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Original poster

Gym newbie! HELP!

19 replies

BoobooOnOverload · 08/04/2015 19:38

Ahh finally signed up for the gym Smile
Have my induction tomorrow but I'm terrified. I'm about 3 5 stone over weight and have never set foot in one before Confused

Any advice or tips, rules etc that I should being doing or not doing?

All help appreciated!

Also what do I wear?!?!?

OP posts:
AnnieMoor · 08/04/2015 19:47

Don't worry. No-one will be looking at you and the gym staff do several inductions per week on unfit/overweight people - they won't be judging you either.

Wear decent trainers. Avoid baggy tracksuit bottoms as they are no good for exercising in and look like crap. Slim fitting bottoms with a baggy top is better.

Don't think you will have to remember everything - they should write your program out for you and there will be a staff member to ask anytime if you forget how to use the machines.

Enjoy!

nbee84 · 08/04/2015 20:56

Nearly the same boat here - my induction is on Friday.

I could do with dropping 7lb but primary aim is toning up and increasing my fitness levels. I've been walking since mid Jan and walk around 45 miles a week but can't run/jog for toffee!

nbee84 · 08/04/2015 20:57

Annie - will wear leggings with a loose t-shirt Smile - tummy being my worst area Grin

Westendgal · 08/04/2015 21:02

Take a bottle of water and wear a sports bra.

PurpleDaisies · 08/04/2015 22:48

I found it helpful to write down my time to run a particular distance every week so I could see my progress and feel proud of myself, then try to beat it the next week. Or note which weights you're using which will get heavier as you get fitter. I wasn't brave enough to take before photos but now I've toned up I wish I had!

Good luck with the weight loss.

RJnomore · 08/04/2015 22:53

Don't be scared of the free weights,

Don't think everyone is looking at you (no one cares, honestly)

You get out what you put in

A good sports bra is a must!

mysteryfairy · 08/04/2015 22:56

Sports bra essential! Honestly spend your money there first or you will struggle to do anything.

Purplevicki · 08/04/2015 22:59

Take a towel so that you can mop your sweaty brow and use the wet wipes to clean the machines after you have used them (or before you use them depending on how sweaty the person before you was!)

No-one cares what you are doing or what you are wearing.

Enjoy!

makeusabrew · 09/04/2015 11:02

There is always someone having an induction at my gym, all ages and sizes. Remember everyone in there was a beginner at some point and will have had an induction like you. A lot of the people who are smaller than you quite possibly lost the kind of weight you are are looking to lose, think of that rather than judging yourself against them as you are now. I think you'll be surprised at how you fit in actually, the super buff are in the minority in the standard gym as much as they are in everyday life I find.

There is no such thing as a stupid question, you are a beginner and your trainer will not expect you to know anything. Don't be afraid to keep asking questions on subsequent visits. Better to ask a quick question and use everything competently that get embarrassed struggling. I took a photo on my phone of the written programme I got at induction, rather than carry a bit of paper round the gym. I have my phone on me anyway for my music so I just carry that and my water.

Once you get going, I'd also recommend some proper sportswear, material wise I mean, it will stop you sweating (less) and be more comfortable, and I find sports leggings hold me in and actually give me a better shape than normal leggings. Supermarkets and the likes of Primark and H&M all do sportswear if you are on a budget, or you can brave my worst shop in the world, Sports Direct!

Really good luck!

nbee84 · 09/04/2015 21:14

How did it go BoobooOnOverlaod?

Original poster
BoobooOnOverload · 11/04/2015 12:07

Thank for all the advice and support!

The sports bra is already a must just for walking (all the weight gain = massive boobs Grin. Will be sad to see them go)

Gym induction got cancelled YES! booked back in for Monday will let you all know how I got on.

OP posts:
feedmyfrankenstein · 11/04/2015 16:06

Hi and well done for making the first move. You will feel so much better. It will take a while though to see real results so don't loose heart. I second the good bra and trainers. Everything else clothes wise is just cosmetic. I wear cheap crops and a mans running t-shirt as I find they are longer and cover my tum and upper arms making me less self conscious and able to concentrate on the job in hand. They don't look any different from the women's ones. I have been at it for just over a year now and am noticing a huge difference in everything. Don't be afraid to ask other gym members for help as most will be only too pleased to show you how something works. Enjoy and have fun :)

Vivacia · 13/04/2015 18:36

Congratulations!

I second the comments about people will generally have a very positive attitude and admiration of you, and remember how difficult it was their first time.

Aim to balance favourite activities with trying new things.

I wear baggy jogging bottoms - I feel far more comfortable squatting and dead lifting without a vpl Smile

Original poster
BoobooOnOverload · 14/04/2015 13:59

Well I made it through! Wont get my full training plan until Friday because I was running late having a full blown panic attack before I left the house but went really well in the end.

Going back tomorrow to hopefully get in on a Pilates class and a bit of treadmill if I'm not too shattered or can't get on the class.

Thank you all so much for the support I feel like I've ran a marathon, not in the physical sense but in achievement. This is something I've wanted to do for nearly 8 years and never had the courage.

OP posts:
makeusabrew · 14/04/2015 15:16

I'm so glad you came back and told us how it went. Huge congratulations, you've done the hardest bit, I remember how daunting it was for me. Like being in a foreign country where you don't speak the language but everyone around you does!

Please keep going, even if the first solo sessions still feel scary, I absolutely promise you it will get easier. Keep remembering that no-one is looking at you or judging you, and the trainers are there to help, and loads of people use the gym for weight loss even if they are not in the room with you right now. Just go and do as much as you can, even 15 minutes rather than not go at all. It will build up.

Good luck :)

PurpleDaisies · 14/04/2015 15:19

Well done! I love classes because once I've booked on I feel like I am obliged to go. I'm getting to know a few people there who I can have a laugh. Pilates is brilliant-you'll ache in places you never knew you had muscles to start with but you'll end up with a core of steel. If your gym has a body combat or boxercise class I'd recommend those too for stress relief-nothing like punching and kicking the air a lot to make a bad day better. Enjoy getting fit!

firesafety · 17/04/2015 22:19

Did you get your training plan today?

Original poster
BoobooOnOverload · 18/04/2015 10:25

Thanks again for all the support!
Didn't get my training plan, they guy who's doing it has been off but went on the treadmill like I was taught in my induction. (Only for 20 minutes though Blush)
But felt really good after!!
Was terrified going back, probably more than the first time because I knew I wouldn't have a trainer with me.
Booboo child's been ill this week so didn't get to go as often as I wanted but hopefully will be able to go at least 3 times next week and do the full training plan Smile

OP posts:
firesafety · 18/04/2015 12:57

20 minutes on the treadmill is better than 20 minutes on the sofa.

It's a start, and you sound determined so well done. It's hard walking into a gym those first couple of times, but it soon becomes the norm.

I'm about to change gym, once I can muster up the courage to make arrangements.

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