Hi. I've postponed an exercise program as long as I could. I know that to lose some more and get fit I need to take the next step. And now I want to.

I'm a 54 year old female with arthritis in my knees, so jogging won't work. I do enjoy walking but what I'd really like to do is get toned and fit. I know that this loose skin won't go away, but before I consider a TT next year I'd like to strengthen my muscles as much as possible.

I've lost 100 pounds and want to lose 50 more. But more than the weight, I want to get muscle definition and tone. I'd be content losing just another 30 if I was fit and lean.

Years ago I was able to commit to an exercise routine (jogging) by going to the YMCA right from work. I ran the track for three miles. I can't do that anymore. My knees can't take it. I tried.

But I'd like to start training (is it called strength training?) on machines, etc. to strengthen my arms and legs and stomach area. I recently saw a picture of a young bodybuilder I know. She's just a kid, but she transformed herself from a plump teenager into a whole different person. I know that's not achievable for me, but somehow seeing a person I know completely change her body gave me hope for "some" change.

For those of you who started the exercise thing at an older age like me, what gym did you like and why? Do most of them have trainers to help you?

I know many folks have success with home videos etc., but if I don't get my butt physically to a gym every day right after work, I just won't do it.

What are the pros and cons of the different big chains? Cost is a factor but I can budget a reasonable amount.

Thank you for your input. (Be kind.)

I have access to two small gyms - one through my apartment complex and one through work, but I still continue to pay for a 24 Hour Fitness membership. For me, the big gym has much more available for strength training and machines that are easier for me to use since I have some arthritis as well. The smaller, free gyms are great for some convenient cardio, though. I also meet with a personal trainer at 24Hr once a week since I am still a newbie at exercising and don't want to injure myself.

I would say if you can afford it, get a membership to a bigger gym. There is more variety in machinery and weights and that can keep you less bored and more likely to stick with it.

Water aerobics. My gym also has water weights so you can get in some light weight lifting.

I work from home so I set up a small home gym in my garage. It's great on days where you can't go to the gym and if your motivated you can exercise anywhere.

I have access to two small gyms - one through my apartment complex and one through work, but I still continue to pay for a 24 Hour Fitness membership. For me, the big gym has much more available for strength training and machines that are easier for me to use since I have some arthritis as well. The smaller, free gyms are great for some convenient cardio, though. I also meet with a personal trainer at 24Hr once a week since I am still a newbie at exercising and don't want to injure myself.

I would say if you can afford it, get a membership to a bigger gym. There is more variety in machinery and weights and that can keep you less bored and more likely to stick with it.

Looks like that chain isn't in my area. But those are good tips. Thanks!

Water aerobics. My gym also has water weights so you can get in some light weight lifting.

I did three Aqua Zumba courses last year and loved them. Problem is it was only one day a week and the water stuff really used up a lot of time. On top of that they moved it outdoors and into the daytime during the summer! The water stuff is lots of fun.

I work from home so I set up a small home gym in my garage. It's great on days where you can't go to the gym and if your motivated you can exercise anywhere.

So true. That's my problem though. I've only been able to stick to it when I have a routine and a place to go. When I went to the YMCA years ago I actually changed clothes at work before I left the building. If I didn't do that, it was too tempting to just drive home and skip my workout.

Where I used to live we had an awesome YMCA. I love Water aerobics. It's great for folks with joint issues.

I have a pool at home so I plan to swim and do water aerobics once my incisions heal. Once I am more mobile I am going to rejoin our local wellness center.

Where I used to live we had an awesome YMCA. I love Water aerobics. It's great for folks with joint issues.

I have a pool at home so I plan to swim and do water aerobics once my incisions heal. Once I am more mobile I am going to rejoin our local wellness center.

I will definitely check out the local Y.

@@JustWatchMe - Do you have LA Fitness in your area? My gym has classes 6 days/8 times a week. 9am M -S and 6pm T, Th.

I think yoga and pilates are also supposed to be easy on the knees.

@@JustWatchMe - Do you have LA Fitness in your area? My gym has classes 6 days/8 times a week. 9am M -S and 6pm T, Th.

I think yoga and pilates are also supposed to be easy on the knees.

Yes there's an LA Fitness pretty close by. I tried beginner yoga a few months ago with comical results. My knees cracked so loudly that they sounded like machine gun fire. I ended up laughing too much and decided maybe yoga isn't for me.

I think I have tried every gym and every workout possible, however over the years I have found what works best for me (which is a combination of running, boxing, jiu jitsu, mma, and ab/arm workouts). Recently I had a plastics procedure and I have an area that is refusing to heal so I've been forced to walk instead of run....shockingly enough not only is it sort of toning my legs, but if I walk fast not only do I feel pretty good when I'm done and I get a bit of a sweat on, my knees don't bother me like they do when I run.

So...maybe try powerwalking if you can't run? For someone who used to be a runner, you might not hate walking as much as you think. Aqua aerobics is also an awesome idea. I did that when I was younger and was an instructor in college, and it is terrific for not blasting your knees and still getting a workout. While you're in the pool, maybe swim a few laps before or after class for some extra cardio.

My mom and several other women I know LOVE Curves. They have a 30 minute circuit which is designed purely for toning purposes. You go in, you go around the circle a few times, and you're done. I personally find this more useful for working on toning as opposed to losing weight, but you may like it.

Like the others said, a YMCA membership is often the best investment. It isn't usually overly expensive, they have a lot of classes, often there is a pool with aerobics classes, and they have lower priced trainers. Usually when you sign up you get a free session with a trainer who can help you learn how to use the equipment.

Finding what I enjoy doing when I couldn't play sports anymore (no more high school or college so no more real teams to play on) took a lot of trial and error, but now I generally know exactly what I will and will not stick with, even though I still try new things.

Good luck!

I think I have tried every gym and every workout possible, however over the years I have found what works best for me (which is a combination of running, boxing, jiu jitsu, mma, and ab/arm workouts). Recently I had a plastics procedure and I have an area that is refusing to heal so I've been forced to walk instead of run....shockingly enough not only is it sort of toning my legs, but if I walk fast not only do I feel pretty good when I'm done and I get a bit of a sweat on, my knees don't bother me like they do when I run.

So...maybe try powerwalking if you can't run? For someone who used to be a runner, you might not hate walking as much as you think. Aqua aerobics is also an awesome idea. I did that when I was younger and was an instructor in college, and it is terrific for not blasting your knees and still getting a workout. While you're in the pool, maybe swim a few laps before or after class for some extra cardio.

My mom and several other women I know LOVE Curves. They have a 30 minute circuit which is designed purely for toning purposes. You go in, you go around the circle a few times, and you're done. I personally find this more useful for working on toning as opposed to losing weight, but you may like it.

Like the others said, a YMCA membership is often the best investment. It isn't usually overly expensive, they have a lot of classes, often there is a pool with aerobics classes, and they have lower priced trainers. Usually when you sign up you get a free session with a trainer who can help you learn how to use the equipment.

Finding what I enjoy doing when I couldn't play sports anymore (no more high school or college so no more real teams to play on) took a lot of trial and error, but now I generally know exactly what I will and will not stick with, even though I still try new things.

Good luck!

Thanks ! I'm going to look into Curves too.

I'm enjoying my Planet Fitness membership and workouts. I stop on my way home from work and work out at least 30 mins. I got the membership that includes access to the circuit training area for the days I want to work out, but not have to "think" about all the reps, etc. Also, I've not had a problem getting access to any of the equipment when I wanted to workout in the main room either on elliptical, recumbent bike, weight machines, treadmill, etc. The Y has a center across the street, but the rooms were so small and claustrophobic feeling, and it doesn't have a pool, I decided PF was a better fit for me. When I joined, I was still recovering from complications that set in several days after my surgery and put me back in the hospital for another 13 days plus 6 more for inpatient rehab, so I needed to regain some strength and energy back before I could really get going with a more intensive workout routine. After a month of outpatient physical therapy, I joined PF. The circuit training area was what I really wanted and it helped a great deal. In addition to my gym workouts, I walk 30 minutes on my lunch break at work more days than not.

I'm enjoying my Planet Fitness membership and workouts. I stop on my way home from work and work out at least 30 mins. I got the membership that includes access to the circuit training area for the days I want to work out, but not have to "think" about all the reps, etc. Also, I've not had a problem getting access to any of the equipment when I wanted to workout in the main room either on elliptical, recumbent bike, weight machines, treadmill, etc. The Y has a center across the street, but the rooms were so small and claustrophobic feeling, and it doesn't have a pool, I decided PF was a better fit for me. When I joined, I was still recovering from complications that set in several days after my surgery and put me back in the hospital for another 13 days plus 6 more for inpatient rehab, so I needed to regain some strength and energy back before I could really get going with a more intensive workout routine. After a month of outpatient physical therapy, I joined PF. The circuit training area was what I really wanted and it helped a great deal. In addition to my gym workouts, I walk 30 minutes on my lunch break at work more days than not.

Planet Fitness is a little farther away, but I will check them out -- thanks!

I'm so flipping excited!!!! I joined a gym today and signed up for twelve sessions with a personal trainer starting tomorrow! This is it. I am starting the next phase of my weight loss adventure. I joined XSport near my office. Can't wait to get started!