LauraK total motivated me to exercise today

So....I was talking to LauraK on the phone today, and we were discussing exercise.  I walk, but nothing else.  She lifts weights.  I use to lift weights.  I lifted in the gym until the kids came along, then I bought a professional bench and "the block" weight system and lifted at home for years.  In 2006 I got to ambitious and ripped out my shoulder lifting weights to heavy.  As we get older, or muscles tend to be stronger than our ligaments.  I did a lot of damage.  I waited for it to heal, but it never did.  Finally, I had it surgically fixed in April of last year. I have not lifted weights since that accident. 

I'm still not ready to lift weights, but there is plenty I could do in a gym.  I feel like I want to go to the base gym and check it out.  While thinking about it, I had this visual in my head of me walking into the gym. Here is what I saw.  I saw me, at 222 pounds timidly walking into the gym like I did not belong there and a bunch of fit buff people looking at me with that look on their face.  The look was saying "what are you doing in here fatty, this ain't the donut shop"  I cannot believe that is the picture that went through my head.  My God, I use to LIVE in the gym.  It was my second home, and I am no longer obese.  Now I am terrified, and the obese girl who lives inside me is intimidated.  I think I'm going to ask Laura if she will check the gym out with me on Randolph AFB.  I need a brave, fit, gym goer to help me get through that first step back into the gym.

The base gym looks fantastic, like it has a lot to offer.  Here is the link:

http://www.randolphfss.com/cm/templates/fitness.asp?articlei d=23&zoneid=22#0

I would guess they have a Zumba class.  I think Zumba sounds fun, but I ain't showing my belly!!!!!

She motivated me so much that I walked a couple of miles this evening!  Sure, It killed me.  But I survived.  Before gallbladder surgery I could do 5 miles.  I'm still not 100% though.  This recovery is taking longer than the sleeve did.

The base also has a lap pool.  I use to swim laps.  I think I would like to do that again.

Deep breath....First, fix the mental image of myself, then take that first step back into the gym.

I believe that stepping up the exercise will really assist in weight loss.  Plus, I use to LIVE to exercise.  I don't think it will take much to get me back to the person I use to be.  I just have to take that first step.

hey go for it. it will be fun. do what you can. there probably are some weight machines you can do to work around your injury. I used to lift weights and lap swim when i lived near the world's most beautiful gym. now where i live there are dinky ones. but i met my husband at the gym! we were the two fatties who looked like they had no business being there.

so go for it and enjoy and report. maybe you will inspire a few of us couch spuds.  Diane

Thanks Diane!!!  It's awesome that you met your husband in the gym!  You know, I was thinking about how I responded to obese people in the gym when I was the buff thin gym going regular.  I was kind.  I could tell they felt out of place and didn't know how to use the equipment.  I use to help them all the time, with the equipment and feeling welcome.  But not everyone did.  I remember plenty of ******** (both men and women) who had the attitude that I described.  Some things never change.  There will be nice people and ******** in the gym.  Just like everywhere else in life.

I'll try to be a motivator (note to self, no whining...ha ha)

Trish, you made my cry!!  I'd be happy to check out that gym with you!  I feel awesome that I can motivate any of my OH friends to move their bodies.  Thanks for the kind words darlin'.  Let me know when you want to go.  It'll be like going home...

Laura

AAAWWWWWWWW.....(hugs))))))  You are a great motivator!!  Going home, like the mothership?  It use to be my mothership too.  Hopefully, it will be again. 

I'll call so we can make plans to go.  Thank you so so so much for being willing to go with me.  We should also stop into the BX and commissarry and compare prices of the protein powders and stuff.  I'm excited!  Instead of being scared...I'm now excited!!!!!  YAY

P.S. as an added bonus, the eye candy at the base gym is mind boggling.........afterall, this is a military gym....
Which also makes it more intimidating...

Silly girl!!   Dont be afraid of candy!!   Just remember rule of thumb for all delicious treats.

If its not yours, dont put it in your mouth!!  :}

YAAY FOR THE GYM!! YAAY FOR LAURA AND YAAAY FOR YEW!!

Seriously BL...I'm in tears I'm laughing so hard!!!!!   And  I'll remember the rule of thumb!!

That juicy tidbit has served me well.  :}

That is so exciting! Just imagine how it was for me.. I went into the gym at nearly 400 pounds. I didn't even fit on some of the machines, and when I started out I could only do about 2 minutes at a time on the elliptical; worked my way up to an hour one baby step at a time. So if I can do it, you can do it too!

You might want to consider only doing lower body exercises so you don't stress your arm muscles for a time. Those are the biggest muscles any way and will give you the best fat burning power, from what I have read. You might want to consider doing just lightweight bands for your arm toning when you are ready.

Wow Rose.  You are so much braver than me.  Yet, I get it.  Even back when I was thin and in the gym, I had a great attitude and thought that not only are obese people brave to come into the gym atmosphere, they are also the ones who need to be there the most and need the most support and kindness.  I did not know back then that I would be in the same position.  I got here through a series of illnesses and the ability to power eat in volume.

You know, I know the elliptical....I would be willing to bet that I would start at 2 minutes as well.  That is a tough work out!  It's been years, but I remember.

You know, I was only going to do aerobic type exercise, but you are right, there is no reason why I cannot work my legs, butt and lets add abs into that.  As far as the shoulder, I am in Physical therapy using bands, just like you suggested!  I have full range of motion now, but I lack strength. 

Thank you for the encouragement Rose.  Baby steps....we all have to start somewhere, the important thing is that we start.