Gym expectations

[+ purplekow]

I recently retired and soon after my move to Palm Springs, I started going to the gym each day.  My intention was just to improve my level of fitness and, as the gym is one which caters to a very high percentage of gay middle aged men, to ogle those men who have not been remiss in going to the gym.  The gym has many very muscular men and lots of fit men of all ages.  Going to the gym has been much easier as I know that there will be all kinds of eye candy there.  The people have been extraordinarily supportive of a fat old man doing walking laps.  I have receieved unsolicited encouragement from dozens of people at the gym and it has made this transition to a healthier lifestyle much easier.

On the first day, I walked a mile and when I was done, one of the trainers came to speak to me and encourage me to keep at it.  Several days later, I saw him again and I asked to speak to him about an eventual training session.   He asked me what my goals were at the gym and I told him that my immediate goal was to be able to get up off the floor unassisted.  He said that he likes people with realistic goals and there should be no trouble reaching this milestone.  He left, I sat for a bit taking in the view and then went to rise from the chair only to have the leg twist and buckle and I landed on the floor.  After the inital shock of being on the floor wore off, I looked around and no one was coming to give me assistance and so I need to get myself up.  I eventually succeeded just as some men noticed me and came to assist.  They were fairly hot looking and I was tempted to throw myself down to the floor just so they would help me up.  Instead, I thought, well my first goal was accomplished so time to set a new one.  

My follow up goal had to do with activities at the gyn and my personal appearance.  As a fat men over 60, it had been awhile since I had seen my penis without the use of a mirror and some belly shuffling.  So my goal became to see my penis.  Only two methods came to mind, lose substantial gut or get a bigger penis.  I would have preferred the getter a bigger penis option, but that did not seem viable, so I opted for the lose some of the gut al.ternative.  

Two month later, my walking sessions have stretched to almost an hour and I have increased my distance by 2.5 times the original.  Clothes are looser and energy is higher and yesterday was the day the second goal was accomplished.  There, while looking down at my feet, was an old friend I had not seen for years.  He looked good but a bit less robust than I remembered him.  Still, I was happy to see him and soon afterward he appeared to be happy to see me.  

So now that I have reached my second plateau, do any of you have any suggestions as to what the third goal should be?  I intend to continue going to the gym, even through the summer inferno of Palm Springs but a fun and achievable goal makes the whole process easier.  I will be adding some light weight training to my regimen.  I have considered that a pec bounce might be the next goal but I am open to suggestions.   

[+ ApexNomad]

3 minutes ago, purplekow said:

I recently retired and soon after my move to Palm Springs, I started going to the gym each day.  My intention was just to improve my level of fitness and, as the gym is one which caters to a very high percentage of gay middle aged men, to ogle those men who have not been remiss in going to the gym.  The gym has many very muscular men and lots of fit men of all ages.  Going to the gym has been much easier as I know that there will be all kinds of eye candy there.  The people have been extraordinarily supportive of a fat old man doing walking laps.  I have receieved unsolicited encouragement from dozens of people at the gym and it has made this transition to a healthier lifestyle much easier.

On the first day, I walked a mile and when I was done, one of the trainers came to speak to me and encourage me to keep at it.  Several days later, I saw him again and I asked to speak to him about an eventual training session.   He asked me what my goals were at the gym and I told him that my immediate goal was to be able to get up off the floor unassisted.  He said that he likes people with realistic goals and there should be no trouble reaching this milestone.  He left, I sat for a bit taking in the view and then went to rise from the chair only to have the leg twist and buckle and I landed on the floor.  After the inital shock of being on the floor wore off, I looked around and no one was coming to give me assistance and so I need to get myself up.  I eventually succeeded just as some men noticed me and came to assist.  They were fairly hot looking and I was tempted to throw myself down to the floor just so they would help me up.  Instead, I thought, well my first goal was accomplished so time to set a new one.  

My follow up goal had to do with activities at the gyn and my personal appearance.  As a fat men over 60, it had been awhile since I had seen my penis without the use of a mirror and some belly shuffling.  So my goal became to see my penis.  Only two methods came to mind, lose substantial gut or get a bigger penis.  I would have preferred the getter a bigger penis option, but that did not seem viable, so I opted for the lose some of the gut al.ternative.  

Two month later, my walking sessions have stretched to almost an hour and I have increased my distance by 2.5 times the original.  Clothes are looser and energy is higher and yesterday was the day the second goal was accomplished.  There, while looking down at my feet, was an old friend I had not seen for years.  He looked good but a bit less robust than I remembered him.  Still, I was happy to see him and soon afterward he appeared to be happy to see me.  

So now that I have reached my second plateau, do any of you have any suggestions as to what the third goal should be?  I intend to continue going to the gym, even through the summer inferno of Palm Springs but a fun and achievable goal makes the whole process easier.  I will be adding some light weight training to my regimen.  I have considered that a pec bounce might be the next goal but I am open to suggestions.   

This made my day. Congrats on reaching your goals! As for a third one: I vote for the pec bounce too, or maybe being able to lift a hot guy’s gym bag without breaking a sweat. Keep going—you’re killing it! 👏👏👏

[+ Jamie21]

1 hour ago, purplekow said:

I recently retired and soon after my move to Palm Springs, I started going to the gym each day.  My intention was just to improve my level of fitness and, as the gym is one which caters to a very high percentage of gay middle aged men, to ogle those men who have not been remiss in going to the gym.  The gym has many very muscular men and lots of fit men of all ages.  Going to the gym has been much easier as I know that there will be all kinds of eye candy there.  The people have been extraordinarily supportive of a fat old man doing walking laps.  I have receieved unsolicited encouragement from dozens of people at the gym and it has made this transition to a healthier lifestyle much easier.

On the first day, I walked a mile and when I was done, one of the trainers came to speak to me and encourage me to keep at it.  Several days later, I saw him again and I asked to speak to him about an eventual training session.   He asked me what my goals were at the gym and I told him that my immediate goal was to be able to get up off the floor unassisted.  He said that he likes people with realistic goals and there should be no trouble reaching this milestone.  He left, I sat for a bit taking in the view and then went to rise from the chair only to have the leg twist and buckle and I landed on the floor.  After the inital shock of being on the floor wore off, I looked around and no one was coming to give me assistance and so I need to get myself up.  I eventually succeeded just as some men noticed me and came to assist.  They were fairly hot looking and I was tempted to throw myself down to the floor just so they would help me up.  Instead, I thought, well my first goal was accomplished so time to set a new one.  

My follow up goal had to do with activities at the gyn and my personal appearance.  As a fat men over 60, it had been awhile since I had seen my penis without the use of a mirror and some belly shuffling.  So my goal became to see my penis.  Only two methods came to mind, lose substantial gut or get a bigger penis.  I would have preferred the getter a bigger penis option, but that did not seem viable, so I opted for the lose some of the gut al.ternative.  

Two month later, my walking sessions have stretched to almost an hour and I have increased my distance by 2.5 times the original.  Clothes are looser and energy is higher and yesterday was the day the second goal was accomplished.  There, while looking down at my feet, was an old friend I had not seen for years.  He looked good but a bit less robust than I remembered him.  Still, I was happy to see him and soon afterward he appeared to be happy to see me.  

So now that I have reached my second plateau, do any of you have any suggestions as to what the third goal should be?  I intend to continue going to the gym, even through the summer inferno of Palm Springs but a fun and achievable goal makes the whole process easier.  I will be adding some light weight training to my regimen.  I have considered that a pec bounce might be the next goal but I am open to suggestions.   

Brilliant! Might I suggest self sucking as your next goal? If you fail you’ll at least be able to touch your toes. 
Good luck and thank you for the smiles. 
 

[Lotus-eater]

Adding the weight training and some balance work is good. It'll help you stand up more easily and strengthen your bones. I also vote for the pec bounce.

[+ Lucky]

Gosh, @purplekow starts the gym right around the time I stopped. He inspires me to start again!

[+ purplekow]

2 hours ago, Jamie21 said:

Brilliant! Might I suggest self sucking as your next goal? If you fail you’ll at least be able to touch your toes. 
Good luck and thank you for the smiles. 
 

I do not think self sucking is a good idea in that if I can do that, why would I go to the gym?

[Nightowl]

Congrats on meeting your goals!   I second the comment from @Lotus-eater about focusing on balance and stability.  I’d also work on strengthening your core.  A strong core will help ensure that your little friend remains visible even when it’s not standing at attention. 

[wsc]

6 hours ago, Jamie21 said:

Brilliant! Might I suggest self sucking as your next goal? If you fail you’ll at least be able to touch your toes. 
Good luck and thank you for the smiles. 
 

I'm happy to report I can still touch my toes. But after that, I do have the problem of getting up off the floor.

[Greg250]

Hey, @purplekow congrats on setting and meeting your initial fitness goals. A couple of years ago when I left work, I decided that I wanted to get into better shape and joined a gym also. My goals were to lose some weight and get into strength training to build muscle and be more flexible. To do that effectively, my PT designed a nutrition plan with the right balance of protein, carbs and fats to help with building muscle. Nutrition, in combination with the workout plans, has made all the difference. I worked with my PT for 3 months and now I’m off on my own maintaining a workout and nutrition routine. Let me just say I’m much happier now when I’m at the beach! 
 

Keep going man… and it sounds like you’ve got a great gym to go to with some eye-catching guys there to keep you inspired! Don’t forget to drink lots of water each day to keep you lubed… I mean hydrated hahaha 🤣 

[+ Pensant]

I’d also suggest that now is the time to hire a coach. Even though I’m muscular and know a vast array of workout routines, when I’m in my home base I still see my coach three times a week.

[+ poolboy48220]

When I was working with a trainer & he took initial measurements of my chest, waist, and hips, I realized I was a cone. My short-term goal was to become a cylinder. 

[marylander1940]

23 hours ago, purplekow said:

I recently retired and soon after my move to Palm Springs, I started going to the gym each day.  My intention was just to improve my level of fitness and, as the gym is one which caters to a very high percentage of gay middle aged men, to ogle those men who have not been remiss in going to the gym.  The gym has many very muscular men and lots of fit men of all ages.  Going to the gym has been much easier as I know that there will be all kinds of eye candy there.  The people have been extraordinarily supportive of a fat old man doing walking laps.  I have receieved unsolicited encouragement from dozens of people at the gym and it has made this transition to a healthier lifestyle much easier.

On the first day, I walked a mile and when I was done, one of the trainers came to speak to me and encourage me to keep at it.  Several days later, I saw him again and I asked to speak to him about an eventual training session.   He asked me what my goals were at the gym and I told him that my immediate goal was to be able to get up off the floor unassisted.  He said that he likes people with realistic goals and there should be no trouble reaching this milestone.  He left, I sat for a bit taking in the view and then went to rise from the chair only to have the leg twist and buckle and I landed on the floor.  After the inital shock of being on the floor wore off, I looked around and no one was coming to give me assistance and so I need to get myself up.  I eventually succeeded just as some men noticed me and came to assist.  They were fairly hot looking and I was tempted to throw myself down to the floor just so they would help me up.  Instead, I thought, well my first goal was accomplished so time to set a new one.  

My follow up goal had to do with activities at the gyn and my personal appearance.  As a fat men over 60, it had been awhile since I had seen my penis without the use of a mirror and some belly shuffling.  So my goal became to see my penis.  Only two methods came to mind, lose substantial gut or get a bigger penis.  I would have preferred the getter a bigger penis option, but that did not seem viable, so I opted for the lose some of the gut al.ternative.  

Two month later, my walking sessions have stretched to almost an hour and I have increased my distance by 2.5 times the original.  Clothes are looser and energy is higher and yesterday was the day the second goal was accomplished.  There, while looking down at my feet, was an old friend I had not seen for years.  He looked good but a bit less robust than I remembered him.  Still, I was happy to see him and soon afterward he appeared to be happy to see me.  

So now that I have reached my second plateau, do any of you have any suggestions as to what the third goal should be?  I intend to continue going to the gym, even through the summer inferno of Palm Springs but a fun and achievable goal makes the whole process easier.  I will be adding some light weight training to my regimen.  I have considered that a pec bounce might be the next goal but I am open to suggestions.   

Possibly one of the most honest things ever said on here!

Congratulations on your way to a healthy lifestyle, I wish more Americans would follow your example.

I would suggest hiking, but start slowly, hopefully with a friend and always tell your friends where you are going and when are you expected to be back home. 

Hiking in Palm Springs | Hiking Trails in Greater Palm Springs

WWW.VISITGREATERPALMSPRINGS.COM

---

Looking for a great place to hike? No matter what your goals are; fitness, leisure, or scenery, you will find the trail for you in Greater Palm Springs.

 

[+ purplekow]

Thank you all for the encouragement and the ideas.  I ;I used to counsel people who wanted to change their health to do three days, three weeks then three months and then three years.  I have done the days and weeks part of that and I am approachjng the three months.  Then come the true test, the three year part.  There is a general idea that it takes 10000 hours to become expert at something so one hour a day, 6 days a week for 50 weeks a year for three years gets you nearly there.  

[+ nycman]

On 5/27/2025 at 1:51 PM, purplekow said:

My follow up goal had to do with activities at the gyn and my personal appearance.

Oh my god!

He wants a vagina?

grin

[Luv2play]

I find at my age I spend more time doing laps in the pool at my gym and less time in the gym. My goal is to increase the time spend in the gym this summer. 

[+ purplekow]

On 5/28/2025 at 2:36 PM, Luv2play said:

I find at my age I spend more time doing laps in the pool at my gym and less time in the gym. My goal is to increase the time spend in the gym this summer. 

Swimming is a great exercise.  My gym does not have a pool but my backyard does.  However, the pool has two shallow ends with steps on both ends so that doing laps is not possible.  It is possible to walk the perimeter in the water, which is fun and allows me to skim the foliage that finds its way in due to the Palm Springs wind.  And afterwards, I can sit at one end and look out over a nice view of the mountains.  That is not a great exercise for the body but it is a great exercise for the spirit. 

Edited May 29 by purplekow

[+ Gar1eth]

On 5/27/2025 at 12:51 PM, purplekow said:

I recently retired and soon after my move to Palm Springs, I started going to the gym each day.  My intention was just to improve my level of fitness and, as the gym is one which caters to a very high percentage of gay middle aged men, to ogle those men who have not been remiss in going to the gym.  The gym has many very muscular men and lots of fit men of all ages.  Going to the gym has been much easier as I know that there will be all kinds of eye candy there.  The people have been extraordinarily supportive of a fat old man doing walking laps.  I have receieved unsolicited encouragement from dozens of people at the gym and it has made this transition to a healthier lifestyle much easier.

On the first day, I walked a mile and when I was done, one of the trainers came to speak to me and encourage me to keep at it.  Several days later, I saw him again and I asked to speak to him about an eventual training session.   He asked me what my goals were at the gym and I told him that my immediate goal was to be able to get up off the floor unassisted.  He said that he likes people with realistic goals and there should be no trouble reaching this milestone.  He left, I sat for a bit taking in the view and then went to rise from the chair only to have the leg twist and buckle and I landed on the floor.  After the inital shock of being on the floor wore off, I looked around and no one was coming to give me assistance and so I need to get myself up.  I eventually succeeded just as some men noticed me and came to assist.  They were fairly hot looking and I was tempted to throw myself down to the floor just so they would help me up.  Instead, I thought, well my first goal was accomplished so time to set a new one.  

My follow up goal had to do with activities at the gyn and my personal appearance.  As a fat men over 60, it had been awhile since I had seen my penis without the use of a mirror and some belly shuffling.  So my goal became to see my penis.  Only two methods came to mind, lose substantial gut or get a bigger penis.  I would have preferred the getter a bigger penis option, but that did not seem viable, so I opted for the lose some of the gut al.ternative.  

Two month later, my walking sessions have stretched to almost an hour and I have increased my distance by 2.5 times the original.  Clothes are looser and energy is higher and yesterday was the day the second goal was accomplished.  There, while looking down at my feet, was an old friend I had not seen for years.  He looked good but a bit less robust than I remembered him.  Still, I was happy to see him and soon afterward he appeared to be happy to see me.  

So now that I have reached my second plateau, do any of you have any suggestions as to what the third goal should be?  I intend to continue going to the gym, even through the summer inferno of Palm Springs but a fun and achievable goal makes the whole process easier.  I will be adding some light weight training to my regimen.  I have considered that a pec bounce might be the next goal but I am open to suggestions.   

To paraphrase a Dame-"I do applaud your noble tallywacker discovering goals. And am glad that you are achieving them. "

 

 After my 7 years of chronic prednisone I need a bit of help due to the accompanying avoirdupois.  I was hoping you could help a brother out- what with your current experience -and take a gander at my tallywacker. It's been a long time since I've seen it. Only if you're in the neighborhood of course. 
 

Thanking in advance!!

Edited May 30 by Gar1eth

[+ friendofsheila]

On 5/27/2025 at 3:28 PM, purplekow said:

I do not think self sucking is a good idea in that if I can do that, why would I go to the gym?

or even leave the house ever?

[+ friendofsheila]

On 5/27/2025 at 10:51 AM, purplekow said:

 

So now that I have reached my second plateau, do any of you have any suggestions as to what the third goal should be?     

jumping rope is a good exercsise.  maybe for a certain number of minutes?

[SoFlGuy]

Thanks for a wonderful post that has inspired this lazy ass to get off his butt and back to the gym! I agree with others who have suggested focusing on balance as well as swimming. 

[+ purplekow]

 

0

i spoke to a trainer today and told him what my goal was, to be able to do a pec bounce and he said that might take awhile.  It could be a result of what would pass for my pecs would require a crane to lift.  In any case he said that I could expect that kind of rise by the fall.   SO there you have it.  I signed up for 12 sessions.  Trainers here are charging in the region of 75 dollars a session.  I have no idea as to whether that is expensive or not.  

Back in the early 2000s, a physician assistant who worked in my office was also a personal trainer.  He was the first cousin to a reality TV show personality who was known for a philosophy of "tan, gym and laundry". I believe those were the three  points.  Anyway, he lived by that philosophy as well and he had won a Mr. Long Island contest and was a power lifter.  I never found out if he was a power bottom.  In any case, he was charging $60 dollars an hour back then, so $75 now did not seem unreasonable.  

What are trainers charging where you are?

Edited May 30 by purplekow

[+ Pensant]

I pay $70/per 45 minute session with a higher-end trainer who started at $60 ten years ago, so you’re in the ballpark at $75.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

9 hours ago, purplekow said:

In any case, he was charging $60 dollars an hour back then, so $75 now did not seem unreasonable.  

$75/hour is very inexpensive. 

A master-level trainer can easily go for $300+ an hour at Equinox.

If this person ticks your boxes, I'd say you found a good situation.

[+ nycman]

On 5/30/2025 at 4:59 AM, purplekow said:

Trainers here are charging in the region of 75 dollars a session.  I have no idea as to whether that is expensive or not.  

I think that’s very reasonable in today’s market. 

[d.anders]

20 hours ago, BenjaminNicholas said:

$75/hour is very inexpensive. 

A master-level trainer can easily go for $300+ an hour at Equinox.

This is currently true in Manhattan for high-priced clubs. When I joined my local Y, they offered a senior discount of $65 for 30 minutes. I paid it, but 30 minutes went by so fast, I soon realized I couldn't afford it.

On 5/29/2025 at 4:55 PM, purplekow said:

Swimming is a great exercise.

I think so, too, and I enjoy it. However, my local Y specializes in many programs for young children. Maybe I'm crazy, but I envision lots of child-pee in their pool water, so I've yet to use the pool. Before Covid, I belonged to a gym that had an adult-only pool. I miss that luxury.

On 5/27/2025 at 1:51 PM, purplekow said:

it had been awhile since I had seen my penis without the use of a mirror and some belly shuffling.  So my goal became to see my penis.

I can't imagine what that feels like, but to me it sounds like a good goal. Even at my current age, I enjoy looking at my cock and balls in the mirror. Not so much my ass, because I used to have a nice one.

No matter what, carrying extra weight at our age places a strain on our bodies. I will say, extra weight can help with a fall, so I try like hell to avoid falling. I have no padding. Without excess weight, I have more energy, and less pain in my skeleton. I decided at age 50 to never gain weight again.