Question about exercise

Now that I am getting ready to start my liquids I have been researching workout facilities.
The only two options that I currently have our the YMCA and Curves.
I know in the end that the final decision is up to me but I just needed somewhere to bounce off ideas.

If I go the YMCA:
- my family can join too
- I probalby won't go as much
- I will have to wait around for machines (it is always super crowded)
- More equipment choices and a personal trainer

If I go to Curves:
- Women ONLY
- More likely to go and work out
- They will weigh me and take measurements every month
- Mainly strength training so I would probably invest in a treadmill at home

Not really sure which route to go....

I know it is silly that I don't want to work out with a bunch of other "in-shape" people but maybe that will come at a later time :-)

How did some of you start working out? It is starting to get cold here so I would like the treadmill...I can walk while cathcing up on my Young and the Restless.
 

I started at the YMCA. It was busy at times, but worth it. I liked having the options - there was cardio, weights, classes, boxing area, lots of stretching areas with balls and free weights, a pool, etc.

I did try to go during the off hours - usually around  7-8 pm or 5 am when I was really crazy.

At first I was really self conscious (but I was 420 lbs then) but it didnt last long. Just put my head phones on and did what I had to do. I actually like working out with a bunch of in shape people - it motivates me to keep going when I feel like quitting. Gives me something to aspire to I guess in a sense.

Ive had  TM/elliptical at home. Never used them. Never used gyms at my apartment either. Maybe its a little OCD but I feel like I need to whole ritual of getting ready and leaving to go to the gym. Maybe i just need to be around more people, not really sure what it is, but the gym thing works for me.

Id say for now, maybe start with Curves since it will keep you going. Once you are comfortable, join  the YMCA. It can be a big motivation to have your family go with you. I know there were many days that I would never have gone if my nephew hadnt wanted to go...

Thanks!

I almost went to the gym at my primary hospital, but decided it cost too much for me, so I bought my year pass for swimming, and go biking & do floor work on my own.  I am on a budget, but know that I am ready to look at joining some facility -- more work should get more results, right?

In the past, I went to a women only aerobics studio, loved being away from my family & having ME time.  So consider that in your debate.  The Y is a FABULOUS place, and you can usually go to ANY location - as they are networked.  I know lots of ladies who go to Curves, and heard lots of good stuff about them.  I also check local facilities - in my town & neighboring ones, as community centers can also offer some great programs.

The best exercise is one you WILL do.  Think it through, how often you can & will go, that should help you decide.  Luckily, I am a cheapskate, so I go 5 days a week to the Aquatic Center - my pass is paid for, I'm not losing a dime by missing days!

Oh, and GOOD FOR YOU!!!  Exercise is a necessary component to this journey!
Brenda : )~

I've belonged to Curves at two different times in the past and I LOVED it! It was my time away from men (I'm surrounded by my husband, his family, and now my children both boys!) and I know you said it was mostly strength training I disagree. Both of the locations I had memberships was a circuit of combined strength AND cardio so you got a double punch. What I loved most though? That I could do whatever my ability allowed me to do. You work the machine for a time frame then you move for a time frame. You can move however you want when you move whether it's marching, jumping jacks, jogging in place - just moving. My first stint was really really successful and I felt motivated by the other ladies.

But everyone here has great advice - what it comes down to really is what works for YOU!

I'm in the process of getting a treadmill because I don't have to go anywhere to do it, and I can watch tv and still get my workout in. I'm also getting some fitness games for our Wii and going to try those too - I just knwo I won't be able to do as much of them in the begning.

Good luck!

I have done Curves twice before too and loved it. I just found another Women's only gym in town and it is a little cheaper than Curves and I will be checking that out today.
The only problem I had with Curves is that I was toning and not loosing. I am a pretty solid girl to be 350+ pounds and not that flabby and I was just toning away with no pounds going away but I did feel really good.
Thanks for your insight!

You might have just been in a stall or plateau. I gave up for the same reason. But I won't be giving up this time.

You're getting your TOOL! you won't JUST be toning any more. And even toning is a non-scale-victory and you have to count that too. You are doing something GOOD for yourself. And that takes time, you can't fix it over night.

Lots of of hope here - I love this place. I'm a very big girl too - was when I did Curves - and when I did it the longest I lost a shocking two sizes from a 26 to a 22 in about six months with no movement on the scale. Now I miss being a 26 and am getting everything going again.

We are warriors and we can do it!

*stepping off of my soap box and putting the air horn down*

proceed and update us with your choice so we can continue to cheer you on!

What has worked for me is a little different. My doctor prescribed physical therapy at one point, and I discovered that I could keep using the gym and the pool there for a small fee. Now, it turns out that I have a Silver Sneakers membership, so I can go there for free! (I am pretty sure silver sneakers is good at Curves, too. I got the membership with my health insurance)

I just thought I would throw this our into the mix of ideas, since nothing like it had been mentioned.

The great thing about that place is that, since it is basically a physical therapy place, the people in the pool are either elderly or recovering from some injury, so there is no reason to be embarrassed in a swimsuit. I mostly used the pool, because I was so heavy when I went there. I went from walking back and forth in armpit-deep water, to doing laps in breaststroke in a couple of months.

I can't emphasize enough how wonderful it is to work out in a pool, when you are heavy. It is a wonderful strengthener, and toner, as well as a cardiac workout!

But like everyone else has said, it's up to what will work for you.

Good Luck with your choice!

Lisa

The only problem with Silver Sneakers is having to be eligible for Medicare to be able to get on it.  At least that's what their website says.  I would love it if someone else could pay my gym membership! :) 

Personally, I think all health insurance companies should at least pay for partial gym membership! 

I belong to a local gym that doesn't have any contracts, so I just pay by the month.  I work odd hours, so I can't do curves, but I have gone there before and enjoyed it!

Jen