I think in my whole life, I have stepped into a gym 1time. I saw everyone working out, doing things I feel like I'll never be able to do. I kinda ran away. So I live in Maine and like it or not, snow will come. I've been power walking 40min every AM...but once it snows, the roads out here are dangerous to walk on. So, my only choice to keep myself on this path is to join a gym. There is one about 20min away and tomorrow I have an appointment to check it out and them check me out. I am feeling very nervous and kinda freaked. I don't want to be stared at...feel like the fat lady in the room...and I have no coordination and worry I'll look like a dork. I don't even have "gym clothes"! How can I keep myself from running in the opposite direction!?!

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Update- went to the gym. Owner is a sweetheart, started talking and I did tell her about my sleeve surgery. She was great, no judgement at all. She showed me all the equipment, though we skipped the heavyweight room. She showed me a workout which would help build muscle, but also work on weight loss. I joined the gym...it has what I need, but is a smaller gym, 24hr and has a family feel. I can start next week...wow!

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I haven't worked out it 2 months 3 really good. I did go Saturday just for some cardio, did 20 on the tread. I can't lift so seems yawn pointless. Sigh 2½ weeks post op. It will come soon enough. Congrats

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My local hospital has a pool and certain times they have bariatric patients. Pre and post op. I'm calling them to find out the schedule. Still don't know when surgery will be. I have tricare and it's taking forever. Getting frustrated.

I was going to the gym until a few airmen (military base) start laughing at the "fat girl"

Edited October 20, 20169 yr by kathileelyo

That's rotten...don't let them win. I hate people like that. I'm sure I'll meet people who are like that at some point, but this fat girl is going to prove them wrong!

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I'll second @@jenn1 's mention of a music playlist and good headphones...has changed my gym-going life. I get super bored doing cardio without them, and they help distract me when I get self-conscious and think that someone surely must be staring at me (even though they're totally not). I splurged on a pair of Bluetooth earbuds after nearly strangling myself with a pair of regular wired ones while using the rowing machine one day (ok, people probably WERE staring then) - one of my best investments. They get constant use in and out of the gym, and I can tuck my phone away and not have to worry about it until I'm done working out.

My other favorite gym-related investment? Waterproof iPod Shuffle. Rocking out while swimming laps? Yaaaaaaaas. Makes 60 laps a LOT less tedious.

I'll second @@jenn1 's mention of a music playlist and good headphones...has changed my gym-going life. I get super bored doing cardio without them, and they help distract me when I get self-conscious and think that someone surely must be staring at me (even though they're totally not). I splurged on a pair of Bluetooth earbuds after nearly strangling myself with a pair of regular wired ones while using the rowing machine one day (ok, people probably WERE staring then) - one of my best investments. They get constant use in and out of the gym, and I can tuck my phone away and not have to worry about it until I'm done working out.

My other favorite gym-related investment? Waterproof iPod Shuffle. Rocking out while swimming laps? Yaaaaaaaas. Makes 60 laps a LOT less tedious.

I have to have music when I'm working out, or there's little chance I'll finish or come back. I looked at a waterproof iPod Shuffle, but my music is all streaming, and the Shuffle doesn't allow that. So I did a BUNCH of research, and decided to use a waterproof case like this one with waterproof earbuds.

https://smile.amazon.com/Wildtek-Universal-Waterproof-Cell-Phone/dp/B00N7VIK10/ref=sr_1_1?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1477060451&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=waterproof+phone+case&psc=1

It's working out great. However, I didn't want to risk my way-too-expensive phone even though I tested the pouch for Water tightness. So I got a refurb iPod Touch from the Apple refurb store. So I can have fresh music for my water laps and my workouts.

Wow I literally just posted almost the same concerns. Lol

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Everybody has to start somewhere! I have a membership at Planet Fitness and I recommend them - $10/month and the vibe there is much more "fitness for everybody." You have all types of people in there, from meatheads to people just starting out, and everywhere in between. Pretty good beginner gym, for sure.

As for gym clothes...it ain't a fashion show I don't wear anything special. Just comfortable clothes I don't mind sweating in.

Edited October 22, 20169 yr by PorkChopExpress

I think in my whole life, I have stepped into a gym 1time. I saw everyone working out, doing things I feel like I'll never be able to do. I kinda ran away. So I live in Maine and like it or not, snow will come. I've been power walking 40min every AM...but once it snows, the roads out here are dangerous to walk on. So, my only choice to keep myself on this path is to join a gym. There is one about 20min away and tomorrow I have an appointment to check it out and them check me out. I am feeling very nervous and kinda freaked. I don't want to be stared at...feel like the fat lady in the room...and I have no coordination and worry I'll look like a dork. I don't even have "gym clothes"! How can I keep myself from running in the opposite direction!?!

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I have been in and out of gyms for almost 40 years, when people are working out they are into their own groove and not judging you. Do not be scared of the gym. Maybe less intimidation would be finding a Curves or something like that, they offer lots of support. The only concern with you going 20 mins away, is that it may keep you from going. I know how bad I am about driving 10 mins, let alone when bad weather comes. Don't worry about gym clothes and wear what you are comfortable in (big t-shirt and sweats or leggings). The good thing is you can start slow, recumbant bike or treadmill, add a few arm weights. Being as how you are so motivated power walking, maybe a treadmill at home would do the trick (but you have to use and not let it become the coat rack )

@@Raynbolite,

(and to anyone else new to gyms)…Don’t worry! People go to gyms to work out, not to laugh at people. People don’t pay for gym memberships and take time out of their day and go work up a sweat just because they hope they can find someone to laugh at! They do all those things for the exact same reasons you are: to look better, to feel better, to get healthier, and to control weight.

@@Bufflehead is exactly right. They are only judging the ones who don’t go to the gym. Gym-goers know enough about how hard it is to get to the gym to be able to respect any other gym-goer, no matter what you look like.

When you go check it out and go for your first workouts, be friendly! You might pick up a few gym buddies or workout partners that can turn your workouts into a pleasure instead of a chore. At worst, even if you do not get close with anyone, you can still meet people and exchange smiles and “good mornings” so you feel like you are among friends whenever you go to the gym.

Good luck, and good for you for going!

The 20 min ride is no biggie...I live so far in the woods, 20 min rides don't slow me down. Today I did my walk outside, holy moly...winter is coming...seeing my breath as I huffed and puffed was a motivator... tomorrow I will be at the gym...no more cold freaking morning walks. Thanks for all the support and advice. I'm feeling excited about this...now that the owner has shown me every piece of equipment in the gym AND had me try it out, so I know how to use it...now I don't feel like a bull in a China shop. I'm excited to get my groove on! Again thanks you all!!

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My local hospital has a pool and certain times they have bariatric patients. Pre and post op. I'm calling them to find out the schedule. Still don't know when surgery will be. I have tricare and it's taking forever. Getting frustrated.

I was going to the gym until a few airmen (military base) start laughing at the "fat girl"

Tell them to F off and grow the hell up!