1st time gym goer.. How did you ' just do it'

[FavouriteSlippers]

I want to go to the gym.
But I'm worried as ill be clueless.
Im a size 16. So not massive but im sure compared to most i will be.
I can't put much strain on my back due to back issues. So more gentle.
Wondering if its worth it if i dont do the weights etc.

Ive lost 7lb in 3 weeks which i guess isnt bad but fallen off the wagon this week. Lame excuse of half term and 2 take aways.

Back to it tomorrow.

But undecided and about the rest of gym.

Can you afford a personal trainer at the gym for a few visits, or even see one for an assessment and to have a plan created for you? It's really important to have someone qualified help you set goals and make an exercise plan, but it's also vital that you are taught how to use the equipment properly, when to up your weights etc.

Gym should give you a plan and assessment
That should include weights
Which is how you will avoid straining your back
And classes are good - sounds like Pilates to start with

You'll have an induction where they show you round etc. I've just paid £40 and a trainer has put a plan together for me.

There is people of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities in the gym so no need at all to feel self conscious.
My top tip - go on the treadmill first. You can spend a good 20minutes on there looking around the place, getting a feel for it and deciding what to do next. I use this to watch others work equipment/how to adjust/turn it on etc. The treadmill will be your warm, great start to exercise and easy to increase intensity - just turn up the incline.

Can you start doing a bit of exercise at home before tackling the gym? Maybe try Lucy Wyndham Reed, Rebecca Louise or Heather Robertson on YouTube?

I'd also consider having a few sessions with personal trainer to make sure you are using the machines and doing the exercises correctly.

But no one at the gym will care what size you are and whether you are a beginner.

I usually have a few sessions with a PT to help me settle into a new gym. Its always been worth the cost as I’ve gained confidence in areas of the gym I would have otherwise avoided

Like a pp go to the gym hop on a bit of equipment press QuickStart and then look around and be plan what you want to do. I always go to the cross trainer. Gym induction was online for me.

First step is just to get in the habit of going regularly. And that involves not overdoing it so that you ache too much to go again soon after.

The habit is more important than the content at this stage.

Pick a cardio machine you like the feel of, warm up, stretch, exercise, cool down, stretch.

Forget about the weights until you can do the above 3x a week habitually.

(I did the above THEN got a PT, because if I hadn't, he'd have spent the first couple of sessions with me barely able to catch my breath)

can you afford PT?
or does your gym have records workouts to follow- mine does I see loads of people using them.
personally I find the accountability of a class works for me.

Personal trainer if you can, even just for a few sessions so you can get some technique and routine

If it's any encouragement when I first went to the gym I was so unfit and lacking in co-ordination that I couldn't actually work the cross trainer!
I lacked the 'oomph' to get it started and was too terrified to try to do both arms and legs together.
Didn't feel any rush of endorphins, just horribly knackered.
These days I'm there three times a week, do classes and gym stuff, have made some nice friends to go for coffee after and cannot imagine life without it.
Good luck!

I go to the gym around 3-4 times a week, there's always someone with a personal trainer, it's a regular thing so no one would really notice. I started there at a size 20 adv I'm a 14 now, there's all shapes, ages and sizes.

I don't think you necessarily need a PT.

I didn't have an induction and had an experienced gym-goer friend friend show me how to use all the machines. I went along with him a few times and now go on my own. It's nice to go on your own and just get on with it in your own world IMO.

I would suggest that you either ask a friend to show you the ropes or have an induction which your gym should offer you as part of your membership.

I used the gym's app (pure gym) you tube and the NHS website to find exercises / routines. That way I know what I am doing before I get to the gym .

Personally I hate treadmills... I lose my balance and have been known to come off the end. But there will be a machine/ weights you can do & enjoy doing.

Have you had an induction, or is there a "get started" type class you could join?

If not, I'd suggest doing that. I'm an experienced gym goer, but still find it can take a while to get oriented in a new gym and it's not always obvious how to work the machines.

I'd suggest the bike is easier to start with than a treadmill. I always worry about falling off the back of them. Ideally sit on a bike where you can get a good view of the rest of the gym and look where everything else is.

I agree with getting someone to set you up with a basic programme that you can follow while you find your feet.