I want to join the gym, but I'm so scared!

[jacklicky]

I go to a women's only gym and there are women off all races, sizes and shapes there and no one that I am aware of has issues. I haven't been fit for a long time and so just walking though the door was so daunting for me...but I went....I stuck my ipod on and just did my thing....after a while some ladies chatted hello and I even did a few group classes (I am totally uncoordinated). I havent been back for a while (IVF and pregancy stuff) but just started back this week and I walked in there 10kgs heavier than I left...and the staff just said welcome back!

I have been to another gym (both sexes) and that wasnt for me....it was all buff, skinny body builder types and I never felt comfortable there.....

Maybe go and see if you can get a weeks trial (they normally offer something like that) then you can check out that you feel comfortable and suss out if your ex-friend is still a memeber...

Goodluck

[Ginger]

i go to the gym at 10.30am on 3 weekdays and it is full of gorgeous 'older' people. i love it. sometimes theres a couple of uni students and other mums too. theres some 'in shape' people and theres also lots of out of shape people (like me) too. i love looking around and seeing people (especially those in their 70s and 80s!) making an effort towards good health. it makes me feel really good. I'm overweight and no one has ever laughed or gossiped or made me feel uncomfortable. i get lots of smiles and encouragement! mine is a mixed sex gym, which i actually like better than the women only ones. sometimes i run into my dad there!
please go and join up. it will be so good for you!!!

[~*Niadalla*~]

Gosh I'd love to join a gym! It would mainly be for classes though... I'm not so keen on getting in the mix of things at this size.

I've been a member of 2 gyms. One was a womens only which was great, the other was mixed and it was horrible. It was the one where all the skinny little fit people were and It made me feel absolutely shocking.

I prefer PT sessions and classes and running outside on my own though, so a gym membership wouldn't be worth it (nor would the 140km round trip).

[Cherished]

When I first started gym I was about 22 I think. I was self concious but soon realized that everyone else is too busy checking themselves out to be worried about everyone else if anything they will think good on you for joining! I haven't been to gym for 5 years now as I quit and bought a full home gym set up. But I miss the social aspect so I am joining one again next year. You will be surprised at how much you will get out of it. Im excited for you re your old friend, ask the people there if she's a member.

[Phteven]

I belong to a women's gym and everyone is really kind and supportive. It's a totally different vibe to the mixed gym I used to belong to. We have lots of members who are retirement age and they are very social - they go for coffee after their classes and so on. They also get to classes early and help those of us who are chronically late to set up. I love doing the yoga class with the old ladies who have been doing it for 40 years. They're inspirational in a way that a 20 year old fembot can never be.
Even if the woman you don't like goes there don't let it put you off. If she can have an adverse impact on your health by keeping you away from the gym then you're letting her 'win'.
Try a few classes - the Les Mills classes are all about options. The instructors have to know how to tailor the classes to people who are pregnant, unfit or injured so they will push you to get results without injuring you and help you out with form if needed.