I joined a gym!!

[ebaynut31]

So, hopefully the lbs will melt away.

I found a pic of me at age 20 wearing a bikini in public!!! Man did I look good

Not that I will ever wear a bikini again. I will start checking in again. Life is back on track.

 

[tiggerlover]

Good for you, Karen!! That is great. I love the gym, I am so happy I have one at my disposal (for free). I am going to hate it next year when DH retires fromt he military and I have to start paying for it. Enjoy!

 

[ebaynut31]

I am training myself for the 1/2 marathon at Disney in January 05. I didn't realize how much I have to do. Maintaining a 16 min mile will be a great challenge for me!

I'll be fine by then.

 

[Banshee]

I am afraid to join the gym I used to be the one with the little tight spandex work out clothes now I am the big cow in the sloppy sweats! I wont even wear sleeveless tops anymore I am just afraid of beign looked at,or getting that ohhh what a cow look!! If I knew I could go to a gym where there might be more like me I would do it. I am sorry...... "GOOD FOR YOU" can you send some encouragment my way!?!

 

[tiggerlover]

Originally posted by Banshee
I am afraid to join the gym I used to be the one with the little tight spandex work out clothes now I am the big cow in the sloppy sweats! I wont even wear sleeveless tops anymore I am just afraid of beign looked at,or getting that ohhh what a cow look!! If I knew I could go to a gym where there might be more like me I would do it. I am sorry...... "GOOD FOR YOU" can you send some encouragment my way!?!

I used to be that way too, but you have to block the others out for your health! Bring some music and have at it and then over time as you lose you will feel more comfortable. I know the feelings oh so well and the feeling isn't great, but you need to do this for you!

Karen, good luck on your marathon training!!

 

[ebaynut31]

Banshee, it takes a lot of effort to go there and not feel like everyone is looking at you. I am only 4' 10" and I weigh 160. There is no where for the weigt to be except in the middle. During slow times I use the area downstairs for the treadmills but when it is busy I go upstairs to the women's only area. I feel a lot more comfortable up there. I am a lot bigger than everyone (well not everyone) but it is a "safe" area.

Take a look in a local gym. If there is a woman's only area, I think you would be comfortable there.

I would go with you but it is a long drive for me.

Why don't you move up here in my town?

 

[mishoe01]

Good for you Karen!!

I just joined Ballys - and will be doing the 1/2 marathon with you in 05---right now I'm at a 20min mile, so there's tons of work to be done!

Banshee--I felt the same way at the beginning as well - I started out at Curves (which I LOVE!!!) - it's all women (of all shapes /sizes and exercise levels).....no one looks at you "funny" or judges you....and you get all your workout in a 1/2 hr!!
I joined Ballys as they had the promotion for the Discovery Channel's National Body Challenge (with a free 3 month membership).....when I first walked in, I did feel a little "self concious" as Ballys used to have the rep of being a meat-market. I don't know if it's b/c of the Body Challenge, but there are many different shapes/sizes there now.

 

[r3ngels]

good for you, I have been thinking about joining a gym but I would definately do a womens only gym I would feel better about working out then. Plus there is one walking distance from my house and it has free tanning... don't flame me I know it is bad for my skin but I feel better about myself when I have a little color.

 

[LUVDSNY04]

Banshee,
If there is a Curves near you join in the fun! I have been going for two weeks now and just love it ! There are all kinds of women there - big and little but no one stares . We are all there for the same reason. The workout is only 30 minutes and it goes so fast!
Don't be ashamed of your body because going to a gym means you care about your body and want to do something to get your body in shape. Good Luck.

 

[nativetxn]

I'm proud of you for doing this, just be sure and use the gym. I used to have a membership but was very bad about actually getting my money's worth

 

[ebaynut31]

Right now I only use the treadmill and some stand up rowing machine like thingie. My sister (grumpylilsis) joined today also. She is the one coming with me to the marathon. She also decided we would stay at AK while there. I'm very excited about that!

 

[Banshee]

Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement. I am sorry I have not thanked you all sooner. I will have to look into curves I have one about 5 minutes away. Thanks again.