I took the plunge and joined a gym!

[MarcSage]

I have put off joining a gym for every reason and I was fed up with myself for it. I found a great local gym

http://www.xtremegymbellmore.com/

24 hours mon-fri and long hours sat and sun....just came from there I although I thought I would feel like a jerk joining (yes I think everyone IS looking at me everywhere lol) the two girls who helped me were awesome beyong belief and I can't wait to buy some new sneakers tomorrow and start my regime saturday

Can anyone give me any tips? I know to start out light and don't push too hard too soon but aside from that - treadmill, bike, etc? Anything you can offer (even some web links) would be awesome!

I am very excited about this!

M

[ValidRouge]

I would suggest doing cardio and weight training. Alternate your cardio and strength training days.

www.shapefit.com/training.html is great site for picking out exercises.

As for cardio, whatever floats your boat, gets you MOVING and gets your heart rate UP is great.

[jimmyolsenblues]

I am sure when you join, you ask any of the help to give you an idea what to start with and they would love to help.
Its their job to make sure you keep coming back and have great results.
Ask around.

Good luck!

[MarcSage]

thanks - I will report after my first day

I need to find a good pair of sneakers now.....

[inhisgrip]

I love doing the elliptical machine. I feel like I get a much better work on it than the treadmill. When I first started doing the elliptical I only lasted about 5 minutes but gradually built up.

Also, my favorite is doing group classes. The instructors are great and very supportive. Does your gym offer any classes? I take Kick and Power which a lot of men take, and I take groove which a lot of men don't take.

Have fun. Take it from someone who HATED to exercise. I've been going for a year now and really enjoy it. The more you go, the more comfortable you will get.

[julirama723]

Whatever you do, don't get stuck in a rut. Change up your routine, try new things. The important thing is to keep your body guessing and to keep challenging those muscles!