The Energon Pub

Well guys, i've finally made the decision to lead a healthier lifestyle. I need some tips for joining a gym though. First, some background about me. As of typing this right now, I am a 6'1" 298 lb white guy with type 2 diabetes. I come from a family of diabetic fatasses, people who, with their diabetes, can still consume over 5000 calories a day. I myself was up to 3-4k. Most of my weight comes from a brief stint as a trucker. I'm dieting currently, but my caloric intake is still 1300-2000 calories a day. This works for me. In the first week of my diet, I dropped 9 pounds. It's slowed since then, but now I want to join a gym.

I need to know what to look for in choosing a gym. What kind of stuff should I buy for working out? If anyone else has been in my situation, i'd really appreciate advice on how to deal with that feeling of intimidation you get. You know, the one where you're the only obese person in a room full of beautiful people in spandex and/or nearly naked eyeing their muscles in the mirror and they all think "ewwww. Fat." My current weight goal is 250. It's not my ultimate goal, more of a midway point. Even at my best, with my frame I will always be 200+

I'm in a similar position. This spring I topped out at 226 pounds, though I'm only 5'9". I felt horrible and never had any energy. I haven't joined a gym yet, I'm going to. I just turned 29, and I have been overweight for 10 years, and I really don't like it. I've lost 20 pounds since May just by eating better. I've never been a cardio person, but I realize I must pick it up. I'm not getting any younger. My advice for you is just to go in there, and try to just stick to a program. Don't over do it, because then you'll give up. Start light, and work yourself into a routine. Perhaps there's a gym trainer there who can help you out, but it'll probably cost you extra. My plans for joining a gym are simple. I'm not looking to get cut and ripped up, just get into my weight range according to my age and height, which is around 170 pounds. So if I make it to 180, I'll be happy. I am set on 2 things only: treadmill and weight bench. We have a stationary bike at home, but it's too small for me and it's very uncomfortable to ride. But it is helpful, if you stick to it.

Another thing you can try is the diet program NutriSystem. It worked wonders for my ex GF's mom, she has lost 80 pounds since January, and she just ate their stuff and some extra vegetables and fruit on the side, and rode that bike for 30 minutes a day. She is also diabetic. But it costs about $300 a month (depending on your plan) and some of the food doesn't taste very good. It also requires strict discipline. You cannot eat anything other than what's in their plan. If you can do that, it'll probably work for you.

I'm to the point where I could not care less about what others think about my body. Let them stare, I don't care. Granted, you have a little more than I do, but the psychological hurdle is the first one you have to clear. And besides, all those "beautiful and perfect" people were most likely overweight before they got there. So if anything, some of them might actually have some words of advice and encouragement. As for gear, depending what you plan to do for exercise, all you should need are shorts, a T-shirt or sleeveless shirt, and maybe weight lifting gloves and running shoes.

Another thing, you might want to go with a trial membership first, see how you like it and can you fit a regular exercise regimen into your schedule. Me, I'm going to a gym where I can pay $20 per month, not any other fees. Of course, if I pay for 6 months or a year in advance, it costs less, but then I'm committed financially. So I don't do that. I go by the month. It's convenient.

So just figure out what type of exercise you're comfortable with and is safe for you, and start with that. Don't force yourself. Start light, and work into a routine, and gradually increase and change the routines. Also, change your diet a bit. Start eating smaller portions, and make sure you include all food groups. Also, and this is just my personal thing, I make sure to drink at least 1 glass of milk and 1 glass of OJ every day along with several bottles of water. Hydration is very important. Don't completely deny yourself "bad" foods, just gradually cut down. It works better. And keep track of what you're doing. Trust me, it won't look like much from day to day, but if you do it right, you can look back in 3 months or 6 months and see a real difference. The first step is the most difficult, it took me a long time to take it as well. But after that, everything gets easier. Your self confidence gets a boost, your body feels better, and things start looking up. Good luck!

in 08 I was in a serious position, due to some serious work stress and drinking too much sodas (sodium did not help either) I ended up in the hospital thinking I was having a heart attack.. It ended up being reflux from stress.. I am 5'10" and was weighing in at 250 (I always carried my weight well.. but was approaching a size 42 pant). This happened in early March too.
I started riding my bike about 5 miles a day and limited my calorie intake to about 1200 a day.
I ate for breakfast
1 cup of yogurt and a piece of fruit.
lunch
a normal lunch (did not eat more than the recommended portion size)
dinner
A protein shake with some fruit and a cup of dry cereal (I love cheerios)

After 3 weeks I was down about 18 pounds then I joined a gym in early April.
I did cardio EVERY day (7 days) and lifted weights 3.
Cardio exercises, I alternated
elliptical machine
treadmill
stationary bike

Weights
Mon - Triceps and chest
Wed - minor biceps/back and legs
sat - biceps/back

By September I was around 183 (hurricane gustav evacuation) and while I was evacuated in Tennessee I misaligned a disk in my back and could not lift weights for a couple of months.. By Dec I was 169 (everyone said I looked emaciated and not healthy) when I was given the clearance to *slowly* lift weights again.. For a year and a half I could not lift heavy weights while my back healed. Now I lift heavier weights and have been bulking up as I now weigh 188.

Don't worry about your weight and what other people think about you at all. When your at the gym no matter how small or large you are people respect that your there at all and understand what your trying to achieve because WE ALL are doing the exact same thing, just at different levels.

Get into the gym and start working out. You'll soon get so involved in what your doing that you won't care about what anyone else is doing anyways. Nobody really cares what your doing cause they have their own exercises to focus on and personal goals to achieve or beat. Basically every one is too preoccupied to give a **** what your doing. Least they should be. I know i am and most folks i know who go too the gym are the same way.

Congrats on making the leap to join a gym at all. It takes a lot of courage when your intimidated by it but the rewards are fantastic. No matter how small or large your gains or losses are muscle wise or weight wise it's all about getting out there and doin it. You'll thank yourself for it.

Also.....most folks are always a little scared there first time and know exactly what it feels like. I was the same way at first but got over it really quick with regular visits. Usually 3-4 times a week.

I don't have too much time, so I'm sorry if other posts have repeated this, but here's what I look for.

* multiple locations that your membership gives you access to. I don't know how many times I've been to the in-laws' place six hours from home and felt relieved I could attend the gym fifteen minutes away just as easily as the one back at home.

* open hours. I like the option of going to a 24-hour gym when I can't sleep or at least when I've had a busy day and can only get to one late.

* one that replaces or maintains their equipment in punctual time. Unfortunately, you won't know this without (a) first joining, or (b) talking with others who use the gym.

* one that has enough membership to keep itself updating, but one where you don't have to wait long to get the machine you want... or at least options to work the same muscle group as the machine that's being used.

* some classes or training options. These will probably come at an extra cost, but it's good to know that the personal trainers can offer you some one-on-one time for an extra bit of $$$.

* decent showers. I guess. It's a plus, anyway.

A word of warning: no matter what the gym has, it doesn't work for you. You work for you. I can't tell you the number of people who have gym memberships but exercise once or twice a month. No membership will motivate you. The gym only offers you what your motivation needs.

I currently top out at approx 295lbs, but im also 6ft 3" tall, yes i lift weights and i still am fat, but i'm also back in my meidevil reenactment so hehe im kinda balanced - I'll never be anything smaller than a 38" waist so im not too freaked out about what i will end up like.

In terms of walking in for the first time - going with a friend who knows what they are doing, or having a personal trainer is a big help as they can stick with you and motivate you if times get tough or you are finding it a struggle.

Another great booster is music! take your mp3/cellphone/ipod with you. Just plug in and rock out while working out.

I'm entering into frank mode - gloves are off because i'm talking from experience on this one:

What you will find is that if you keep showing up day after day, week after week the posing b*****ds, the snobby cows, the "oo urr i have little brains" and the wannabe trendy metro-muppets that frequent the gym will stop getting in your way and start getting OUT of your way, because YOU yes YOU are showing them that you are making an effort, and what the f**k-tards forget is that they were once that way too.

+gasp for air+

I'm calm.. I'm calm... honest...

ahem.

in terms of a gym, it all varies depending on what type of workout you want to do! if you want some form of high endurance workout that will help burn off the excess, then here are a few really easy (yet surprising) tips that might help.

Black bin liners! - Yes i know it sounds odd, but if you get a heavy duty black bin liner and cut out slots for your head and arms, wear the bin liner under a tshirt and wear a heavy or thick black or dark hoodie and also wear shorts (cycle of running) under tracksuit trousers.

You may ask where i am going with all of this - but as someone who's sought after many methods of trying to shed excess weight and detox, the heat generated by your body after a stint on tread mills or cross-trainers will be doubled or even quadrupled and will help you sweat out the crap from your system a lot faster because of the plastic of the black bin liner acts as an extractor.

Personally i dislike treadmills and rowing machines, but i prefer cross-trainers as they work both your legs and your arms and will also help burn the extra energy from those areas.

The greatest tip for someone in the gym is to try and have a system or training route that fits you and will work the best for you.

I wish you the best of luck - I know first hand that it isnt easy starting out at a gym and trying to get into a routine and/or break bad family habits!

Good for you< taking the initiative to be more healthy. When I was in college I played college basketball and was in great shape. When I graduated I went from being 6'00" 180 to 226 very quickly. Getting back in the gym was tough. I now play basketball every day and lift weights 3 days per week. I am back to 185 and am in better shape than I was in college.

To answer some of your questions:

I have been to a lot of gyms around my area, from private-small time gyms to huge chains. My favorite, by far, has been Planet Fitness. They have tons of machines, free weights, and more cardio machines that you can count. They do not offer classes. You can get help from the staff for spotting weights and for advice. The best part is, their slogan is "This is a judgement-free zone". If you are caught giving people disapproving looks or comments, they will kick you out. They don't even want you loudly grunting when you lift. Because of this, it keeps out a lot of the jerk-bodybuilders and mean spirited fitness nuts. Oh and the place is dirt-cheap. $20 gets you the top membership. That gets you and a guest unlimited visits to any location nationwide.

When I work out I wear some long basketball shorts and an old t-shirt (usually with the sleeves cut off). I am working out, not going to impress the ladies.

As far as being intimidated goes, there isn't any way around it. I am in pretty good shape now, but still feel like crap when I am done benching and the next guy puts on 50 more pounds and reps it out. You just have to remember that you are working out to make yourself healthier. You are not there yet, but you will be.

Aluus wrote:Well guys, i've finally made the decision to lead a healthier lifestyle. I need some tips for joining a gym though. First, some background about me. As of typing this right now, I am a 6'1" 298 lb white guy with type 2 diabetes. I come from a family of diabetic fatasses, people who, with their diabetes, can still consume over 5000 calories a day. I myself was up to 3-4k. Most of my weight comes from a brief stint as a trucker. I'm dieting currently, but my caloric intake is still 1300-2000 calories a day. This works for me. In the first week of my diet, I dropped 9 pounds. It's slowed since then, but now I want to join a gym.

I need to know what to look for in choosing a gym. What kind of stuff should I buy for working out? If anyone else has been in my situation, i'd really appreciate advice on how to deal with that feeling of intimidation you get. You know, the one where you're the only obese person in a room full of beautiful people in spandex and/or nearly naked eyeing their muscles in the mirror and they all think "ewwww. Fat." My current weight goal is 250. It's not my ultimate goal, more of a midway point. Even at my best, with my frame I will always be 200+

My best advice,take some classes with qualified gym trainers/workers & gym nutrionist workers.