Joined a Gym

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

Now that I have spent a better part of the last year in Hawaii, I hate to admit that I have gained about 20 pounds living here. I am not sure if it's the food or my age. But, it's a total drag. Why do we get fatter as we get older?

Last Thursday, I got onto the scale and it read 200 pounds. I snapped. Growing up as the skinny kid in my class, I NEVER thought I'd ever hit 200. I decided I needed to do something. So, my wife and I went to a health club last Friday and we signed up. I don't trust myself, so we signed up for personal trainers. We start today.

Anyone with experience here? I don't know what to expect. But, I am committed to losing 15-20 pounds and getting into better shape.

I've tried this in the past, but every time I started, I ended up quitting after a while. I need to make a change. So, I am hoping there are some successful couch potatoes like me out there who have been able to make the life change necessary to get into shape and stay there.

[vintner Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close vintner]

I joined Fitness 19, with my wife, about 9 months ago. Haven't been in there since.

The reason I joined the club:
Close to the house.
Wife would go with me to work out.

Reason I don't go to the club:
Wife doesn't get home until an hour after I do, and she is done for the day, doesn't want to go out.
I have changed some things for my evening education, webinars, that start early, usually before dinner, some right after dinner.
I can't work out after dinner, and time before has become so short.
This club is basic-equipment only, no pool, no shower, no extras. Change clothes, exercise, change clothes and go home and shower.
And I have gotten lazy I guess.

My suggestion, get a club that has full service. If you vary your activities so it is more enjoyable to go, you will go. Do the pool, do the exercise classes with the other folks, do it for fun. For me-it is work, and I don't like it and I am not going and as a result, I am wasting money and my health.

As my drivers ed instructor said many years ago 'Do like I say, not like I do'. I think the basics is, go out and excercise, don't sit around like I have been.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

Age and weight.

Jim you need to make some dietary change to get a kick start on this. It is not anything easy and you must find the system that works for you.

For me it is a modified Atkins, others are pleased with South Beach, Zone, Weight Watchers.

A minimum of 3 days of something, anything, aerobic. An hour of something even walking.

I found what works for me and though at this age I'm never going to be completely where I would like to be I am comfortable with where I am, 30 - 35 pounds below my highest weight.

I do fall back in the extremes of winter but manage to shed the 5-10 pounds each spring now.

It is good to have a team mate but I never found anyone that could make me want to do this as much as my own self.

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

I hate to admit that I have gained about 20 pounds living here. I am not sure if it's the food \.

It must have been that steak dinner we had back in Dec, I gained about 30 that night. /btW you were not at all even close to being over weight back when we met up,

[dougp26364 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dougp26364]

A couple of years ago we joined a gym and after 9 months I lost 35 lbs. We went in daily. I did cardio 3 days/week and weights 2 times per week. If I went in on the 2 remaining days I'd do cardio to burn calories. Really not the best program as I should have been lifting at least 3 days per week but, I really didn't care much for the weights. I just couldn't get my mind around building muscle to burn more fat and, I really didn't care for the weights. To many bulky weight lifters while I was lifting in the little old lady class. My wife, who has issues with her feet and legs was doing water arobics 5 times per week.

Why did we quit going? After a period of time my wife started getting contact dermititis anywhere she touched the wall of the pool. When she complained, they blew her off. In the time we were there I never knew of a time the pool was drained and cleaned. I suspect they relied on heavy dose of chlorine with the thought that would kill anything in the pool. I'm not certain if that's how they should take care of their pool or if that was actually the problem but, since she broke out anywhere her skin touched a surface of the pool, it rendered water arobics useless. You can't swim if you itch or are worried about itching.

For me my work schedule changed. I was going in early mornings after my night shift. When I was working 3 or 4 days/week (12 hour shifts) it wasn't to bad. But now I'm working 4 to 5 days/week due to staffing shortages and workouts in the morning really weren't working out. I'd get my metabilism going and I couldn't sleep well. Then I'd be tired and a little more than cranky during my shift. It was taking a toll on my health.

Since leaving the gym I've gone from 189 to around 200 to 201. I've been keeping all the extra weight off by changing my prior eating habits. I still don't eat perfectly but it's better than before. The big thing was cutting out the calories I was drinking. I could easily drink a 6 pack of Pepsi per day. That's around 900 calories per day or approx. 1' 15" on the eliptical or rowing machine.

We were in HHI last week and rented bikes for a day. I reminded me of how much I enjoyed bike riding as a youth. Yesterday we bought bikes and have started riding around our neighborhood. I hadn't realized just how out of shape my wife had become again. She can go a little over a mile on the bike before wearing out. That includes coasting time. Personally I can go much further but, I'll limit myself to doing what she can manage while encouraging her to build up her endurance. As time allows I may go for longer rides on my own and, one of the shifts I pull is at a building only 5 miles (maybe less) from my home. My plan is to ride my bike to work on that one night per week that I'm at that location. We'll see how that works as I'm not 100% certain how long it will take me to make it that far.

You'll likely have to change some of your eating/drinking habits to affect your weight. Limiting calories in and increasing caloric burn is really the only way to go to maintain a healthy weight IMO.

BTW, I also use to be the skinny kid in class. All through high school and my first marriage I weighed 125 lbs dripping wet. Then in my 30's I jumped into the 150 to 165 range and somewhere in my late 30's continued the climb until I hit a high of 235. Now I'm hovering in the 200 range but would like to get that back down to 190 if I can. I've done what I can with diet (not dieting but eating healthier meals) so I must increase the number of calories burnt. Eventually I'll get an eliptical trainer and stationary bike for our home to keep us going through the winter months but, at the moment, it's not realistic so the bikes it is.

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

It must have been that steak dinner we had back in Dec, I gained about 30 that night. /btW you were not at all even close to being over weight back when we met up,

I gained all the weight since we went to New York Prime. I went from 180 to 200. I think I enjoyed it so much that I kept eating like that every day.

Thanks for the tips, guys. We are getting dressed now to go to the gym. At least I know I'll do better than Don did.

I used to play competitive tennis in my early 30's. My ideal playing weight was 175. And, I used to be able to nearly dunk a basketball, but I couldn't palm the ball since my hands are too small. I don't think I'll ever get back to that weight. But, I don't want to feel fat anymore which I definitely do now.

[vintner Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close vintner]

... At least I know I'll do better than Don did.

I did buy an elliptical system for the house, and do use it. Steffi and I do walk until I wear the poor girl out, and I am out a lot, working in the garden, or mowing the two lawns, so I am not a total waste.

I do (WE do) need to get to the gym. I used to go more when I belonged to a different gym that did have full facilities.

And by the way…I haven’t gained a waist size on my pants in probably 8 years. I know the doctor visits over the last 4 years or so has not shown a weight increase.

I’ll try to be better about going to the gym. It is more the heart than the waist that needs the workout, but both could be improved.

[Chap7 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Chap7]

Try to get your workouts in first thing in the morning. You'll kick start your metabolism and feel great the rest of the day. If you wait until later, "life" will inevitably get in the way. Best of luck.

[Elan Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Elan]

I haven't had a gym membership since I quit playing competitive racquetball some time ago. The problem with using a gym IMHO, is the amount of overhead time involved. Getting dressed to go to the gym. Driving to the gym. Working out. Showering and getting dressed again. There's as much overhead time as there is workout time. I believe the overhead serves as a subconscious deterrent -- at least for me.
I'd rather just hop on the exercise bike or hit the Bowflex at home at my convenience. Or hop on the road bike and ride for an hour or two. Or go ride/walk along the river with the kids. I just find gym memberships terribly inefficient, but all the best to those that join and can stick to their routine.

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

Well, we just got back from our first session. It was great. I learned a lot. Our trainers did some diagnostics. My biggest problem was the stiffness in my calves and quads. So, we spent a lot of time on stretching exercises after a 5 minute warm up on the cycle.

My wife is very excited. She wants to go back tomorrow. Her goal is to be able to keep up with the kids in Yellowstone later in the summer.

We also spent quite a bit of time on diet. I didn't expect that. We have to log our food intake. Ugh.

We live within walking distance of the gym and shopping center. So, everything we need is close. I hope we keep it up. I do need to do this just for health reasons, if nothing else. I've become a computer geek and couch potato over the past 12 years and that really does need to end. Now is as good a time as any.

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

Good luck Jim! It's difficult sticking to a diet, and exercise. But, if you are really determined, you can do it.

I'm glad that you're doing this with your wife. It's so much easier when you have some one to encourage you, diet, and work out with.

[kbletzer Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close kbletzer]

I haven't had a gym membership since I quit playing competitive racquetball some time ago. The problem with using a gym IMHO, is the amount of overhead time involved. Getting dressed to go to the gym. Driving to the gym. Working out. Showering and getting dressed again. There's as much overhead time as there is workout time. I believe the overhead serves as a subconscious deterrent -- at least for me.
I'd rather just hop on the exercise bike or hit the Bowflex at home at my convenience. Or hop on the road bike and ride for an hour or two. Or go ride/walk along the river with the kids. I just find gym memberships terribly inefficient, but all the best to those that join and can stick to their routine.

I agree with Elan here. We got lucky here in VA Beach. Our Gym is the Rec Center about 2 minutes from our house. We can just throw on the sweats and just be there. It is full service and city maintained and costs a whoppin' (get this) $65.00 per YEAR! Yes, per year. It has gym, basketball courts, raquetball, olympic swimming, dancing, aerobics, you name it we got it! We have a bunch of them located throughout the city and that's why it's great. We have so many of them, they aren't crowded. They are new and clean.
They also have after camps for our school age children and they have all sorts of educational classes.
OK but we also have lots of bike trails. So if we don't feel like going to the gym, just take a walk or a run or a ride on the bikes. And of course there's the beach..........miles of it

[BoardGirl Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close BoardGirl]

I was a child athlete so it's a bit easier for me. "Make it hurt" was something I heard a lot and it doesn't scare me. You need to define your goals, make a plan, and work towards it. Of course, our health club is very nice, so it's easy to 'make myself go.' Every few months I'll pop for a massage. Definitely think of some rewards for making your goals. Smaller clothing is a good start!

I think the key is variety. Tennis, racquetball, biking, swimming - mix it up and keep yourself interested. You really do need to change your workout every 4 - 6 weeks. The body can get used to routines and that's when you plateau - you need to keep challenging your body.

Check out Sparkpeople.com for help logging your diet. If your health club is hooked up to the Fitlinx network, that website has some nice features, altho a bit archaic.

And most importantly, be sure to rest. You must have at least one day off a week. Hydrate, sleep well and keep at it. You will see results, but it won't be instant.

Good job on taking that first step!

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

Okay. It's Sunday and I just got back from the gym. Today, I did my cardio on the treadmill. After one week, it looks pretty promising. At first, I thought I would be lucky to get to the gym 3 days per week and that is if I signed up for a personal trainer and I did it with my wife. Now, I think it may be possible to sustain it with my own will power. We will see after about a month. After the first week, we went to the gym 6 times and had 3 sessions with the personal trainer.

First day was getting measurements and doing diagnostics. Second, fourth and seventh day was just time on the treadmill. Third and Fifth day were learning stretching, cardio and resistance training. My legs were very sore after the first couple of days. My legs started feeling normal again around 3 or 4 days in. At that time, I started resistance training. My arms are still recovering. I had a hard time holding a cup of coffee to my mouth after the first day of that. Now, I feel overall pretty good.

The diet is definitely going to be the issue. I didn't expect that either. I decided to see if I could eat one salad per day as a main meal. So far I've done that for 6 of the 7 days. That has been tough because I am getting very hungry in the afternoon and I am snacking which defeats the purpose. I think my increased appetite is at this time more than compensating for my increased exercise. I need to get that under control some how.

Overall, I am just happy that I am getting out and sweating. I actually think it will be possible to pick up tennis again. That is what my trainer is encouraging me to do. And, it's something I am getting interested in again. My sons like and play tennis. It will be great to go out on to the courts and hit with them.

The biggest issue will be to keep motivated and to stay with the routine. We may have it nailed now since we are working out right around lunch. We go out to eat every day anyway. So, it's not that much extra to go to the gym first. Salad Creations is right next to the gym. I think I am going to update my goal. My first goal was to get back to 185. I just learned that my ideal weight is 175. That is the weight that my size and body type is considered "fit". I'd like to be fit again. So, that works out really well. Wish me luck. I really want to do this. It's just that 25 pounds seems to daunting. One week down. 20 more to go.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

Okay. It's Sunday and I just got back from the gym. Today, I did my cardio on the treadmill. After one week, it looks pretty promising. At first, I thought I would be lucky to get to the gym 3 days per week and that is if I signed up for a personal trainer and I did it with my wife. Now, I think it may be possible to sustain it with my own will power. We will see after about a month.

After the first week, we went to the gym 6 times and had 3 sessions with the personal trainer.

First day was getting measurements and doing diagnostics. Second, fourth and seventh day was just time on the treadmill. Third and Fifth day were learning stretching, cardio and resistance training. My legs were very sore after the first couple of days. My legs started feeling normal again around 3 or 4 days in. At that time, I started resistance training. My arms are still recovering. I had a hard time holding a cup of coffee to my mouth after the first day of that. Now, I feel overall pretty good.

The diet is definitely going to be the issue. I didn't expect that either. I decided to see if I could eat one salad per day as a main meal. So far I've done that for 6 of the 7 days. That has been tough because I am getting very hungry in the afternoon and I am snacking which defeats the purpose. I think my increased appetite is at this time more than compensating for my increased exercise. I need to get that under control some how.

Overall, I am just happy that I am getting out and sweating. I actually think it will be possible to pick up tennis again. That is what my trainer is encouraging me to do. And, it's something I am getting interested in again. My sons like and play tennis. It will be great to go out on to the courts and hit with them.

The biggest issue will be to keep motivated and to stay with the routine. We may have it nailed now since we are working out right around lunch. We go out to eat every day anyway. So, it's not that much extra to go to the gym first. Salad Creations is right next to the gym. So, that works out really well.

Funny I was going to ask how you two were doing! Sounds like you are enjoying yourselves and are motivated. I'm very glad that the trainer is also focusing on diet and it is very difficult to change life habits.

We are all different but what I have found works for me is a lot of protein with the salad. It takes much longer to digest and therefore keeps you feeling full longer. I hope your salads are in the chef, cobb vein. Keep an eye on the salad dressings you use (some of them are killer in calories and carbs).

Glad you are feeling good so far and much luck going forward.