Oooh signed up at the gym!

[lorsand]

Well after much procrastination and failed attempts at doing some exercise at home I have bitten the bullet and signed up for the gym and aqua aerobics. This is major for me as I am slightly agoraphobic, over weight, ashamed etc etc. Reading other posts the media and a lot of the public do see Type 2 as a 'fat and lazy' problem which makes me feel shame. Yes I am fat but my work as a Nurse means I am very active when on duty. I have lost weight in the past and managed to stop my Ramipril for high blood pressure but put it all back on again and had to start Ramipril again. Being diagnosed T2 was the kick in the bottom I needed because I am a haemodialysis nurse so know the risks of both ... heck most of my patients have one or both. Anyhow, this post is about my sign up at the gym. The GP said 'oh I've heard running is good for you' ... I told him to go and run! The Diabetic Nurse said 'have you tried yoga' ... Yes I've tried yoga and wanted to strangle the instructor and her sing song voice!!! I admit I am an exercise hater, I NEVER get the feel good factor I just feel really angry whilst exercising. In my youth I used to dance, do karate and aikido but my hips are suffering from the martial arts. Now I guess I am going to be the grumpy red sweaty grouch at the gym ... even bought some gym trousers (heaven knows what I'll look like in them) oh and I've finally conceded to middle age and got a swimsuit with a built in skirt (for fashion reasons err hum not to cover my tum and bum) whilst flinging myself about with gay abandon in a giant bath with other people doing aqua aerobics (hope I don't drown the instructor). Now I've had my moan I just want to say that even though I sound negative I am taking this seriously and trying to gain control of my diabetes, just wish I was not so impatient. I am losing weight with the low carb diet I can see but I expect to be able to fit through the letterbox by the end of the week! and be fit enough to take on Hussain Bolt by next Friday - think I've got a chance?

 

[TorqPenderloin]

I am one of the people that (unintentionally) make the gym intimidating for a lot of people. A few thoughts and words of encouragement for you:

-I've accepted that there's always going to be someone stronger, more muscular, better looking, and more in shape than me. My advice is that you accept that too and focus on making yourself happy rather than a bunch of sweaty strangers.

-Be the person that is working harder than anyone else in the gym. You can tell who is motivated and who isn't. I have a lot of respect for the people that may not look like they're in shape (yet), but they're going to do what it takes to get there. What I can't stand are the people who play with their phones and take selfies in front of the mirror.

-I can walk into any gym and be stronger than probably 98% of the people there....with that said, I don't know what 98% of the machines in my gym do. In fact, I don't think anyone does (I'm convinced they're just there for decoration). Don't be afraid to read the instructions on some of the machines and give things a try on the lowest setting. Everyone has to learn at some point.

-Don't be afraid to tell other people "Good job." I'll tell you that it means a lot coming from anyone and I try to remind myself to say it to other people more often. You should be there for yourself, but it's always nice to get noticed, right?

 

[PenfoldAPD]

Agree with @TorqPenderloin second point. If someone is working their butt off in the gym I will always admire them. You are making an effort, so many people don't.

Also, try to learn (and I know it's hard) to not give a **** what anyone else thinks - do the exercise as you know it will be good. I lost a leg when I was 19, I used to be scared to wear shorts as people would see my prothesis and judge me - now I think what the heck, this is me - no-one has the right to judge you. Feel the same about yourself

In a couple of weeks you will feel better and on the road to better health

 

[Colsey_]

Message for pork tenderlion The intimidating part for a new starter at the gym is proberly that it's a new place, you don't know any one in there and that you don't have a set way of dealing with all the machines an free weights best idea I can say is have a couple of sessions with the gym fitness ins to show yas what's to do, hope you get up there lorsand.. , don't listen to mr intimidating looking at his profile pic if he was to go to my gym I don't even think he'd be able to drink our water its so hard

 

[TorqPenderloin]

Message for pork tenderlion The intimidating part for a new starter at the gym is proberly that it's a new place, you don't know any one in there and that you don't have a set way of dealing with all the machines an free weights best idea I can say is have a couple of sessions with the gym fitness ins to show yas what's to do, hope you get up there lorsand.. , don't listen to mr intimidating looking at his profile pic if he was to go to my gym I don't even think he'd be able to drink our water its so hard

Your English is so poor, it's tough to tell if that was intended as an insult.

Either way, I tell you what: when you put 675lbs on your back...then we can talk again.

 

[TorqPenderloin]

Well done on taking the first positive steps. Ignore these testosterone ridden men. Strutting about, showing off their plumes like two horny peacocks.

And remember why you're doing this. For YOU. Good luck

Fair enough, but for the record, I had every intention of being positive in my first post.

I'm still not sure what I said to warrant the insults (from the other guy).

 

[CollieBoy]

@TorqPenderloin,
I don't think that @mahola was calling you a horny peacock, I think what she was saying was some gym-goers go to show off, others go for the exercise. If the latter, go for it, and ignore the ones who go to show off!

 

[Brunneria]

Congrats on taking the step!

Being exactly the person you described in your first post (long term exercise shirker ) I will give you the benefit of my perspective.

There are MANY different types of exercise, and you, like me, may not find most of them appealing. But there will be one or two, somewhere, that you will enjoy.

Personally I like swimming and dog walking. Not for everyone, but they work for me and I enjoy them and look forward to them - which is the best motivation there is. Have toyed with the idea of Tai Chi too, but the dogs would probably want to play...

So while I hope the gym works for you, if it doesn't, then keep looking.
There WILL be something, somewhere.

 

[lorsand]

Agree with @TorqPenderloin second point. If someone is working their butt off in the gym I will always admire them. You are making an effort, so many people don't.

Also, try to learn (and I know it's hard) to not give a **** what anyone else thinks - do the exercise as you know it will be good. I lost a leg when I was 19, I used to be scared to wear shorts as people would see my prothesis and judge me - now I think what the heck, this is me - no-one has the right to judge you. Feel the same about yourself

In a couple of weeks you will feel better and on the road to better health

Wow you have done so well with the Hba1c in such a short space of time. Did you exercise too? I'm trying so hard but my fasting glucose this morning (well half an hour ago!) I had a lay in! was 8.5. It was 8 yesterday. Any ideas on what I am doing wrong. My tea last night was salad, chicken breast, feta cheese and a couple of cups of coffee?? Getting desperate now for some positive feedback from the **** glucose meter

 

[lorsand]

Message for pork tenderlion The intimidating part for a new starter at the gym is proberly that it's a new place, you don't know any one in there and that you don't have a set way of dealing with all the machines an free weights best idea I can say is have a couple of sessions with the gym fitness ins to show yas what's to do, hope you get up there lorsand.. , don't listen to mr intimidating looking at his profile pic if he was to go to my gym I don't even think he'd be able to drink our water its so hard

Thank you for your defending comment it is very kind of you, but actually I didn't take it that way. I am not really intimidated by the machines at the gym as I know I can always ask for help but intimidated and shamed by the way I look and people will think I am lazy to let myself get this way.

 

[lorsand]

Your English is so poor, it's tough to tell if that was intended as an insult.

Either way, I tell you what: when you put 675lbs on your back...then we can talk again.

View attachment 18466

Please don't argue over my original post. I know that you are both trying to help me and I appreciate it, but it makes me feel bad now the two of you are arguing.

 

[Lindy1706]

I have also just joined the Gym and have started the new routine this week. I have had my gym induction, done Aqua classes (which always a large drop in BS readings for some reason), and I have to say for someone who has always hated formalised excercise I am really enjoying it.

Everyone has been really friendly and to be honest I think most people are so into what they are doing that they do not give a stuff what anyone else looks like. So go and enjoy!

 

[lorsand]

Congrats on taking the step!

Being exactly the person you described in your first post (long term exercise shirker ) I will give you the benefit of my perspective.

There are MANY different types of exercise, and you, like me, may not find most of them appealing. But there will be one or two, somewhere, that you will enjoy.

Personally I like swimming and dog walking. Not for everyone, but they work for me and I enjoy them and look forward to them - which is the best motivation there is. Have toyed with the idea of Tai Chi too, but the dogs would probably want to play...

So while I hope the gym works for you, if it doesn't, then keep looking.
There WILL be something, somewhere.

Thank you fellow ex-shirker. I swim like a dog having a seizure! entertaining for anyone watching from above but not so good for me hee hee. I also walk my dog but like me he has little legs and does not move them very fast (we are perfect for each other). I did try Tai Chi years ago and did like it, thank you for reminding me; I will look to see if there is anything locally. I originally took my Mom because she had high blood pressure and the GP said it may help.

 

[Pipp]

For me it is the swimming and aqua fit sessions that work. Being very overweight, and with damage to my spine from an accident many years ago, I find it very liberating to be able to move and do an intense workout in water that is just not possible on land. Have tried gym, it hurt. Also went to Pilates class that hurt too. So I learned the Pilates moves and do some gentle exercise at home, for strength. Water exercise gives a good cardio workout. I tend to eat less when exercising in water too. Can't manage aquafit with a full belly.

Have been very encouraged by threads started by member @Jamrox. These are more about increasing activity to stay mobile.

Good luck, and keep posting, @lorsand .

 

[Lindy1706]

Have a look for some beginners Pilates classes too.....very relaxing. Its not all about excercise some nice zen relaxation is important too. BS loves stress!

 

[lorsand]

Have you looked into the Newcastle Diet? Numerous threads on here chronicling the results people have achieved. I lost 32lbs in 2 months, I'm having a second stab at it following a month or so break, I hope to shift another 12 to 14lbs. Like you I had dodgy hips after years of martial arts but I found diet massivley improved things (I had walked with a limp for over a year and now I can run again). I've found exercise so much easier now I've shed most of the excess weight. My FBG dropped from what I suspect (wasn't measuring at the precise time I started the diet) was around the 9 to between 5.4 and 6.7. Stopped measuring again until I trim off any remaining excess weight.

Will have a look at the Newcastle Diet. Wow, well done for the massive weight loss and improved blood glucose results.

 

[PenfoldAPD]

@lorsand the key for me was control. I switched to LCHF almost immediately, it worked for me. I see my diagnosis as more a wake up call really, stop eating that Sticky Toffee Pudding and eat something that is nutritious and good for your body. I used My Fitness Pal to track everything I eat. I don't want to see bad results so I only eat good things - I swim a lot (most days) and walk when I can.

I've learnt what my treats will be ... red wine and cheese!

Please remember though that you won't get results overnight but stick it out for a few weeks and you will. I know that's tough, those darn carb cravings, but honestly now, 3 months later stuff the Danish pastries - I'm much happier with BG in control and the weight loss

 

[Munkki]

Thank you for your defending comment it is very kind of you, but actually I didn't take it that way. I am not really intimidated by the machines at the gym as I know I can always ask for help but intimidated and shamed by the way I look and people will think I am lazy to let myself get this way.

Hi @lorsand

Well done, you, for signing up! You know, I was relatively unfit at the time of my diagnosis and have since made a lot of progress in the gym. When I manage an exercise, say going for the difficult option, I say to myself that I can be really proud of myself. See, the woman with diabetes can do THIS!

Big thumbs up for you