Starting the Gym for the first time in fifteen years!
Discussion
So, I've joined the local Puregym although it doesn't open until November but I want to get stuff organised before then.
At the moment I'm 6ft and (sadly) edging towards 20 stone. I'm carrying it all around my middle and have a rather large belly. I used to be quite active at school but that was 25 years ago. I'm now 41 and really need to lose around 4 stone, maybe even a bit more. I've never been super skinny but now I'm, well, fat.
My job involves a lot of sitting about for long periods (Call centre) but I recently started something new where I'm on my feet a lot more which is better but I want to exercise more and while it certainly isn't bad for me it's not enough. I'm terrible for being a procrastinator (some would say lazy!) and as my work is 1pm-9pm Monday to Friday and I live alone I'm awful for lying in bed until 11AM so I'm glad the Puregym is opening as it's 24/7. I'd happily go after work but I doubt I could motivate myself to go before work, at least to begin with. Who knows what will happen once I start going regularly.
Anyway there is some good news. I don't smoke or drink. I've cut back on fizzy juice completely and drink mostly water after having two Kidney Stones in the space of six months (One each side. Not pleasant or recommended. I will say Morphine is a wonderful drug though!) and my blood sugar and pressures were actually OK at the time so it's not all doom and gloom. My diet really needs changing though as I don't eat a lot of veggies or fruit and it's very easy to pick up a chocolate bar or packet of crisps from the staff canteen in the short time we get for a break or lunch.
Anyway, to begin with I want to lose the weight and if I carry on after that perhaps build some shape. I abhor running with every fibre of my existence (and I don't think my knees could take it, they were giving me trouble even when I was at school) so it's likely I'll be hitting the rowing machine and bike.
As I haven't been to a Gym in over two decades I'd like an idea of what sort of kit I'll need. Shorts, T-Shirt, Music and crack on? Is it worth getting a small bag for shower gel, shampoo, towel and sweaty gym kit etc.?
I'll keep the thread up to date when I start going too!
At the moment I'm 6ft and (sadly) edging towards 20 stone. I'm carrying it all around my middle and have a rather large belly. I used to be quite active at school but that was 25 years ago. I'm now 41 and really need to lose around 4 stone, maybe even a bit more. I've never been super skinny but now I'm, well, fat.
My job involves a lot of sitting about for long periods (Call centre) but I recently started something new where I'm on my feet a lot more which is better but I want to exercise more and while it certainly isn't bad for me it's not enough. I'm terrible for being a procrastinator (some would say lazy!) and as my work is 1pm-9pm Monday to Friday and I live alone I'm awful for lying in bed until 11AM so I'm glad the Puregym is opening as it's 24/7. I'd happily go after work but I doubt I could motivate myself to go before work, at least to begin with. Who knows what will happen once I start going regularly.
Anyway there is some good news. I don't smoke or drink. I've cut back on fizzy juice completely and drink mostly water after having two Kidney Stones in the space of six months (One each side. Not pleasant or recommended. I will say Morphine is a wonderful drug though!) and my blood sugar and pressures were actually OK at the time so it's not all doom and gloom. My diet really needs changing though as I don't eat a lot of veggies or fruit and it's very easy to pick up a chocolate bar or packet of crisps from the staff canteen in the short time we get for a break or lunch.
Anyway, to begin with I want to lose the weight and if I carry on after that perhaps build some shape. I abhor running with every fibre of my existence (and I don't think my knees could take it, they were giving me trouble even when I was at school) so it's likely I'll be hitting the rowing machine and bike.
As I haven't been to a Gym in over two decades I'd like an idea of what sort of kit I'll need. Shorts, T-Shirt, Music and crack on? Is it worth getting a small bag for shower gel, shampoo, towel and sweaty gym kit etc.?
I'll keep the thread up to date when I start going too!
It takes a whole lifestyle to achieve "fitness" when you are no longer very young.
Before you start at the gym, I'd suggest that you do as much walking (putting in a bit of effort) as you can and do some body weight exercises. Kneeling/wall press ups, dips on the side of a chair seat etc.
If it is within a couple of miles, walk to/from the gym too. Good for warming up, cooling down and getting more training than you would if just driving.
Don't do any fad diets, just eat decent food (not low fat, high sugar versions of processed food) and don't snack.
Not drinking fizzy, sugary drinks is a good thing. I suspect that a lot of people take in a lot more calories than they realise that way.
Before you start at the gym, I'd suggest that you do as much walking (putting in a bit of effort) as you can and do some body weight exercises. Kneeling/wall press ups, dips on the side of a chair seat etc.
If it is within a couple of miles, walk to/from the gym too. Good for warming up, cooling down and getting more training than you would if just driving.
Don't do any fad diets, just eat decent food (not low fat, high sugar versions of processed food) and don't snack.
Not drinking fizzy, sugary drinks is a good thing. I suspect that a lot of people take in a lot more calories than they realise that way.
Welcome fellow puregym-er 
. I frequently pass my gym (
) on the way to and from work. I should really start going, I have been paying for it for the past 3 years.
Anyway wear what you feel comfortable working out in. Music can help but pure has a few tv's dotted around playing decent enough music to get you pumped. Yes get yourself a towel for wiping down machines after use and if you're going to shower after a workout at the gym the bag would make sense. If, like me, you shower when you get home then there is no real need for it.
Good luck
. I frequently pass my gym () on the way to and from work. I should really start going, I have been paying for it for the past 3 years. Anyway wear what you feel comfortable working out in. Music can help but pure has a few tv's dotted around playing decent enough music to get you pumped. Yes get yourself a towel for wiping down machines after use and if you're going to shower after a workout at the gym the bag would make sense. If, like me, you shower when you get home then there is no real need for it.
Good luck
Hoofy said:
MC Bodge said:
when you are no longer very young.
I like how you suggest that being in your early 40s is no longer very young but not old. You're my new best friend. 
OP - I started weight training and a permanent diet chance last May (2014), after an almost 30 year break, and I haven't looked back since!
Edited by chris watton on Saturday 3rd October 09:33
Hoofy said:
MC Bodge said:
when you are no longer very young.
I like how you suggest that being in your early 40s is no longer very young but not old. You're my new best friend. The important thing is to have an aim. Just "going to the gym" or "losing weight" isn't really enough to maintain interest long term. Try to use free weights or body weight and go to classes or use a personal trainer.
Trying to become stronger/faster/more endurance/more skilful at an activity or sport will keep you motivated. For me, looking better is a secondary benefit.
MC Bodge said:
Before you start at the gym, I'd suggest that you do as much walking (putting in a bit of effort) as you can and do some body weight exercises. Kneeling/wall press ups, dips on the side of a chair seat etc.
I couldn't agree more with this - I find the gym great for focusing on a workout and avoiding distractions once your body's familiar with exercise(this is coming from someone who did none from the late teens to late twenties!), but I see too many people start out thinking that 'turning up' is going to fix them automatically, rather than realising it has to come from within - you can spot those who've just joined AND will disappear after a few weeks...Just getting more air flowing through your lungs and your muscles used to being worked moderately for a few weeks before starting puts your mind and body in a much better place to go the distance.
I'd also suggest that it's also worth getting someone to put basic programme together unless you're sure what exercise to do, just to make sure your exercising the right areas and pushing them by an appropriate amount!
Some good advice here.
You need to make going to the gym part of your routine and that includes eating healthy, sleeping properly, etc, etc.
The good thing is, as you're starting from scratch, providing you do it properly and keep to the routine you should see and feel the benefits pretty quickly (certainly in a few weeks).
Good luck.
You need to make going to the gym part of your routine and that includes eating healthy, sleeping properly, etc, etc.
The good thing is, as you're starting from scratch, providing you do it properly and keep to the routine you should see and feel the benefits pretty quickly (certainly in a few weeks).
Good luck.
OP said:
lose 4st
And the rest.
I think you've had good advice on the gym above. If your knees don't like running take care with the rowing machines; swimming and walking are best here.
I would add that fit vs. unfit is exercise related, but fat vs. thin is diet. And at 6st overweight it's probably 90% diet. Bin the empty calories first: the alcohol is worst then the sugary drinks then the sugary food. Eat properly. You know what that means. Don't snack. At all.
And wait; your body can transform amazingly but it takes time.
Www.myfitnesspal.com and cycling will shift the blubber if you stick to around 1500 calories a day and spinning an easy gear won't hurt your knees and when summer comes ditch the gym and get out pedal.
Further to my earlier posts: Fit, slim people are also generally active types.
Their life is active, they choose to do active things (rather than just watching them) in their spare time and socialise (which doesn't just consist of boozing) with other fit, slim, active people
They use stairs, not lifts
They think nothing of walking to the shops/pub/restaurant, even if it is a reasonable distances and requires carrying things back home.
They don't wait for a parking space right outside an entrance
They don't just sit down all evening, every evening after work.
If something needs moving or the house/garden needs some work, they do it themselves.
The gym might supplement their active life, but is probably not the source of it.
It really is a lifestyle, but you can't buy a lifestyle, despite what marketing types would like you to think.
Their life is active, they choose to do active things (rather than just watching them) in their spare time and socialise (which doesn't just consist of boozing) with other fit, slim, active people
They use stairs, not lifts
They think nothing of walking to the shops/pub/restaurant, even if it is a reasonable distances and requires carrying things back home.
They don't wait for a parking space right outside an entrance
They don't just sit down all evening, every evening after work.
If something needs moving or the house/garden needs some work, they do it themselves.
The gym might supplement their active life, but is probably not the source of it.
It really is a lifestyle, but you can't buy a lifestyle, despite what marketing types would like you to think.
chris watton said:
Hoofy said:
MC Bodge said:
when you are no longer very young.
I like how you suggest that being in your early 40s is no longer very young but not old. You're my new best friend. MC Bodge said:
Further to my earlier posts: Fit, slim people are also generally active types.
Their life is active, they choose to do active things (rather than just watching them) in their spare time and socialise (which doesn't just consist of boozing) with other fit, slim, active people
They use stairs, not lifts
They think nothing of walking to the shops/pub/restaurant, even if it is a reasonable distances and requires carrying things back home.
They don't wait for a parking space right outside an entrance
They don't just sit down all evening, every evening after work.
If something needs moving or the house/garden needs some work, they do it themselves.
The gym might supplement their active life, but is probably not the source of it.
It really is a lifestyle, but you can't buy a lifestyle, despite what marketing types would like you to think.
Here here, so true.Their life is active, they choose to do active things (rather than just watching them) in their spare time and socialise (which doesn't just consist of boozing) with other fit, slim, active people
They use stairs, not lifts
They think nothing of walking to the shops/pub/restaurant, even if it is a reasonable distances and requires carrying things back home.
They don't wait for a parking space right outside an entrance
They don't just sit down all evening, every evening after work.
If something needs moving or the house/garden needs some work, they do it themselves.
The gym might supplement their active life, but is probably not the source of it.
It really is a lifestyle, but you can't buy a lifestyle, despite what marketing types would like you to think.
Also having a dog means you get 2 walks a day - so then you can feel a bit better about not doing starjumps in your living room of an evening or using the lift in high rise buildings lol.
Calories in vs calories burned if theres an imbalance you'll either gain or lose weight - its science.
Calories in vs calories burned if theres an imbalance you'll either gain or lose weight - its science.
hman said:
Also having a dog means you get 2 walks a day - so then you can feel a bit better about not doing starjumps in your living room of an evening or using the lift in high rise buildings lol.
Calories in vs calories burned if theres an imbalance you'll either gain or lose weight - its science.
You can post that a thousand times and many still won't believe you.Calories in vs calories burned if theres an imbalance you'll either gain or lose weight - its science.
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