I joined a gym!!

Yes, I did it.  Actually, I got on a plan with Kaity and her mother, at Bally's.  They let Kaity join, and I'm so hoping that this, along with other essential good habits, will prevent her from someday being a wls patient. I haven't been to a gym in a while and frankly, I'm a little nervous.  I always hated that gym mentality, similar to that of a bar mentality - you know, where you walk in and everyone looks at you.  YIKES!!!  When I was immediately post-op, I was SUCH a gym rat, but it was through a rehab program at a local hospital and while it had the gym equipment, it didn't have the gym feel, if you know what I mean. So we joined Bally's in White Marsh, just a basic plan that allows us to use any Bally's in Maryland.  But I have some questions - We didn't pay (and I'm not going to) extra for a personal trainer, but will they still help us develop a routine?  I hate to think that they'd just throw us to the wolves and say, "Have at it!" What's your experience been like?  And Eric, I'm TALKING about your GYM experience!!!  LOL!!! Thanks, Tia

First, congrats on joining.    When I joined Brick Bodies, I got three, 30 minute, sessions with a trainer.    The first was an evaluation and general walk through of the facilities.    She basically taught me how to use the equipment.    The second and third were sessions to set up a weight and cardio routine.   Very basic.   In the end, I trashed her routines and built my own.   But that was primarily because I was headed in a different direction (running) as opposed to body building.    It seems that each club is different.   But I have found that when they get new machines, I just go to one of the trainers and ask how to use it.   They take a minute or two with me and I am good to go. Another resource is the web.    You can find great workout routines and even detailed instructions on how to use the machines on-line.   Just google what you are looking for.   Heck...I needed to do some complex workouts on a tread mill over the winter.   I found the instruction manual for the TM's they had and figured out how to program my routine into the thing.   It was great. Oh well...congrats again and I hope you enjoy the gym!

Thanks, Dave!!  When I first joined, I had this irrational fear that I would be sucked under the treadmill a la George Jetson!!!  I got the hang of it, but now I'm skeered all over again!!  I never thought to look on the web, but now I will. Hugs, Tia

My teenage daughters are trying to get me to join Planet Fitness in Glen Burnie. Im going to check them out this weekend. Hey you cant beat $10/month with no monthly/yearly commitment.

Oh, yeah, that IS a great price!  Plus, you get to spend time with the girls!!!! Have fun, Tia

I am doing a two week trial with the same gym and i really like it. i just ignore everyone else and do what i gotta do. though, so far, i've only used the pool. i love to swim and i'm getting better at it each time i go. i haven't been since monday because tuesday i played softball and the last two days i've been recovering but i plan on going tomorrow. what time do you usually go. maybe one day we could meet up. i know there are alot of other people on this board who use the same gym. how much are you paying per month?

Hey Bad Nicole!  I can't wait to try the pool out, although I took a water aerobics class several years ago and didn't get much out of it. I haven't been yet, and I really can't until the 6 weeks is up after my procedure on 4/30, but I'll let you know. We're paying about $60 a month for the three of us; I guess it's not bad, but if nothing else, paying $$ will hopefully motivate me to go!!! Tia

Whoohoo Tia!  I go there too! Secret- If you like the treadmill**** the one in dundalk. there are always treadmills open there, WhiteMarsh I usually have to wait a few minutes. I get tired of standing there. The plan I got had 5 personal trainer sessions, but I am sure that if you ask they will certainly help you for a minute or two. Man - there was a website someone else sent through a few weeks ago, that had a great workout plan on it- will see if I can find it. .......

I was a 5+ year Curves member and found it not challenging enough after losing most of my weight so last July I joined a fitness and wellness center and now I'm hooked! I actually feel guilty when I don't go. There is alot to do so I never get bored. I like abs express, fitball express, aerobics, yoga/pilates, and zumba (latin dance)...I also use the elliptical and the strength training machines. I am convinced that the exercise is the key to maintaining weight loss.

Thanks, Sheri!!!  I was a member of a ladies fitness center, and you're right, it wasn't challenging enough.  I, too, became a gym junkie - once I get back there, I'm sure I'll realize how much I missed it!! Thanks! Tia