Thread: I'm in need of some help....

Originally Posted by dorkygirl

So, I registered on this site just now and I hope I did the right thing. I need help and im not in contact with many people that work out to get that help. Heres my story..... I'm 31 years old, about 5'4, and sad to say 170 lbs. AND have NEVER worked out before. I know, What a dork ,right.well, I eat fairly healthy and always have. yeah, i'll admit to the occasional hamburger and french fries, or chocolate, but really i do eat my veggies, fruits whole grains, chicken,and fish. Always water, can't stand soda,and once and awhile some juice. Oh, and an EX-smoker. I've just haven't felt or wanted to work out. Until now. I've had such a disire to get out there and just do it! (no pun intended) So I went and got that gym membership,some shoes, clothes and am all ready to become who I know I need to be.

Well here's the problem.... I don't have the slightest clue where to start. I walked into that gym this morning and was just so overwhelmed. Where do I start? Whats the best starting point knowing I haven't done this before so I know if I just jump on that treadmill for 30 min I'm going to pass out. Should I just start it out for 10 min and increase it when I'm not falling over. Or will that not really do anything for me? AAARRRHHH!! I just don't know. Any suggestions would be so helpfull!!

( by the way...I looked into the trainer thing..I just can't afford it right now.)

Welcome. Go to the training forum and read the stickies. There are many helpful posts to get you started and explains exercise programs. You should also go to the diet and nutrition forum and read the stickies there as well. Many folks here are very helpful and have lots of great knowledge.

dorkygirl welcome to IM!

Don't you know anyone who could show you some exercises? You can get a good program from here, but you should have someone show you how to do the exercises. And welcome to IM.

Most gyms will offer a couple orientation sessions with a trainer at no cost. Check into that to get some basics and good luck

bodybuilding.com has a place that will demonstrate all the exercises for you. So if someone kinda puts something together you can check the exercises out from there. Go slow its not a race. Take your time getting into it. P Funk would be the best to getting you on your way.

I started about 11 years ago, a 16 year old girl in a gym which occupied mostly men that worked for the city who got their memberships subsidized. Therefore, a bunch of police officers and garbage men showed me the ropes. The boys I went to high school with were jealous of my guns. So I learned from watching others, because at that time I had no money for a trainer and really no direction anyway. As I started feeling comfortable in the gym, and established my own routine, I started researching by reading books and articles. The books helped me with technique and understanding of muscle groups. This research provided direction for my goals, body type, strengths vs. weaknesses, nutrition etc.

Nutrition has always been a challenge for me, mostly because of lack of motivation and I really like to eat. E-forums, and e-articles helped me grasp the concept of eating effectively and I've learned alot by reading about experiences other people have had. I also see a nutritionist once in awhile.

**Do your research
*I would take advantage of freebie training or orientation your gym might have.
*Attend fitness classes to work on your coordination, and perhaps pick up technique depending on the type of class.
*Get a work out buddy
* Use a journal to track what you are going, and gradually introduce what you learn along the way.
*Fitness mag subscription? I really like Oxygen, because it's tailored for women.

Good luck.