Question:
thanks for the advice

thanks for all the posts, I will weigh them all in my decision. I don't really see why their abortion opinions should be an issue, unless they ram their opinion down your throat as a part of the exercise regime. What I am looking for is a fat woman friendly environment and I haven't felt that vibe visiting the traditional gyms. Any other suggestions? And yes, I have a treadmill at home, but alas, like living in the city where the Alamo is, I know its there, but I don't "visit" it, because I know that its always there if I want to! I need to have an outside motivation!    — Jeanne Aldrich (posted on April 28, 2008)


April 28, 2008
THe reason that their anti abortion stance is an issue and a reason not to go there is because YOUR money that you give them is going to support Pro Life legislation. If you want to support that then by all means, patronize them!
   — SameButDifferent

April 28, 2008
I don't get the abortion references but re: motivation -- why not look on Craigslist for a personal trainer (be sure to check for accreditation). My friend did that since she wasn't comfy going to a gym and so the trainer comes to her house and works with whatever equipment my friend has at home. The program is tailored just for her and there are no distractions. And it's way cheaper than joining a gym. She pays $30./hour twice a week which is less than the approx. $1K it costs to join a gym. Also, if you want, the trainer can help you set up a home gym that will fit into your spare room or garage. It's an idea...hope you find an answer that works for you. -@li
   — cherub13

April 28, 2008
Having that personal trainer coming to your home at $30 twice a week that $60 x 4 is $240.... a month. That is alot of money....some gyms you can join for $120 for 3 months. I too did not like going to a gym but there are some out there just for females. Also, the regular gyms they are mostly into themselves. I felt selfconcious myself but hey... they don't like what they see don't look. You have every right to be there and be proud of yourself. Everyone is there for the same reason. Once you go a few times you will feel comfortable. Best of Luck
   — niecie54

April 28, 2008
Try "Curves" if your community has one. There are over 11,000 worldwide now. From May 5 thru June 20 you can pay $30 for 30 days and if you decide to join they will deduct the $30 from the service fee. This is a great opportunity to see if "Curves" is for you. It's been a great program for me and my budget.
   — danannarosanna

April 28, 2008
Hi Jeanne, I feel the same way about those gyms, so I plan on joining the YMCA. They have great programs for all ages and the price isnt bad either in my book. Well you have indoor pool, sauna, excercise equipement, and even certain excercise programs for the seniors. They go by your income on how much your monthly payment will be but the most for 1 adult is 54.00 in ky. where I am at. So call and check with them, or even better yet go by and check it all out you might be surprised. Good Luck...
   — moosey52

April 28, 2008
When I saw your picture, I saw myself + 15 pounds. I've now lost 135 lbs. Initially, I did it with air bicycle which also exercised my arms. I "rode" it every day for 30 to 45 minutes each day until I wore it out. I lost this 135 lbs in 9 months and then fixated, with my weight neither going up or down. Two years later... and I'm up 15 lbs, which is NOT the direction I want to go. I hired a personal trainer at $60 per session, paying for 20 sessions. I work with him on strength training 3 times a week. I also signed up for Silver Sneakers (at no cost to me) since I am a senior citizen, and my Medicare Part A and B benefits qualify me for the Silver Sneakers program. Check with your medical care provider if you are a senior citizen, and see if you can get the program for free. I do not participate in any of the Silver Sneaker programs, but the program allows me to go to any Y anywhere and make use of their equipment, their swimming pool (yeah, I know, the SUIT) and the whirlpool. I go to the Y 5 times a week and do cardio and stretching exercises. I quickly found out that nobody, absolutely nobody looks at anyone. They are all involved in doing their own thing. My personal trainer orchestrates exactly what I am doing. I am so pleased with my progress and will continue with him as long as I can afford it. He's helping me learn all the ways I can work out whether or not I go to the gym besides teaching me the proper way to work out. I like going to the Y for the cardio workout and the Whirlpool; but, I just came inside after having jumped rope. Well, 100 loops went under my feet...., and so, I'm relearning how to jump rope but to keep my heart beats within the range where I'm burning old fat and not burning my current meal. Best wishes to you in your successful journey.
   — Christine Gibson

April 28, 2008
I did curves for a couple of years when I lost 50 pounds and was all flab. I think it was a great first gym experience...the machines are fun and build muscle and the environment is not embarrassing. There was a mild social aspect that was good too. It did cease to work after a time...but that took a while. I would say go for it...nothing ventured and nothing gained. My next gym will include a little more in the way of aerobics and stuff and I want to swim too...BUT...Curves is a great place to start...It makes you strong and gets you over the embarrassment phase...You will feel your tummy and arms and legs getting stronger...thats great ! Their politics were never an issue for me ...What the owner does with his money is his perogative. America ya know!
   — [Deactivated Member]

April 29, 2008
Check out your local YMCA. They offer personal trainers at their fitness center and aqua aerobics at their pool. The price is usually less than a traditional gym membership plus you may qualify for a lesser price if your income is low. I see all body types and ages when I work out there. I feel very comfortable when I am working out even though I am fat.
   — Jacque V.

April 29, 2008
Jeanne, I joined Curves about 6 months before my surgery last year and have now been going for about a year. I can't say it helped me lose any weight before surgery, but it has been a very supportive and nonjudgmental place to re-start an exercise program after years of inactivity. The women at my Curves are a variety of sizes and fitness levels, but none of them are judgmental or snobbish about other people's weaknesses or looks. It just felt 'good' to go there and that was so very important when I first started going. It is nice now to go there and know a certain group of women will be there and support me. So I'd say, try it, see if it works for you and if you feel at home there. I felt at home after my first visit. At some point I may have to move on, but for now this is the place for me.
   — shellb54




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