Over 50 and hitting the gym

I have just returned from the local gym, a very pleasant and friendly place, I might add. I have a question for you; how does a woman of my age spend 45 minutes working out (at a very tame pace, I might add) and end up a sweaty, leg trembly wreck!

I recently decided to join the gym again, although I'm not creating a schedule so it is a bit hit and miss-a bit like life really. Today was my second time and I started on the treadmill. As I am very unfit, I walk at a fast pace for three or four minutes then run for two minutes. This is enough to make me sweat! I then spent some time on the bike, doing the cross country where the tension increases and decreases. While I was sat cycling, I looked around me and noticed I was the only one over the age of 30, which was a bit disconcerting. I also noticed that I was the only one with a tomato red face and sweat running down my neck and décolletage-very unsettling!

Following my observations on the bike, I decided to go downstairs to the weight machines so I can work on toning my upper arms. My legs were so trembly and weak I could hardly get down the stairs. I was trying my best to trot lightly down the stairs and ended up grabbing on to the handrail and staggering down as though I was drunk. Hardly flattering!

I drove home and as I got out of the car with my empty water bottle and towel, I hoped that anyone observing would think I had spent hours at the gym, working up a sweat on various machines instead of the 45 minutes I had managed. I am thinking of going on Monday teatime, when it may be a bit emptier and I may be joined by others who are a bit out of shape. Any tips on looking good at the gym will certainly be welcome.