[pongeystrhjst]

I havent exercised since, well really ever. My routine right now consists of at least 5 miles on a recumbent bike mon-fri, usually staying in my target heart rate for 30-60 min and then lifting Mon, Wed, and Fri. I do bench press, bicep and tricep curls and then some others that work my shoulders I dont know the names of. As well as dropping a total of 80 lbs the other half of my goal is to really bulk up muscle wise. I have a simple freeweight set, straight bar and 2 smaller bars for bicep curls and the such. Would it be best for me to suck it up and go to a gym and get a personal trainer since they have much superior equip.? Problem is I get flashbacks to highschool and everybody making fun of the overweight/weaker kids, is that what its like at a gym at all or are people usually pretty nice?

[Thunderzee]

Hammerlane is right, there are all KINDS of people in gyms right now. The Gym is for everyone, the inshape looking to stay that way, the out of shape looking to get in shape. Focus on competing with yourself, not with anyone else. If you are making progress, that is what counts.

Your idea to seek out a personal trainer is an excellent one. It can really keep you accountable. But don't be dazzled by fancy routines or equipment. WHat you own actually is GREAT for building the body you want. Consistency is the key and progression.

[ensuppono]

this is a great time to got o the gym, because it will be filled with all of the new year resolution crowd. at the gym i go to, right now 25 percent of the people are in shape, and the rest are doing the best they can to loose weight, and firm up. good luck on your fitness journey. 8)

[johnsonjunior]

It sounds like you're doing really well. It'd be a good idea to go use a trainer to learn the proper techniques, especially since you'll probably want to use pretty heavy weights to bulk up. You really want someone to check your form so that you don't get injured. At least at the beginning. Sometimes gyms offer trial periods where you could try them out first.

I don't really know what the attitude is there towards guys from the regulars at a gym. For girls, it's so much easier - plus we have all women gyms which are less intimidating. I'm sure the trainers themselves would love to work with you. I've known of a couple that really liked being able to "mold the novice" (so to speak).

Could you possibly get to the gym at off-hours, where there will be less people? The hard-core will probably be there early morning or right after work.

By the way, I hope you're logging those bike miles in the Mardi Gras Challenge