how to begin at the gym

[dollop 6]

Hey everyone. I'm 5 weeks post-op and want to start the gym but I'm very intimidated. I've never been a workout kinda girl, but I feel that person in me What is the best way to get started? I can't afford a trainer but I don't want to look like a fool of I go. Help.

[onedaycloser 136]

I feel the same way about gyms. Haven't been sleeved yet but looking forward to hearing the responses of your post.

Congrats on your sleeve!

[jensjoy28 351]

Hmmm...good question...I am sure there will be others who have gone through something similar, but I had a few thoughts I figured I'd contribute.

Let's see...where I live in So. Cal. There are a lot of "boot camp" group training sessions which allow you to get the benefit of a trainer while paying less per session than you would for one-on-one sessions.

Since I am a big believer in the importance of learning proper form for exercises (to limit injuries and maximize benefits), I think as a newbie it would be good to spend a *little* to learn the basics. Maybe just a couple of sessions w trainer? Or, do you have a friend who you could ask to show you the basics of form and how-to? Or maybe purchasing a workout video so that you could see some exercises, practice in the comfort of your home before heading to the gym? There are many online resources for free or very inexpensive workout plans that you could access to have a "road map" for when you are at the gym.

Last thought for now is not to get too bogged down in the thoughts that others are looking at you and judging you...in my experience we THINK that is happening much more than it does...also, don't be afraid to approach someone that is doing an exercise that interests you, let them know you are new to this and ask for some quick tips...most people are more than willing to provide a friendly tip and intro.

[Cindy Martin 77]

I started walking for 10 minutes when I began my 1 month preop. I now walk 60-70 minutes a day. I am down 38 lbs since sleeve. 77 total. I believe walking to be the best form of exercise there is. It works all the major muscles of the body. I will, however, start some resistance training at 3 months.

Just my opinion.

[DebDUtah 67]

Every gym has trainers but they also have staff that are willing to help you learn the weights, no gym wants you to get hurt. If you are still hesitant then pay for one or two sessions with a trainer one on one to learn what you need to make it comfortable for you. Those boot camps and cross fit are scarey for a newbie, I have seen some really crazy injuries from those places lots of bad form and insane weight amounts. Start slow and learn what works best for you.

[notime 340]

Yes, talk to the folks at the gym. They will find someone to show you how to use the equipment. Mine provides that for free the first time or two.

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

don't be afraid to approach someone that is doing an exercise that interests you, ask for some quick tips

dollop

starting at the gym..............walk around the track for 1/2 an hour

treadmill???

anything/machine you might recognize a bit - get on it, slowly at first, little nervous

do a little, just getting use to it - then do more

the idea of going with someone for a little help/support is great

IF you can scrape up those pennies to add up to a trainer, maybe take a class with a couple of other people too - that would be cheaper (my gym does that)

when i got on the eliptical for the 1rst time - trying to work with the control panel - i finally asked the girl next to me to help!!!!

i agree that people don't usually mind helping out

even showing you how to do a machine - put the settings to your height, adjust weights et al

kindof like ex newbies on this board - getting help from vets in the past

newbie "grows up" into a VET - and then they "pay it forward" to the next newbie - who then..........

just like the gym VET that can help a newbie

i think many/most newbies to the gym thinks EVERYONE have their eyes on you

truth is they don't, we're not that important

they are concentrating on their workout, maybe looking up a bit, but not really looking at you or anyone else

they might be checking out some cutie across the way!!!

the gym and the sleeve can go "hand in hand"

good luck

kathy

[RickM 1,752]

Do you have any YMCAs in your area? They tend to be very family and newbie friendly and usually have some sort of special program for newbies, introducing the different cardio machines and having you work them for a couple weeks and then starting you up on the various weight machines a few at a time. They usually have a separate workout room for newbies as well, so it's less intimidating. The most important thing, though, is usually convenience to your daily routines so that it will get used regularly - a super fancy gym with all the bells and whistles isn't of much use if it's too far out of the way.

[jensjoy28 351]

Every gym has trainers but they also have staff that are willing to help you learn the weights' date=' no gym wants you to get hurt. If you are still hesitant then pay for one or two sessions with a trainer one on one to learn what you need to make it comfortable for you. Those boot camps and cross fit are scarey for a newbie, I have seen some really crazy injuries from those places lots of bad form and insane weight amounts. Start slow and learn what works best for you.[/quote']

I agree that there are some group exercise classes that are too extreme for newbies...that said, many "boot camp" classes are really just group exercise classes that are using the "term du jour"...in the one I take, it is outdoors at a park and we bring yoga mats and 5 pound dumbbells...typically about 10-12 women and each day there is a different series of exercises like planks, squats, lunges, push-ups, crunches, jogging, curls, dips, mountain climbers, etc. that have a demo by the trainer and then form monitoring during the exercise...and modifications for people with physical limitations. No crazy drill instructors with whistles or exercises that can't be done using your own body weight (primarily)...just great conditioning in a supportive environment that focuses on building leaner, stronger bodies w increased stamina and energy

[Doing It 4 Them 84]

My son goes to the YMCA. New members gets an hour with a trainer for free. Afterwards, it's $20 an hour. I'm hoping I'll be able to go and learn a few things in an hour.

The Bariatric Center I chose has a gym and patients can use it free for 2 weeks. They show you exercises to do at home or you can continue using their gym. I'm not sure of the cost after the trial. I plan to go a few times, but they are over an hour away.

I agree with you about being intimidated. I've never stepped foot in a gym and I'm definitely not the blonde Barbie in her cute little workout clothes either. LoL

[Nicolanz 1,484]

Here's what I did- I used the elliptical. It's easy on my knees. My first goal would be 10 minutes, then I'd walk at a slow/moderate pace on the treadmill for 20 minutes.

Then my next goal was 15 minutes on elliptical and 15 on treadmill.

20 minutes on elliptical/10 on treadmill

Then 30 on elliptical/15 on treadmill

Then eventually made it to 45 on elliptical and a 5 minute slow walk on the treadmill to cool down. Then I eventually got up the courage to do the classes. Good luck!

[DonRodolfo 1,416]

Hey everyone. I'm 5 weeks post-op and want to start the gym but I'm very intimidated. I've never been a workout kinda girl, but I feel that person in me What is the best way to get started? I can't afford a trainer but I don't want to look like a fool of I go. Help.

Get on a treadmill, set it to a comfortable speed, and walk for 10 minutes. You're not aiming for a particular heartrate or sweating or anything else at this point. When you're finished go home. Pat yourself on the back for accomplishing this.

Do this again tomorrow, and they day after, and everyday. In 30 days define your next goal (faster speed, more time, both, different machine, etc.)

It doesn't have to be any more complicated than this at this point.

[Rox 200]

I hadn't been to the gym since the new millenium started. I went for the first time last week, with my very fit husband, to a Yoga class. I walked past all their machines - I have seen them all on TV or in other peoples houses. The Yoga class was no biggie - except for the mirrors - I was the biggest woman in the class - one thing that I did notice - most people are so wrapped up in themselves that they weren't paying any attention to me.

[dollop 6]

I tried yoga last week! I had my Achilles repaired last September so I couldn't do more than half of the class

Thanks everyone for your advice. I have a treadmill at home but it gets boring.

[rickyswife 41]

I love this topic.... I just joined the gym last Sunday, so six days ago...... I told the young man that I had had surgery... and he got very excited and said he wanted to help me..... no trainer needed.... he offered to be my coach, trainer, and cheerleader.... he was all about it..... so I have started out on the treadmill, I go and do 30 minutes to an hour, so far so good, I have gone every day since joining..... young man said when I get comfortable and build up a little more stamina that we will add...... was very intimidating..... fear of being fatest, slowest, breathing hardest, red faced, jiggly sagging breasts bouncing (despite tight bra)..... woman in the gym.... so far everyone has been very encouraging!~