HELP!!! Gym Motivation

Hey guys, I have always read the board but never posted here. I had surgery on Valentine's day this year and must admit I been doing great no pains or any bad situations yet. On my weight loss I think is going slow and even though I wished it was more I admit I'm seeing clothes that hadn't fit before are loose now so guess I shouldn't complain. As of today I'm 295 from 319 that I weight on February 22 (1 week post op). Now for excercise all I been doing since pre op is the treadmill for 20 minutes every morning and recently been uping the elevation in order to make it harder cuz it felt like a breeze for me compared to before. But the real thing is I want to join a gym and know that I need to so my workout can be more and get my body in better condition doing strength training. My problem is that for some reason I seem to be scared of actually taking that first trip to the gym and having to talk to get a membership. I guess I feel they would be thinking something bad of me because of my size or don't really know what, but that's my dilemma. So maybe some real push from you guys or if you could share some of your experiences on entering the gym that first time, what did you ask for or say when getting your membership, it will get me going and forgetting about what might happen at the gym. I'm joining Ballys and have heard so many stories as of how they are always trying to sell you things so some feedback as to how to deal or handle it would be great. Thanks to all, Miguel

Congratulations on such a great start to your journey. You come across as very motivated, and most important, you are in control. That's the same approach you should take in the gym: you're in control, not them. You made the decision to take the first big step -- your WLS surgery. Now, again, it is all about you, and you need to show them just that! While I don't know Ballys, let alone the Baltimore scene, if it's anything like the gym facility I use in Rockville, you'll find all body sizes and types, both men and women. Some will have bodies you aspire to have for yourself, and others will have bodies you're trying to avoid. But, remember, it's your call, not theirs. Interview different personal trainers; if possible, get a personal trainer, and not simply a staff member, to give you a tour of the facility. Let them know what your personal goal is. Don't be afraid to bring your "before" picture(s); it sounds as if you've already made some dramatic positive changes. If the trainer is good (and I don't only mean in knowing the equipment), he or she will give you a tour that is oriented around your goals, not just a sales pitch. If you don't feel that he/she gave you the attention you need, then meet with another trainer. If, after your first session, you're not satisfied, work up the "food" chain there, and see if they will accomodate you with another session w/o charge. Just remember, you're No. 1! Good luck.

Miguel, Congratulations on your progess. I'm not a member of Bally's but I can share my gym experience. I toured Lifebridge Health and Fitness and found the experience quite positive. It's a medical supervised program, the average age has got to late 40 maybe early 50's... Not a lot 20 somethings. In the beginning (Nov 2003) I just made myself go and followed my surgeon's instructions to sweat for 30 minutes. He didn't what, how, just sweat for 30 minutes. It was the best advise. Because of exercise I just didn't lose weight, it changed the shape of my body and now it's just part of my day. It could help to go during off times, most gyms slow down late morning / early afternoon and on weekends mid / late afternoons. Before you know it is will be just part of your day.... Best wishes on your journey. /Lisa

"I guess I feel they would be thinking something bad of me because of my size ..." Miguel, there is no reason to worry about this. There are people of all weights and heights and ages and physical abilities who work out at gyms. Nobody is going to be judging you. "I'm joining Ballys and have heard so many stories as of how they are always trying to sell you things ..." I don't know what part of Baltimore you live and work in or why you've chosen Bally's. But if you're worried about high-pressure sales before you've even walked in the door, why go there? I've been a member of the YMCA for most of the past 15 years. I have a metro-wide membership, but spend most of my time at the Y on the site of the old Memorial Stadium. It opened in Sept. 2004, so it's still relatively new. There are also Ys in Druid Hill Park and Towson. Best of luck. Kasey 365/210 (nonop)

I belong to Bally's and found that while there was a push to sell me personal training when I signed up, I wasn't bothered afterwards.