Fat lass, need advice please.

[Faster]

Hello, I wanted to sound out ideas on the gym.
I’m very overweight (bmi 40) but I am steadily losing it and I’m happy with how my eating is going. I really want to get some physical exercise in. DP and I enjoy rambling when we get the chance but it’s ad hoc.
I work in an office based role so don’t get much at work, I have to take toddler aged DS to nursery so can’t bike to work. My days off are spent doing childcare/housework. It’s just DP and me, we don’t have family nearby to watch DS.
DP runs 5k twice weekly and I see how good it is for his mental health, fitness etc and I want in on that. I’ve tried couch to 5k before and running just isn’t my deal.

So I thought about joining a gym? But I’ve never set foot in one before so I don’t have the foggiest. The gym I’ve been eyeballing on line has a women’s only section which I like.
But what do I wear? Bra? Shoes? Clothes? What do I take with me?
Do they do a proper induction? Like idiot proof it for me?
I’ve got a big fat belly, well, I’m fat all over, will that stop me being able to use equipment?
I’d want to go a couple of evenings a week once DS was asleep, do some exercise and have some me time.
Any advice would be really appreciated.

[Chantyb45]

Definitely book an induction and wear a baggy mens t.shirt and some leggings. The gym instructor will just show you around and how to use each machine. It can be daunting at first but u will b fine.

[Pipandmum]

You wear trainers, t shirt and leggings or track suit bottoms. Sports bra or regular bra. A small towel would be useful and a water bottle. Its up to you if you want to shower there or at home.
They will do an induction about how the equipment works and may recommend an exercise routine. Then it’s down to you. Classes, working on your own or maybe book a couple sessions with a personal trainer. There shouldn’t be any problem using equipment but it’s what you feel comfortable with. Baby steps. Start slow and build your strength and endurance up. Don’t expect to be running those 5ks immediately! Weight/resistance training is very important too. And remember, exercise for fitness but the battle of the bulge is won in the kitchen!

[SparkleGem]

Book an induction lesson at your nearest gym. They will help set up a programme that suits you, you won't be too big for the equipment, you will be fine! You could try a bit of cardio, treadmill and bike. And also weights, upper body, chest and leg machines. Sitting to standing exercises too with some small weights are good for beginners. You should wear leggings, trainers, and a vest or plain t-shirt and a comfortable sports bra/support bra also take a small towel, a bottle of water and headphones for some music. Don't worry about other people, everyone is there to do their own thing, good luck!!

[OhMyDarling]

Try walking. Plug in your headphones and pound the pavements to the beat of the music... I do 2 hours 3 times a week (approx 10-11km) and lost a stone in 3 wks.
Get a Fitbit. Compete against yourself.
Small quick steps, stay light on your feet rather than trying to take big strides/steps. Get decent running trainers.

I now walk faster than my gym bunny friend who posts every run and all it’s stats all over social media. Haven’t told her yet though!

[ChocOrCheese]

The gym should offer an induction session so you can learn how to use the equipment.

The only thing you might have an issue with is the rowing machine, as a belly can get in the way. If you find this to be the case, keep checking as you get smaller, because rowing is a great work out.

Well done on the weight loss. :-)