Joining a gym at 65 - I would welcome advice

[Sausagenbacon]

Sorry - this is pretty long and boring, but i'd like to know what people think.
I'm 65, and very overweight (14.5 stone at 5'8').
I went to the gym up to pre covid then stopped.
I really need to get fit again.
So, I'm thinking of going to the gym again. We have 2 in walking distance - the Nuffield and Pure Gym.
I used to go to the former but, on revisiting, it feels much less friendly and part of me thinks, why not pay less at Pure Gym and get a personal trainer.
Or there's David Lloyd's and Ballentynes a short drive away.
OR I could set myself a routine of walking, swimming and yoga with adrienne. But I know I would find it difficult to keep motivated.
Thank you for getting through this..

If you want to build some consistency, it needs to be a positive experience. The "feel" of a place makes a big difference so if you like the atmosphere at Pure Gym, go for it!

Getting a PT will really help too, both with accountability and building your confidence and knowledge. Once you've decided on a gym, I would recommend looking at the list of the in-house trainers (most gyms have a notice boards with their details and pictures) and taking a look at their social media (Instagram is used my most trainers nowadays). Do they have clients like you? Do they put out informative content? Do you like the tone of their posts (ie supportive / directive etc)?

That's really useful, thank you. I'll do that.
I haven't been to Pure Gym yet, but I assume it's stripped down and impersonal, and my reasoning was that there's no point paying premium rates at the Nuffield if I find them unfriendly.

I'm 63 and joined a training gym just over two years ago. They run small group personal training sessions and strength training classes.
I love it! It's a really great community. Nobody judges anyone else. I have dodgy knees, so the coach adapts some of the exercises for me, but I don't feel awkward or self conscious - lots of people have injuries or issues that mean they can't do everything, so I'm by no means the only one doing something different. I think I'm about the oldest member, but that really makes no difference either.
I'll be honest and say I haven't lost much weight since I joined - but my shape has definitely changed for the better and I feel much fitter and stronger - and much more confident.
I'd say go for it - it's really worth it!

Thank you. Can I ask how you found them
I'm in bristol if anyone has any recommendations

Do it. And get a PT - will help you do the best excercises for your own goals and keep you safe

I’ve always had good experiences at Pure Gym and the Gym group - you’re right doing that and getting a PT would give you the best results - good luck, take it slowly and enjoy! 👊🏼

Thanks for all the advice, it's very useful.
What do you think is the best frequency for having a pt?

This all depends on your budget and level of confidence

Some people do well with training with their PT once a week or every other week, and follow the PT's program on their own the rest of the time. Others need the accountability and support for every session, but this can add up financially.

Once you have found a PT you're happy with, be very honest with how many times a week you are willing / able to train and what your budget is, and they will be able to tailor a plan for you. Some of them also offer small group training with just 2 or 3 people which makes it quite convivial and also good value for money

why not pay less at Pure Gym and get a personal trainer.

Yes!!! Pure Gym can be a jungle, full of ignorant bros & gym bunnies, but with the right personal trainer, who'll really push you(and not endless cardio & fairy weights), you should do well.

Starting with a PT at age 58 (6 years ago) was a total game-changer for me & he's become a good friend.

I might have missed it but how do you use the gym? Do you use the main gym or classes?
I use a smaller gym, attached to a tennis club. I mainly do classes which are up to 14 people maximum. I'm mid 40s and would probably say I'm one of the youngest. I don't have a pt but we get a 6 weekly check up/new routine etc.

I am also in walking distance of a gym like pure gym which is very busy, queuing to use machines etc. it sounds very young and intimidating to me.

I agree with the other poster who mentioned the small weight type gyms on an industrial estate. We have those which are supposed to be amazing

I’m 61 and my gym is a specialty gym that does group classes. I do small group personal training twice a week. My membership allows me to participate in the large group classes as much as I want, but they look too intimidating quite frankly.

I love small group as there are many participants around my age and the trainer works with all my issues!! They can tailor every exercise to something that works for me.

I recently had my first bone density scan and my doctor was flabbergasted at how good it was!