I have never been to a gym. I am a 48 yo female in need of exercise for sagging body parts http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif. I want to join our local YMCA, but have put it off for months because I have never been to any type of gym. I have only exercised at home with videos. I don't even know where to start at the YMCA. I feel intimidated by the fact that the people who are there are experienced in the use of the equipment and proper *etiquette*. What equipment to use first/last. I am lost and I don't have any friends who go. I don't really want to build a lot of muscle, but change the sag back to muscle.... is that possible? http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif. Can you guys give me some pointers so I don't look like a total idiot when I go? And guide me about types of equipment for starting out?

Thanks

The gym will definitely help perk up the sags...

I know for most gyms there is someone on staff that will show you each machine, how it is used and general guidelines. There should be someone at a YMCA that can do the same. (It's in their best interest to make sure that their equipment is being used properly). I'm sure they'll be hapy to help.

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Keep your body lean, your blood clean and your mind sharp. -Rollins

I belong to my local YMCA. Naxis is right, they have someone in the workout room and weight room at all times. They are there to help you and answer any questions that you might have. And true, it is in THEIR best interest to make sure you use the equipment right.

Also, I got this when I became a member - you get a free 1 hour 'tutorial' on the equipment in the gym. This is one-on-one, so you can ask all the questions you want. It also might help you feel a little more at ease going into the workout area for the first time (ie you won't be alone). Then you can see how things are in there.

And I know they offer this at my Y, so you might want to check into it - it's a 90 day workout plan. You get assigned a 'trainer' and they work with you for 3 months on an exercise plan. Only catch is that you HAVE to commit to working out 3 days a week. Not so bad though. I do water aerobics and I know you can start out by doing that first. Then every 4 weeks they add something new for you to get into - like lifting weights, etc. It's only $10 for members (again, not bad). I think it's a great idea because you have someone to work with and you can keep track of everything you do and at the end, you can actually SEE the results. Plus, you make the commitment to actually work out 3 days a week and they hold you too it (more motivation to go).

Don't worry about going to the gym for the first time. I had to do it too because I had no one to go with. I have made a lot of nice friends there and now we can workout together.

Let me know how it turns out for you.

-Trooper