The Gym...

[Tejee 32]

Hi guys, I'm 8 weeks post op and still havent started legitimately exercising... I was a few miles every other day but I know I need to start going to the gym. I'm so intimidated about starting...I dont know anything about the gym and dont know what to do when it comes to getting the best results. How did you start going? How often do you go? And what exercises/machines do you use for results? I have been so headstrong about everything...but feel so scared and intimated about the gym. Any advice and support would be great. Thanks!

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[GradyCat 3,697]

I got to the gym 4 or 5 days a week and I do 30 minutes of cardio (elliptical, treadmill, or recumbent bike) and 15 minutes of strength training machines at the gym using 40 pounds for my arms and 150 pounds for my legs.

[Briswife15 890]

Following! I'm also intimidated by all the hard bodies at the gym, and don't know what to do either.

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[thatch 377]

I don't think you have to go to the gym unless you want to do some heavy lifting or use a machine you don't have at home. There are lots of great at-home workouts you can do. I like to use Fitness Blender's HIIT videos on YouTube or do some Pilates (Blogilates is fun but HARD) or yoga videos. None of these require any equipment.

That said, don't let the gym intimidate you! Everyone has to start somewhere and good on you for wanting to go. If you can afford it, I recommend paying for some sessions with a trainer. They can help you learn the ropes and create a workout plan for you. I go to the gym twice a week and lift weights so I don't use any machines beyond the squat rack, but you can always ask a gym employee for a tour. When I started going to the gym years ago, I went to a women's only gym -- that took away some of the intimidation factor for me.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you're enjoying it! Good luck, you got this!

[jaytissle55 180]

Join a gym and get a personal trainer to help u to get started, if you feel froggy look at some videos on youtube and how to do them, just go light and get familiar with your gym.... Just use very light weights in the beginning and watch others. But, I vote for a personal trainer for about a month to show you the basics... Good luck

[KimB7811 115]

I used to have this fear years ago about Being the “chubby out-of-shape” one at the gym... but in my years so far, every gym or class I’ve taken I’ve never felt like I aaa being judged or didn’t fit in. I did Jazzercise for a few years and there were so many women there all different ages and sizes. You just learn to modify the moves to what you can do. Then I joined the local Y and took all the fitness classes there. Great thing about them is they have classes ranging from advanced/ moderate exercise to chair yoga. Never felt judgement or felt I couldn’t keep up. Plus, if they are good instructors they will never make you feel singled out and will show you modifications. If anything, I’ve always found a group of women just like me that have become friends. As far as the machines... just grab your headphones and put blinders on. I know you will feel like everyone is staring at you... but they aren’t at all. Just get in there! You will be amazed how good you mind, body and soul will feel after. Everyone started at some point!

[missranger 19]

I’m crazy intimidated by the gym. That said, I made a commitment by having surgery and I’m going to stick to it. At 6 weeks post-op, I hired a personal trainer. I knew squat about exercising and didn’t want to embarrass myself around other people. I cannot tell you how beneficial it’s been. I’m learning at my own pace and I feel comfortable in a one-on-one setting. Strength training two times a week and walking the rest of the week at a local park.

[Tereza 3]

Listen, this surgery wasn’t an easy one nor light decision to make. We are who are and shouldn’t worry about others. Believe it or not those same people we are intimidated by have more insecurities then we do. Go with a friend so you can keep the focus on your goals and not who is looking at you. I had to learn this.

[Venessa Blair 23]

Just remember, we didn’t gain all the weight in one day and we are not going to loose it quickly either, I have been going to the gym pre op, I just put my head phones on and do me.. those hard bodies didn’t start off like that, so just work at your pace until you get where you want.. you got this!!!

[anl1990 91]

I still struggle to go like I probably should, but I am trying to focus on starting out at 3x a week. When I go, I do about 30min. of cardio (usually the treadmill), and then I do this 30min total body workout - it is a section in Planet Fitness where it has a set of machines you go through to get in strength training on your entire body. If you are intimidated by the gym, I would highly suggest looking into PF if you have one locally. The atmosphere at any of them I have went to is so welcoming, and friendly. Not to mention the price is pretty nice. Best of luck! I have faith in you!

[domi 237]

The first 6 months I walked religiously and worked on my endurance. I was pretty much sedentary prior to surgery. Aa I lost weight it became easier to move and then I felt I was ready for a challenge. I hired a professional trainer for the first month and learned what to do. I now feel better able to move and actually use the gym equipment. I recently started swimming too. Being in the Water is very freeing and you don't feel the sweat. 😀

good luck to you.

[Avery's Mom 315]

I haven't been to the gym in a minute but I am jumping rope daily, doing cardio 4 times a week and yoga and strength training at home. I have a special needs kiddo so the babysitters and the gym cant handle him and I am a single mom so mostly I take him running with me or I run with my danes when I can get a sitter.

move at your own pace. BUT MOVE lol

[Avery's Mom 315]

20 hours ago, domi said:

The first 6 months I walked religiously and worked on my endurance. I was pretty much sedentary prior to surgery. Aa I lost weight it became easier to move and then I felt I was ready for a challenge. I hired a professional trainer for the first month and learned what to do. I now feel better able to move and actually use the gym equipment. I recently started swimming too. Being in the Water is very freeing and you don't feel the sweat. 😀

good luck to you.

swimming is great too. wish I had a pool lol

[domi 237]

Look at your local high schools. Many of them have open swim times especially during summers.

[Swimmer 199]

First off yay you, you're doing great! To be honest it took me awhile to regularly work out and I've taken breaks at times. In seven years out and work out at least five times a week. I was and am again a swimmer so that was my go to, but probably the most intimidating. Though I see I wide variety of sizes and fitness levels in the aqua aerobics class that goes on when I'm swimming sometimes. There always seem like a welcoming and nonintimidating group.

If not just walk, or try the elliptical. People aren't going to be judging you. They will be inspired by your motivation to be there at all. We all have to start somewhere. One day you will be that hard body and see somebody starting their journey, smile and think good for them. Chin up and just do it. Don't let fear run the show, you've got this.