Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Exercise

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

Flip

Original poster

New gym nerves!

12 replies

countvoncount · 03/02/2023 22:41

A few years ago....I was super fit, ate well and went to the gym most days doing fitness classes.
Now, I'm around 4 stone overweight, mid 40's, eat like a horse and totally unfit. (Homer Simpson has nothing on me)
I've joined my local gym tonight, and signed up for 3 classes next week.
I'm so anxious! I have to do this, but unlike my last times at the gym, I'm slightly "leaky" get puffed out at the slightest thing, and feel old beyond my years.
Any inspirational words for me?

OP posts:

FortyFacedFuckers · 03/02/2023 22:45

No help but I am exactly the same (not been for 3 years put on a huge amount of weight) recently joined went twice and feel so intimidated/unfit/embarrassed really struggling to get myself back into it.

FenghuangHoyan · 03/02/2023 22:49

You've made the first step to getting back to the old you. If you were once super fit, it will be easier to get back to a decent body size and appearance.

One thing I always remember is Ranulph Fiennes saying how much he hates exercise. He breaks it down into small tasks, with the first being to stand up off the couch, the next to get his trainers. Then put them on. Then open his door and go out. Then start running.

Don't think too far ahead. Just get to the gym and the rest will follow. Don't over do it. Take it steady so you don't injure yourself.

I'm my 40's I did insanity and ended up with the best looking body I had had in my life, so you're not too old. Just be aware that you're a bit easier to break than the old you. Slow and steady wins the race.

Oh and take pictures now and at intervals so that when you think it's not doing anything you can see that it is.

You can do this. Just get up off the couch.

FenghuangHoyan · 03/02/2023 22:52

Oh and as for getting embarrassed, everyone starts somewhere and anyone who is keen on self improvement in the gym will be supportive. The odd posing idiots are just idiots and can be ignored. You're not doing this for them or anyone but yourself. Just focus, ignore the people, do what you go there to do and you'll get results.

123rd · 03/02/2023 22:55

I do go to the gym a bit and have done for lots of years. I'm not slim or young or anything. I just want to say, we were all newbies once. So don't feel like you ' don't belong there' or aren't good/fit/slim/coordinated as others
Lots of times we have new people come and do one class then we never see them again-obviously there are hundreds of reasons why that might happen. But just give some different things a go and don't stress about anyone else there.
We are all there for the same thing- & we are all doing better than if we were sitting on the couch.

Original poster

countvoncount · 03/02/2023 23:00

Thankyou so much!!
I have to do this, and I want to, I feel so old and slobby
When I used to go regularly I loved it, just feeling fit was incredible, your words are very kind
I know after my first few times I'll feel better!

OP posts:

GroggyLegs · 03/02/2023 23:06

Residual fitness is your friend. Okay, so you know you're not as fit as you were, but it's going to be easier for you to get to a comfortable place again.

Also, you already know you love it. That lovely clean, achey feeling after you've had a shower, knowing you've done something good for your body. You're going to love it.

First time is always the worst. Get it over with safe in the knowledge the next time will be better!

flabbygoldfish · 04/02/2023 10:52

Similar situation and started a gym a few weeks ago. Doing some classes and yet I am on the bottom rung with some of the exercises. I can do the bare minimum with weights but they accommodate that. But some of my fitness is coming back quickly, I have discovered I still have stamina.

I consider it a winter project, I was told a minimum of 12 weeks commitment to see the benefits so I can crack on when spring hits and do more outside.

Stellaris22 · 04/02/2023 12:34

Two years ago I was a complete newbie and in the same position as you. I'd booked a class but sat outside on a bench too scared to go in.

Now I love it, staff and PTs greet me and other members are lovely. Completely unexpected for a standard 24hr chain gym, but the atmosphere is fantastic.

Good luck and go for it!

Pinkvici22 · 07/02/2023 21:22

Hi OP

Early 40s and 2 stone overweight here and on week 5 of back to the gym (having not been for probably 8-10 years!).

the first week was so daunting- I’m doing a combination of classes, PT sessions and the odd gym visit alone and I’m actually loving it!!!

not sure I’m seeing any difference (or any difference in my sleep - was hoping it would help) yet but it’s worth it for how I feel after and my mental health…it’s been a long time since I’ve done something for me.

I'm still trying different classes - most I’ve loved, a couple not so keen, but I’m actually just enjoying the trying. I’m not as unfit as I thought I was!

good luck!

AdelaideRo · 07/02/2023 21:58

Just go.

I've been back at the gym since April 2022. I bought some new kit I vaguely liked. Told the trainers at the classes I was new and brazened it out.

I'm still lardy but know enough people around the place to feel comfortable.

I have PT and my PT has just challenged me to try some different classes on the time table so I'm actively practising what I preach.

Original poster

countvoncount · 12/02/2023 14:07

Mini update.... I have completed my first few classes, it's hard but I can't explain how euphoric I feel to be actually doing something again!
My usual laze in bed on a Sunday morning was replaced today with a 10am Pilates session 😃
I'll be aching tomorrow, but that's great!

OP posts:

tattygrl · 14/02/2023 12:27

countvoncount · 12/02/2023 14:07

Woohoo, well done and good for you!

You're doing the best possible thing - moving your body and building up your health and resilience again. Anything you possible do at the gym is better than nothing, in a really substantial and meaningful way.

I've also just started at the gym and am on the waiting list for several classes (got body balance for the first time tonight, yay).

Enjoy the euphoria 🤗

Flip