Originally posted by: Kipper
Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged
Since when did going to the gym become an intense experience? I've brought many people into the gym and, as long as you make them feel comfortable in the environment and address some gym quirks with humor, they'll be pretty open and driven if they are goal-oriented. Nobody asked her to be proficient - the point is to introduce her to some new things and the thought that if she wants to get in better shape, she's going to have to do a few things that she might not fully enjoy. She'll enjoy the results very much though. If the OP is understanding, not overbearing, and makes the gym a fun experience, then there's no worries with going there to work out.
In my experience people who step into a gym for the first time (particularly women) can be intimidated and overly self-conscious - the same is true of men, but of both genders especially if they are sedentary and/or out of shape. Add to this someone who is untrained, and you have an pretty elevated level of psychological and physical stress...hence: "intense."
Call me a pessimist, but I've seen and spoken to far too many people who tried to get into working out, signed up for gym memberships with friends, and by two months they'd quit. Why? Too many changes all at once, they didn't feel comfortable, intimidated by other people working out, too much exertion, blah blah blah - a dozen different justifications for quitting. That's why I think some physical activity you enjoy is a good place to start.
You have suggested her fixing her diet, lifting 2-3 times a week, and cardio all at once. This is someone who, presumably, needs a lot of changes. Far too much at once.