So I have been on my weight loss journey for 2 years now. I have lost 93lbs on Jenny. Started at 232 now 139ish. I bought a treadmill last year and use is religously everyday and love it, but I have literally been trying to lose my last 7lbs for a year now. I keep telling myself its time to tone up and do the hard push to the finsh and it just isnt happeing. I am thinking about joining a gym, they have a great rate right now and might even try a personal trainer for a few sessions since it is kind of expensive. Does anybody have any advice. The money isnt a huge deal I think it reasonable, but I am afraid that I wont commit and it will be a waste in the end, and I technically have all the tools at home to do the same things I could at the gym and it would be free at home. I have until Saturday to make my choice, I am so torn and looking for any good/bad gym advice.
Thanks!
2
Joining a gym
Started by InItToWinIt25, Jan 05 2012 12:34 PM
6 replies to this topic
#2
-
- Members
-
- 214 posts
Advanced Member
Posted 05 January 2012 - 12:57 PM
First off CONGRATS!!!! on the 93 pounds!!! that is AMAZING!!!! you look FANTASTIC!!!! my advice on the gym, and i have been going to the gym for years and have tried many different ones!! Is this:
The gym is a very motivating place, but do you have the motivation to make yourself go?! because no one can MAKE you go to the gym! but once you are there you will be motivated!! my advice is to find a gym that has classes! I find it super hard to make myself go to the gym if there isnt a class i enjoy going on, but knowing there is a spin class or a bootcamp class at a certain time, i make sure i go, as if i have an appointment or work or whatever its a time and a committment! I really enjoy doing classes, they are super motivating and fun and before you know it the hour is over! Also you mentioned toning up, well cardio is great for losing weight but you need to do more to tone!! Weights, resistance training, squats, ect and alot of classes do exercises that you wouldnt do on your own. I definitely suggest looking into it!
The gym is a very motivating place, but do you have the motivation to make yourself go?! because no one can MAKE you go to the gym! but once you are there you will be motivated!! my advice is to find a gym that has classes! I find it super hard to make myself go to the gym if there isnt a class i enjoy going on, but knowing there is a spin class or a bootcamp class at a certain time, i make sure i go, as if i have an appointment or work or whatever its a time and a committment! I really enjoy doing classes, they are super motivating and fun and before you know it the hour is over! Also you mentioned toning up, well cardio is great for losing weight but you need to do more to tone!! Weights, resistance training, squats, ect and alot of classes do exercises that you wouldnt do on your own. I definitely suggest looking into it!
#3
-
- Members
-
- 40 posts
Advanced Member
Posted 05 January 2012 - 02:21 PM
I say join the gym - its easy to say no to running, etc. when the treadmill is in your house. When you get to the gym and there are other people working out it really motivates you! I take classes 6 days a week and having that "appointment" really helps me stick with it - plus, the friends you make are wonderful!
"Nothing tastes as good as thin feels..."
#4
-
- Members
-
- 377 posts
Advanced Member
Posted 05 January 2012 - 03:15 PM
I managed to lose all my weight without ever stepping foot in a gym. If you've been running a treadmill at home why not just hit the pavement? Running outdoors is much different than the treadmill and will save you money.
height-5'7
sw-195
1st goal-170
2nd goal-150
maintenance weight-145
sw-195
1st goal-170
2nd goal-150
maintenance weight-145
#5
-
- Members
-
- 259 posts
Advanced Member
Posted 06 January 2012 - 05:40 AM
Hi InItToWinIt25!
First of all congratulations on the weight loss so far!!
Losing 93 lbs is such an awesome accomplishment!!
Ok if I understand your post, your choice of exercise has been the treadmill but you are no longer seeing results. The simple reality is that your body is comfortable with this type of exercise and the muscles are no longer challenged. I've been reading up on interval training and the need to challenge your muscles with intense exercise for short spurts. Take a look at the Self.com and Prevention.com websites. They have alot of suggestions on how to increase the intensity of the workout.
As for joining a gym ... this is a hard call because it really rests on you to go once you pay for it. Be sure that the gym offers free group exercise classes. Zumba is popular in my area but my gym also offers yoga, body pump, cycling, and pileates. I highly recommend a body pump class for you because it involves weight & resistance training along with cardio. I recently changed gyms and my new gym gave me 30 days to break the contract if I was not happy with the gym. You are correct there are alot of great deals out there on gym contracts but I urge you to check out the gym on weeknights to see just how popular they are.
As for the personal trainer...I have really enjoyed working with one. In 2011 I started working with a personal trainer and the experience has been great. I no longer feel intimidated by the gym and I can see the results in my body. My arms no longer giggle and my abs are tighter. I am amazed at how good my clothes fit and the cost of the trainer has been worth it.
On a cautionary note, you may find that the change up in exercise routine will not jumpstart the weight loss. The new routine will probably turn your fat into muscle which may not lead to weight loss. However the added muscle will raise your metabolism and eventually with the calorie restriction and the new muscle your weight should go down. With my added exercise I have found a more toned body but my weight has remained around 129 & 130. I'm pleased because I have new strength & balance and my clothes really do fit better.
Whatever you do weigh the options and truely consider whether you will really use the gym. Good luck and with determination and patience you will reach your goal!!
First of all congratulations on the weight loss so far!!
Losing 93 lbs is such an awesome accomplishment!!Ok if I understand your post, your choice of exercise has been the treadmill but you are no longer seeing results. The simple reality is that your body is comfortable with this type of exercise and the muscles are no longer challenged. I've been reading up on interval training and the need to challenge your muscles with intense exercise for short spurts. Take a look at the Self.com and Prevention.com websites. They have alot of suggestions on how to increase the intensity of the workout.
As for joining a gym ... this is a hard call because it really rests on you to go once you pay for it. Be sure that the gym offers free group exercise classes. Zumba is popular in my area but my gym also offers yoga, body pump, cycling, and pileates. I highly recommend a body pump class for you because it involves weight & resistance training along with cardio. I recently changed gyms and my new gym gave me 30 days to break the contract if I was not happy with the gym. You are correct there are alot of great deals out there on gym contracts but I urge you to check out the gym on weeknights to see just how popular they are.
As for the personal trainer...I have really enjoyed working with one. In 2011 I started working with a personal trainer and the experience has been great. I no longer feel intimidated by the gym and I can see the results in my body. My arms no longer giggle and my abs are tighter. I am amazed at how good my clothes fit and the cost of the trainer has been worth it.
On a cautionary note, you may find that the change up in exercise routine will not jumpstart the weight loss. The new routine will probably turn your fat into muscle which may not lead to weight loss. However the added muscle will raise your metabolism and eventually with the calorie restriction and the new muscle your weight should go down. With my added exercise I have found a more toned body but my weight has remained around 129 & 130. I'm pleased because I have new strength & balance and my clothes really do fit better.
Whatever you do weigh the options and truely consider whether you will really use the gym. Good luck and with determination and patience you will reach your goal!!
Formerly known as Patty Lynne
I can't control the outcome of the "game" but I can control how I work in preparation for the "game"
"It is not the mountains we conquer but ourselves"
I may be imperfect but I love and accept myself as I push towards my goal of good health!
Goal weight 125
wgt @ 09/29/11 131.2
wgt @ 10/22/11 130.5
wgt @ 11/26/11 131.3
wgt @ 12/17/11 131.2
wgt @ 01/07/12 132.3 New Year New Beginnings
wgt @ 02/04/12 132.2
wgt @ 03/17/12 131.9
wgt @ 04/06/12 129.5
wgt @ 04/16/12 129.4
wgt @ 05/05/12 132 Back to Basics
wgt @ 05/12/12 131.2
I can't control the outcome of the "game" but I can control how I work in preparation for the "game"
"It is not the mountains we conquer but ourselves"
I may be imperfect but I love and accept myself as I push towards my goal of good health!
Goal weight 125
wgt @ 09/29/11 131.2
wgt @ 10/22/11 130.5
wgt @ 11/26/11 131.3
wgt @ 12/17/11 131.2
wgt @ 01/07/12 132.3 New Year New Beginnings
wgt @ 02/04/12 132.2
wgt @ 03/17/12 131.9
wgt @ 04/06/12 129.5
wgt @ 04/16/12 129.4
wgt @ 05/05/12 132 Back to Basics
wgt @ 05/12/12 131.2
#6
-
- Members
-
- 13 posts
Member
Posted 06 January 2012 - 10:49 AM
Thanks for all the advice! What I was mainly worried about was committing to a 2 year contract and then finding out that I wont make time to go or dont have the motivation. But, good news, I called them again and found out they do month to month memberships also. Of course its a bit more expensive but if I find out its not for me it will be cheaper in the long run. Its funny because they put these deadlines on great deals but in reality those deals come around every few months so I am going to give it a try and then if it is working for me wait for another good deal and get on board when I know I am ready to make a long term commitment. Its funny I have been weighing the pros and cons for days now, and didnt want to go in there without a plan cause they can talk you into anything. All it took was a 2 second phone call and now I am super excitied I get to join a gym tomorrow! YAY me!
Thanks again
Thanks again
#7
-
- Members
-
- 4,676 posts
Advanced Member
Posted 06 January 2012 - 10:56 AM
Congrats on the OUTSTANDING loss so far. You look AMAZING!!!
I hope you'll post some before and after pictures on the "before and after" thread in the General forum because you could be such a huge (no pun intended) incentive to so many newbies who wonder if they can do it. You obviously did and that will be a great encouragement to them...and the rest of us.
Glad you were able to work something out with the gym. Yes, there's usually always an alternative if you reject their "first" and usually most expensive "offer."
Good for you on ALL counts!
I hope you'll post some before and after pictures on the "before and after" thread in the General forum because you could be such a huge (no pun intended) incentive to so many newbies who wonder if they can do it. You obviously did and that will be a great encouragement to them...and the rest of us.
Glad you were able to work something out with the gym. Yes, there's usually always an alternative if you reject their "first" and usually most expensive "offer."
Good for you on ALL counts!
Phyllis
Height: 5'2
SW - 177.6
Goal! - 132
Returning Weight - 143
CW - GOAL AGAIN!!!
Before JC with hubby and nephews in 2006/After JC (2nd time) in 2011
After JC 10/11
Height: 5'2
SW - 177.6
Goal! - 132
Returning Weight - 143
CW - GOAL AGAIN!!!
Before JC with hubby and nephews in 2006/After JC (2nd time) in 2011
After JC 10/11
1 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 1 guests, 0 anonymous users
