Please Give Me the Scoop on Health Clubs

[Amy SF]

It's hard to believe, but I've managed to make it to the ripe old age of 46 without ever once stepping foot in a health club, fitness club, gym, etc. If I'm serious about sticking to my New Year's resolution to get physically fit (it's still January :D ), then the first thing I should do is check out these places, right?

1. I have no idea how to pick one. I suppose it would be easy if there was only one for miles around, but I live in an area where health clubs abound. Am I really expected to stop into each and every one, look around, question employees, etc? Is that what you do to choose a health club? Or do you just go to the closest one?

2. What questions do I ask the employees? :dunce: What do you all look for in a health club?

3. Memberships. How do they work? :dunce: What's the typical price range?

3. Since I'm basically starting from scratch, I'll have no idea how to get started. How do I get started? What equipment do I use? How do I make sure the equipment is set right for ME (I'm female, 5 feet tall, roughly 105 pounds) and not for the last person who used it (say, a 6 feet tall male weighing 185 pounds)?

4. What do I eat before I work out? What do I eat AFTER I work out? (trying to be vegan here).

5. What should I wear? What do you all wear to exercise in?

6. How long should a beginner's workout be?

Please bear with me, I know I'm asking a lot of dumb questions; any help you can give me would be appreciated.

[Dasani]

The only staff at the gym that would know the answers to your questions is getting a personal trainer. Most gyms the only qualified staff are the trainers. Counselors and front desk will just refer you to them. I hate to say it but a trainer will probably not teach you the information you need to know without you buying into any sessions. It sucks that the gyms don't pay the trainers very much.

For my membership I paid $800 for 3 years.(x-mas present from boyfriend last year) great gift I might add!

24 Hour Fitness has a month to month for around $40.

Questions you want to ask the salesperson:
What type of classes do you have, what days, what classes.

If the gym doesn't have a cycling class, kickboxing, I would check another gym out that because classes are inportant me.

Meet the Fitness Manager.

Meet the trainer's. One you mesh well with.

Check out the equipment, Look to see what machines are working. If they have alot Out Of Order. Go to another gym. This is a sign they don't take care of the gym or members.

Look for a basketball court, aerobics room, pool etc.
These are nice amenties.

I love the gym right by my house it's new, everything I want is there.That is the good thing about 24 fitness. You can also get a membership to any 24 fitness club.

24 hour fitness has 50% off all memberships, I don't know when the sale ends, so I would check into. www.24hourfitness.com I hoped I helped

[SeaSiren]

1. I have no idea how to pick one. I suppose it would be easy if there was only one for miles around, but I live in an area where health clubs abound. Am I really expected to stop into each and every one, look around, question employees, etc? Is that what you do to choose a health club? Or do you just go to the closest one?

I used to go to the one that was most convenient to my work, which is where I would be leaving from to go to the gym.


2. What questions do I ask the employees? What do you all look for in a health club?

Plenty of the type of equipment you will be working out on (for me weights). I most look for cleanliness!!! I can not stand walking into a gym that is dirty and the benches are covered in sweat..ew!

3. Memberships. How do they work? What's the typical price range?
You can get month to month (more money), bi-annual (6 month) or annual (cheapest). Negotiate so they waive the membership "sign up" fees.


3. Since I'm basically starting from scratch, I'll have no idea how to get started. How do I get started? What equipment do I use? How do I make sure the equipment is set right for ME (I'm female, 5 feet tall, roughly 105 pounds) and not for the last person who used it (say, a 6 feet tall male weighing 185 pounds)?

I prefer the freeweights, but if you are on the machines, be sure to join a gym where the staff educates you on how to use the machines for free. If you want a more intense plan, they generally can refer you to a personal trainer.

4. What do I eat before I work out? What do I eat AFTER I work out? (trying to be vegan here).
I recommend carb loading. I load up with bananas pre-lifting. Take water with you to stay hydrated during your workout. Protein (bar or shake) directly after lifting.

5. What should I wear? What do you all wear to exercise in? Something comfortable like, sweats or shorts and tee-shirt. If you get ambitious they have really cute workout clothes on the market today.


6. How long should a beginner's workout be? As long as you are comfortable, maybe 20-30 minutes to start. My weight lifting has worked up to about an hour now. But, I'm looking for gains, most people will stay around the 30 minute mark.

Good Luck!

[Tesseract]

Think about what kind of exercise you like best. Are you thinking mainly of doing circuit training? Do you want to run? Lift free weights? Play racquetall? Swim? Take spinning classes? You need to look for a club that has the facilities that match your interests. It varies by company and location. I've only ever been a member at Bally's, and some Bally's locations have swimming pools, racquetball courts, etc, while others don't. But they pretty much all have a weight room with both a circuit training setup, assorted stack machines, bikes/treadmills/stairs, etc, and free weights.

Do you want to focus more on strength training, aerobics, or both? Most of the workout plans I've seen recommend alternating days. Most places have both, but sometimes they're better equipped in one area over the other.

Also, gym hours. Obviously, if you want to work out at ridiculous hours of the night, 24-Hour Fitness would be a good place for you. I'm not sure if other gyms have gone 24-hour since they've come on the scene.

I'd strongly recommend going to a few of the locations that are most convenient to you and asking for a tour. You want to see exactly how they're equipped, how busy they are at the hours you want to exercise, and how much trouble you're likely to have getting access to the equipment/facilities you want to use. If you tell them you're interested in a membership, they'll be happy to give you a tour and explain their fitness training services and classes.

What you should wear to work out is whatever you're most comfortable in. Something you can bend and flex in, and don't mind sweating on. I generally wore an old, crummy pair of sweat pants/shorts and a t-shirt. Don't worry about looking good (unless you're the type of person who gets a psychological lift from that sort of thing).

For your other questions, I'll defer to those more experienced in this area than I am, and they would be good questions to ask the people at the gyms you visit.

[purrpelle]

It's hard to believe, but I've managed to make it to the ripe old age of 46 without ever once stepping foot in a health club, fitness club, gym, etc. If I'm serious about sticking to my New Year's resolution to get physically fit (it's still January :D ), then the first thing I should do is check out these places, right?

1. I have no idea how to pick one. I suppose it would be easy if there was only one for miles around, but I live in an area where health clubs abound. Am I really expected to stop into each and every one, look around, question employees, etc? Is that what you do to choose a health club? Or do you just go to the closest one?

2. What questions do I ask the employees? :dunce: What do you all look for in a health club?

3. Memberships. How do they work? :dunce: What's the typical price range?

3. Since I'm basically starting from scratch, I'll have no idea how to get started. How do I get started? What equipment do I use? How do I make sure the equipment is set right for ME (I'm female, 5 feet tall, roughly 105 pounds) and not for the last person who used it (say, a 6 feet tall male weighing 185 pounds)?

4. What do I eat before I work out? What do I eat AFTER I work out? (trying to be vegan here).

5. What should I wear? What do you all wear to exercise in?

6. How long should a beginner's workout be?

Please bear with me, I know I'm asking a lot of dumb questions; any help you can give me would be appreciated.

I work at two gyms, and I have done everything from replacing TP to selling memberships.

1. take a tour of the facility, and really look to make sure the equipment is clean, that there are paper towels and cleaner available to clean the machines before and after use, tissues, and the locker rooms are clean. Go in the middle of the day or at night to check the place out;if it's clean then it will be clean in the am, and go back at the time you'd normally be working out to see how busy it is.
tour a couple of places. what are you looking for? if you are going to be getting ready for work at the gym, is there towels available? will you get to meet with someone to show you the equipment, and how many times? and find out EXACTLY who will be giving you an oreintation, some gyms have desk staff do that, some have the PT's show a member around. are there group classes available, those are great for newbies.

Like dasani said, your first day they usually have someone show you around, which is worthless, because you'll forget everything anyway. best bet is to buy a few sessions with a trainer until you feel comfortable. make sure your trainer is certifed through ACE, NASM,ACSM, AFAA or IDEA or has a degree.

2. ask the salesperson for a week free passbefore signing anything, then decide. there are lots of different types of memberships, but it pays to haggle. some places offer a month free if you pay for a year in full up front.don't buy a lifetime membership. ever. PM me if you want before you put the money down. and if they start to pressure you, LEAVE. If you sign a contract BY LAW you have 3 business days to void the contract.

3. most machines have numbers on the seats, and on the newer ones you would set it to the number (generally) closest to your height(5'1"= setting #1)
now, if you are trying the gym out, this is where you would find out if they have enough employees on the floor to help you out with this.

4. I eat a peice of fruit and a few nuts about an hour before working out, and usually a small protein/carb/flax shake after. it's important to eat within 30-45 minutes after working out.

5. I usually wear a baby tee and bootcut or capri workout pants. make sure you cover up after, you can get chilled after when your heart rate starts to go back down.

6. I would start you off doing cardio 3X a week for 30 minutes, and mabye light weights 3X a week, making sure you hit each muscle group once. 20 to 30 minutes.

anything else? I am on a roll! sorry for the typo's...

[brownieB26]

1. I have no idea how to pick one. I suppose it would be easy if there was only one for miles around, but I live in an area where health clubs abound. Am I really expected to stop into each and every one, look around, question employees, etc? Yes. Is that what you do to choose a health club? Yes. Or do you just go to the closest one? No.


2. What questions do I ask the employees? :dunce: What do you all look for in a health club? What is included in my membership? How long must I sign a contract for? Can I cancel my contract if I am unhappy with your services? What kinds of equipment do you have? Do you offer free instruction programs on how to safely use this eqmt.?

3. Memberships. How do they work? :dunce: What's the typical price range?
There is no typical price range. I'd say a good deal is $50, but it depends on location, services offered (a club with a pool and tennis courts charge more), if they own thier own land or if they are part of a strip mall, if they have classes, etc.
3. Since I'm basically starting from scratch, I'll have no idea how to get started. How do I get started? What equipment do I use? I suggest the elliptical, but that's because it is my favorite machine. How do I make sure the equipment is set right for ME (I'm female, 5 feet tall, roughly 105 pounds) and not for the last person who used it (say, a 6 feet tall male weighing 185 pounds)? Which eqmt are you talkng about? Most high end free weights and cardio eqpt does't need to be adjusted. Weight machines will usually have different levers and settings for height. Bikes are easy to adjust as you usually just move the seat (which can be done one-handedly with a pull-lever)

4. What do I eat before I work out? Carbs. Simple ones if you're going to be running or going at a high intensity. What do I eat AFTER I work out? (trying to be vegan here). Don't eat a lot of protein before you work out. After you workout you probably want something with complex carbs and at least 10g of protein (per article in Self, May 2005). A Luna bar would do the job quite nicely, but you could also down a glass of soymilk with special K.

5. What should I wear? What do you all wear to exercise in? I exercise in baggy t-shirts (Size Medium instead of small, like stuff I get from volunteering gigs) and yoga pants. Wear whatever you feel comfortable in, but make sure it can't get stuck in a machine and doesn't restrict your movement. Before going to the club, swing your arms out in front of you, behind you and every which way. If your shirt doesn't let you move, don't wear it.

6. How long should a beginner's workout be?
I don't know this because I don't know you. Do you like to push yourself? What insensity will you be working at? If you are going to be running at 5 or 6 miles (which I wouldn' suggest) keep it to 30 minutes. If you're walking, try an hour. Do what you feel comfortable doing.
Please bear with me, I know I'm asking a lot of dumb questions; any help you can give me would be appreciated. :D

[veganinohio]

Don't bother. They are outrageously expensive. Instead of driving to the club and working out for half an hour, jog or bike there and back. It's free. Sorted.

Buy a few cheap dumbells and get a book on weight training from your library.

Swim at your community pool. I swim 3 times a week at mine for $1.50.

[brownieB26]

Don't bother. They are outrageously expensive. Instead of driving to the club and working out for half an hour, jog or bike there and back. It's free. Sorted.

Buy a few cheap dumbells and get a book on weight training from your library.

Swim at your community pool. I swim 3 times a week at mine for $1.50.
1. If Amy lives in San Fransisco, jogging up a street with a 8-10 or more grade would be a little difficult. 2. Some people can't run or jog because it hurts. 3. Biking is nice, but what about if it rains? And what if she just wants some variety? If she wants to spend the money, let her. That's what she chooses to do with her money. At least she isn't blowing it on fast food every night.


Look for a basketball court, aerobics room, pool etc.
These are nice amenties.
These can also drive up the price though. If you aren't going to use the pool and basketball courts (which are usually occupied by teen to middle age sweaty men) don't make that a deciding.

[zoebird]

amy,

before getting into the questions, a few questions for you. First, what sort of shape do you want to be in? Second, how much money can you spend? and Third, what do you like to do or what piques your interest?

i mention these things because joining a club may not be necessary or helpful and it may not even meet your interests and needs, and your money could be better spent somewhere else. For example, if you're interested in rock climbing--even remotely--then joining the rock gym will cost $35/mo plus equipment and you can 'go to it' after that. or, perhaps you'd prefer belly dancing classes or yoga classes--and you can spend your money there instead.

if you don't know what you want, i recommend trying a lot of things before you get started. a lot of gyms offer trial weeks for free, or trial days for free. check out what they offer and try out their group fitness classes, or whatever else interests you.

there is more than one path to health, and you don't have to join a gym to achieve the results that you want. But, if you're looking for a gym, here are some things to go on.


1. I have no idea how to pick one. I suppose it would be easy if there was only one for miles around, but I live in an area where health clubs abound. Am I really expected to stop into each and every one, look around, question employees, etc? Is that what you do to choose a health club? Or do you just go to the closest one?

a lot of this has been covered already, but i think one of the most important things beyond cleanliness and safety is how you feel about the place. If you feel welcome or comfortable, you're more likely to go there. If you don't feel that way, then it's nto the right place for you. So, go with your gut instincts.

It might also be helpful for you to ask around. a lot of people go to gyms regularly, so ask around to find out which gyms have good reputations and what not. this will be helpful to you in finding a personal trainer, too, should you want one.

generally speaking about PTs, though, is that sometimes PTs really don't know anything. For example, one of the PTs at one of the gyms where i work (teaching yoga) has her clients standing on what looks like a 'teeter totter' while squatting with a bar across her shoulders. This is dangerous for everyone, should she loose her balance while squatting, it's injury city. I've talked to the trainer about it, and i've talked to the gym. Last week, at another gym, another trainer lost a client due to an accident from this movement--that client has a permanent back injury and will likely be in a wheel chair for life now.

So, finding a good trainer--even if they have all of the best certifications--is really difficult. Sometimes, the best thing to do is ask around the people in the gym themselves and see who they like, what the various reputations of the trainers are, and sometimes just ask the person who looks like what you want to look like--ask them if they'll help you out or train you.

That is, if you're even going to join a gym.


2. What questions do I ask the employees? What do you all look for in a health club?

this i dont' know because i don't know what you want out of a health club.

in general, i don't look for health clubs. I would prefer to have my own home gym (which would cost about $3,000) and everything else i can do on my own. I don't belong to any health clubs because i teach at them--that is, i don't pay for any of them. I seem to prefer the ones with saunas because i like to sauna.

but, aside from that, i look for the equipment that i use: squat rack, free weights, and the odd peice of hammer strength equipment (for neck work mostly). i also see if there are women in the free weights area, because the sexism can be problematic.


3. Memberships. How do they work? What's the typical price range?

they vary. some gyms do a month-to-month, no contract. i would avoid anything more than a 1 year contract. i would strive to have a place that has a month-to-month with no membership fee. most 'serious' gyms offer this, but they don't offer the nicest ammenities (like saunas). they're just basic equipment, basic aerobics room, and some cardio equipment--but it's really all you need.

price range also varies. in our area, you can get a membership to a month-to-month for as little as $22 per month (individual) and $35 per month (family). Most gyms tend to be around $50/mo for an individual and $70 or so for a family. There are some really large gyms in our area that offer swimming pools and tennis courts and racquet ball and whatever else pluse the fitness center and aerobics--and they're anywhere from $80 to $120/mo.

you can spend some serious coin on a gym. so be sure that it's something that you really want to spend your money on.


3. Since I'm basically starting from scratch, I'll have no idea how to get started. How do I get started? What equipment do I use? How do I make sure the equipment is set right for ME (I'm female, 5 feet tall, roughly 105 pounds) and not for the last person who used it (say, a 6 feet tall male weighing 185 pounds)?

usually, when you join the gym, the staff or a trainer will show you how to use the equipment. you'll record the numbers and what not on your chart (which keeps the records of your workout--it's for your own use), and then you'll know how to set it the next time you come in.

the easiest way to get started is with a circuit. the machines are set out in an order for you that has a prescribed workout. start at the lowest weight/resistance, and advance each work out. you may find that it's really easy for the first four or however many work outs, and after that, only move up when it feels easy or comfortable.


4. What do I eat before I work out? What do I eat AFTER I work out? (trying to be vegan here).

every person has their own way of doing this. you'll figure it out over time. basic vegan nutrition applies, and then you just have to figure out how it works best for you.


5. What should I wear? What do you all wear to exercise in?

i tend to dress modestly in shorts that are fitted and mid-thigh length, sports bra and fitted (though not tight) t-shirt. i wear sneakers and socks as well, and wear my hair in a pony tail. i also have a zipper-hoodie sweat shirt that i wear during warm up and between sets if i feel that the gym is too cold (and it usually is).


6. How long should a beginner's workout be?

as long as you'd like. the average circuit takes about 30 minutes, and if it doesn't include cardio in between, i recommend doing 30 minutes of cardio after.

---

after all this, though, i think the first thing that you need to do is find out what your interest is, and then develop that. it's the only way to get a fitness routine to 'stick'--you have to be interested in it.

[bethann]

It's hard to believe, but I've managed to make it to the ripe old age of 46 without ever once stepping foot in a health club, fitness club, gym, etc. If I'm serious about sticking to my New Year's resolution to get physically fit (it's still January :D ), then the first thing I should do is check out these places, right?

1. I have no idea how to pick one. I suppose it would be easy if there was only one for miles around, but I live in an area where health clubs abound. Am I really expected to stop into each and every one, look around, question employees, etc? Is that what you do to choose a health club? Or do you just go to the closest one?

--I looked online for places close to me, that were in the price range I could afford, and that offered the facilities I wanted (my husband wanted to be able to swim, so an indoor pool was necessary.) Make sure it has hours that will work with your schedule. Ask around, where do your neighbors/co-workers, friends go?

2. What questions do I ask the employees? :dunce: What do you all look for in a health club?
--Ask to see the facilities, ask to see the locker rooms (check that the showers are clean), if you plan on using day care ask about that. Personally, I get bored with workouts easily, so I looked for a place where classes were included in my membership, so I've been able to take all kinds of stuff--yoga, pilates, weight lifting, belly dancing,... Some gyms offer personal trainers, nutritional counseling, massage, etc. If you want these services, ask about them and their fees.

3. Memberships. How do they work? :dunce: What's the typical price range?
Usually there's a one time fee to join, although lots of gyms wave this in January, plus a monthly or yearly fee. I pay $60/month for a family membership--it would be less for an individual. It's deducted from my checking account every month (rather than a yearly fee.) Some places charge extra for this. Ask if you can cancel your membership mid-year, and if there's a fee for that.

3. Since I'm basically starting from scratch, I'll have no idea how to get started. How do I get started? What equipment do I use? How do I make sure the equipment is set right for ME (I'm female, 5 feet tall, roughly 105 pounds) and not for the last person who used it (say, a 6 feet tall male weighing 185 pounds)?

What do you want to accomplish--weight loss, toning, cardiovascular improvements, all of the above? My gym offers a free orientation to the fitness center (show you how to use the cardio equipment, free weights, weight machines--and how to reset them for your body.) If this isn't offered, and you can afford it, I'd consider paying for an hour or two of personal training to get this instruction.

4. What do I eat before I work out? What do I eat AFTER I work out? (trying to be vegan here).

A little trial and error should help you learn what your body wants--I like a light carb before working out (like an orange), and some protein afterwards. Make sure you drink plenty of water before, during, and after excercise.

5. What should I wear? What do you all wear to exercise in?

What ever you want. I usually wear yoga tops and pants, even for weight lifting. Make sure you have good sneakers, especially if you're going to be doing an areobics class or running on a treadmill. If you're a larger woman, you'll probably want a comfortable sports bra.

6. How long should a beginner's workout be?

Depends on your goals and your current fittness level. Personally, I'd start with a goal of 30 minutes, and if that's easy, up it, if it's too hard, start more slowly.

Please bear with me, I know I'm asking a lot of dumb questions; any help you can give me would be appreciated.

Just to put a bit of a plug in for the YMCA (where I work out), I've found it to be a great place for beginners, and anyone who's a bit self conscious about their body, fittness level, etc. There are people of all kinds of ages and physical conditions there. But they also have the equipment and classes for people who are far more advanced.

[wilsonthemany]

Hey Amy..I'm guessing from your name that you're in San Francisco. If that's the case - I suggest the Embarcadero YMCA to you. It's open Mon-Fri 5:30 am to 10pm and sat 8-8 and sundays 8-5. It's much nicer than any of the other Y's and it's very inexpensive. It's also overlooking the Embarcadero and if you get bored inside, it's easy to take a run/stroll outside. I work at Equinox on Pine St. and it's the opposite. Great building, nice trainers - WAY overpriced. It's clean, sure, but it has the same stuff the Y has....except 4 times the price. Check out Yelp.com for more reviews of the Embarcadero Y....and if you end up checking it out, drop me a line! You could use my guest pass if you want.

[Amy SF]

<sigh>

I knew my choice of a user name would come back to haunt me, that's why I stated in my intro that the SF didn't refer to San Francisco. I live in Southern California. But thanks for the suggestions; perhaps somebody who DOES live in SF may find your post useful. :bobo:

and Bethann: Thanks for the YMCA plug. My parents had a membership back when they had fewer health problems and were actually able to use it, and my mom kept telling me I could use their membership if I wanted. I committed an unforgivable Frugal sin; I never did. I was just too lazy. :cry: But perhaps the YMCA is just the ticket for me. :vebo:

and zoebird: Thanks for your post. I'll respond to it at a later time: It's after 2 am here right now. You know you're addicted to VB when... :D

[Amy SF]

/bump

argh! TWO years went by already? :stinkeye: I've done nothing. I'm so awful! :cry:

The Hamster thread makes me feel guilty every time someone posts in it.

I was seriously considering Curves; there are two fairly close locations in Santa Monica. Eh, I'll check out the YMCA instead. :-/

My sister has been after me (againandagainandagain) to get into shape b/c she won't go traveling anywhere with me unless I do, and she says I will NOT be able to keep up with her or anybody else if I'm not in shape. We are considering going to Italy together. We both really want to go there. :think: She pointed out that when we were walking around in San Francisco back in 2005, I was huffin' and puffin' up hills that she had no problem with. :doh:

[asp3]

I think the most important consideration is finding a club that is convenient enough for you that you'll want to go there and that has the types of activities you want to take part in either for fun or as part of your exercise program. If you love to swim be sure to find one with a pool, etc...

I've been a member at two different types of gyms at different times in my life. The first one I joined was two blocks from my house and I would visit it two to three times a week after dinner. It helped me get down from my high point of 190 lbs to 150. It was just a normal gym with exercise machines. I got a routine, did it religiously and lost the weight I had put on.

The second type of gym I joined a few years after finishing with the first one. I've been a member at two different climbing gyms for the past 12 years and I absolutely love going to the gym. I used to just go and climb, but over the years I've added a substantial warm up and stretching routine that rounds out my workout. I love indoor climbing and it keeps me motivated to stay in shape.

The last type of gym I've used are workplace gyms. I've used them at a couple of places to replace outdoor activites during winter or to increase my workouts during the week. I usually like to get to them early in the morning before work and then go into work feeling refreshed and ready for the day.

Good luck in your search, I hope you find one that's a great fit for you.

[codemonkey]

I personally enjoy working out at home. The only reason I belong to a gym is because my husband won't work out at home (and doesn't want to work out by himself so I compromise). If you insist on working out at a gym, look for one that will give you a few sessions with a personal trainer with your membership. LA Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness both do. I also like the group classes.

Since I prefer to work out at home, I'm a big fan of dumbbells. Play it again sports has them for $0.50 a pound. Get light ones to start and get heavier ones when you get stronger. I also personally enjoy exercise videos because I like to have someone yelling at me to work harder. I also don't have to remember the routine since I've got the video talking me through it and showing me what to do. They're not all cheesy aerobics videos like they had in the 80s.

[codemonkey]

Oh, and curves is really lame. My 63-year-old mother-in-law was a member for a while and says it's gotten too easy. It's really geared to the very out of shape crowd.

Oh, and if you're not looking to lose weight, make sure you're eating more to compensate for the calories you're burning.

[Qwerks]

Amy...two years? Lemme 'splain something to you. YOU DO NOT WANT TO JOIN A GYM. You won't like it if you do, and you'll quit and it'll make you feel all crappy.

You don't need to train for the Olympics or anything, basically you just need to get up and do something. What would you like to do? How about improvisational clowning? Eighties dance moves like the snake and robot? Hula hoop tricks? Medieval weapons training? Belly dancing? Boomerang lessons? Black light puppetry? Walks in pretty places? Scuba diving? Ping pong? Fencing? There has to be something you really want to do...otherwise you won't do it anyways.

It's too bad you don't live in Toronto...I'd just sign you up for clowning lessons and show up at your door wearing a rubber nose and expect you to come with me. Hey-do you have an annoying friend you could talk to about this? We're good for that sort of crap. :yes:

[Amy SF]

Oh, I miss Qwerks... :p

Well, I finally did it. I joined Curves today. I finally forced myself into a gym for the first time ever (excluding mandatory phys ed in school), and signed up! I decided on Curves because from what I've learned about it, it makes the most sense for somebody who has never indulged in any kind of routine daily/weekly exercise. But I still have some questions for the physically active gym members amongst the Veggieboards community.

1. What do you eat before you work out?

2. How long do you wait after eating to work out?

3. Can I eat immediately after working out, or should I wait a while?

4. Do you do any kind of streatching warmups BEFORE you start on the equipment, or do you use the equipment for your warmups?

5. I know that it's important to stay hydrated and to drink water while working out. How much water should I be drinking while I exercise? It's just a 30 minute workout each time.

Oh, and as for the workout clothes I was asking about in my initial post in this thread, I just went to Target a few weeks ago and bought some Champion brand exercise clothes and a couple of sports bras.

I'm starting on Monday morning. I was going to start tomorrow, but the girl said that Saturdays are very busy (and they're only open 9-12 on Saturdays), and since it will take a little longer than 30 minutes the first time, she recommended Monday instead. So Monday it is. I'm so excited! :hamster:

[danakscully64]

I will try, Amy, I will try.

1. Food. :p I usually have some water and a light breakfast before I do a big workout. I may have an english muffin with peanut butter or something else with protein. Nuts work well too.

2. I'm starving after a workout, I eat a light snack once my stomach growls.

3. Yes you can. I know you're not exercising to lose weight but to improve your health, so that's fine.

4. Not sure on that one. My Mom did Curves, but she's asleep so I can't ask her. I'd do a basic warm up before getting there just in case.


My Mom liked Curves, but she's not the type who can stick to something, so she paid a crap-load of money and quit after 2 days. :down:


Qwerks post made me :lol: I don't recommend joining a gym that's far from your house, you won't go. That's why I quit 24 hour Fitness, it was a 20 minute drive each way, I HATED getting into my car all sweaty after and having to drive so far. I want to join the LA Fitness that just got put in 3 mins from my house, but I can't afford it. They do the "Pay By Month, No Contract" thing, I may do that. I know I can do a 3 day trial for free, I should try that first.

[Amy SF]

Thanks, Heather! :up:

[danakscully64]

Hope I could be of some help :)