So...I have managed to lose 50lbs with only walking as exercise. Haven't been able to walk much all winter and can't wait to get out there. I am considering joining our local fitness center. I am nervous about this, very self conscience about my body and my abilities to actually do exercise other than walking. I see that they offer an indoor cycling class. This sounds like something I might be interested in. And I don't want this to sound like I am lazy, but is this super hard? I don't want to look like an idiot and not be able to do a 30 minute class. I don't even know what they do in a cycling class. If you have done this please let know what your experience was like. I really, really want to increase my exercise and get toned!

So...I have managed to lose 50lbs with only walking as exercise. Haven't been able to walk much all winter and can't wait to get out there. I am considering joining our local fitness center. I am nervous about this' date=' very self conscience about my body and my abilities to actually do exercise other than walking. I see that they offer an indoor cycling class. This sounds like something I might be interested in. And I don't want this to sound like I am lazy, but is this super hard? I don't want to look like an idiot and not be able to do a 30 minute class. I don't even know what they do in a cycling class. If you have done this please let know what your experience was like. I really, really want to increase my exercise and get toned![/quote']

Well first off Congrats to what u have lost already and that's great you're ready to take the next step! Spin class is usually an hour and u can go at your own pace the instructor is there to push u to go faster! If u can't u just can't at least you will be trying and eventually you'll be able to keep up if u continue doing it! Good luck!

So...I have managed to lose 50lbs with only walking as exercise. Haven't been able to walk much all winter and can't wait to get out there. I am considering joining our local fitness center. I am nervous about this, very self conscience about my body and my abilities to actually do exercise other than walking. I see that they offer an indoor cycling class. This sounds like something I might be interested in. And I don't want this to sound like I am lazy, but is this super hard? I don't want to look like an idiot and not be able to do a 30 minute class. I don't even know what they do in a cycling class. If you have done this please let know what your experience was like. I really, really want to increase my exercise and get toned!

First off....check out the caliber of people that belong to the gym.....also the time of day clearly segregates peoples in the gym.....

I go early am, between 5-6....people there before work, mostly professional types...teachers, Dr.'s, Lawyers, Cops etc....

After 8am, it becomes mostly women, perhaps home makers? And at night you get the young "Look at me" crowd...

Having said that, if the gym has serious people there (not the night crowd), then NO ONE will look at you as a "idiot" as you say...they all understand why they, and you are there and they are all after the same thing.....trust me..I see it from my viewpoint everyday and if I make eye contact I always give a small "thumbs up" We're all in this together...that is how Gym rats feel.....

The night crowd, well I'm not sure what they're after.....

IMO, it is worth the little extra $$ for a classier gym, along with more professional trainers/employees.....

as far as inspiration, we all have to start somewhere....it is important we start....and you will get rewards...little ones at first that make you want to do a little more for the larger rewards....each small victory builds upon the next one....then the next, and so on....

Everyday, when I get on the treadmill, within the first 5 minutes I always tell myself "No way, it's just not my day today"

But then I tell myself.."I can do this for 10 minutes, right? I've done 10 minutes 100's of times"

Then at 10 minutes I tell myself another 5 minutes...I mean I've already done 10, what's another 5?

Eventually 45-50 minutes have passed like it was nothing....

I ran 5 miles today....there is absolutely no reason I cannot do it tomorrow....I just have to keep telling myself that like I just described...

The next day I repeat the process....and so on....although the little goals and rewards have grown much, much larger.....but you got to start somewhere....

Why do you think people go out of their way to run through the neighborhoods all hours of the day and in all types of weather? For their health? Well maybe, yes of course, but more importantly it is because THEY CAN! And the overwhelming feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment is indescribable...not to mention the endrophines...

But you have to "Get out there" and start!!! And slowly build one reward after another and keep telling yourself you did this yesterday, I can do it again, even better!

One more thing....I wear noise canceling ear buds with my I-Pod....the place could burn down and I would not be aware of it!!! I'm oblivious....

Wow, fifty pounds. That must feel awesome. I also had gotten to the point the even though I love to walk, I needed more. So I joined Curves. What a great thing for me to have done. I had been losing weight and now, thanks to Curves, I was losing inches. I guess it doens't matter where you go, just using the gym will really help you out.

Good Luck.

​Congrats! on your weight loss. I finally joined a gym in December with my husband. I am not the largest woman there and there are a lot of very large men. I know that is important. I use the recumbent bike and a few machines. I do well with this right now. My membership includes any classes I want but I don't feel ready right now for them. I was told that you can go at your own pace just stand in the back. They have a spinning class but I can not do more than 20-30 minutes now so that is out. 3 days a week they have a senior class which I haven't tried yet that tones and stretches. I guess I feel weird doing a class but some day i will try them.

I live in Boston so you have to exercise inside during the winter. Join, maybe they have a trial membership for one month. I pay $20. per month and can bring a guest everyday with me so my husband is free and that includes all the classes but for me only.

First off....check out the caliber of people that belong to the gym.....also the time of day clearly segregates peoples in the gym.....

I go early am, between 5-6....people there before work, mostly professional types...teachers, Dr.'s, Lawyers, Cops etc....

After 8am, it becomes mostly women, perhaps home makers? And at night you get the young "Look at me" crowd...

Having said that, if the gym has serious people there (not the night crowd), then NO ONE will look at you as a "idiot" as you say...they all understand why they, and you are there and they are all after the same thing.....

The night crowd, well I'm not sure what they're after.....

IMO, it is worth the little extra $$ for a classier gym, along with more professional trainers/employees.....

my gym is open 24/7 and I usually go around 2-3pm and it is empty. I love that.

First off....check out the caliber of people that belong to the gym.....also the time of day clearly segregates peoples in the gym.....

I go early am, between 5-6....people there before work, mostly professional types...teachers, Dr.'s, Lawyers, Cops etc....

After 8am, it becomes mostly women, perhaps home makers? And at night you get the young "Look at me" crowd...

Having said that, if the gym has serious people there (not the night crowd), then NO ONE will look at you as a "idiot" as you say...they all understand why they, and you are there and they are all after the same thing.....

The night crowd, well I'm not sure what they're after.....

IMO, it is worth the little extra $$ for a classier gym, along with more professional trainers/employees.....

I live in a very rural area, so I only have one option for a fitness center. It does look nice though. I should be able to go most days at 12:30-1:00ish, so I am hoping that there won't be too many people there during that time. I just need to get over being so concerned about how I look to other people.

I just joined a gym this morning and had similiar hang ups. I was pleasantly surprised to see all weights, ages, and fitness levels and felt very comfortable. I only did 30 mins on the elliptical and noone cared or noticed.

I would like to know how many people have already lost 50 pounds in the crowd you may encounter. Your a rockstar! Hold your head high!

I never regret going to the gym once I get there. I always feel better. It might be good to visit and make sure you can feel good about it. I am happy to be able to do 45 min . now. I started out with 5 min. It has been a blessing to gradually add min. and better health and stamina. Not an overnight cure but a process of keeping on toward my goal! Hope you can keep your goal in sight and press on!

I would do like some of the others suggested and go visit the gym first. You can watch a class or just peek in on one to see if it is something you would be comfortable with. Ask to see if there are different classes for different levels of fitness. Most gyms will be happy to sit down with you and answer all your questions! My first question was, what time is the gym the slowest! Don't feel self conscious! Most people that go to the gym are worried about their workout and could care less about your size or workout! Sometimes when we feel uncomfortable we feel like everyone is looking at us, but that's usually very far from the truth! Example: a guy came over to me and asked me if I was interested in talking to him! I asked him why he would think that! He said every day when I was on the treadmill running I would be watching him on the elliptical! I had to explain to him that I alternate running and walking on the treadmill and the only clock I could see in the gym was above the elliptical machines! So with that said, congratulations on your weight loss and don't worry what others are thinking, do it for you!

I scheduled a tour for Monday, so we'll see how it goes. Thanks all for your input, I love this forum! I always get much needed advice and inspiration.

I joined a gym recently and love it. I'm only 3wks post op for port revision so no machines just yet. I do 30 mins on treadmill, 10mins elliptical and 10 mins on bike. I want to do more but I'm following the drs orders to a tee. There are so many different types of people working and honestly haven't felt uncomfortable. I am the biggest person in there but I keep gettin it. Also I mentioned to the owner I just had WLS and was in desperate need of a gym. He waived the registration fee and gave me a nice monthly discount. Best of luck in your journey.

I live in a very rural area, so I only have one option for a fitness center. It does look nice though. I should be able to go most days at 12:30-1:00ish, so I am hoping that there won't be too many people there during that time. I just need to get over being so concerned about how I look to other people.

to those who (judge or have an opinion i say screw em)

but like you, i worry about the outside and what the world sees.

what normal people will see, and what i see and what you ARE right this very moment, is a beautiful person who is making herself well... and if you can only do 5 minutes or 10, so what... at least you did it.........that shows you got want power and that is 98% of the battle...look where you started...and where you are now.

walk in there and get her done.........

​When I joined the gym the middle of December, I could only do 5 minutes on the recumbent at that time. My husband could do 3 minutes on the tread mill. We both have improved since then. Who cares? I tried the elliptical but can only do 1-3 minutes because of a bad knee and I don't care what others think of me doing such a short time on it. I have since given up. Join the gym and be happy with you.

I had the same hangups about the gym, but for me I'm more self- conscious about walking outside (I live in a moderately large city and my neighborhood is busy). I had to beg my sister-in-law to go with me for moral support, because I was sure I would get sneered at or somebody would take a photo with their smart phone or something equally awful. All I could do in the beginning was walk slowly on the treadmill. It turns out nobody cares. I go 5 days a week now, and use the elliptical and recumbent bike, too. I even started running in short spurts on the treadmill. I haven't taken classes yet, but I will soon and I'll probably make a friend go with me the first time again, too. The worst that can happen is I sneak out the back halfway through the class.

Believe me, the hardest part is just walking through the door. You won't regret it.

I think that's a great idea!

I do yoga and body pump (weight training) classes at the gym. I also use the elliptical and treadmill. Remember NO ONE is there to look at you. Everyone is there to better themselves. I tried a spin class, but left during the first 10 minutes because my heart rate was ridiculously high (and dangerous). It was embarrassing to leave, but I had to do what's best for me! Also I just didn't enjoy the vibe--dark with black lights, strobe lights, loud music, couldn't hear the instructor, etc. I enjoy the other classes more. If you haven't been exercising, it might be better to start with a recumbent bike. The upright bike is more intense.

Without a gym, you still have options though. I live in South Texas, so I do alot of walking throughout the whole year. I also own a recumbent bike and ride that almost daily going up and down "hills" while watching Netflix. I also do a yoga video to help with strength and develop core strength. And circuit training videos like 30 day shred. So there's lots you can do at home.

As long as you are burning calories somehow!

I'm 1 year out, down 85lbs, 36 inches, 14 points on my BMI, and 6 clothing sizes!