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Original poster

Morbidly obese and joining the gym on Wednesday.

118 replies

Thedarksideofthemoon30 · 03/05/2021 21:13

Arghhhhh.

Iv been doing keto for the last 4 weeks and have lost 25lb. I currently weigh 22stone and im 5ft9. I’m absolutely terrified that I’m going to be to heavy for the equipment!

But my 11yo ds has been asking to join so he has an induction booked for Wednesday with me.

I’m so nervous 😩

OP posts:

Fluffandbubbles · 05/05/2021 08:35

Have you had a free induction to show you how to use the machines ? If not then ask as they will normally offer it. It may be an idea to ask if they will plan a programme for you and write it down, that way you can get familiar with the machines end weights first. Again most will offer this free every 3-6 months. I’d start off with something like the exercise bike or treadmill first to warm up. Generally they are fairly easy to work out, go gently for a few minutes, not flat out . Remember everyone there is admiring your taking the first step. Then maybe a bit of cardio (treadmill, steps, bike) weights machines or dumbells and finish off with some stretching. Personally I don’t do the weights on the bar as they take too long to set up and need loads of space.

Miraloma · 05/05/2021 08:35

Way to go! Honestly all members pay the same fee to go and nobody is more entitled to be there than you.

Also, my 11 yo DS has also chubbed up a little over lockdown and so have his pals, but could be due a stretch in height x

Jjjjjj1981 · 05/05/2021 08:44

Good luck OP, thinking of you today!
I’ve been using gyms for years and when someone new walks in everyone looks, regardless of weight etc. Most people there will be quietly admiring you for doing this and willing you on.
YouTube is great for watching how machines are used so you get familiar with them, and there are apps that can generate workout ideas and give you a little video demonstrating the exercise. I use Fitbod, which is free thankfully.
Good luck, everyone is new at some point, you can do this!!

Original poster

Thedarksideofthemoon30 · 05/05/2021 15:11

Thank you all! We are booked in for 5. Ds has his gym induction and I’m booked for an hour. Iv had anxiety poops all day 😂😩

OP posts:

GetTheStartyParted · 05/05/2021 15:44

I'm so in awe of you, well done @Thedarksideofthemoon30

I have lost quite a bit of weight over the last year but despite having a gym and swim membership for a year, I'm yet to set foot in the gym

I have been swimming plenty and started running at home but I'm just not brave enough to go to the gym.

I have found that my fitness increased much quicker than I thought it would, I was so unfit at the start but challenged myself to keep exercising and to try and beat my previous best.

I hope today goes brilliantly for you and DS, I'm proud of you

JumpingJacky · 05/05/2021 16:00

Good luck OP!

I started at the gym at over 18 stone a few years ago. It seriously completely changed my life. I lost over 6 stone as I started to eat better naturally due to not wanting to waste my hard work on eating crap! I’m the fittest I’ve ever been and I still can’t believe how I used to feel compared to how I feel now.

I would advocate the crosstrainer to start as less impact on joints than other cardio so less aches and pains. Start at 5 mins on the lowest level and see how you go. It will be hard if you haven’t used one before but keep at it. Add in low weights as well. The machine ones first rather than free standing until you get used to it. You could try a few bursts of cardio in between weights as that kind of interval training is more effective for weight loss. Ask them to do you a programme if you don’t want PT sessions (pricey!) to start.

Take your time moving about the gym at first and don’t worry about anyone else. Everyone’s there for the same reason.

Give it about 6 weeks to start feeling better and moving easier. Enjoy and don’t give up.

mommybear1 · 05/05/2021 16:40

Good luck OP trust me people will be focusing on them and how they look rather than you. I was a size 20 when I started at a boxing gym (mainly men) I hated walking in and then walking out as I was so red faced 😂 but it was worth it - well done for taking the first step you will rock it!!!!!

MotherOfGodWeeFella · 05/05/2021 16:58

Take the advice of the gym trainers on what to do and how to do it. I have found weights - machines and freeweights - have made a massive difference to my fitness and shape in the last year and a quarter. I've worked out at home online with the gym and it's been great.

Boopeedoop · 05/05/2021 16:59

Anyone that's worth anything will be nothing but proud of you. Well done.

ithoughtisawapuddycat · 05/05/2021 17:06

I was a good amount heavier than you and felt fine at the gym and there were no issues with the weight limits on machines. I've now lost a huge amount of weight and enjoy the gym, everyone there has the same goal and is friendly. Even some of the weight building guys will help if I ask and I don't feel intimidated. One of the only places I didn't mind wearing tight leggings and I have lymphodema in my legs so totally understand your feelings.

poppycat10 · 05/05/2021 17:32

I hope it went well OP. If they offer you a personal trainer, make sure you ask for someone who has experience with people who want to lose weight and won't belittle or patronise you. You need someone who will take things gently and not try to kill you in the first session! It's a gradual process - and resistance/strength training is fantastic because you build muscle mass and then burn more calories at rest - win win!

AC12reject · 05/05/2021 17:46

Definitely book a PT for a session a week for even a month to get you on track, make goals etc and you can follow their plan on the other days you're in .
Look on the website if the gym to see if any have a special interest in weight loss (if that is your main goal), or strength training etc and book in with them.
I've only started going to a gym by myself in the last year due to an irrational fear of looking out of place. Prior to this I only went for PT a few times a week for years and really enjoyed the guidance and the structure. I now enjoy the headspace of going alone.
I can guarantee no one even looks twice at anyone else in a gym. Everyone is focused on a goal.
Even if you just walk in, any of the floor staff will help you use a machine if you're not familiar with it.
My gym is part of a chain so online and on some of the cross trainers etc you can get workout plans at different levels so you can even think about what you want to do before you go in. Good luck and keep us posted.

Original poster

Thedarksideofthemoon30 · 05/05/2021 19:01

So we’ve been! Ds absolutely smashed it and loved it! I’m so proud of him.

I felt so awkward. I could really do with an adult to do it with me lol. I really enjoyed it though. I did the sit down bikes, treadmill and weight machines. My arms and chest ache so much lol

OP posts:

Shopliftersoftheworldunite · 05/05/2021 19:05

All shapes and sizes at my gym. No one cares or even notices.

Every gym I’ve ever been to has been super friendly and welcoming! Hope it goes well - enjoy it! You and your son could be about to develop a lovely hobby together.

doadeer · 05/05/2021 19:11

This is amazing! Go you!!!

Definitely do some research and get some advice about exercises and maybe stretched for after and before.

💪💪💪

Notnownotneverever · 05/05/2021 19:15

Well done. You have inspired me.

TheChosenTwo · 05/05/2021 19:16

Well done, you just wait for tomorrow to see what aches the most
Great news about ds too, I know people always harp on about exercise being the key to so many things and I hate for it to be right but for me I find when I make the time to prioritise myself I reap the benefits. I hate running so much but I get out of bed ridiculously early in the morning to go based purely on how good I know I’ll feel when I get back!

mommybear1 · 05/05/2021 21:03

Well done OP fantastic work!!!!!!!

OverByYer · 05/05/2021 21:06

Well done OP , you’ve made a great start. Good luck at the gym

Capricornandproud · 05/05/2021 21:12

Well DONE OP!! That is so impressive, and I agree with everyone else - I would only ever be impressed with seeing someone tackle a life change in the gym like you’re doing.

emmylousings · 05/05/2021 21:24

Yey, good for you. I don't think anyone cares what people look like in my gym. I wear tatty stuff and there's all shapes /sizes / ages, it's great! Hope you enjoy it, it will probably grow on you.

Original poster

Thedarksideofthemoon30 · 06/05/2021 07:16

Thank you all!!

I weighed myself this morning (abit obsessive with weighing 😔🙈) and I’m 2lb up?! How?! Is my body holding onto water?

OP posts:

Dentistlakes · 06/05/2021 07:25

Good for you op! I always found the idea of going to the gym intimidating, but the reality was very different. Everyone is far to busy working on their own thing to bother about other people. I would also recommend some PT sessions if you can afford it.

SquirtleSquad · 06/05/2021 07:38

Your weight fluctuates naturally throughout the month with water, hormones, even the time of day can change it so try not to weigh yourself too often it can be off putting, once a week or fortnight at the same time of day would be good guide if you want to track weight. Use an app like my fitness pal where you get a handy graph and can track different spike patterns.

Lumene · 06/05/2021 07:39

Good for you.

Article in the Times today about how exercise helps to keep weight off.

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