I want to join the gym but...

[VampyreofTimeandMemory]

I have no idea what I'm doing. what do you DO in a gym? Does someone give you tips?

[Writerwannabe83]

When I joined the gym I got an introductory session where I was appointed a trainer for an hour who discussed with me what I wanted to achieve and then went through all the equipment with me, how to use it and set up a regime for me. I would imagine most places do that. I could have booked extra 1:1 sessions if I had wanted but I wasn't going for such intensity and just chose to do what I wanted as I wanted

[TommyandGina]

Lots of tips. If you join a gym you will get a personal trainer who will talk through with you what you want to achieve then set up an exercise plan to help you achieve it.

Please don't just join the first or nearest one to you, shop around for deals and don't sign up to a contact till you're absolutely sure you're going to keep it up.

I love mine though so hope you will too.

[BookieTubules]

I'd be staggered if there is a gym out there which doesn't do introductory sessions, no least becasue they need to make sure you're not going to injure yourself and then sue them. They will show you how the machines work and make training suggestions for you.

[Ilovemydogandmydoglovesme]

Yes you'll see an instructor who'll take your height, weight and age, check your medical history and usually give you a bit of a fitness test to see how much you can do and then work out with you a suitable regime. Depending on what it is you want to achieve, eg weight loss, improve fitness etc.

[Pagwatch]

Go in and ask for an induction.
My gym is lovely. I have a trainer who worked out what kind of routine would be good for me.
I have one to one sessions because I'm lazy but it's easy to do it on your own with the gym staff helping you creat a workout with improving targets.

Just use the staff. Don't be shy about it.

[CarbeDiem]

You should be offered an induction by one of the trainers.

[VampyreofTimeandMemory]

oh thank god, I think I'll feel self conscious but at least the classes are free when you're a member...

[VampyreofTimeandMemory]

was anyone not super fit and slim when they joined?

[cookielove]

I joined mainly for the classes, and was not at all slim. We also had a little group tour and shown how to use the equipment, literally every piece in the room and where the pool and changing rooms were. I left because i was never using it, and was wasting money!

[nahidontthinkso]

I'm going to join a gym as well OP and i was going to start a thread about this! I'm glad i'm not alone in being a gym virgin

What are you supposed to wear on the induction day then? I've never been in a gym before in my life.
I can't go to the nearest one either coz its right opposite a maccy d's

[Pagwatch]

Bwahahahaha

Nearly 50 and two stone overweight when I joined.
The nice gym woman said 'could you just do a short run for me'
'nope. That's not happening' I replied.

My gym had a course that I joined which was a 10 week health and fitness course. One session of group fitness (which to my genuine amazement I enjoyed) and some really useful nutrition chats.

I work out twice a week. Much fitter.

[Pinkelephanty]

When I signed up for the gym just before my wedding I'd never done any exercise beforehand and had just put 5lb on over Xmas. Somehow I managed not to have my induction (don't know how I got away with it) but I just did 20 mins on the treadmill and the same on the cross trainer, exercise bike and stepper. I now do a Zumba class which is great cardio and once you're into it it doesn't feel like exercise it's just a good dance.

[Littlefish]

I'm 46 and multiple stones overweight! I've been going 3 times a week for the last 5 weeks. There are people of all shapes and sizes at my gym.

[Littlefish]

If you are planning to run on the treadmill, make sure you are wearing a really good bra, or possibly 2!

I will not be running on a treadmill, ever, as my breasts are larger than my head!

[YouTheCat]

Vampyre, I've got my induction tomorrow. I'm 44, very over weight and haven't exercised since I was at school.

I reckon it's now or never.

[Revenant]

I have been to 3 gyms in the last few years, the inductions have all been compulsory. Apart from making sure you know what the machines are for they normally ask what you want to get out of it ( weight loss, toning etc) and if you're really at a loss there will be personal trainers you can book a couple of sessions with, and various classes. And there are always a variety of ages and fitness levels!

[VampyreofTimeandMemory]

so hopefully, it won't just be me loitering by a treadmill, in a sea of athletes...

pink do you need perfect co-ordination for zumba?

[VampyreofTimeandMemory]

haha little I actually drag my fat arse out for a jog occasionally so that's one thing I do have

[MirandaGoshawk]

Wear a baggy t-shirt and leggings or tracksuit bottoms. When you get into it a bit, have a look at the M&S website, they have lots of good cheap gym wear.

[VampyreofTimeandMemory]

just realised I put this in AIBU rather than chat - apologies, genuine mistake!

[TommyandGina]

Vampyre, you'll have the best time tomorrow, take some water, a smile and an open mind, a comfy t shirt and joggers will do, and no, hardly no-one is perfect, but we're all there because we want to be healthier. You'll be just fine, and probably come out feeling fantastic

[chipshop]

If you're an reluctant exerciser like me then I thoroughly recommend trying some of the free gym classes. The instructors are really motivating and you push yourself to the limit more than if you workout solo. People of all sizes and abilities go to them.

[BristolRover]

go to lots of classes to start with. YOu can't slack off in them and the instructors should make sure you're doing it right - tell them you're a rookie. Try a mix of conditioning / lifting / aerobic classes and see what floats your boat. I spend years going to the gym and have just had a bit of a revelation about the classes - they make much more of a difference in a short time, but the music policy is ALWAYS hideous.
(at my place you get a mix from 20something girls who are fit as fiddles to ladies comfortably into their 60s doing the same class, but at their own level of intensity. And there will be a lot of overweight people - that's why people join. Very< VERY few go wearing fancy outfits)

[Nancy66]

Also, if you can, go during the day and avoid after 6pm or weekends which is when the more hard core competitive element go.

[VodkaJelly]

OP, you are joining a gym for your health and to lose weight, nobody else will give you a second glance so please dont worry about that. When I am at the gym (and I was 2 stone overweight) I go on the treadmill and get into the zone, I really dont notice other people/how big they are/what they are wearing/what they are doing so others wont give you a second glance

Just dont be one of those weirdos who picks the machine right next to you when there are about 20 others all free - there is a thread about it!

I really enjoy the classes, they really do keep you motivated.

There is a mixture of all shapes and sizes and if you get stuck with a machine or forget how to work it there is always instructors around who will be glad to help.