Back to the gym aged 55

@lurchermummy Ah well done for going when you didn't feel like it. I'm awful for 'sticking with' anything tbf. So I know that I just HAVE to ignore the voice in my head that says 'you're too tired/you've still got XYZ to do' and just crack on and get to the gym! I'm planning on having a gym program which gets checked over every 6 weeks so I'm hoping to see small changes every time. Hopefully that'll help with maintaining motivation!

Good to hear you're still 'at it' though, despite having flu. It's always the way isn't it; try and get into a routine and there's always something to fluff it up!

Also good to hear that it's worth it. 😊

How's it going @lurchermummy ? I've just joined a gym, starting next week and feel a bit nervous...

That's great to hear OP!

@lurchermummy I stumbled on this thread by chance. How are you getting on? I hope you are still going to the gym

Bodypump and RPM are two classes where people exercise at their own level and aren't really be aware of what other people are doing, so you might like to try those if you feel self conscious

I never really notice other people in the gym. I am there to exercise, not to people watch. I just plug my music in and get on with my thing. I think this is what most people do. There are people of all shapes, sizes and ages at my gym.

Yes, re-rack your weights!!! And keep out of each other’s way (I hate it when I’m pushing or pulling something REALLY heavy on the sled, and someone bumbles across the track.) But other than that, have a great time.

I'm (relatively) young and slim with a 'shiny ponytail' and still felt nervous when I first started at the gym! Nobody will be looking at you or judging you, other than to think well done for starting.

Go @lurchermummy ! I started properly in a gym when I was 50 and now train quite seriously.

Someone said to me early on "You have just as much right to use the equipment as anyone else" - so so obvious but good to have it said out loud.

If you can't manage ongoing PT, I would try some classes, if your gym has any decent ones. IME and IMO it is hard to keep going consistently as a beginner solo. For your aims, it doesn't matter so much what you do as that you do it regularly and enjoy it. At that first gym, I got really into boxing and pilates, neither of which I had done before at all, just because the instructors were good. And I did circuit-type classes with weights. And I met people who I could then train with, which helped too.

I have been either ignored (politely) or encouraged, and made some friends, at all three gyms I have trained at now. No-one cares what you look like, or what you are doing, as long as you re-rack weights etc.

I’m 65 and have just joined a gym and found a PT who really understands what want to achieve. I just want to be able to keep up with fitter friends on hilly walks and rough terrain. I was pleasantly surprised that there were other people like me and of my age in the gym, no fancy Lycra and not many shiny pony tails bobbing on the machines. I’ve booked 8 sessions over four weeks with the PT.

When I see new starters I just think ‘good for you !’.
Honestly, everyone is just doing their own thing, they aren’t interested in you. Enjoy it, and we’ll done .

Well done OP. After a while the gym becomes routine and simply part of your routine, very comfortable.

I'd think "Yay, go you"
You may have just inspired me to get off my lazy arse and rejoin the gym!

Ask for recommendations of classes to support the training you do with your PT. If you go to the same ones week in, week out, you’ll get to know the other regulars.

Good for you! I'm 62 and see a PT once a week who gives me so much confidence....you don't need machines for strength training! I'm now doing 3 spin classes a week.
I have toned up massively and feel so much happier.

Op, I’ve just finished working with my PT and I’m on my own from next week and totally get how you are feeling!
We can do this!
I’m aiming for three sessions a week or 2 plus a class. I figured that even if I only manage 15 minutes at first that it’s 15 minutes more than I would usually do.

Well done you. You are a lot braver than me. I have only ever had one session in a public gym and i just couldnt get comfortable. I have my own gym at home thankfully.

Really make the most of them 3 sessions with the PT. That should be enough for you to get a really good awareness of whats involved and enable you to be confident in what you are doing.

Good luck

Well done you on joining the gym. Good you're getting the pt sessions. Make sure you warm up and cool down after each session. Most gym goers do not care one jot about who else is there or what they look like. After a time you will get to know the regular faces.

Worth you going at different times to see how busy it is amd when is an ideal time to go.

My gym is a Better one so not fancy but you have all ages and sizes there. People just want to work out and go.

My advice is also to create your own workouts from what the pt has said as you need to enjoy your workouts as well as them consisting of exercises or machines that help you reach your goal

All I would be thinking is ‘good on you!’. I admire those who look unfit and overweight far more than the gym bunnies types. It takes guts to start a new regime like you are.

I used to be super fit but let it all go and became obese, i rejoined a gym at age 51, I am 55 now. I took everything really easy, I didn't care what others were doing, I just did that suited me, I didn't look at what weights others were doing or what they were wearing. I have come a long way since then, but still only do what suits me... some days I'm fabulous, some days I am distinctly not, lol. The gym is now my happy place. One day at a time. Good luck