Should I join a gym?

[Anastazia]

Hey...
I'm 21 years old, 5'8, 215 lbs trying to get down to about 160. I've pretty much been overweight for the past 10 years, making my social awkwardness even worse. I know I need access to exercise equipment, but I've always had this fear of going to the gym since I think it would be pretty embarrassing to be working out in the same room with people who are already in great shape; I can barely run half a mile without having to rest. On top of that, the possibility of running into someone I know makes me extremely nervous. I do have access to a stationary bike and some dumbbells at home but the equipment at a gym would be much better.

[Lomax]

Hi Anastazia,

Personally I think gyms are a rip-off, unless you're really stuck for space. If it's just weight loss you're after then I reckon the stationary bike should be fine; with cardio it's not that essential you vary your workouts (as it is with weight lifting for instance). If you think you're gonna feel self-conscious at the gym then personally I'd say exercise at home. Motivation is important, so exercise has to be something you can enjoy.

(I'm not a fitness expert or anything by the way. Just giving my opinion.)

Lomax

[CanadysPeak]

Hey...
I'm 21 years old, 5'8, 215 lbs trying to get down to about 160. I've pretty much been overweight for the past 10 years, making my social awkwardness even worse. I know I need access to exercise equipment, but I've always had this fear of going to the gym since I think it would be pretty embarrassing to be working out in the same room with people who are already in great shape; I can barely run half a mile without having to rest. On top of that, the possibility of running into someone I know makes me extremely nervous. I do have access to a stationary bike and some dumbbells at home but the equipment at a gym would be much better.

It's a legitimate concern, and a barrier for many. Shop around at several different gyms. You should be able to find one where there are others who are out of shape. One of the benefits of going to the gym is getting the advice of the trainer(s) about the level and duration of exercise.

[mtbturtle]

Try different gyms around the time you plan on using them. The groups may be very different at different times. If there is a YMCA in your area, check them out. They are often a low key, very mixed group.

As a biker I hate my stationary bike because it reminds me too much that I'm not outside really riding. Going to the gym makes it less likely that I'll skip the workout and sets a winter routine for me.

[owleye]

I've joined the local Y since it opened up in our area about 5 years ago. It is very popular, with 10s of 1000s of folks in the area attending regularly. A new one, even more popular recently opened up in a nearby (30 miles away) town. "Going to the Y" offers the possibility of a regimen being established, supported by people you come to know. Moreover, though this is not how I use it, there are groups available to join, or if you have the means, you can get individualized training. Though it's not easy to attribute whatever results you might achieve to the Y (or other gym), I would say it might have worked for me, losing about 40 pounds over the course of about two or three years. Younger folks would have an easier time. Those who've experienced some disability, needing physical therapy, are frequently seen doing their workouts and I've noticed over time how some have been helped. Speaking only from my own experience, I'd say it is a good thing if you have the means and the time that you can set aside. It can even be a bit addictive. If you become or are inclined to make use of the weight-based and resistance machines, you'll find an immediate connection with others and an amazing comraderie will develop even if you aren't able to lift great weights. My first love is running and while the Y has a 'track' and treadmills, I wind up using the Y for its locker and shower facilities, which by the way has the beneficial effect of interacting with others having similar interests (though of course it is not a place for meeting anyone). Group running outside, however, has been helpful, though they are mostly attended by women, who I'm no longer able to keep up with. They tell me, however, that I inspire them to keep at it. My wife had been regularly participating in one of their water aerobics classes, and wound up doing it because she is rather more of a socially inclined person and spent more time after class in the sitting area with the friends she developed. I don't think this brought about any improvement in her physique but probably was helpful nonetheless.

James

[ronjanec]

Yes, you should. It will really keep you in great shape if you stick with it, and there are some really fine looking women who also work out there. Be careful you do not go crazy with the weight lifting part of this because you can really hurt yourself(and yes, I speak from personal experience here: "bench press 245?" "no problemo" Goodbye left shoulder duh)

[Fuqin]

Well I had a similar problem but at the other end of the scale, I was a weed of a lad ,I use to get jokes like can you face me when I’m talking to you so I can at least see you , I thought about gym , but even thinking about it bored me to tears , so I bought a push bike , took up snorkelling , and did a lot of camping long walks through nature reserves , and I agree with Mbt stationary bikes are a poor substitute for the real thing , if you’ve got a bit of money $3000 or so you can get a recumbent push bike they are miles of fun
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recumbent_bicycle
I’m saving for a sleek 3 wheeler
In any case my point is gym and exercise machines are work and just as boring and though I’ve never been to gym I know some who do and their egos really need some revaluation, in fact there as boring as the gyms they come from , if you want to get fit,I highly recommend you integrate it with fun and make it your life style , I’m 46 never driven a car I ride everywhere, this is not always practical but if you like the outdoors there are a million ways to get fit and have fun , and screw what others think , if you’re having fun you’ll be fun to be around, you don’t have too bust your nuts either if it’s just something you do for the fun of it, you’ll do it all your life.
Oh yes i nearly forgot if you ride a bike that one less car on the road and you reduce your carbon foot print by a very large percentage, so you can claim to be actively involved involved in the solution to a very real environmental problem.

[ronjanec]

Fuqin,

Yes, the ego's are really scary for sure! A lot of perfectionists. To be in the right clique, you had to be in perfect shape. 5,000 members at my particular club.

"Boring"?! The stories I could tell you! Former cheerleaders, current cheerleaders, flight attendents, hair stylists, real estate saleswomen, jail bait, gold diggers, all running wild all over the place, even having sex in the weightroom bathroom with one of my best friends for crying out loud!

She was really gorgeous, married, and also hit on me when her husband was out of town. Talk about a test of faith! Sheeesh! People having sex in the whirlpools, and a bunch of other places.

I bet the health clubs in Southern California are even worse!

[yogesh]

You can have some basic workouts in your home orin a nearby park.You need to take so me percautions to reduce your weight like getting up before sunrise or as early as possible,taking low cholesterol,jogging around a park etc.

[ronjanec]

You can have some basic workouts in your home orin a nearby park.You need to take so me percautions to reduce your weight like getting up before sunrise or as early as possible,taking low cholesterol,jogging around a park etc.

Yes, someone can work out at home, but it is really really boring for most people, and they usually lose very little weight working out at home, or continue with this for any length of time. Exercising outside on a regular basis is really not a long term option for someone if they live in a climate like Chicago.

[Fuqin]

Fuqin,

Yes, the ego's are really scary for sure! A lot of perfectionists. To be in the right clique, you had to be in perfect shape. 5,000 members at my particular club.

"Boring"?! The stories I could tell you! Former cheerleaders, current cheerleaders, flight attendents, hair stylists, real estate saleswomen, jail bait, gold diggers, all running wild all over the place, even having sex in the weightroom bathroom with one of my best friends for crying out loud!

She was really gorgeous, married, and also hit on me when her husband was out of town. Talk about a test of faith! Sheeesh! People having sex in the whirlpools, and a bunch of other places.

I bet the health clubs in Southern California are even worse!

I haft to admit your nymphomania gymnasium sounds all together inciting if I'm ever i Chicago I wouldn't mind getting a bit of sexercise LOL

[ronjanec]

Fuqin,

If you ever do come to Chicago, I will take you to the health club, tell all the girls that you are an Australian millionaire in town on business, and see what's left of you after they get done with you.

[CanadysPeak]

Fuqin,

Yes, the ego's are really scary for sure! A lot of perfectionists. To be in the right clique, you had to be in perfect shape. 5,000 members at my particular club.

"Boring"?! The stories I could tell you! Former cheerleaders, current cheerleaders, flight attendents, hair stylists, real estate saleswomen, jail bait, gold diggers, all running wild all over the place, even having sex in the weightroom bathroom with one of my best friends for crying out loud!

She was really gorgeous, married, and also hit on me when her husband was out of town. Talk about a test of faith! Sheeesh! People having sex in the whirlpools, and a bunch of other places.

I bet the health clubs in Southern California are even worse!

That would give new meaning to the signs at my local "Y", "Wipe down equipment after each use."

[ronjanec]

Fuqin,

Yes, the ego's are really scary for sure! A lot of perfectionists. To be in the right clique, you had to be in perfect shape. 5,000 members at my particular club.

"Boring"?! The stories I could tell you! Former cheerleaders, current cheerleaders, flight attendents, hair stylists, real estate saleswomen, jail bait, gold diggers, all running wild all over the place, even having sex in the weightroom bathroom with one of my best friends for crying out loud!

She was really gorgeous, married, and also hit on me when her husband was out of town. Talk about a test of faith! Sheeesh! People having sex in the whirlpools, and a bunch of other places.

I bet the health clubs in Southern California are even worse!

That would give new meaning to the signs at my local "Y", "Wipe down equipment after each use."[/quote

That is really a good one Canady! I needed a good laugh tonight.

We also used to go out together as a group from time to time, and then all meet at different places away from the health club; or go to bars, restaurants, houses, condo's, apartments(party!)

Forget the Y people(eew!); If you are single, and you can afford it, my advice is that you should try and join a very posh and large health club, if there is one in your area.

[CanadysPeak]

Fuqin,

Yes, the ego's are really scary for sure! A lot of perfectionists. To be in the right clique, you had to be in perfect shape. 5,000 members at my particular club.

"Boring"?! The stories I could tell you! Former cheerleaders, current cheerleaders, flight attendents, hair stylists, real estate saleswomen, jail bait, gold diggers, all running wild all over the place, even having sex in the weightroom bathroom with one of my best friends for crying out loud!

She was really gorgeous, married, and also hit on me when her husband was out of town. Talk about a test of faith! Sheeesh! People having sex in the whirlpools, and a bunch of other places.

I bet the health clubs in Southern California are even worse!

That would give new meaning to the signs at my local "Y", "Wipe down equipment after each use."[/quote

That is really a good one Canady! I needed a good laugh tonight.

We also used to go out together as a group from time to time, and then all meet at different places away from the health club; or go to bars, restaurants, houses, condo's, apartments(party!)

Forget the Y people(eew!); If you are single, and you can afford it, my advice is that you should try and join a very posh and large health club, if there is one in your area.

We have a number of good health clubs. I think there is nothing posh in "The Burgh"; we, after all, continue to wear mullets (and, that's just on the women!) and wear white pocket protectors after Labor Day.

But, I like the "Y". The closest thing to bacchanalia we ever had was the day when I, forgetting I had changed "Y"'s, wandered into the unisex sauna wearing only my obligatory shower sandals. Two Senior Sneakers ladies left to make eye appointments and a retired kindergarden teacher from Dormont suffered a stroke while rolling on the floor in paroxysms of laughter.

I only go for cardio and strength training. I walk two to three miles a day (uphill both ways) on the treadmill, do stretch Yoga, and as many of those peculiar machines as I can. I'm hoping to get into a kettlebell class next month, though I'll probably drop the bloody thing on my toe.

[ronjanec]

Canady,

I was kind of kidding around about the Y, and I am sure this is ok for many people, but I guess I am really spoiled from my own health club being such a really classy and luxurious place. And I would have thought that "the burg" has a similar place for single people. Are you sure about this? Do you have a Lifetime club there?

I think that poor guy from "down under" is still in shock about all of this, because he has been absent from the thread lately. Or maybe he is just saving his money, and planning on flying to Chicago in the near future?

[nofools]

I think you should go to the gym. From my experience, I can tell you that you will feel uneasy for a day or two, or may be a week at most and then you won't even feel the presence of shaped people. It is the way we humans learn to adapt.

[Fuqin]

I think that poor guy from "down under" is still in shock about all of this

Nuh! I grew up in Sydney , there you really need a sense of adventure and a taste for the bizarre, if you don’t want to stand out that is . my absence is just a fact of being busier than a one armed brickie in Bagdad.

[ronjanec]

I think that poor guy from "down under" is still in shock about all of this

Nuh! I grew up in Sydney , there you really need a sense of adventure and a taste for the bizarre, if you don’t want to stand out that is . my absence is just a fact of being busier than a one armed brickie in Bagdad.

I really like the sound of this Sydney town Fuqin, but it is a "little" far for me to come and visit unfortunately.

[ronjanec]

I think you should go to the gym. From my experience, I can tell you that you will feel uneasy for a day or two, or may be a week at most and then you won't even feel the presence of shaped people. It is the way we humans learn to adapt.

"the presence of the shaped people"?! That is a very unusual way of describing a fit person nofools.

[devil's_advocate]

To answer such a question ( and its description) is not as simple as yes and no due to several factors that need to be tackled. First, going to the gym to lose weight is not a great motivator in the first place. Studies have shown that adherence to a gym, or any fitness activity for that matter, is best when one is having fun
(http://www.exrx.net/Psychology/AdherenceTips.html). Also when people go to the gym with a goal of losing weight, they tend to set unrealistic goals, and when they are not met, one stops going to the gym. Instead, if you choose to go to the gym, provide yourself a more emotional motivation such as feeling of happiness, enjoying the feel of accomplishment of just exercising, increasing concentration, and my favorite, reducing stress and suppressing feelings of anger and anxiety. After a crazy day in school or at work, it feels like all that stress if evaporating through your sweat and you relax.
Another thing to note, do not start exercising in a gym if you don't like it. Choose some classes that interest you like dance, zumba, kick boxing, swimming or anything that you really enjoy. The workout is not going to feel like a drag, but you will end up going there because you are having fun. The weight lose will follow naturally. If you do choose going to the gym, pick one that you feel comfortable in. Going to an exclusive all women's gym, you will find a lot of women who are there to exercise and not show off like some co-ed gyms (not picking on any one particular but some do have that quality).

In short do what you like, pick what you like and concentrate on having fun and feeling better. The weight loss will follow :)