Shed the pounds, I have got to join a gym

I dont know if I should join a nearby gym for just myself or the YWCA. It is sad but what the heck do I do when I get there. I am clueless as far as what my workout or whatever should be. My availability is also very minimal but I really want it to work. The Y would cost more but we could do it for all of our family and not just me. Question is what is there to do for a 4 year old and 20 month old besides lessons and those are like once a week. I have to get up at 6:30 to get myself and the kids ready and dont get home till 5:30. After supper and bed it is 8:00. I think the y closes at 10:00 so that would be fine but we have a gym that is super close. HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP! i DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I want to loose weight and get healthy. Any ideas???

I'm assuming you work out of the home...If so, can you workout on your lunch hour? I did this when I worked before having kids. I would go to the gym for an hour, shower (without washing my hair) and then ate lunch at my desk. It really helped me get through the rest of my workday. And I ate less when I got home, which I think sometimes is the problem for people on the go. They skip meals and then over-do it when they get home...Not saying you are doing this, but just something to think about. I over eat and eat unhealthy when I'm stressed, so going to the gym helps me stay focused.

Anyhow, we belong to the Y. My kids are too young for any of the activities. I think most of them start at 5 years. But they do enjoy the daycare there. Ours has different "classes" for their age range, so like the 3's go into one room and do crafts and wall climbing. Where the toddlers like Wesley (19 mos) are in the big room with all the smaller toys, cushioned blocks, toy kitchens, etc.

I suggest grabbing a class schedule and trying some out. Find one or two you like and try and go to them on a regular basis. You'll start getting to know others in the class, which is always a motivating factor for me. Also, for weight loss, sometimes the Y offers programs where they will monitor your weight and keep track of your goals. GL and HTH some.

We joined the Y in October and DH and I switch nights that we go (3x a week for both of us). Whoever isn't working out gets the kids fed and ready for bed. It's kind of chaotic, but we've got it down to a science now. We took the kids to a tumbling class on Saturdays last session, but aren't doing anything now. Sophia will take swimming in the spring (maybe Nora too, haven't finalized that). The daycare there is great, tho we find it easier not to take the kids with us.

When you join the Y they give you 4 sessions of "healthy new you" which trains you on the machines and gets you started. They would probably do the same at a regular gym tho. I haven't done a class yet - not much of a group exercise person. But they are always full and people love them. DH loves the weight room and is getting super buff - never seen him like that before.

So far I'm not convinced that the Y is worth the $100/mo we spend, but I'm happy with it for now.

Thank goodness you ladies replied...I was gonna have to start stalking people. Rae, I cant do the lunch thing because we only get a half hour and my job is weird even about us leaving during that hour. We are a small company and I think people would take it personally like oh she doesnt want to talk to us during lunch. What kind of classes exactly are you referring to? Like aerobics? Am I right in that you are only supposed to go 3 times a week or am I just wishing that was the case?

Amy(I hope thats your name cuz I still dont know a lot of peoples) I am leaning toward the Y and think the switching nights thing is a good idea. Do you just do the machines or walk run or what? I have already had Emily in swim lessons there and was also looking at a gymnastics class but they are only for half an hour. That doesnt seem like very long but we will see. Here the swim lessons are an hour.

I need to get back to the gym, my problem seems to be time, or the lack of.

I do try and do some workouts from Fitness on Demand. I dunno what calbe you have or if you have on demand channels but its worth looking for if you have them, it has a lot of different workouts.

I do a combo of machines and bike/treadmill. I don't do aerobics, pilates or yoga (or the other 100 classes they have there) because I like to work at my own pace - classes scare me

I forgot to ask before how long I should work out each time and should I just stick with 3 times a week? I think the classes may be good for me if I can find one that works with my schedule. I could use somebody pushing me.

Most gyms have a fitness trainer or qualifed personel there to help you with a routine.
If you go 3 times a week that's great and shouldn't work out more than an hour, which is plenty.
Have a great time, it's very addictive!

Classes vary. Our's has step, high/low aerobics, yoga, spinning, boot camp, pilates, NIA (which is a dance/martial arts class that I LOVE), conditioning (which is strength training using weights and bands, no cardio)....and a handful of others I can't think of right now. Anyhow, yes, I think if you are focusing on losing weight, then going a minimum of 3 times a week is correct. And I think they say 45 minutes to an hour each time. If you are going 5 times a week, then I think the rule is at least 30 minutes each time. See I am a class person, need the motivation of a group and instructor. But I also get on the treadmill and eliptical machine on my own a couple times a week when there isn't a class I like. I like to switch it up, so I do a conditioning class twice a week and then something cardio like 1-2 times a week.

Thank you Rae. Some great ideas. I also might do some exercises in the morning before the kids get up to get me going if I can find some on the tube.