscle and helps you to burn fat and calories faster.

[Papillon Princess 13]

It's so easy to say you don't want to go, just work yourself into a habit and hopefully your daughter can encourage you to get into a routine. I'm finally getting into a routine again and I feel great everyday that I go! I'm starting with a personal trainer on Sunday for toning but feel like I'm still doing well on my own in the cardio area. I personally don't get much out of the bike and tend to get bored on the treadmill. My favorite is the elliptical, it works most of your body (if you use the arms and tighten your core) and it is low impact on your joints. Personally, I'd start on the bike or treadmill and try the elliptical for about 5 minutes (if you can go longer, WONDERFUL) and then work up your time and incline. Talk to your dr about your target heart rate during exercise so you maximize the benefits.

When you're first starting, don't burn yourself out either. Try working out one day and a 2 days off for a few weeks and then work your way up to more days and more time during the exercises. Remember your body needs to have time to repair in between and you don't want to overwork yourself and end up with an injury. If you have the funds, try a trainer for a few sessions and they can help you get started also. If you go that route, "interview" them...make sure they understand you have a band and any dietary restrictions you may have. This is critical for them to know for the amount of calories and working with your goal. My trainer actually called and talked with my nurse at the dr's office to make sure she understood and knew I had no restrictions. She also trains a lot of people for weight loss, not all athletes.

Well, I made the BIG commitment and joined a gym with my 19 yr. old daughter! I have NO idea where to even begin! I guess the treadmill and excerise bike is a good way to start, but I am also thinking of doing the beginning circuit fpr toning.

What was your exercise routine when you join and were still on the heavy side and out of shape?

[NJGirl32 43]

Thanks for the advise! I was thinking that I should do strength training to build muscle to help with my metabalism (burn fat). I do get 1 free 45 minute fitness evaluation and the owner said people are on the floor to show my how to use the equipment.

I am considering the 6 session packet with a trainer (I think it's once a month-not sure). It's pricey at $300. But I do think a trainer shows you exactly what you need.

I am not sure whether to tell him about the band-I have read stories where trainers aren't on board with the band.

Do you think weights would be better than cardio equipment? Right now I am at 221 at 5'6. I think I am probably very out of shape.

They do offer classes too. I like the idea of doing Yoga but I amnot sure if it has any benefits.

Thanks again for your input!

[sweetpea61956 6]

I would do the 45 minutes first and tell them about the band. Since you have already had it, they will deal with it.

[NJGirl32 43]

I would do the 45 minutes first and tell them about the band. Since you have already had it, they will deal with it.

sweetpea- you have done an awesome job!! I see that we were banded a day apart! Congrats on your success!!

[sweetpea61956 6]

thanks, I go back on Tuesday to see if they are going to do a fill and then weigh. I haven't had a fill yet and not sure I want one yet. If I can do it without a fill, I would rather wait until I feel I need one. Keep up the good work.

[Rsilversea 2]

The gym I joined had a complimentary session with the personal trainer. She gave me several weight training machines (and free weights) to work on. Plus she measured my fat, my body age and a lot of other things (that was one fancy scale--I hope I never see it again, lol!) I work out on the elliptical trainer for cardio and I've discovered spinning. I do that three times a week and weight training two. I also have a stability ball, jump rope and small free weights at home for when I can't make it to the gym or don't feel like it. I joined SparkPeople.com and they have exercises on the website that I sometimes do. But most times I'm at the gym (I paid for it, the kid goes to the child care and I get a child-free 30 to 60 minutes--always an incentive). Check to see if your gym has a complimentary session. At the very least, they might be able to show you how to correctly use some of the equipment.

[jen36 1]

Great job joining the gym thats a huge step. That is the best thing i did beside surgery. Just dont give up the energy will come along.

[AMayo1 2]

if you have not been to a gym before it is a good idea to go the trainer route. I agree with Papillon Princess. Interview the trainers. You are paying them, it is a job interview for them. I would tell them about the band and what your expectations are from the sessions. If they give you attitude about the band, onto the next interview.

At this point in time your core is probably pretty weak. I would talk to the trainer about what is called functional training to start building up your core. Cardio and weight training should be done on separate days. One of the worst things about the biggest loser is that it builds up expectations about how fast people should be loosing weight. The speed at which the contestants lose their weight is unhealthy. Yoga will also help to build your core and is a great way to stretch out.

[NJGirl32 43]

Thanks so much everyone!!

I definitely would like to try yoga-it's good to know it help with your core (I am not 100% sure what core means, but I know mine is probably flabby!).

Good advise doing cardio one day and core the next. I probably would have done boh the same day. I do get a free 45 minute session.

Exercise is really NOT mything-but I committed to the process and truthfully I would like to do something productive a few times each week instead of just coming home and plopping on the couch.

[Rsilversea 2]

Core--think belly region. Don't expect a flat tummy but stronger muscles there will help you stand straighter and lift objects more easily. I usually do crunches on a stability ball or use the ab machine at the gym. The trainer will help you find exercises to strengthen your core (and help you with all this alien terminology).

[carymom 4]

Well, I made the BIG commitment and joined a gym with my 19 yr. old daughter! I have NO idea where to even begin! I guess the treadmill and excerise bike is a good way to start, but I am also thinking of doing the beginning circuit fpr toning.

What was your exercise routine when you join and were still on the heavy side and out of shape?

[carymom 4]

Congratulations on that commitment. I enjoy Water aerobics and water walking where I go. Looks like you're well on your way with your weight loss. Remember, too, that you're weight loss may decrease once you join the gym because you are building muscle. I haven't lost weight for three weeks now, but everyone I see tells me how I look like I have lost so much. My size is changing, I can tell it with my clothes, so don't get discouraged with the scale :rolleyes: