Come talk to me about joining the gym.

[alessthandomesticgoddess]

Right, so I've had enough. I posted before about weighing 18st2lb. That is ridiculous for my height 5ft11. I think that is ridiculous for any height.

So big breath I'm joining a gym. I'm eating well (under 1700 calories) and I want to exercise. I'm starting small with an hour three times a week and my aim is to move up to two hours three times a week plus two classes a week which would put me in the gym 4-5 days a week.

Now, the stickler. I have fibromyalgia which means exercise can really hurt me after. I know I have to feel the pain to reap the benefits but I'm afraid the pain will be too much. I'm primarily cardio to lose weight so what would you suggest? Power walking on a treadmill? A spin class? I'm very confused as to what I can and can't do. Everyone recommends swimming but I just can't stand being in the water and exercising. I know it's good for the muscles but it makes me less inclined to exercise. I'll happily have a splash about with the kids but it's for their benefit, not mine.

So, gym bunnies. Tell me how you lose inches and how I should go about this.

**I have an appointment with my GP tomorrow night before I sign up on Tuesday. Hopefully they'll be able to recommend something.

Presuming you do get some good information from your GP, you should then at your gym induction also get lots of help and advice at the gym.

Your goals should not just be about losing inches but maybe more about improving your fitness, ease of movement, increasing your metabolism and general toning?

Re. what you should do re. balancing exercise and possible pain, I guess you'll just have to try different things and see what's best for you. You know what you can and can't do ( or you soon will! :) ) Above all, whatever you do, it has to be enjoyable or you'll just not be motivated to go.

Look at our Paul mckenna thread (lots of v. big people loosing weight without cal. counting or even gym joining!! He also says NO PAIN; it is totally unnec. to have to feel pain to lose weight or become toned believe me I'm a good example of that i've lost 3 stone with NO PAIN and am toned too.

Another thought; look at the thread about wholegrains you may just have to cut out wheat to lose weight and cure yr. fibro.

unless someone on here is a personal trainer & can advise you - then def best to go to they gym & tell them your medical conditions & then they can decide which exercises will suit you. You can then see if you like doing them.
Personally I love Spin class & boxing - but I do not have any medical conditions.

Gosh - two hour sessions?!? That is a very long time in a gym. I go to a gym but I notice most people tend to do an hour or an hour and a half. Good luck OP I hope you find a nice gym that will advise you.

I used a treadmill to do the Couch to 5K programme. Basically, it teaches you how to run (or walk fast if you prefer). You walk for 5 minutes, then run for 1 min, walk for 5 etc. It's a 9 week course and by the end of it you will be able to run for 30 mins non-stop. I was amazed as I've never been able to run before, but it worked. I was only cutting down about 200 cals a day on food, so burning the extra like this enabled me to lose a 1lb a week, which was what I wanted. I would recommend this if you're not used to exercising, although I'm sure the gym staff can offer you lots of good advice. NHS version is HERE. They also do a podcast so you can listen to tips/support as you run. Good luck with it .

So, I joined! I did a kettlebell class plus half an hour in the gym and in the evening I did fit2fite and bodyblast. Now I hurt but I did manage aqua aerobics earlier and yoga at home tonight.

I'm loving how it makes me feel. I hate the soreness I'm feeling today but I'll push on.

I'm eating 1500 calories to make up for the exercise. Is that enough?