Joining a gym......

Hi Gang!!! Well, after ALL this time I finally called Big Vanilla (the tennis/racquet ball/fitness facility close to my house) and went last night after work to check the place out and JOIN. It's a 2 year commitment and $59/month. I can add Mr Mo for another $39/mo if he decides to join also. My goal is to try to get there 2-3 nights on my way home from work and then do the cycling class on Saturday a.m. at either 7:30 or 9:30. I was there last night just about the time I would be going after work, so I got a feel for how crowded it will be, etc. I am hoping I feel comfortable there. It's a very family-oriented place .. not really a 'gym-rat' type place so I think it will be a good fit for me. I get 3 comp appointments with a PT to get started. The first is an 'assessment' (I have that one Monday at 6 p.m.), the second will be to get me started on the cardio equipment, then the final will be to work on a 'strength' program. I am excited about it and glad I've finally taken the plunge. My weight has been creeping the wrong way, even though my eating hasn't really changed .. but I'm not always making the BEST choices either. Hugs, Mo

congratulations on your gym joining! isn't it something how the weight can creep the wrong way without the eating not changing? alittle over ayear ago i was in a minor car accident and got a slight whip lash. HA! i couldn't work out for all this time. the few times i woudl go would aggravete the neck and i'd be back at the chiropractor. its just in the past 2 weeks i've been able to slowly get back to doing my crunches and working out at curves. you wouldn't think that time would make a difference because i was still very active just not doing my excersizes or working out. but the difference was there. my clothes hadn't been fitting as well and i did gain 10 pounds. without changes or minor changes in eating i gained. its been a struggle to lose i'm hoping that now that i'm back to working out even while not as much as i did it should help. gotta raise that metoblosih (opps bad speller alert)

I've been for my first two appointments with the PT. The first one was a 'micro-fit' assessment .. the basics of weight, measuring, body fat, cardio, and strength to get a baseline. I was NOT impressed with the guy I worked with the first appointment, but then I worked with him AGAIN on the second appointment which was to learn about the different cardio equipment and how to set it, use it, etc. and it went better. I have my bag in the truck and I'll stop on my way home from work and get started on my own. I have a 3rd comp appointment, but I'm saving that til after Christmas and then I'll work on learning the 'circuit' / strength training equipment. Hugs, Mo

Mo, I'm glad you found a gym that you like. I absolutely hate my gym. I used to belong to an all women gym and they closed down last year. I haven't found another place that meets my schedule needs and isn't a meat market. The manager at the current place is such a pig I can't stand it. He stands outside (smoking no less) and sizes up the women as they come in the door. I can't say that he isn't helpful because he offered to go in the bathroom with me and have sex to help me get a cardio workout. Ugh. OK, that's something I don't appreciate about losing 130 pounds. I think you're going to feel great after you've been working out for a while and I commend you for doing this now. Most people wait until after the holidays and you got started before the rush. Connie

Hi Connie I've been considering this particular athletic club for a while and I seem to have joined at a good time. They just finished a major expansion whi*****luded putting in a lap pool and expanding the work out area (they took away one of the tennis courts to expand the fitness area, but that leaves 3 tennis courts and I don't play tennis anyway .. ). I am actually going tonight for the first time 'on my own' to work out. My goal is to get there 2 to 3 nights / week after work for about 45 minutes/night and then either Saturday or Sunday a.m. for an hour or two. Hugs, Mo

That is Great Maureen. I just can't afford the gym right now with what I have income wise. That is also when I started gaining again is when I quit going my 3 days a week. It does make the difference & I no it does, just can't afford it. I had to cut out some things & the gym was the first one. I however, refuse to let my internet go as this board & others I am on, is my only lifeline that I have these days,besides God who is my #1. Best of luck to you & hope you enjoy your gym nights. Marilyn, the Bearlady

So far so good with the gym. Tonight will be my first night on my own. I have my bag in the truck and I'm going right from work. I hope I didn't forget anything Hugs, Mo

You go, girl! Keep us posted on your progress. M.

Hi Reenie, After the first 'assessment' appointment with the PT, I was ready to ask for my $$$ back, but last night went better and tonight I am on my own with the equipment. I think I'm going to be doing the 'quick' start button on a lot of it and just getting comfortable walking on the treadmill and the stationary bike for a bit before I get going on the cross trainers and elipticals. Every piece of cardio equipment has a headphone jack to plug your own headphones into to listen to one of the 7 big screens. The bikes actually have individual tv monitors AND dvd players so I could bring my own movies to watch (AS IF I would be there long enough to watch a movie .. but you never know ... ) I just know that I have to make this a part of my healthy life because my weight has started to slip in the wrong direction AND I'm not about to buy larger clothes!!! Hugs, Mo

You GO MO! We are all pulling for you! I wish I could get myself out there too, but today I can't seem to make myself! I wish Santa would TAKE a few pounds (who cares if he BRINGS anything!!) Joy