Discussions

I am looking for recommendations for a gym.  
I am in my mid 50's and due to some health problems over the past 3 years I have been relatively inactive compared to previously. I am quite out of shape and very overweight.  
I am looking for a place to start.....  
One where I am not ridiculed or expected to perform like a fit 20 year old as that is far from what I am. My goals are to lose some weight and generally feel more healthy than I do right now. I am not looking for a miracle but I am willing to put in the work.

Many gyms will offer a trial period where you can go for a day or two and try it out. Why not do that and see how you feel about the helpfulness & atmosphere of the place before committing to it? I know how you feel about being a bit self-conscious in that setting but honestly, many gyms have such a variety people (genders, ages, body shapes)and most people really are there to work out rather than caring who is working out beside them. Best of luck and good for you for taking care of yourself!

I used to go to this one.  
I don't go anymore as I felt very intimidated.  
They train a lot of athletes and felt self conscious about working out around them. No fault of the gym. My own issues.  
I found an alternate route to go with. Pm if you would like more info

If you're comfortable working out on your own, and don't mind the drive, I recommend Shilo. It's dirt cheap, a lot of equipment, not usually busy at all (at least when I go). You get use of all the weights, cardio equipment, running track, pool (when open), and gymnasiums for ball, floor hockey, etc.

They offer classes. You can work at your own pace.  
"Punch cards" are available 10 classes for $100. You can go to 10 classes a week or 1 every month. It is a full body workout...but I found it pretty welcoming. The rest of the class was given their sequence to do then I was given one on one instruction to ensure I was doing it correctly...class given next sequence to work on I was given the next punch to work on.  
I am not in shape by anyone's definition but I loved it. Seemed like there was a wide variety of body types, ages there.  
I will be going back for sure.

I am in my mid 50's - joined a class two years ago - Women and Weights. I love it. Carrie is an awesome instructor and you are not expected to do anything beyond your capability. There are people young and old and everyone is welcoming. Please check it out. It's so worth it.

just remember, maybe some people may have been like you and joined the gym, so will understand why you are joining.  
 
Good Luck!

All for the positive feedback.....  
I think I will do as UpUpandAway suggested and take advantage of some trials until I feel like I am in the right spot.  
Thank you so much!

Popcorn Twist said "All for the positive feedback.....   I think I will do as UpUpandAway suggested and take advantage of some trials until I feel like I am in the right spot.   Thank you so much! "

She has free trials here too. Please check it out

I've been to almost every gym in Brandon and this is by far my favourite!  
Lots of body types, space and I love the virtual rooms for privacy!!!!

Pm'd you.

I lost 20lbs at home in my jammies squatting, lunging and jumping around my basement using a free online program (pm if you'd like the name)  
 
i lost the next 20 when I joined the y. they have fitness classes throughout the day, super welcoming all ages all body types. it's hard to go to the first one, I know! but I'm so glad I did. there's also the pool to use with hot tub and steam room to reward your hard work  
 
good luck!

Absolutely, as mentioned above, FPC does train elite athletes, but they help people of all physical abilities as well. If you want top fitness and nutrition advice, see Tyler Sanjenko. He is an absolute professional that takes pride in seeing his clients achieve the goals they are after. If a personal trainer is not in the cards, the gym at FPC is always clean, and the equipment is in great shape. Membership fees are very reasonable. My two cents for whatever it's worth  
All the best!

I do not think no gym will make you ridiculous. All gyms have programs to offer you or do your own workouts and you will see all different people with their own reasons why they join a gym.  
So just pick one is affordable for you or area you like to go. Gyms are in different size but goodlife offers more different equipment and more area to move around. Brandon has few 24 hours gym open hours

FPC is intimidating, I'm a pretty in shape guy. But when I did work out in that basement, I felt mocked and can feel eyes on you. Watching them talk to each other looking at you. Made me feel uncomfortable and self conscious. Left the gym not long after. But that's just my own experience. Try good life! Or peak! Hardest part is getting there.

From what I've seen for a straight up "gym" (weights, cardio equipment, fitness classes, etc.) Goodlife is the way to go. I've been with them since the 2nd week they opened and its far and above the best gym this town has seen. It's spacious, great consistent airflow and temperature, lots of natural light and most importantly very well-equipped. I know a lot of the presently active gyms lost a lot of members to Goodlife citing one of more of those above-mentioned factors. All shapes and sizes too... it's for everybody. Have a look the staff will give you a tour and you can make your own decision.

100% crossfit rocked!

Love CF Rocked, and I'm no gym rat!