Sigh

[zencyn]

Well, I guess I"m offically a member of the STAC - I"ve been in denial about it for about a week now. I am so frustrated with myself, I always seem to sabotage myself. And I can't seem to get the binging under control for any length of time.

But... one huge step I have made is to join a gym - it's a Curves like gym and it's the first rea; exercise I've done in a very long time. I hate their weekend hours though they are opened only 9-12 on Saturdays and closed on Sundays. But, right now a regular gym is intimadating to me and I need to stick with something I think I can do, plus I like the atmosphere where I am going, very nice and friendly people.

I also made another hard decision and that was to go back on my anti-depressants. I know they can affect my weight loss, but I don't think I can stick to anything at this point without them.

[kylie]

Re: Sigh

Hang in there! You can do this! Great for you for joining the gym. One day at a time and come here for support when you're feeling like you can't keep going on this WOE...

[PigsInSpace]

Re: Sigh

Congratulations on coming back around...although I know you don't really feel that congratulations are in order.

I understand how the gym is intimidating. It was a bit to me as well. I tried Curves, but also didn't like their hours (and other things). If you get to a point where you want to join a gym such as 24 hour fitness, a good way to get over the intimidation is to just tell yourself that all you're going to do is walk in the door and do 1/2 an hour of walking on the treadmill and then leave. While you're on the treadmill, you can look around at the different equipment and people and get more comfortable.

Try not to be intimidated. People in the gym are all doing the same thing. Some are just at different stages than others.

[Elizellen]

Re: Sigh

I second that suggestion. I considered joining a 'women's workout' gym b ut was put off by the short opening hours (closing at 7 pm weekdays and not open Sat afternoons or Sundays) and have joined a 'regular' gym.

The first few weeks I couldnt use the machines as they had a backlog of new members waiting induction so participated in a few of their classes.

This allowed me to get the feel of the place and see what the other members looked like - and to my surprise though there were some svelte looking young ladies there were also many people in worse shape than I was!

But no matter, all the members just get on with their own thing and no-one 'looks' at anyone except to smile and pass the time of day.

Our gym allows you to take out a 'day guest pass' for a few pounds so you can try before you buy the whole membership and they often have free trial offers too.

[Qjakal]

Re: Sigh

The gym is a free for all zone...I officially declare it so!

It really is all about becoming a "regular" and getting to know faces. If you stick to the same days and times (approximately) you'll soon develop a comfort level with those who also utilize that timeframe. Some will be in better shape...they're at or near the end of the journey. That doesn't mean they can't understand what you're doing though.

Do your workout diligiently and take it seriously if you want everyone else to take YOU seriously there....

No one wants someone to just sit on a machine or station...be willing to work in with others and in the natural course of things you'll be striking up conversations soon enough!

Q

[sallyseachange]

Re: Sigh

Sorry to but in here, but wow! You're all convincing me to join a gym! I've thought about it often, but like you Cynthia, I find the thought a little intimidating. Good for you for actually going ahead and joining one!

[LuckyD]

Re: Sigh

I hate intimidating gyms. Look for gyms in your area that are geared for rehabilitation. If you can find them they are filled with people overcoming something and/or seriously trying to lose weight. The most popular gyms out there are usually the worst offenders for intimdation. Smaller private gyms offer much more support. Try and find a gym that has a pool too. That is a great way to get exersize. I belong to a gym that has a pretty general mix of people but the majority is older folks who just want to keep healthy. It is very laid back and welcoming and the staff is very friendly. You may have to pay a bit more, but it will be worth it to find a place that is appealing to you.

[zencyn]

Re: Sigh

Thanks for all the gym advice everyone. For now, I am going to stick with the Curves type gym that I am trying out. I like the atmosphere and their hours are a little better than curves, they are opened during the afternoon, but their weekend hours do suck. And they have a children's playroom which is a big plus. Also I can pay by month and not get locked into anything, because eventually, I do want a gym with better hours and more to offer. I use to really like to do weights and would like to get into that one day.

[Outback Jess]

Re: Sigh

Zen, Welcome to STAC...glad you got thru whatever it took to get you in here and posting. Seee, we won't bite...We applaud YOUR EFFORTS... We are all making an effort...the second time around is really not most of our stories, it's like the 3rd, 4th and 5th time around.

I don't go to a gym...can't afford that, nor do I do very well, getting up and going somewhere in the car...but if I can go to the garage or around the corner to the club house, well then I am successful!!!! Which is what I do.

the most important thing is getting going, exercise changes everything with Atkins. Exercise and water accompanying the low carb foods really makes the difference...Pluse the endorphine released in our bloodstream give us a mood boost and a sense of EMPOWERMENT!!!!

GOOOOOOOOO GIRL!