What is the best program at a gym for an overweight beginner?

gramma_b2000 asked:

I just purchased a gym membership and will start next week. I am overweight, age 47 and not in shape at all. I need to exercise for health reasons (diabetes) and weight loss. What is a good program to start with? The gym has aqua exercise, a senior exercise program, weight training, cycling, circuit training and a step class with weights. Or I could do non-group activities when it’s open gym. I don’t want to embarass myself by not keeping up with a group so I need to find an appropriate program to start with so I don’t quit.

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obese on May 10, 2009 | Filed Under overweight

7 Comments

wizzards_23 on May 12th, 2009

Using weight training first, swimming, or if they have a Total Gym for your use. You need to start out slow. They should have a trainer who can direct you as to what you need to do to ease into a routine.
They’ll probably want to have you do some cardio, so a beginning step class would be good or a beginning Tae-Bo class.

DISCOVERI on May 13th, 2009

aqua exercise might be the best for you.

Since you will be in the water, there will be some pressure on your body as you move about but it wouldnt be as hard as the other programs.

My advice for you is to start slow and build up your stamina. Joining in with the group will also help you to make friends at the gym which will also help you in keeping up with your work out routine.

The most important thing is to consult with your doctor before you start an exercise program.

jaroshe on May 14th, 2009

i would probably start with going to your doctor to make sure you are on a good diet program (that will help you with your diabetes and make sure you are getting enough energy for working out and staying healthy while losing weight).

Then I would meet with a personal trainer (most gyms offer this) to recommend classes and figure out what you like to do.

But most of all, just do what sounds or you have the most fun doing! That’s the key. I hate the gym, but I love tennis, rollerblading, etc. and because I like doing those things it’s a lot easier to get motivated to do them.

Also consider pilates or some sort of stretching type exercises to keep yourself limber..

tat2me1960 on May 16th, 2009

CORRECT and HEALTHY diet….AEROBICS for 1 to 2 months before intense weight training to build a slimmer you. LOTS of thigh (your largest muscle group) building to get your metabolism into aneorobic mode, which helps build ALL your muscles.

americanwoman22309 on May 20th, 2009

Most gyms will give you a free consultation with a personal trainer to set up a program that works for you. They do this so that you won’t injure yourself in their gym. I would try asking at the gym if they offer this sort of service.

One really good form of cardio is the elliptical trainer. Start out really slow and for a short amount of time (10-15 minutes) and work up from there. It’s very low impact. Good luck!

Elvin Schultz on June 6th, 2011

There are others that have a tendency to follow the pattern that is like the waves of discipline followed by the waves of neglect, there's masses of reasons as to the reasons why they can not keep it up, my fave reason is I am too occupied I even fall into this infrequently.

Humberto Deleon on July 13th, 2011

Do not get deterred if you cannot improve ever single time. Ask your tutor about different coaching modalities or strategies and you interest should perk back up.

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