I just joined a gym for the first time!

I'm in shock! I've always been very intimidated by gyms, and I hate to excercise, but I finally bit the bullet. There's a NYSC opening literally one block from me, and they had special rates for joining, so I joined today. My girlfriend also joined, so we can go together.

I seriously don't even own workout clothing! I NEVER exercise! I'm excited about starting to get into shape and improving my health. I've gradually been losing weight on my own for about 10 months now, but I really want to firm up some trouble areas, like my tummy and thighs.

Any suggestions or pointers would be greatly appreciated, from what kind of clothing to buy to where to start. I'm completely clueless! TIA!

Re: I just joined a gym for the first time!

u could wear sweatpants and stretch pants with sneakers. my foot doctor suggested running sneakers. they have good support by the heal area

Re: I just joined a gym for the first time!

Wear what's comfortable for you - whether that's short and a t-shirt or jazz pants and a tank top.

I go to modell's or to target for inexpensive workout stuff - I'm sure that you'll find stuff there.

Re: I just joined a gym for the first time!

Old Navy has some workout stuff too!

Good Luck!!

Re: I just joined a gym for the first time!

I've gotten some inexpensive workout clothes from Target. Also, try the sale rack at Sports Authority (oh, and places like TJ Maxx and Marshalls - I just got some great Adidas t-shirts there).

As far as working out, you need to have a plan. Educate yourself before you go, otherwise you might be intimidated and do what so many women do, which is only go to the classes (not that that's a bad thing, but you won't get the most out of your money and you won't get the best results either).
Learn about weight training - what to do, when to do it, reps, sets, all that good stuff. There are tons of websites where you can go for info. Weight training is SO effective (and when I say "weight training" I'm not talking about lifting those little girly dumbbells and doing umpteen reps). Don't be intimidated by weights! If you don't understand something, ask!
Oh, and back to having a plan - what that means is that you commit to doing something - whether it be doing a split workout (i.e. exercises for back and biceps or chest and triceps or legs) and then XX minutes of cardio, stretching, ab work, etc.
If you have a plan in mind when you go to the gym, usually it's easier to stick to the plan then to wander around and do whatever looks easy.
Track your workouts in a notebook that you bring with you (i.e. "Bench press - 3 sets of 8 reps at 50 lbs") so that the next time you go to the gym, you're not guessing how much weight to lift.

And of course you know that proper nutrition is important - not only *what* you eat but *how much* you eat (meaning to make sure that you're eating enough calories).

I could go on and on and on.......let me know if you have any specific questions.

Good luck!

Re: I just joined a gym for the first time!

TJMaxx has some cute workout clothes too.

Re: I just joined a gym for the first time!

Thanks everyone. Ann, that info is really helpful. The gym doesn't actually open until 6/1, so I have plenty of time to read up and formulate a plan.

Re: I just joined a gym for the first time!

Re: I just joined a gym for the first time!

Re: I just joined a gym for the first time!

Re: I just joined a gym for the first time!