Gym expectations

[+ friendofsheila]

On 5/30/2025 at 1:59 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.  

 

depends on what the 75 dollars includes!

[+ sniper]

You shouldn't really need a trainer for all that long unless you have issues that make you want to have a spotter. They should get you to a point where you are comfortable doing the workout on your own. You might want to see the trainer 2-3 times a week for the first few weeks, then go on your way, and then maybe come back several months later to do some more advanced.stuff, but really it's just about gradually increasing the weights/duration of exercise. You simply do NOT need to keep chamging it up every 6 weeks like some people say.

Upper body day: bench, shoulder raises, lat pulldowns, tricep pushdown, dumbbell curls.

Lower body day:leg press, leg extension,hamstring curls, adductor/abductor, calf raises

Cardio: walk on treadmill or pedal bike for 30 minutes

3 sets of 10 for everything. start at the very lowest weight (if you can't bench the bar, start with 2 5-lb dumbbells) for the first week or two while you get used to the movements.  If you succeed at all 3 sets, add 2.5 or 5 lbs next workout. On the cardio, if it's too easy, go up .1mph or 1 level on the next workout.

In 6 months you will be surprised how far you've come.

[nate_sf]

$75 per session is decent. The Equinoxes here in SF charge $140 for a regular "coach" or $150 for a "coach +" (with modest discounts for packages).

Working out with a trainer should be a good move. They'll help you with form and presumably not let yourself get hurt. Integrating light weight training into your routine makes a lot of sense.

For swimming, if your gym doesn't have a pool, maybe look for a lap pool on its own. Some of the community colleges here have hours designated for lap swimming, or maybe a swim and tennis club. I have a separate gym membership for a club that has a great pool... maybe a bit indulgent but each serves its purpose.

[viewing ownly]

Purplekow, this is fantastic to read. I and many fellow forum members are extremely proud of you for taking consistent steps to improve your health. 

It may be something you're already doing, but if not, start today : Take weekly pictures of yourself to chart progress. I look forward to the 33 months from now Avatar of a boom-chicka-wow-wow-purplekow. 😃

[+ purplekow]

4 hours ago, viewing ownly said:

Purplekow, this is fantastic to read. I and many fellow forum members are extremely proud of you for taking consistent steps to improve your health. 

It may be something you're already doing, but if not, start today : Take weekly pictures of yourself to chart progress. I look forward to the 33 months from now Avatar of a boom-chicka-wow-wow-purplekow. 😃

I do not look in mirrors and have not intentionally looked in a mirror other than for medical reasons is more than 30 years.  I also do not do photos unless cajoled by a friend.  This all started when I looked in the mirror on a morning was like any other and instead of seeing my face, I saw the face of my father staring back at me.  Now my father was a handsome man and a bit of a playboy when he was widowed in his later twenties and early thirties.  Just seeing the resemblance and my association with him being an "old" man, he was my father after all and he was 39 when I was born, freaked me out.  I was never much of a mirror guy and that episode sealed the deal.  Now looking  back at pictures taken years ago and see that I actually looked quite handsome, I realize that I had dysmorphia which is probably still present, but at this point I have gotten used to not using the mirror and the camera though I can do so with ease now, but I just do not do so.   . 

[d.anders]

1 hour ago, purplekow said:

I do not look in mirrors

I've never been in a gym that wasn't wall-to-wall mirrors. When exercising, mirrors are an important tool. They can help make sure you're doing something right. The last thing you want to do is hurt yourself, and believe me, it's very easy to do. A trainer definitely helps to avoid painful mistakes.

[+ purplekow]

Just now, d.anders said:

I've never been in a gym that wasn't wall-to-wall mirrors. When exercising, mirrors are an important tool. They can help make sure you're doing something right. The last thing you want to do is hurt yourself, and believe me, it's very easy to do. A trainer definitely helps to avoid painful mistakes.

There are some mirrors in the gym I am going to now but I choose not to look.  Unlike a tasty piece of cake, I can resist the mirrors.  

[+ Pensant]

4 hours ago, purplekow said:

I do not look in mirrors

I’m the opposite. I’m always looking at the mirror in case I notice something. After a run, I even watch myself walking reflected in windows. 

[viewing ownly]

Weight scales are no true evaluation of health, so I completely see avoiding stepping on those, but seeing the difference between what you looked like prior to getting started, and the improvements that you continue to make aren't just for your enjoyment, but are a major influence on others that working hard and eating right can do amazing things for your appearance and your mental health. I LOVE seeing before and after photos of people who were either overweight or extremely thin (which is what I was). Being able to do pec flexes when I thought that was never a possibility for me feels great. And it's good for your pecs, too!