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just joined the gym but embarrassed and worried about it.

35 replies

DizzyHoneyBee · 31/03/2013 15:46

I just went for a swim and did 32 lengths, admittedly it took me 40 minutes but I did it. Anyway, while I was there I saw a special offer for the gym which is £30 a month and includes all the exercise classes, swimming and use of the gym plus a gym induction so I signed up.
I must lose weight, I really need to lose 7 stone.I look a mess and have been having problems with my ankle and knee joints. I can't believe I let it get that bad to be honest.
What should I expect to happen at the gym induction? I've never even been in a gym before let alone joined one. I just hope that nobody there will be judgmental of my size and point and stare.

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Trills · 31/03/2013 15:52

At the induction they will show you where to find things and how to work things and tell you what you get included in your membership (free classes etc).

If you are lucky you may have the option of a free session with a personal trainer who will help you to put together an exercise program based on your goals. That'll be totally optional though.

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HeySoulSister · 31/03/2013 15:52

Well done for signing up!

I think the induction will be a weigh/measure and then show you how equipment works and how to work it safely

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willow777 · 31/03/2013 16:03

Well done for signing up! Last time I went to an induction one trainer took me off to a little side room to ask questions about my goals and what I wanted out of gym usage, and asked about any relevant medical stuff I wanted to share with them. I was horribly unfit and they were entirely understanding - they said all sorts of people go to the gym and I could see there were quite a few people about who were as large and larger than me, and people who were retired and all ages, men and women and so on. It was not like there were lots of 'fit' people and then just me, which was reassuring! :)

for the induction session itself I was shown how to use the treadmill and adjust it (just walking, didn't run) and rowing machine, and a couple of others I wanted. If I said 'I really don't think I'd fancy using that' about a machine they gave it a miss. I was shown the weights too.

There were a few serious looking people using the free weights but it basically just felt like there were all sorts of fitness levels about and people were just getting on with their own stuff, and it was fine. Definitely no pointing and staring! Hope you enjoy x

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BitOutOfPractice · 31/03/2013 16:06

First of all OP, well done for signing up

What the others said about the induction - just showing you the ropes basically

At my gym there are all shapes and sizes (I'm one of the largest) and I have never felt uncomfortable or like anyone is staring.

Keep an open mind about what to try - even if something doesn't appeal, give it a try. You might find you love the cross rainer, or the rower or whatever.

Most of all, have fun and let us know how you get on

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WizardofOs · 31/03/2013 16:08

I joined a gym over a year ago having never stepped foot in one. At the induction we were just shown around and how to use a few machines. I was dreading getting started but it was fine and no one stared at me at all. There are all sorts of shapes and sizes who go. As you get more confident even if you do catch someones eye you don't assume they are thinking anything about you. If I do look at people it is usually either 1. very fit people working the maching v. quickly who make me feel bad 2. men in ill-fitting sports kit 3. very well built men (well I am only human).

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DizzyHoneyBee · 31/03/2013 17:17

Thanks...I will let you know how it goes when I go on Wednesday. Wizard, I will be sure to look out for #3. Grin

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BitOutOfPractice · 31/03/2013 17:55

I look at people because 1. they need to buy a better sports bra [bushock] 2. I can't believe they are running in canvas beach shoes [bushock] 3. same as WizardofOs [buwink]

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RubyrooUK · 31/03/2013 18:15

If ever I am in the gym Dizzy, I am totally focused on my own exercises/books/magazines/thoughts.

If I see anyone looking mega fit, I think "oh they obviously work out a lot". If I see someone looking less fit, I assume that's why they are at a gym and good on them.

So don't feel anxious - it's great to feel healthy. I had DS2 two weeks ago and I already can't wait to get to do some light exercise and feel healthier again as it makes me feel very positive. (Sadly I had a c section so I'm just sitting down and eating a lot of chocolate currently.)

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DizzyHoneyBee · 31/03/2013 19:28

Note to self - get my sports bra out of the wardrobe.
I hope you recover well Ruby, congrats on your new arrival. Enjoy the chocolate.

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RubyrooUK · 31/03/2013 21:58

Thanks Dizzy. Yes a good sports bra is definitely vital! Grin Hope you enjoy your new gym.

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glasscompletelybroken · 02/04/2013 15:45

I go to the gym a lot and am very fit - when I see someone in the gym who is overwight/unfit etc I think WELL DONE for being brave and getting there and doing something about it.

Just remember that everyone has to start somewhere. I am full of admiration and look forward to hearing how you get on.

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newpup · 02/04/2013 16:41

I have lost 6 stone in weight, I started going to the gym after I had lost 2 stone. I was so nervous, I need not have worried! All sorts of shapes and sizes go, fit, not fit, large, old. Now I am smaller I feel more confident going and feel I stand out less but I would not be smaller if I had not gone. I just had to grit my teeth and jump in! Go for it!

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pregnantpause · 02/04/2013 19:27

I'm thinking of joining and haven't for the same reservations. Think I might take the plunge and do it. Thanks for this Grin

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Lizzylou · 02/04/2013 19:31

Please don't worry, as everyone says the induction is to show you what is what.
I was always very unfit and not in the least sporty. After DS2 was born I started the gym and am so hooked on exercise now. I really enjoy it.

I would never judge anyone in the gym. Unless they are reading Take a Break on the treadmill. FGS, choose a decent mag at the very least Wink

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dbworried · 02/04/2013 20:02

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BitOutOfPractice · 02/04/2013 23:08

Hello op. how are you getting on?

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dizzyhoneybee · 03/04/2013 08:25

I'm supposed to be going this afternoon, the plan was to go whilst my youngest DC was swimming and my oldest DC was going to watch. However there is now a spanner in the works as youngest DC is now not well :(

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dizzyhoneybee · 03/04/2013 15:17

Well I went....the woman I had booked the induction with was not there so I had to have it with a younger lad who probably could have been my son! I nearly gave up on it as the changing rooms were communal, luckily nobody else came in.
The machines they have got are good, I've got a workout plan which seems reasonable so I will see how it goes. Oh, and I weighed myself, I'm heavier than I have ever been and I was the fattest person there :(
A group were in there who were doing their fitness instructor course so I looked terribly out of place :(

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MorrisZapp · 03/04/2013 15:23

If you're new in a gym class stand at the back! There are new people most weeks and nobody cares that you're a beginner as long as you don't trip up the regulars down the front :) If you get there a bit early you can tell the instructor that you're new, they'll be happy to give you some pointers. Oh and take a bottle of water :)

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RubyrooUK · 03/04/2013 15:36

Don't lose heart Dizzy! As people have said before, if you are fit and in a gym, you're not there judging people on how big/heavy/unfit they are.

People assume you are there to get fit - exactly the same as them - and many of the very fit people may not always have been as fit as they are now.

Hope you enjoy the next session more. As you get into it, you'll feel good after workouts and notice a big change in your stamina and energy levels, which will be very motivating in itself.

*Note to Dizzy, I don't work for a gym, even though it sounds like it! I just don't think you should feel so bad about yourself when you don't need to.

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dizzyhoneybee · 03/04/2013 15:53

I told myself that, that the super fit people probably were the size of Nellie the elephant a few years ago. I had a go on each of the machines, some were really hard and I could barely do 3 minutes but others were much easier.
I'm going to start out on the rowing machine, the treadmill and the cross trainer as they were the ones I found easiest to do whilst still getting some benefit from. I had a go on the machines to tone my upper and lower body and was surprised to be able to do 20-30kg on each of them.
8 stone is a lot to need to lose though...but little stages, right? I will be going again - in fact I feel like persuading DS to go swimming tomorrow so I can go to the gym....I felt quite good when we left and motivated to avoid eating junk.

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emark · 03/04/2013 16:19

I joined a gym a month ago, i have between 3 and 4 stone to lose, i have set myself what i think is a realistic target of a 12 - 18 months to achieve this.
I usually go to the gym 3 or 4 times a week, try to do a class to increase stamina. Other times i do 15 mins each on treadmill, bike and rowing machine then swim 20- 30 lengths (20m pool). other session is a family free swim time.
I have not gone near the weights yet as quite frankly they terrify me!!
It is sometimes difficut to fit in and be motivated but will be worthwhile in the end.

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dizzyhoneybee · 03/04/2013 16:23

I'm going to do 10 minutes each on the treadmill, rower and cross trainer and then swim whenever I can. At the moment I am likely only to be able to go twice a week but we will see how it goes. I'll only be able to go when my DC is swimming I expect.

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dizzyhoneybee · 03/04/2013 16:24

Oh, and the weights, I just did the body toning things that use the weights, they have a room for weight lifting kind of stuff, I did not go there!
I hope it goes well emark

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emark · 03/04/2013 16:48

`Thanks, hope it goes well for you dizzyhoneybee, are you using a diet plan as well? I am looselyusing mfp to track vital stats with healthier eating but not precise calorie counting!
I will use the weights when i am brave enough to book my 6 empower sessions with a personal trainer which are free with gym package

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