I am a TOTAL beginner to any kind of fitness. I'm happy to work hard but I've had a hard time setting realistic goals and motivating on my own, so I'd really like to start some kind of class or find a supportive gym that will help me learn. Recently, I tried a signing up with an entry tier kick-boxing group (not local) but ended up bailing because the language of their mailers was really harsh, weight-loss focused, and not for me.

I'm on the lookout for something here that's supportive/accommodating of complete newbs who may be out of shape, and not really discipline, weight-loss, or diet focused. It doesn't need to be kick-boxing, although that's certainly a plus. Looking to build strenght, gain new skills, have something regular. I'm open to pretty much anything.

Anybody have any recs? Doesn't need to be in Cambridge, but the redline/somerville is nice.

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Rosabelle334 t1_j0xmo4j wrote on December 20, 2022 at 4:08 AM

I liked getting a personal trainer at the Y. I went to the YMCA on Huntington in Boston but there’s one in Cambridge too. The trainers there were down to earth and helped me learn the total basics about how to work out and use the gym, and set me up to go on my own, and I’ve been going regularly since stopping with the trainer! I got 4 60 minute sessions followed by 4 30 min sessions.

These-Assignment-936 t1_j0xheib wrote on December 20, 2022 at 3:25 AM

VIM used to do small group training. Not sure if they still do. They have many classes too, but I’m less familiar with those.

SheeEttin t1_j0xpjmu wrote on December 20, 2022 at 4:33 AM

I currently go to Assembly Sports Club in Arlington (because the actual Assembly location closed). The trainers there work with compete newbies pretty often. They do group stuff too but I'm not sure how it works now. (Also it's pretty crowded because they haven't opened the expansion yet. And I just realized it's going to get even worse with the New Years' resolution people. So maybe hold off on this one.)

I used to go to Evolve Fitness a while back. I liked that gym better. It was just less convenient. I don't remember what they did for group classes or personal training.

tarojelly t1_j0zgxfh wrote on December 20, 2022 at 3:52 PM

If you are open minded Fly Together Fitness in Somerville is a kick ass pole fitness studio. Ultra inclusive of gender and body size and I personally think very friendly to people who are "weak" lmao. I couldn't lift anything beyond 35 lbs and now I can pull my body up a pole with ease after 6 months of classes. Also the vibes are very good for low confidence athletes. students and teachers alike encouraging each other. Sometimes you spend all class trying to achieve a trick and when you finally do you will usually hear someone in the background be like oh shit you did it and start clapping lol

Regardless of if you have an interest in pole fitness, consider a "hobby" body training sport like pole dance or rock climbing or break dancing or something similar. I find that when you have the ability to focus on more concrete goals other than "make my body stronger" like I want to land this trick or I want to climb this level it can make it so much easier to stick to it. I've started and quit exercising my whole life until I picked up a hobby sport rather than just weight training

Rosemadder19 t1_j0yjaj2 wrote on December 20, 2022 at 10:43 AM

The Training Room in Somerville is fantastic! I haven't been in a while, but if I remember correctly they have private training and small group training. (TRAC) They'll teach you good lifting form and keep you consistent!

[deleted] t1_j0zw0ln wrote on December 20, 2022 at 5:30 PM

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saltyeyed t1_j11kb4j wrote on December 21, 2022 at 12:10 AM

I was in the same place a few years ago. I took one-on-one personal sessions at VIM, which is ridiculously pricey but it made me feel much more comfortable and taught me everything i know about fitness. The personal trainer I had no longer works there. But I think hiring a personal trainer is a really good way to go for people who want to gain get into fitness but are starting from scratch -- but I would recommend going to someone who isn't too intimidating (i.e. not focused on weight loss) and you are very frank with them at the consultation stage. I straight up told my personal trainer that I have truly never worked out (not really) and I don't take well to being told what to do (what means I'm kind of an annoying client haha). My trainer and I got along well, which helped as well.

bumblelily t1_j12a2t7 wrote on December 21, 2022 at 3:28 AM

Sarah Polacco of Purposeful Strength Coaching is a strength coach who is deeply knowledgeable, body positive, and super welcoming. She has various coaching packages (online and in person), as well as a "couch to dumbbells" program you can purchase.