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Original poster

Back to the gym aged 55

34 replies

lurchermummy · 27/11/2022 16:16

Just posting for moral support and accountability! Recently took the plunge and rejoined the gym. I'm 55, arthritic and overweight. I've paid for 3 sessions with a PT (can't afford more atm) and she is helping me with technique and form. I am looking to tone up and feel fitter and stronger. Weight loss would be a bonus. I really struggle with feeling self conscious in the gym and lacking confidence. I feel like everyone is looking at me although I know they probably don't care. Any tips to push through this phase would be welcomed!

OP posts:
CookieDoughKid · 29/11/2022 00:05

No one will be looking at you in the gym. The young generation are too busy looking at themselves at every opportunity they can get. Seriously.

WindyHedges · 28/11/2022 16:10

I have always gone to gyms - mostly to do classes. And ballet studios to take class. Walking into a new ballet studio is even scarier than walking into a new gym!

There is always that fear that everyone is looking at me.Really, they're not! we're all dealing with our own stuff, and worried everyone else is looking at us .... Grin

I started in a new gym 5 years ago, in my late 50s, and worked with a PT for the 1st time. It was revelatory. I now pick up really heavy stuff (deadlifts, squats and big weights on the sled). And it's just such fun!!!

My gym is a commercial one, but also very friendly. The only reason I"d be looking at you is if you were doing something amazing - today I was chatting to a lady who was working with her PT, and going for a new lifting Personal Best (PB) - she lifted 84 kilos in a deadlift & made it look so easy!

Ted27 · 27/11/2022 17:41

Everyone went to the gym for the first time once - even the buffed up guys.
I'm 57, short and fat. Don't bother with lycra, I wear capri length track pants and a loose t shirt. If you are doing cardio get a proper sports bra.
After 3 sessions with a PT you will know enough - do your own thing and don't worry what any one else does.
After Christmas there will an influx of new people- the skinny young ones don't last long, the older ones do.
I know it's mean but it does rather amuse me when the youngsters who think they know it all come a bit of a cropper on the machines.
The only time I really notice anyone is when they are posing though, otherwise everyone else is just background blur
Well done on getting started

Original poster
lurchermummy · 27/11/2022 17:30

Thanks all! I'm aware the barriers are as much psychological as they are physical but I'm putting on my big girl pants and I'm determined to make a go of it.

OP posts:
HermioneWeasley · 27/11/2022 16:39

No idea what’s good/safe for arthritis, but here to say good for you!

VeronicaBeccabunga · 27/11/2022 16:35

Good for you!
I started going to a Pilates class with a friend once a week and slowly this has become 2 classes and 3 gym sessions a week habit.
I've not been this fit for years, it's a huge mental as well as physical health boost.
I was rather shy of the younger bigger body-building types but have found them to be kind, friendly and encouraging mostly.

ICanHideButICantRun · 27/11/2022 16:27

Can you ask your PT when is a good time to go there, where there will be others your age?

Original poster
lurchermummy · 27/11/2022 16:26

@LaQuern thank you it's quite a mixed gym, a private one and thankfully not full of young lads like the local council run one is. It's quite a friendly gym. I know it's all in my head, it's just knowing the etiquette about taking up space and using the equipment that I find a bit stressful.

OP posts:
LaQuern · 27/11/2022 16:21

What kind of gym have you joined? The thing I love about mine is that there's all different sorts of body shapes and ages, and seriously no one even gives you a second thought!

Just think how fantastic you'll feel when you get your teeth into it - if you feel self conscious can you go there in their quieter periods?