Where to Start at the Gym

[dulcedeleche]

My husband and I just joined a gym last week.  We are both overweight and definitely need to lose pounds, however, we also just want to have a stronger and healthier body.  The problem is I feel overwhelmed with where to start.  We both went to a store and got fitted for running shoes.

We did BodyPump as our first class.  What do you think of BodyPump?  I've heard lifting heavy is better like New Rules of Lifting for Women.  I also wouldn't mind running so should I start with Couch to 5k?  I just have no idea what I should be doing each week.  Running, weights, classes?  Help!  

Any advice is seriously welcome!  Right now my main goal is to do better than never exercising at all.  I am also starting to work on changing our eating habits, but I don't want to do too much at once and then just quit.

[kams]

I love bodypump. Love it. New rules is popular around here too, but I think bodypump is a great way to get acquainted with different lifts & have someone keeping an eye on your form.

C25K is a great place to start running.

Try a few things, and see what you like! Have fun!

[dulcedeleche]

Aug 6, 2013 20:44:35 GMT -5 freedom said:

Does the gym offer you a free session with a trainer to show you around? I remember how intimidated I was when I first started.

I like bodypump. You can do a mix of the cardio with strength training. I am more motivated in group classes and my gym has a different one each night so I mix it up. Also couch to 5k is an excellent place to start.

Our gym does offer a free session with a trainer.  What do they do at that session?  I feel very intimidated.  I was just proud of myself for actually going to something because I was scared to go.  I'm sore, but I want to make myself go again this week.  The bodypump instructor was so nice and definitely helped me with form.  I hope I remember some of her tips when I go back!

[mrsmc08]

Whatever you do start slow. If you come too strong out of the gate, then generally people burn out quickly. I started very slowly and have had setbacks but because I did start slowly I see my achievements. Good luck.

[dulcedeleche]

Aug 6, 2013 20:57:59 GMT -5 mrsmc08 said:

Whatever you do start slow. If you come too strong out of the gate, then generally people burn out quickly. I started very slowly and have had setbacks but because I did start slowly I see my achievements. Good luck.

Thank you!  I think this is wonderful advice!  May I ask how you started out slow and what you started doing?

[sadlebred]

I think you should do the session with the trainer to learn how to use the gym equipment. Then try lots of things! Find what works for you and what you enjoy. The "best" exercise is the one that you like and will stick with. Nothing says that you can't do Couch to 5K and Bodypump or Spin and weights. Have fun!

[mrsmc08]

Aug 6, 2013 21:07:34 GMT -5 dulcedeleche said:

Aug 6, 2013 20:57:59 GMT -5 mrsmc08 said:

Whatever you do start slow. If you come too strong out of the gate, then generally people burn out quickly. I started very slowly and have had setbacks but because I did start slowly I see my achievements. Good luck.

Thank you!  I think this is wonderful advice!  May I ask how you started out slow and what you started doing?

I started walking on the treadmill 3 days a week and then slowly introduced 30 seconds of running for every 5 mins of walking. I kept adding 30 seconds at a time. Soon I ran half a mile without stopping and kept going. I think wieght classes are amazing. Good start for learning how to lift properly. I also think an important thing to do find want you like. Otherwise it will be very hard to keep going. I love run. I might like biking. I just started and am taking my time with it also.

[wannabe]

Couch to 5K is seriously awesome. I never would've imagined myself running, but I did C25K two years ago and have since completed a few dozen races. I can't say enough good things about it.

[dulcedeleche]

Aug 6, 2013 21:25:43 GMT -5 wannabe said:

Couch to 5K is seriously awesome. I never would've imagined myself running, but I did C25K two years ago and have since completed a few dozen races. I can't say enough good things about it.

Yes!  I follow your blog and remember when you started C25K.  I hope I don't seem like a stalker.  I have lurked on the boards for a long time, but I don't post much.  I have read your posts about running races, and I would love to be able to run a race someday.  Right now, it seems really intimidating, but following your blog has given me some inspiration!

Thank you everyone for the encouragement and words of wisdom.  I think it is so neat how many of you have committed to some pretty big fitness goals.  Just reading the information here for so long has helped me to just feel confident enough to even walk into a gym.  I just need to commit to going, and I will definitely try out some things to find out what I enjoy.  Thankfully, my husband is up to trying anything and it is nice having someone to go with.  He even agreed to Zumba with me!  We both felt like BodyPump was a pretty positive experience so I think we will keep trying it.

[emilyinchile]

Take advantage of the trainer session. Usually they will ask you what your goals are and give you an idea of how to reach those, which includes showing you how to use some machines. They might also take some baseline measurements like weight and fat % so you know where you're starting. If you feel like they're just trying to sell more personal training by focusing on the negative instead of showing you how to do things on your own, say something to a supervisor - it shouldn't happen, but there was a post last week about this exact situation, so I figured I'd mention it since you say you're already feeling a little intimidated by the idea.

In terms of what you "should" do, there's no one thing. If you liked Bodypump and the instructor, go back. If you want to try weights or running, you can do those too, however often you feel like. Enjoy!

[wannabe]

Aug 6, 2013 21:43:50 GMT -5 dulcedeleche said:

Aug 6, 2013 21:25:43 GMT -5 wannabe said:

Couch to 5K is seriously awesome. I never would've imagined myself running, but I did C25K two years ago and have since completed a few dozen races. I can't say enough good things about it.

Yes!  I follow your blog and remember when you started C25K.  I hope I don't seem like a stalker.  I have lurked on the boards for a long time, but I don't post much.  I have read your posts about running races, and I would love to be able to run a race someday.  Right now, it seems really intimidating, but following your blog has given me some inspiration!

This is so fabulous

Truly, if I can do it, you can too. 5Ks are really fun! I know you can do it, and I'm looking forward to hearing about your first one someday soon!

[al320]

Im also going to add - try as many classes as you can. You never know what youre going to enjoy, and the best exercise is the one youre going to actually do!

Have FUN! Dont be afraid of the gym!

[MrsE]

Definitely take advantage of the free trainer session and have a rough plan of your goals and if you know you are interested in certain machines or certain weights, a rough idea of what equipment you want him/her to show you how to use. Have fun and enjoy!

[gt7301b]

I agree with the pps, I think the most important things are to focus on form and find something that you enjoy doing so you will stick with it.

Sadly, I find watching my eating is the key to weight loss:(

[cinco]

I love Body Pump. I'm trying to get more brave about trying new classes, b/c I've found myself liking classes I didn't think I would. A good instructor goes a long way. I would use the trainer session to learn how to use the equipment properly. I still don't know how to use some things. I've been playing around with TRX, and it is awesome.

Have fun!