So, I joined 24 hour fitness 3 weeks ago

[GardeningGal]

They opened one right by my house so I signed up and got a personal trainer and had my 3 week weigh in yesterday. I had lost 9 pounds and 2.9% body fat.

I've been fairly good with the eating but have had some beers when I really wanted them after working in the yard. I see the trainer 2 times a week and do cardio 3 times a week (2 of them after I'm done with the trainer). I need to be a little better about the cardio...with getting the gardens in I haven't always gotten the 3 in. But, I'm encouraged. I can do this - it will take some time but I'm on my way. Yea!

[lavenderdiva]

1. Congratulations! What a nice result you obtained!

Is it expensive? Does the 24hr place have separate wet areas for men and women? There's one close to my house too, but those things have put me off joining.

[Systematic Chaos]

2. I was a member of one for a short time

Had to quit, unfortunately, due to money problems.
They are WONDERFUL facilities, but as far as I'm aware there are not men's and ladies' areas other than the locker rooms and saunas.
I know it's not easy, but don't let the presence of other people, be they men or women, worry you at all. 99% of all the people who go to gyms regularly are very respectful of others.

[Katherine Brengle]

4. Absolutely true--

speaking as someone who spends 3+ hours a day in my gym (including sauna, steam, and shower), I can vouch for this. Many people who are really into fitness have had body image problems and overcome them, had health problems and overcome them, or have been otherwise in a place in which they were not happy and have overcome that. And we know how hard it is, and how much motivation and effort it takes, and how you feel the first time you walk in there and aren't "one of the cool kids" -- don't let it stop you, because no one else matters, and no one else is likely to even care lol.

[GardeningGal]

3. The one by my house doesn't have a sauna or pool

So I don't really know about separate areas, but I doubt it. There are two others that are fairly close but I haven't tried them out yet since time is an issue for me right now.

I have been pleased with how there are all different shapes, sizes, and fitness levels at the one I go to. I haven't really encountered any negative people so far.

Price wise, it doesn't seem too bad to me. The last time I was a member somewhere was at a YMCA and if I recall, the price at that time was more than I'm paying monthly now. I don't remember a comparison to the start up fees places have, and since this was a new one I got a discount.

It's always worth checking it out. You don't have to join if it doesn't feel right for you.

Good luck!