I have made a decision

Well, I have been thinking about it for a long time, have talked to the doctor on several occassions...and finally did it today.... I joined a gym.  I start on Thursday, March 1st.  My doctor has said on numerous occassions that I am not allowed to exercise...but I am going to talk to him on the 28th...again for permission. I want to get rid of the flab...I want to tone up...and I hope that it will help me with the excessive energy.  All that matters is that I need to do something for myself...and the treadmill..and some weight lifting should be good for me.  I know that I will be using low weights and more reps...but I am going to walk in clueless..and let them help me develop a program that is beneficial.  Any advice, however would be appreciated....  THANKS...

Amen to that.  I am in the extreme butt and hip pain phase, and I noticed the only time it feels better is after I exercise.  I have been actually running on the treadmill for 20 minutes and then 10 walking.  I hope it helps you with the flab.  I know that is a big reason why I am doing it too.  Good luck!

Thanks... I am definitely going to need the encouragement and support.  I hate gymnasiums, I hate working out.   I feel as if I am going to be punished in a modern day torture chamber... but I have to do it.  It is just something that I need to do...but to be honest... I am afraid of it. 

Don't think of it as torture. You will experience some "discomfort" at first. But, hang in there for six weeks and you'll experience another metamorphisis that will knock your sox off! After one year in the gym you'll look and feel bulletproof. Pay your dues upfront. Reap the rewards for life. Just do it, and enjoy. DD  

THANKS..... I think the biggest issue will be ...just going.  When I get there... I will probably enjoy myself...it is just the going. I can't go before work.... I have to let the dog out afterwork...  Sadly, but I admit it... After work..when I come home... I hate to go back out..  But...I will because I need another change in my life...

If you have issues with getting there, have you considered getting yourself an exercise bike, a treadmill, or an elliptical trainer for your home?

Daniel - you sound like a man on a mission....good for you!!!  Be very, very careful....as a thin man, once you get into a routine (3-4 weeks), you may discover that you actually enjoy the exercise.  I know, I know - enjoy exercise....LOL....yeah right!   Seriously though, once you start seeing some results, you might  find that you feel terrible and get irritable when you don't exercise. One thing to keep in mind - I know you're concerned about dropping too much weight.  Knowing this, it's important that you go into the gym with clear cut goals.  Ask yourself, what is it that you want to accomplish.  While the benefits of cardio are many, it can and will promote fat-burning.  Also, lighter weights and higher reps are also conducive for the fat burning process.  Cardio and lighter weights are definitely where one should start out to establish a strong foundation.  But for someone who wants to put weight loss to a halt or actually gain weight, it's important that you plan accordingly to begin the building of lean muscle mass as soon as your workouts allow.  A good gym will have trainers you can talk to discuss your goals and get you started down the right path.   Best of luck to you sir!   Cards Fan "STEP OFF THE SIDELINES AND GET IN THE GAME!"

Congratulations Daniel! Pump up those calories to convert everything into muscle! Make it about "sculpting and firming/growing And not just about losing. You’ll feel better and better about the exercise soon! Keep it Up!! Best Wishes- Dx

slow and easy Dan and make sure you tell the trainer that. you know, there's just no reason to go to work the next day and not be able to move from the soreness. i hate trainers that do that to people. i would suggest listening to your trainer of course but ask about a 3 day a week, full body circuit type routine. it's much easier on the system and you don't have to lift heavy for god's sake. i was told not to work out either but eventually i started back and i think it helps my pain by keeping it down a couple notches. so my advice again is go slow, go light, don't go every damn day and work up to a routine over time. once you get into it because it's fun, well, then you can think of other routines, suppliments and all that other crap we get crazy about in here about our workouts! congrats on the guts to give it a go. one more bit of advice. that low weight high rep routine is overrated. you want to build lean muscle mass by tearing down your muscle and then letting it rest so it can grow. so what you really want is to stress them in the 8 to 10 rep range but that's down the road and not how you start. just go easy for now. let us know how it works out......Carbonblob

Good for you DP!  I know you'll do great with your new venture, you have a drive and determination that has been the inspiration for several of the guys in here.  Now for me...there's no "gym" in my little town...nor I suppose, with my LOVE for exercise, is there a floor to do crunchs on in my house, nor a NordicTrak in my basement holding up laundry!  I promise to try better though!