Joined the Y finally which isn't that significant except...

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  Mar 13, 2012 4:45 AM GMT

  So I finally decided that I should get into shape and get over my phobia of working out. Having never been a "jock" in high school, I never really took weights in jr. or sr. high school.
  
  I was also constantly made fun/bullied in school that made me fear the gym since due to experiences, that I know are unlikely to happen in the "real world."
  
  I have decided to make a change for the positive. I recently joined the YMCA and get to have a trainer for 3 sessions to help get me adjusted to working out. Joining the Y has been a huge step, I hope that I keep up with the working out program.
  
  I would love to hear advice from all that are willing to give some to me.
  
  Thank you!

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  Mar 13, 2012 5:35 AM GMT

  The Y is hardly a "jock" place...more like wannabe quarterbacks improperly slamming the weight everywhere to look all big and tough when they're actually a bunch of wimpy pansies.
  
  But hey, at least they're hot. That's all that matters, right?

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• stratavos
  
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  Mar 13, 2012 2:25 PM GMT

  everyone's gotta start somewhere, just remember to stick with it, and to change up the routine every 2~3 weeks, and things should be good

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  Mar 13, 2012 2:41 PM GMT

  Congratulations on getting started. A trainer will help you with whatever you're looking to accomplish / goals, etc. Just tell him what you want to do - - gain weight, get definition, build your body......let him know. Most likely, he'll see your situation, and suggest various machines and routines that will be just what you're needing. The biggest advice I can give you is to keep going to the gym and don't let anything get in the way of your work outs...........let nothing cause you to stop going or to take days off.
  
  BTW I go to Golds, and the Y. The Y has a good mix of serious lifters, and yes - - there are some teens and women too, but all in all, I can get in a perfectly good work out at the Y - - - - just like any other gym I've been to. Nothing wrong with the Y.

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  Mar 13, 2012 2:42 PM GMT

  I think the "seriousness" of the Y is very localized. All Ys are managed at the local level. I can say in my city the Y is a serious athletic facility.

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  Mar 13, 2012 2:47 PM GMT

  Jockbod makes some great points. Your phobia will go away once you get into the groove of going regularly.
  
  As others have said on other threads, take pictures of your progress - it helps to give you a boost during times when you perceive things are not going as well as you may like.
  
  Good luck with the trainer!

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  Mar 13, 2012 3:31 PM GMT

  Have you checked out RJ's workout plans?

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  Mar 13, 2012 4:19 PM GMT

  Spend more time on training specific forums like ironmagazineforums.com or bodybuilding.com. You need to spend time learning. A trainer is good to get you started if you are very inexperienced but you shouldn't have a trainer forever. The more you know the better you will get in figuring things out and what works for you and your goals.
  
  Changing your body composition (muscle and fat ratio) takes time and effort. So keep your expectations realistic as it can take years to reach your goal depending on that your goal is.
  
  Also diet play the biggest role in changing your body composition. It will seem that working out is the hard part but actually your diet is the hard part (and gym bunny worth his salt will tell you that). And no I don't mean just 'eating healthy'.
  
  Rest is an important factor to pay attention to and one that tends to get overlooked. You recover when you rest. And by rest I mean sleep, not lying down and watching TV etc..

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  Mar 13, 2012 4:45 PM GMT

  clemsongrad saidI think the "seriousness" of the Y is very localized. All Ys are managed at the local level. I can say in my city the Y is a serious athletic facility.

  
  I agree, and within the Y the "seriousness" is at its most localized in the lap lanes. Watch out for those alpha swimmers - yikes!

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  Mar 13, 2012 4:50 PM GMT

  If possible get a gym buddy that is committed. (probably the best thing you can do as a beginner)

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  Mar 13, 2012 4:55 PM GMT

  @ the OP - Good for you for taking that first step! Try not to feel intimidated. Remember, everybody is a newbie to working out at some point. Stick with it and then post some after pics for all of us!

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  Mar 13, 2012 5:19 PM GMT

  Don't worry about what everyone else is doing. It's really not about how much you can lift and most of those other guys are doing things improperly anyway. Focus on your form and technique - which a trainer is perfect for getting you started off in the right direction. Get comfortable with the basics, establish a schedule and build strength gradually. Enjoy the 'best you' at that particular moment.
  
  Keep a workout journal so you can remember your workouts and see your progress. Best of luck

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  Mar 13, 2012 5:22 PM GMT

  Whatever your fitness goals are, just do it. Hit the gym like a bawss, eat like a bawss, and you'll have the physique of a bawss. Now what a bawss looks like in your eyes is in the eyes of the beholder. Good luck, bud. I remember when I hit the gym for the first time so many years ago.

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• MikemikeMike
  
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  Mar 13, 2012 5:25 PM GMT

  clemsongrad saidI think the "seriousness" of the Y is very localized. All Ys are managed at the local level. I can say in my city the Y is a serious athletic facility.

  
  
  This is true. More affulent towns have amazing Y's with pools and the newest machines and free weights many beat local gyms by far. Paul wtf you're not huge- in many gyms you would be considered avg to small.

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  Mar 14, 2012 2:10 AM GMT

  Thank you for all the advice. I think I might have a work out buddy, however it might change over time.
  
  I am very new so not going to do any weight lifting till I get someone to show me the ropes in the weight room first. Not looking to get huge muscles, but looking better than now is my goal.
  
  Keep the advice coming. Made it in today to jog and do cardio.

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  Mar 14, 2012 3:36 AM GMT

  The Y is a great place to start.

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  Mar 14, 2012 3:44 AM GMT

  You already look great.

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  Mar 24, 2012 11:11 PM GMT

  Kudos on joining a gym! Kudos on utilizing a trainer. Make sure you visit a doctor just to make sure there isn't anything about your physical health unseen but present. Make sure you are being "baselined" so that you can measure your improvement.
  
  Be persistent, consistent, and patient. Results will come if you adopt the discipline to put in the time and effort.
  
  Also, a visit to a nutritionist might also be helpful to ascertain your regular diet and any obstacles or gaps which may be present.
  
  Aloha and Be Well!
  Alan

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  Mar 25, 2012 11:55 PM GMT

  Congrats on joining a gym! The Y is a good place.
  
  I've been in gyms all over the world and almost every single person I've encountered has been nice. So not to worry. Nobody there is going to bug you or try to intimidate you. It just doesn't happen.
  
  Just be consistent. Go every day, or almost every day. Start out slowly and gradually increase your weight, number of reps, etc.
  
  It takes time to make progress, so be patient. There will be times when you feel like you're making no progress at all. Don't worry. Just go and work out. You will see results.
  
  Whatever you do, don't give up. Keep working out.
  
  Best of luck!!
  
  
  
  

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  Mar 29, 2012 6:49 AM GMT

  paulflexes said
  But hey, at least they're hot. That's all that matters, right?

  
  
  

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