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Exercise

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

54, Overweight, Unfit, just joined a gym!

37 replies

ElleLeopine · 14/11/2023 12:06

So, as per my title, I have just joined a gym, and would like some help in knowing what equipment to use and how. I will be having an induction session, but don't want to be completely clueless when I go.
I have been doing Pilates for about 2 years, but have plateaued somewhat.
I would like to improve strength, flexibility, stamina, and of course lose weight.
Any help gratefully received!

OP posts:
AppleJuiceWine · 14/11/2023 12:16

I think its absolutely fine to be clueless, OP.

Its best to be honest with the person doing the induction about what you want to achieve and the fact you have no idea how to do it. In my experience, they'll be really happy to help you out.

I'm not sure what's included in your induction but if its quite basic (just showing you how equipment works), I'd see if you can book a PT session where they'll do you a workout plan that'll help you get where you need to be.

Does the gym do classes, OP?

If so, go along to some of them and see what you enjoy. It might be that the classes suit you better than a self-directed gym workout.

fortheloveofflowers · 14/11/2023 12:26

I’m an overweight 50 odd year old. I’m paying for personal training for 3 months (costing a fortune but I don’t smoke, go out much, get haircuts/nails etc) I figured I needed to have this so I get into the routine of going 3 times a week and pushed that bit more than I’d do myself.

If you can afford it, I’d definitely recommend getting some personal training for the first month at least.

cheezncrackers · 14/11/2023 12:32

It's absolutely fine to go in and tell the PT doing your induction what your goals are and to be honest about your lack of gym experience. In fact, it's far better to do that than to glean some info online and go in sounding like you know what you're doing when you don't.

You can injure yourself very easily by using equipment wrongly or hoping for the best, so be honest, ask for advice and ideally book a few PT sessions to get you started to ensure that you're using the equipment properly, your form is being checked, and the weights and intensity/speed are appropriate. You want to start relatively gently and then build up to heavier weights and intensity once you're used to the movements and familiar with the machines and what they do. PTs love it when they get to do their job, which is to train people and help them!

Summerhillsquare · 14/11/2023 12:35

You can't go wrong on the cross trainer or zero gravity running thing, it will warm up all your muscles and get your heart and lungs going.

ElleLeopine · 14/11/2023 12:36

Thank you all! When I booked and had a look around I already told the trainer who will be doing my induction that I am clueless. I guess I just want to get an idea of what I should be doing as a menopausal woman. Just in case the 20 year old has no clue 🤣

OP posts:
ElleLeopine · 14/11/2023 12:37

AppleJuiceWine · 14/11/2023 12:16

I think its absolutely fine to be clueless, OP.

Its best to be honest with the person doing the induction about what you want to achieve and the fact you have no idea how to do it. In my experience, they'll be really happy to help you out.

I'm not sure what's included in your induction but if its quite basic (just showing you how equipment works), I'd see if you can book a PT session where they'll do you a workout plan that'll help you get where you need to be.

Does the gym do classes, OP?

If so, go along to some of them and see what you enjoy. It might be that the classes suit you better than a self-directed gym workout.

@AppleJuiceWine there are classes too, and I will definitely try a couple. It's just a case of finding a schedule that will fit in with the rest of my life.

OP posts:
Talipesmum · 14/11/2023 12:38

No help but I just sung your thread title to the Wombles theme tune…

ElleLeopine · 14/11/2023 12:39

fortheloveofflowers · 14/11/2023 12:26

I’m an overweight 50 odd year old. I’m paying for personal training for 3 months (costing a fortune but I don’t smoke, go out much, get haircuts/nails etc) I figured I needed to have this so I get into the routine of going 3 times a week and pushed that bit more than I’d do myself.

If you can afford it, I’d definitely recommend getting some personal training for the first month at least.

@fortheloveofflowers please can I ask how much the PT sessions are?
I'm not sure that my budget will stretch!

OP posts:
ElleLeopine · 14/11/2023 12:41

Talipesmum · 14/11/2023 12:38

No help but I just sung your thread title to the Wombles theme tune…

@Talipesmum thanks for that earworm 🤣

OP posts:
Whattodowithit88 · 14/11/2023 12:42

You don’t need a pt session if you don’t want to, they cost around £30 a hour. Join some of the classes and look on social media to be inspired about some workouts. As someone who works there to show you how to use the machines. If at any point you forget or don’t know just ask someone who works there, that’s what they’re there for.

Good luck, it’s very addictive and you will love going to the gym!

AppleJuiceWine · 14/11/2023 13:28

ElleLeopine · 14/11/2023 12:36

Thank you all! When I booked and had a look around I already told the trainer who will be doing my induction that I am clueless. I guess I just want to get an idea of what I should be doing as a menopausal woman. Just in case the 20 year old has no clue 🤣

Strength training is where its at for menopause to help build strong bones.
And integrating cardio with that is a good idea too of course.

If the induction includes recommendations for exercises, I'd say its likely to incorporate both of these things regardless of how clued-up or clue-less the trainer is about menopausal health.

My PT also recommends core/mobility work like yoga or pilates as I'm heading into my menopausal years, but I'm a bit lax with these TBH because it's not really my bag.

In your OP you talk about wanting to "improve strength, flexibility, stamina, and of course lose weight". Is that your order of priority? If so, I think its great. I see so many people at my gym who're over-focused on losing weight at the expense of overall health. But overall health is much better achieved through building strength and bone density and flexibility and lung function and heart health etc. These things combined with cardio and a good diet will help you lose weight eventually but be patient and prioritise health.

Strength training and core building are also your best change to build a good frame/posture which will help you carry weight better anyway. So you may look slimmer even if you've not lost weight. And when you do lose weight, you'll lose it well.

I should add that the 20-year old at the gym won't, or shouldn't be, clueless. In my experience, the trainers are all very knowledgeable and the young ones who're fresh out of training/university are often especially bubbling with knowledge - its very fresh for them.

Around here PTs range from £20 per hour to £45.
> The £20 is for one-on-one martial arts training.
> The trainers at my gym charge £25 and do the sessions in the gym with you.
> There's a guy who charges for £30 for a session in his garage which he's kitted out as a small gym.
> There's a woman who specialises in women's training and strength training. She's got a big following of menopausal ladies and charges £45 for a one-on-one in a small gym that she rents from our local rugby club.

AppleJuiceWine · 14/11/2023 13:29

Should add, OP: Good for you in joining! It's a huge and really positive step and I hope you'll love it!

ElleLeopine · 14/11/2023 14:56

AppleJuiceWine · 14/11/2023 13:29

Should add, OP: Good for you in joining! It's a huge and really positive step and I hope you'll love it!

@AppleJuiceWine thank you!

It's definitely a step in the right direction!

OP posts:
MsMartini · 14/11/2023 15:06

Good for you OP!

Build up slowly - but don't worry about being a menopausal women. The principles are the same - mix of strength and cardio. And the best ways to do those are ones that you enjoy, can do safely and can stick it, IMO and IME. As you get older, you may have more joint niggles to work around, or to resolve, but younger people often carry sports injuries anyway. I train mainly with younger people (I'm 57) and go a bit slower than many but the exercises and methods are the same.

I do calisthenics (using my bodyweight to provide resistance eg push ups and pull ups) but if I hated that and loved Pilates (another form of bodyweight training) I would do that. I've found some boxing classes I love so I mainly do that for cardio now. So I would try some classes if you can as you should learn from them, and see what works for you logistically. Consistency matters more than the precise mode I have found.

Mingusthebrave · 14/11/2023 15:20

Have a look at James smith online training app.
They will give you an exercise program to follow and access to online trainers.
Plus lots of nutrition advice.

I've found it really good, non nonsense approach and very easy to stick to

Alainlechat · 14/01/2024 16:06

@ElleLeopine I am the same and just about to have my induction. Do you mind me asking how you got on?

ElleLeopine · 14/01/2024 17:24

@Alainlechat I am getting on really well! I have got into a good routine of when I go and what I do when I get there. I am trying to push myself a little, increasing the weights and machine levels. I have yet to see results, but it's early days, and also Christmas!
I am sure you will be absolutely fine 🙂

OP posts:
Alainlechat · 14/01/2024 18:53

@ElleLeopine So pleased it's going well for you, fingers crossed I can get myself in a good routine. It's well overdue!

ElleLeopine · 15/01/2024 19:58

@Alainlechat how did you get on with your induction?

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Alainlechat · 15/01/2024 20:01

@ElleLeopine it's tomorrow at 7.30 pm. If I like it I'll sign up for the 8 week reform package and then after that all being well I'll be able to do my own thing.. bit nervous but still going for it 😀

ElleLeopine · 18/01/2024 09:27

@Alainlechat how did it go? Have you signed up?

OP posts:
Alainlechat · 18/01/2024 11:57

@ElleLeopine I did! Two classes per week and gym use for the initial 8 weeks and then I can reassess and up the classes if needed.

It's a private gym but everyone seemed very friendly! First class on Friday evening!

ElleLeopine · 18/01/2024 12:37

@Alainlechat that's fantastic! Hope you enjoy your first session 😊

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Alainlechat · 30/01/2024 22:02

@ElleLeopine How is it going? After my first session I text my husband to say I was dying. I am so unfit. I was in so much pain in my shoulders afterwards. Just done my third session and feel slightly less awful. Might even be a hint of endorphins Grin

ElleLeopine · 30/01/2024 23:13

@Alainlechat it's going well, thanks!

I have got into a nice routine of 3 times a week. And I am finding that I am slowly but steadily increasing my weights and levels.

How many times a week are you managing?

OP posts: