Gym

I ended up at the gym.  I did work out there a handful of times when I was pre-op 334 lbs approx.  Didn't last though because of lots of knee, foot pain etc.  So today I paid for 1 month membership until my 6 mo membership is paid.  I don't remember how to do the treadmill.  Ok so they teach me again.  I am feeling embarrassed and vunerable as it was, so I am on the verge of tears the whole 1/2 hr I was there.  I did do 15 min on the treadmill and 15 min on the bike.  The instructor tried to show me another machine but I wasn't getting it so I gave up and left. I didn't stretch.  I don't know how and I was not going to ask any more questions as it was.  The only reason I knew I had to do that was my doctor told me to.   I am discouraged.  I listed the pros and cons of my session to help me out...

Pros

I did get in 1/2 hr work out
did feel some muscle soreness
burnt approx. 75 calories


Cons

didn't break a sweat
shorted self 1/2 hr
the resistance was so low did it even help?

I listed a lot more stuff on scraps of paper in the parking lot lol.  I forgot to bring them to the computer...

On a positive note 2 NSV happened while there.  I tied my shoes for the first time!  I could do it comfortably!  I been wearing slip ons.  The bike didn't hurt my feet this time. 

I will go back tomorrow and try for the whole hour.  If I just alternate between the 2 machines is that enough cardio?  I was told to do cardio 3 days a week/1 hr and weights 2 days a week/1 hour!  I do not want to go back for the weights though.  I will need lots of help.

Jimi

I think that you kept going, even though embarrased is awesome. sometimes thats the hardest thing to do....too bad we didnt live closer, i could help you in the gym. i love working out, i know all the machines and we all know that when it comes to excercising the buddy system keeps you more motivated.....keep going at your pace, and just get used to being there, and using the machines and then start pushing yourself a little....it will come...

i hope i can follow my own advice once i get the surgery....lol

too help you feel more comfortable with the gym

there is a web site that has video of how to use the exercise equipment and how to stretch too.

it is free ;you have to join it but maybe it will help you feel more empowered when you go to the gym

sparkpeople.com

look for me on there  I am marymazilla there too.

Don't feel bad I always feel selfconcious too. Just don't worry about it cause all the others in there feel the same way you do. they just don't show it.

when I went to the exercise therapist at my WLS center. He told that it is not the Resistance that is important at first it is the moving and to work up to 1 hrs of cardio a day but to start small so you did great.  just do a little at a time. don't try to go 1hr if your not ready.

and if you work out there for 30 minutes and then walk out side for 20 minutes you will do just as good as if you walked on the tread mill or star stepper for 1 hr straight.

You have taken the biggest step now the rest gets easier.

I go to the gym early in the morning.  As soon as I drop my son off at school.  There are not so many barbie's and Ken's there, usually by myself.  I walk on the treadmill for 1 mile then I hit the machines.  I do upper body one day and lower body the next but I walk every day.  Anything you do at the gym is better than nothing at home.  It takes time.  You will get the hang of it.  I am 9 weeks out from RNY.  When I started walking I could only walk to 4 songs(on my i pod).  Now I don't count I just go.  And if any body lives in Oxford I would love a gym buddy.


Cheryl

Jimi,
Hold on and take a deep breath.
You need to build up your exercise time to one hour. If you haven't been exercising and you start (which you did) you have all ready improved 100%
Walking is the best thing for you right now. Can you find a workout buddy?
As far as working out with weights, you can do this at home while you are watching TV.
They should not be heavy weights, you don't need to bulk up, start with 3 or 5 pounds weights and switch off and on with the 3 and 5 pds. Work those arms, your body will thank you for it.

Try not to think people are watching you at the gym. If they are...tough! Your there improving your health.

At your gym, do they offer classes like spinning? Weight lifting class for women? Pilate's or Yoga? Water aerobics?

PM me if you want to talk more. I have made exercise my "transfer addiction".
Instead of emotional eating...I now exercise. Now sometimes I do end up emotional eating but not very often.

Jimi, GOOD GOING GIRL!  You've taken the first step!  Everyone has to start somewhere and learn how to do things properly.  When I went to the gym downstate, I didn't have a buddy to go with.  I spied someone that I thought I could be friends with and approached her.  Asked what days she usually comes and what time, and went at the same time and used her as my workout buddy.  You may want to try that.  I used the treadmill every time I went for 20 minutes to warm up.  Then I went on to the machines and weights.  Upper body one day, lower body the next, but always the treadmill.  You probably need to increase your speed on the treadmill in order to break a sweat.  That's what I do anyway.
Good luck, and don't give up.  This is for YOU!
Jan

 Jimi,

GOOD FOR YOU!!! That is the first step. Take it one day at a time. What you are doing is 100% the best thing you can do for your long term lifestyle. What gym are you working out at? I use to work for Life Time. I am studying right now for my personal training certification. Add me as a buddy and I will do whatever I can to help.....

Just keep focused! You are doing this for you!!

I am in the upper peninsula.  It's the Baraga Co. Memorial Fitness Center.  I haven't gone back yet today but I will because I want to sign up for the October Walk they are having Saturday.  I have until 7 pm since they close at 8pm. 

Jimi

 First off:  CONGRATS at getting in the gym!!!  The first day(s) are going to be the hardest.  I know you feel like everyone is watching you and judging you but I promise you they aren't.  
I highly recommend trying to get into a class of some sort.  I haven't done a spinning class but have heard they tend to be a blast and are a great workout.  
The important thing is to keep going.  If you haven't done anything outside of the gym, jumping into an hour of intense cardio will probably see you swearing off doing anything like that again, lol.  15-20 minutes on the bike & 15 minutes on the treadmill for a week or two will get you going.  Also, don't be afraid of just walking outside.
Keep at it, it's worth it!
--Sax