<p>Oh Hunt–that’s what I tell my friends when they lament about their weight! It doesn’t help you be healthy if you’re down on yourself, and there is always somebody fatter than you who would be thrilled if they could suddenly have your body–unless you’re the guy that requires the fire department to get out of the house. Seriously. Sometimes I feel like such a slug, but then I remember I should be grateful for the body I have, because it could definitely be a lot worse.</p>
<p>I think the pool is your best option, and I think you’d find at either the YWCA or YMCA there’s a very mixed clientele. Sometimes when I would swim at the YWCA there would be these old ladies, some very tiny, some very round, and they were always so happy when they got out of the pool. It reminded me that we all end up there, with the wrinkled thighs and the liver spots, and that life is not a beauty contest unless we choose for it to be.</p>
<p>Everybody has different fitness personalities. I am not one that likes to be in a class–though I do like my yoga class. I’d rather walk or hike with my dog, or swim, which is a solitary exercise. If you want the camraderie and support of a group, then you could try one of the arthritis water exercise groups. If you feel that you’d find that annoying or distracting, then sign up for lap swim. </p>
<p>And about that bathing suit phobia, my friend and I have a joke–but it’s rooted in truth–it doesn’t matter what we’re wearing, because nobody is looking at us anymore. She once wore a navy dress with navy shoes to a charity auction, and told me how horrified she was when she looked down and realized she’d accidentally chosen black hose–but nobody noticed. With all due respect to the Cougars and The Real Housewives and those ladies out there that can work it–I just don’t think middle aged women have to worry about the scrutiny that younger women do. Hey, I wore my mini-skirt and stillettos in February, in Indiana, in sub-zero weather, because I was 21 and I cared more about how I looked than how I felt. But hey, I’m not trying to attract people anymore–I’m actually trying to repel them–so I can do that in my manly comfortable shoes. :)</p>
<p>If you can find an exercise partner though it really can help. I go to the gym with my husband most of the time. On Sundays I often run into a friend of mine, I always get more excercise when she’s there - we get on side by side ellipticals and talk non-stop the whole time.</p>
<p>Did you say what time of the day you would be working out? I mention that because several people have recommended your local Y. My parents swam at their Y for years, then finally stopped because the Y had day care kids there all the time - even during “adult swim.” So before you join a Y, asked if they allow children during the day, etc.</p>
<p>I agree with the other posters. No matter what your body type / size, regular exercise is good for you. Even if you don’t lose weight, you’ll be healthier (physically and mentally). The earlier posts have a lot of great recommendations regarding types of exercise that might be appropriate for a “chubby” person with bad knees. (I will second the yoga recommendation…it works wonders from the inside out, and the yoga environment is very welcoming.)</p>
<p>I just wanted to add a little encouragement regarding being self-conscious at the gym. Don’t worry about it! I go to an LA Fitness. There are all sorts of bodies there…young, old, buff, obese, and everything in between. I’m there to do something good for myself, not to parade my body. My philosophy: If you don’t like the way I look, then move your gaze to the 19-yr old hottie in the spandex!</p>
<p>I second the idea of a local y…they seem very unpretentious to me.
I’m not a class person but i do go to a weekly yoga class and find it very helpful. All shapes, sizes and ages, and the folks are very non-competitive. The teacher lets you do only what you can…doesn’t push. Not the best activity for losing weight but great for flexibility and centering yourself (and reducing anxiety and stress). It serves as a good base for other activities, IMO. And you can cover your whole body if you want…noone cares.<br>
Plus maybe you could meet some nice ladies there that would make you feel more comfortable about doing other activities.</p>
<p>Don’t know if money is an issue - our YMCA is ridiculously expensive. It’s right down the street from me, so I looked there first. The gym I joined was cheaper and offered more.</p>
<p>Thanks for your thoughtful and practical advice. We do not have a local Y – but I am going to try a 3 month trial at a small indie place starting next week. I am going to face the fear and learn from it. Even going to try the water class the 1st day.</p>
<p>I have been healing my knee post-surgery for the last two years. Before that I limped a lot. Not knee replacement, but similar in its severity.</p>
<p>Here’s what I have learned. </p>
<p>EVERYONE is so busy being embarrassed/self-conscious/etc. that they don’t have time to worry about you. </p>
<p>Having a financial commitment gets me out the door every time. </p>
<p>Yoga classes are full of the inflexible and the unfit. The instructor is taught sympathy and slow progress as part of her training (if she’s good).</p>
<p>There’s really nothing to be ashamed of; at least you’re not sitting at home any more!</p>
<p>As for the knee itself, have you considered cycling? Both my husband and my daughter have found cycling helps their knees more than anything else.</p>
<p>I spent a long time avoiding the gym because I was sure that everyone was thinner than I. Finally, I got to a point where I knew exercise was what I needed and I bit the bullet and went. Honestly. . . the skinny blondes weren’t looking at me and no one else was either and not everyone in the gym is fit and in shape. With your knee problems it sounds like you could use some help from a trainer who specializes in working with folks who have similar problems. I’d spend the money and find someone. Look for a gym where there are trainers who have expertise working with different types of clients. There are often young people studying for PT degrees that work part-time as trainers. I was lucky and got a person like that. You don’t have to stay with a trainer forever. Sign-up for a short period with a goal of having the trainer show you what you can do on your own. With the trainer you’ll learn how to do exercises properly and won’t cause more damage to your body and you’ll learn what exercises to avoid.</p>
<p>Two words: Planet Fitness. I loathed gyms and stayed away until I found Planet Fitness. For $20 or $10 a month it can’t be beat. Everyday people are working out. And for the $20 a month level you can bring a guest, one per day, every day of the year. My D goes with me when she is home. I took the intro classes and learned about the machines. Mostly now I do cardio for 60 min 4 times a week. They also have a 30 min circuit training area (like Curves).</p>
<p>Remember, most people at the gym (especially the fit ones) are looking at THEMSELVES.
And people like you and I make them feel that much better about their own flat tummies.</p>
<p>Also - most fitness centers should offer you a welcome session with a personal trainer - where they will walk you through how to operate the cardio/strength equipment properly and SAFELY for your needs. If you have a session like that, make SURE to mention any of your physical limitations so that they can show you appropriate modifications.</p>
<p>Agree with some posts above…don’t be intimidated! I am a group fitness instructor. I have ALL ages/shapes/sizes/abilities/attire in my classes! And it’s ALL GOOD!</p>
Along these lines, another option may be your local Community College. Living in CA, some of the local colleges have an Athletics program where they teach people interested in working as Trainers, Physical Therapy assistants, etc. These students need people to work on, so fellow students and community members can sign up for fitness classes and they get instruction from the trainers. For example one CC lists this
<p>You might want to check with a local CC to see if they offer something along these lines. And classes at a CC can be much cheaper than an equivalent 3 month gym membership.</p>
<p>Does your county have recreation centers? We have a bunch of excellent rec centers, very reasonably priced. You can either buy a membership or take individual classes in swimming, weight training, aerobics, dancing, spinning, ice skating, and just about anything else. </p>
<p>My H and I are taking water aerobics now and love it! It’s easy on the joints and you don’t sweat. The water keeps you cool. We both hate wearing bathing suits, but there are all shapes there and nobody really cares how they look. My basic frumpy tankini with the long top and baggy shorts works just fine…</p>
<p>Have you thought about yoga classes? A good yoga teacher helps you feel safe about learning to work with your body and its limitations. The thing is that these days, yoga centers, like gyms, have very different personalities and atmospheres. I recommend looking for “gentle” or “restorative” or therapeutic yoga, perhaps Iyengar or Anusara yoga classes, which tend to attract all types and ages. Stay away from the “power” types which tend to attract the young and the bendy, not to mention the type A’s.</p>
<p>I can totally relate! It took a friend of mine two months to talk me into joining our gym. I was terrified! Total Gym Phobia! The worst. I even visited several, and within minutes knew it as not for me. Hotties, looking at other hotties!</p>
<p>My DS had been a member of our gym for several years and he has loved it. I was so worried about looking…well, you know. The gym that we belong to (my husband decided to join also after I had been a member for a couple of months.) is one of those attached to a hospital. That is one of the great things that I love about it. We have every type of person that you could imagine working out. There are not too many "hotties’, as they like places with lots of other hotties LOL. Only “hotties” are the Cougar (looking) type! Of course they are not Cougars, just Moms who look like I hope to someday! And they give lots of attention to you - since they all swear they were where I am a couple of years ago. Lots of rehab patients, who are now fit enough to workout. Also, lots of very elderly people. Most people are middle age, and just like us. All shapes & sizes. Mostly NOT skinnie minnies! Just regular people. And I have never noticed anyone “looking” at anyone else. They are all too busy sweating.</p>
<p>The only embarrasing part, is all of the high school and college boys that are friends with my DS go there if you hit the timing just right So, of course they all stop to say hi or wave to DS’s Mom. But they are so nice, I have known most of them since elementary school, so it is all good. Nothing like a ton of very athletic young men talking to you to push you to work harder LOL. I do get strange looks from others for that though. Especially since they want to work in with me. The settings go from 35 lbs to 180 and back LOL!</p>
<p>So - if the place you are tying out does not work, look for one connected to a hospital. We have been thrilled with ours. It even has the benefits of “modified” machines for disabilities, rehab machines, several types of pools, and lots of classes of for all levels.</p>
<p>Good luck - if I can face my fear, anyone can. Seriously!</p>
<p>I have no intention of giving in to my fear of bathing suits however! No way, not going to happen :-)</p>
<p>I’ve only skimmed the last few posts so forgive me if someone said this already.</p>
<p>I work out, at a local gym. I’m really really happy with how I look. I have friends who tell me they are jealous. HOWEVER, when I started, I was emulating a good friend – and she had already been going for two years. I decided to not judge my progress until I too had been going for two years. I’ve now been going seriously for four years, and the best advice I can give you is that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Be patient, stick with it, and things will happen to your body. </p>
<p>I faced the fear today and went to the fitness center that I was least afraid of. I had a meeting with a trainer this morning who had the personality of a box of bricks…but at least she was not 23, blonde and in spandex…although she did have sort of one of those “made up” names…</p>
<p>but…</p>
<p>I went and I learned about the the nautilus machines. I am starting to go to the water aerobics beginning on Friday.</p>
<p>I am pretty proud of myself!</p>
<p>I am also very grateful for all the advice and encouragement.</p>
So, of course they all stop to say hi or wave to DS’s Mom. But they are so nice, I have known most of them since elementary school, so it is all good. Nothing like a ton of very athletic young men talking to you to push you to work harder LOL. I do get strange looks from others for that though. Especially since they want to work in with me. The settings go from 35 lbs to 180 and back LOL!</p>