JOINING A GYM

~Namaste~

I am going to join a gym - mostly because I need to be in the water to do aerobic exercise (osteo-arthritis and chondromalacia patella in both knees).  I am terrified; mostly from a social standpoint.

For all of you veterans - what should I be on the look-out for?  Any questions I should ask?

Thanks!

Amy

Hi, Amy!  I joined water aerobics at the local community college and I LOVE IT!   I think a gym would be a little more scarey BUT go for it!  It is so easy on the joints!  Good LUCK!   :-)

Good morning Amy.  I was super self conscious when I was looking.  I had visited my YMCA (we have 4 here) and felt immediately comfortable.  There weren't the skinny-minnies running around in skimpy, short-shorts and the front desk receptionist didn't look at me funny because I said I had just had WLS.

Ask if they have programs for people who are just beginning to work out to help train you on how to use the machines.  My Y had a Personal Fitness program where I went in and they talked with me about my goals and my obstacles then set up a program for me and walked me through it.  They were like trainers, but were there for everyone in the room and didn't just focus on me.  It was almost like they were my cheerleader if that makes sense.

For the pool, the most convenient is a place that has an indoor pool or they have a bubble over it in the winter.  That way you can use it year-round.  Ask about their water aerobics classes.  They are really great. 

They should offer to take you on a tour of the facility.  See how friendly the staff is.  Look for cleanliness in the locker rooms and especially the showers.

My Y has sauna, steam room, hot tub, indoor pool, free weights, nautilus weights, spinning, yoga, pilates, everything you can think of.  But the greatest is that I was comofortable there from the beginning.

If money is an issue, you may not want to go somewhere that makes you sign a contract.  If the fit is not right, you are stuck for a year.  I pay $59 for a family membership, month-to-month.  They don't have a contract.

I'm a big fan of the YMCA because their rates are based upon the local financial demographic of the city that they are in.  If the median income is $32K like it is here, then it's likely to be pretty good deal.  It's really a good price for everything that I get.  Other gyms are $80+ for the same thing.

Good luck!

I havent done it yet but I am going to join the YMCA as well I think.  Ours has child care for an extra fee too which is a huge plus.  I am thinking of waiting to join until I have my surgery (10 days!) and am cleared for exercise.

I went to a gym to sign up for the "19.95" a month deal...well...ummm they didn't mention till the last minute that it was only that price for a LIFETIME membership!  No way.  I'm joining the Y as well.  (see ya there! lol)   

***Hijack***

Stella: 

I just took some time looking at your profile.  How do you add music?  If your willing to educate this non-tech puter nerd, you can PM me with the instructions or send an email to [email protected].

Thanks!

Amy

ps:  I really dug your music!  It's as groovy as you!

If you are very new to working out Curves is a great starting point. I have arthritis issues too and because of the padded recovery boards it is totally doable for me.  Plus at some point if you want to graduate to a standard gym setting you will already be familiar with how to use the equipment.
I like the social aspect and the fact that there are no men. There are women of all ages and fittness levels.

Good luck on what ever you choose.  Just moving more will make you feel beter, stronger and more confident.

Hi    I have been going to the gym doing water exercise for the past year......I enjoy it...we have a salt pool so the water is great on your skin....I exerise 3 times a week...I swim 10 laps and run in place for 10 to 15 minutes... and do some water yoga....another thing you might want to do is walk backwards....in the pool this helps with your balance.....being in the pool give you great freedom with your body that you do not have on the gym floor....I am 500lb maybe a little less...so do not be afraid....wear your normal clothes in...I wear my swimming clothes under my other clothes...to go in the pool ....I wear a sports bra by danskin.....I can wear a 4xl in their sports bra...which are great because they are dance wear quality...I buy mine from a seller on ebay...I wear mens swim shorts....they have good coverage for your bottom......I also go sit in the hot tub after working in the pool...to finish my work out.....I am adding 10 minutes on the treadmill this week.....before I get in the pool to get my heart rate up.....Good luck to you ......The people at the gym are great....and the other people exercising are there for the same reason I am there.......the other thing I add in is lifting weights.....you will be surpised about how strong you are....

Our Y wasn't very inviting. It's old and needs alot of work. Plus the smell of chlorine immediately started burning my eyes and throat so I know they aren'****ching the levels very well.

I found a local gym that has a sal****er pool which is what I was looking for. I love this gym! It's not full of skinny minnies, they are in the minority. I do have to walk through the gym to get to the pool but that's OK.

Hi Amy!

Just wanted to say Congratulations on your surgery and the weight you have lost so far. You're doing great! I was going to the YMCA here in Puyallup. And will probably go tomorrow. I had been going in December until we had visitors come stay, then Christmas, that bad snow storm, New Years and now I am done making excuses and ready to get my butt back to the gym. I also had a bad fall at my house 2 weeks ago. Am okay just lots a bruises on my legs. But I think you've inspired me to go to the pool tomorrow for the 2 water aerobic classes. Thank you! You know it might be a bit far for you to come but I would love for you to come to the YMCA in Puyallup. You could come as my guest and try it out. The pool that I do water aerobics in has steps with rails going into it. there's 4 changing rooms for person's with disabilities to use. I use one to change my clothes and to shower in before I go into the pool. And as for bathing suits. Check out Woman Within or Roamans. That's where I order my clothes from. Take Care Amy!

Marilyn