New year, new scary challenge - THE GYM!

Esme

Gin and tonic please!
Hello everybody,

So last year my scary challenge was to join SW, and after finding the right group for me it was the best thing I could have done.
This year I mean business, and want to boost my losses and tone up those unfortunate bits with more exercise.
I've also FINALLY paid off my debts, so have a bit of extra cash which I want to put towards a Virgin Active gym membership (just around the corner from me - no excuses!).

What I want to find out is: Is the gym as terrifying as I imagine? I have images of communal changing rooms (more scary a thought than any exercise bike!) and my own sweaty self in classes alarming all the locals. I know I shouldn't care but it's not that easy is it?

Are all these gym nightmares in my head? Is the gym a - dare I say it - friendly place? Or are we forced into neon lycra and not allowed to leave until we touch our toes?

Any input much appreciated! :D
 
No don't wory! I used to wear a baggy t-shirt and joggers! The only ones in lycra were on the pull! Most folk are so intent on what they're doing they won't be looking at you anyway! There should be cubicles where you can get changed. Have you been for a look round? Ask for a taster session.
You'll find alot of the punters creatures of habit. I used to go at 7am and there was always the same 6 of us there and we got to know each other quite well. They had social outings as well. Get stuck in you'll enjoy it!
 
I dunno what posh virgin active gyms are like. I know they are at least twice what I pay for the local council run harpers gym. But there it really is a cross section. People are creatures of habit, and tend to et the same people there at the same times. During the day, term time, are us mums. It has a creche too, so some are new mums. All as self conscious as each other. All so worried aobut how awful they look, they don't notice anyone else. Afternoons are the place to be there! The fire engine turns up. One has to stay in, and the other five go in the gym. They all just seem to chat and moan about the job! I rarely see lycra. Unfortunately, as normally I only have a couple of hour window between finishing work at one, and getting girls at half 3, I don't get to classes. I do know from past experience that I don't really enjoy them as much anyhow. Did love body pump though. I get on the tread mill. I went from walking uphill very sweatily, to running 10km in under an hour fairly quickly. I was amazed how quickly you can build fitness up. And lose it again!!! I am usually so focused on getting through it, I don't really notice anyone else. I'm sure everyone else is the same. No need to worry! It really is all shapes, sizes, looks and personalities. ALl there for the same reason. Self improvement. Enjoy! Most do once in to it.

Lynda
 
Don't be worried!!! It's a shame that people who are heavier fear the gym and others who attend.

There are very distinct groups who go to the gym:

1 - The 'Heroes': Mostly of the male variety who wear the vest tops and baggy bottoms, gelled hair and who warm up before going to the weights room to grunt in front of the mirrors. They are the ones you can imagine pose in the mirror at home and 'kiss the guns'. Also those who feel the need to always 'advise' any women who dare enter their realm of the weights room how to do things, despite not needing their help, especially as lifting weights until you shake and go puce isn't my cup of tea (or healthy).

2 - The 'bimbos': Mostly girls who never break a sweat and walk in with a full face of makeup and spend the time texting on their phones whilst walking/dawdling on a treadmill for a few minutes before scoping out the talent. Usually wear jogger bottoms and a vest top over a wonderbra.

3 - The 'fitness freaks' - both male and female. The ones you fear due to their sheer fitness levels. Can run like Forest Gump and sweat buckets, even their shins. Usually kitted out in the best gear but have reason as clearly use it!

4 - The 'Norms': People who use the gym to a normal level. Can have fits and starts in attending (i.e. go daily for a few months then vanish for a bit). Usually make up 50% of capacity.

Sadly I was once in group 3 when I was uber skinny and a gym nut. Now in the 4 group. I try to go as often as I can (3 times a week if possible) and always enjoy people watching when there lol. David Attenborough should do a show on it. ''And here comes the alpha male, entering his territory and displaying by flexing his huuuge muscles and the make up clad 16 year old females...'' hehe.

I wear lycra...but you'll be glad to know Judi I am not on the pull...I go in looking pasty and leave like a beetroot with a sweat problem...though I will admit when at uni I only started Circuit Training because a guy went who was divine *blush*

Go...enjoy! Don't worry about what anyone thinks - you'll see results and it is fun in a weird way lol xxx
 
Aww thanks guys! I know I'll be fine once I get in there, it's just that big step of signing up and getting started.

There are no cheap gyms in my area sadly (considering I live in quite a pooey/cheap area!), but I have been seduced a bit by the Virgin gym, it's so shiny and new.. I'm so shallow! ;)

Bugger it, I'm going to blimming well make an appointment! :D:D:D
 
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Yay! Shiny gyms are great as the stuff they have is usually the best you can get and reliable. They also smell like like...well....stinkiness.

I miss my gym from when I lived in USA. They had loads of everything and it was awesome. Not if you're not in at the right time you have to queue to use the machines (3 treadmills, 3 upright bikes, 3 sit down bikes, 3 xtrainers and 2 steppers for whole town lol).

Let us know how you get on xxx
 
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