Workouts & Gyms

Wondering what gyms (chains) people find are the most friendly for larger folks?  My supermodel body is still hiding and I need to uncover it - so the gym it is!

As for workouts - what is the best to do?  Weight training, cardio or both?  I have some restrictions to what I can do - I have a bum knee and a large pelvic incisional hernia from a prev c-section.  The more weight I lose, the more the hernia seems to appear larger, so I'm very self conscious about it - especially in a place with a sea of fit people at a gym!

Thanks! Christine

Hey Christine:

I think the YMCA loves everybody!!

Laurie

try kickboxing! it is am amazing full body FUN workout! I don't know where you live nor do I know of any chains but I am sure a google search in your are you can find a friendly gym!

I love the Athletic Club and have been going there since post-surgery.  Lots of people of all sizes.  Have never felt judged, only supported.  Of course, in the beginning, you do feel a bit self-conscious (or I did anyway), especially because I really was the largest member I think they had when I started (in the 380 lb range when I started swimming).  But you soon get over that.  After being there a while, people I didn't even know started coming up to me and congratulating me on my progress  So odd, but welcomed the positive reinforcement.  They also have a woman's only section of the gym and woman's only pool (at least at my Club), which might be nice if you're looking for that.

In terms of workouts, I would suggest, if you can afford it, to work with a personal trainer to get yourself going...even a few sessions to start you off, and then periodically, you can go back and have them revise your workout program.  If you can afford it, I would fully endorse working with a personal trainer a couple of times a week.  And don't be shy to try someone new if the first person the pair you up with doesn't work out.  When you ask for a trainer, you can ask for someone who has experience with people with injuries or larger clients.  That's what I did, and my trainer was fantastic ****il he injured himself...urgghh!)  

Good luck and enjoy!  It really is a miracle...I started off so heavy and unfit, and now I'm pretty darn fit.  (And I also endorse the kickboxing idea...I do that three times a week and love it!)

DD

Where in the city are you?

check out FitzonePLUS.com

Im heading there now for zumba and yoga 

@mandalious I'm in Don Mills

When I was first post-op, I started working out at home with DVDs. I was very self-conscious and it was perfect for me. I could wear shorts and a tank top and know that no one could see me jiggling around. It was great too because I didn't worry about trying out a new move, I knew no one would know if I didn't nail it.

I work out at a gym now for variety but miss the convenience of working out at home. I think when my membership is up I will invest in some more weights and a treadmill and keep doing it at home. There are so many awesome DVDs to try.

I like the ywca that I go to. Women only and I like that. Plus everyone is so nice. I know that some ywca do allow guys but they will usually have some classes or work out time for girls only. Worth looking into and cheeper than the ymca