How do I start using the Gym?

[IHopeYouStepOnALegoPiece]

I've written that title 6 times and it looks ridiculous every time!

I have at least 10st to lose...probably more like 14... I want to start using the gym but I don't know HOW...I don't feel I can just walk in blind but how do I begin? And (sensibly) know my limits and then push myself?

I don't really know how to explain what I mean any better!

Hi op. I have a lot of weight to lose. I'm not going to exercise until I've lost a fair bit of weight. Am just too fat and what will make a big difference in diet.

This thread might help www.mumsnet.com/Talk/exercise/2279328-What-can-someone-who-is-very-overweight-with-painful-joints-do-to-exercise-more

Good luck

Don't be afraid, that's your first step! Everyone is there for the same reason - to get fit. And if you're saying you have 10 stone to lose I'm guessing you're a big lady. People might look, but trust me when I say they are looking thinking "wow she's doing really well" or "good on her", nobody is going to be thinking much else...and in all honesty most people are pretty focused on their own exercise.

Start by walking on the treadmill, just walk at a pace that you're comfortable. Do that a few times and then start adding a 1 minute jog at a time when you feel ready. Then keep increasing the amount of jogging. So do 1min jog, 5 min walk, then 2 min jog, 5 min walk etc and just keep going until eventually you are jogging with short walking breaks. Dont push it. Once you've been going to the gym a few weeks you'll feel more comfortable, then you can start cycling, cross training, riding etc. If weight loss if your goal then cardio is your friend.

Remember to stretch at the end, this will make a big difference. And if you feel confident, try to do some squats, these are pretty great for lower body. And the more muscle you build, the more calories you'll burn. You can always do these at home though.

Good luck and well done :)

Could you book a couple of sessions with a personal trainer to point you in the right direction?

I'd never been to a gym before, and a new one opened just down the road from me - so after I joined I had a couple of sessions with one of the trainers there, I found it gave me more confidence to walk into the gym and work out by myself afterwards too.

If you join a gym you will have to have an induction.

They will talk you through your goals and teach you how to use the equipment.

The staff should always be around to assist.

Don't worry OP - there will be lots of help available. There might be some classes you'd like? Is there a pool? Swimming and/or aquafit classes might be good too and mixing it up a bit can help stop it getting boring?

Defo worth picking a friendly and inclusive place used by a range of ages if you have a choice of gym locally. They do seem to vary a lot. Also worth getting gym kit you feel good in. Good luck - it's a great thing to do!

The gym staff are there to help you, and if it's a good gym they will be very keen. (Watch out though - some of them are so keen that they will be a bit over-zealous and try to sell you personal training as well!)

Tell them what your aims are, and be as specific as you can, and they will devise a programme to help you achieve these. This programme will be reviewed by them frequently - probably every 6 weeks, and changed a little so that it doesn't become too dull. And also because after 6 weeks you will be able to move onto something a little more challenging.

The thread that blahbloodyblah linked to is a good one - and I'll repeat what (I think) I said on there, that whilst exercise is obviously good for you, it isn't the be all and end all when it comes to losing weight - your diet is the first thing you should be looking at. Exercise counts for 20% whereas diet is 80% of losing weight.

Actually, if you can afford personal training, it's really worth considering. It really keeps you focused, and makes sure that you're working out hard and properly.

it's worth checking if there are any referral schemes in your area.

In my area GPs can refer you and you get a few 1:1 sessions with trainer experienced/qualified in developing safe exercise programmes for people with health issues/overweight etc - I think it's something like an 12 week scheme with half price gym membership for that period - specifically design to support people just like you, who wanting to improve their health and fitness. :)