Going to the GYM when your 320 pounds :(
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I think it all depends on the gym. Mine is full of all ages, shapes, sizes and is one of the most friendly, non-judgmental places I could imagine! The only people I judge are the two new ladies who joined that talk supremely loudly about chocolate cake recipes while they ride the recumbent bike for only 5 minutes and shout out to each other how many "calories they got." Lol - seriously!1
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Honestly, it depends on the gym. Your average "YMCA" type gym has all sorts of people, and frankly people are more concerned about their own workouts than you. You may be surprised how supportive people are!
Now, there are certain gym that cater to a specialized crowd... places that cater to "gym rats" -- extremely serious bodybuilders, boxers, martial artists and the like. There are also equally specialized studios populated by professional dancers, Pilates devotees, serious yogi practictoners, etc. This would not likely be the exercise locale for you, but these are usually obvious up front.
Also, think of this... do you not go to a hospital because you're not well enough to go to the doctor? Do you do up your hair before you go get your hair cut? No... because you are going to a place to look and feel better. If you don't go, you may never get to your goal.4 -
I feel very self-conscious but i still go to LA Fitness. I do not feel judgement.
Ur there for u, just do it!
Be strong!
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I just plug in my headphones and zone out tbh! Now and again I get the patronising "good for you" "how often do you come?" comment's, I just smile and ask the same back. I've noticed the more regular I've gone the more accepted I seem to be. In all fairness I couldn't care less what everyone else thinks but nevermind.2
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I started my weight loss at 374 Lbs. I was afraid to go to the gym and simply started walking around my neighborhood. It wasn't easy (the weight compounded by severe anemia) but soon it got easier and I pushed myself to walk further. I joined the gym (the YMCA) about a year later when I was down around 275 Lbs. I was terrified, but they had a "join free" campaign a couple months ago and I could use saving that money! I've been going to the Y pretty steadily since, trying out different classes and really tracking my progress using their ActivTrax program. It was the best thing I've done for myself. I'm not as far into my weight loss as I would like (down to 260ish now) but I can see a real difference in my body and what my body can do!
I can't say that I haven't gotten any of "those looks" but, by far, I've gotten more support than "those looks". Mostly though, people are focused on themselves and ignore what is going on around them (including me doing my workout). I don't know what other gyms are like, but at the Y here there are so many people there for different reasons and everyone has a different fitness level. Almost all the classes welcome "all levels" and the instructors are super friendly. They even have "SilverSneaker" classes for anyone who needs a little extra support or modification to do the activities. Everyone really wants to meet you at your fitness level and help to get you to where you want to be.
Best of luck on your journey!1 -
Omg!! We have so much fun at our group fitness studio! All ages, all body types and mostly women but NOT exclusively! We laugh and drop naughty words but overall we want to motivate each other. The proof is we keep coming back for more and NONE of it is easy! Good ones are out there!!
The word "can't" will get you 10 push ups! So we tend to use the f-word instead.
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It feels like taking control of your life again.
I started swimming again at 300 pounds. Nobody said anything to me one way or another and I did not die of embarrassment.
Just get yourself there and do what you can. Next time, do more.1 -
Had a client at 365lbs and in a year got him down to 265lbs without dieting. Just taught him how to use MFP and be consistent. Sometimes when you train with a trainer, it helps to take away any anxiety and you get direction on how to exercise correctly.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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This post pulls at my heart strings...I have so much to say about this so I'll try to pull it into cohesive thoughts lol.
- 6 yrs ago I weighed 316 lbs & made a commitment to myself that I was going to start going to the gym regularly & keep at it no matter what.
- At first, I was EXTREMELY self-conscious. But I did it anyway, & learned how to use all of the equipment & got on the treadmill to walk even though I just KNEW everyone was staring at me (they weren't).
- One day, after a couple of months of going 4-6x/week, I saw a woman not much smaller than me on the treadmill running. RUNNING. And when I looked at her, I thought, "if she can run, maybe I can too!"
- The next day, it was pretty dead in the gym so during my obligatory treadmill walk, I decided to try running. I ran for 30 whole seconds. Not only did I not die, but I felt AMAZING, because I had broken through whatever That Thing was in my head that had me thinking I can't do stuff because I'm fat. The ball was rolling.
- Fast-forward to a year after I started & I ran my first 5k without stopping.
- Another year & a half later I was down 85 lbs & had completed 12 races, including a 10k, 10 mile, duathlon, & half marathon!
In the interest of full disclosure (& to prove that I'm human) I'll share that after the half I stopped actively trying to lose weight & focused on exercise. I did a bunch more races but gradually started picking the weight back up, & after a running injury last year am starting again with weight loss. But I know it happened because I allowed it to & that's ok. Everyone who is or has been overweight has gone through stuff that got them there, & we don't have to stay there if we don't want to.
What I want you to know is that at 316 lbs, I thought that losing weight would be The Thing that would restore my confidence in myself, but it wasn't. EXERCISE was. When you first start exercising regularly, I won't lie, it kind of sucks. You hurt everywhere & feel guilt over what you've done to your body over the years by not caring for it properly...but that only lasts a couple of weeks. Even with the soreness, you feel good about finally giving your body something it needs.
Then you get stronger. After a few workouts, you realize you can do more or do it longer. Keep challenging yourself & stress those muscles so they grow - & you WANT them to grow, because the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn when you're not exercising. Use exercise to break through those mental barriers that you may not even realize you had, because they were built brick by brick, so slowly you didn't know it was happening until now.
After a few weeks, the workouts are getting easier & you discover that the confidence you thought would only come with reaching your goal weight is already HERE because look at how awesome you are in the gym! If you catch someone looking at you, smile! What you don't know is that a year or two ago, they may have been where you are today & they are silently cheering you on in their head. They may want to share an encouraging word but don't want to offend you. Break the ice & say hello.
Next thing you know, everyone at the gym knows you & you have this whole crew of buddies to look for when you're there. You don't have to find someone to go with you on a day you don't feel like going, because you know when you get there someone will be happy to see you.
You also discover that you're sleeping better than you ever did, & your ability to handle stressful situations has greatly improved, seemingly with no explanation. Well, the explanation is the gym.
Ok...I've just talked myself into going back to the gym. I'll see you there tomorrow
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At 200 lbs I felt stared at & judged in dance & yoga classes but the people in the weight room were respectful & just plain nice.
I got looks in the swimming pool just because the regulars are a little possessive but not for my weight. But really, no one was ever explicitly rude in any case.
There were a lot of people bigger than I was & they seemed confident enough so these were probably just my own hang ups.2 -
Hi I have been on this awesome form for 3 days now and seen some amazing story's , But what I what to know is what does it feel like going to the gym when your over weight I'll be starting on Monday next week , but i am all most to afraid to go because of my weight.
Is there much judgement in a gym ? will I get the looks ?
I feel very self conscious about this and was hoping you guys could give me the motivation i need to go .
thanks
Yes. There is judgment. Yes people will look down their nose at you. They will cringe at your deluge of sweat.
I have been there. 360 at my heaviest. Started the gym at 340 after Phentermine script ran out.
But guess what? People who do that crap to those who are at the gym to improve themselves are the same people who would make fun of a homeless guy filling out a job application. Basically, they are D-bags who's opinion doesn't amount to a hill of beans.
Go to the gym. Blast through a good workout and feel better. Better yet, do it wearing totally inappropriate clothes that beg for attention. I wear t-shirts that say something like "Stay back...I'm allergic to stupid" or "Caution: My awesomeness is contagious."
Basically, you're doing this for you...not the cover of Life Magazine or some guy with a stupid hipster beard and top knot. Your only competition is the person you were yesterday.
Rock on!1 -
Maybe someone else already mentioned this (I admit I didn't read every reply).
I have a friend who is also overweight and we've had this conversation many times.
I think judgemental people are everywhere. I was afraid of joining the gym for that same reason but I thought: "Hey, people will judging me while I'm at the supermarket as they will at the gym, at my work or everywhere". At least while you're at the gym you're kind of proving them wrong.
We also judge ourselves. But trust me, you'll soon start noticing your progress and that alone will get you going. Recently my trainer told one of my friends how proud he was at my improvement. That made my day...no, that comment made my whole month.
Just be constant. "Find what you love and let it kill you"...find an exercise you get to love and let it get you so tired but pumped for more.
Feel free to add me, anyone. I'm practically new here. (I'm sorry for any grammar mistakes. Not my native language).
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I hate to say it but that feeling is always there, even when you get in shape. But if we're honest, really no one at the gym cares. They are too busy paying attention to themselves.1
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People who judge are doing it from a place of their own insecurity, try to remember that when you feel it.0
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Whenever I see posts like this I just think about an article I saw once.
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/03/10/to-the-fatty-running-on-the-track_n_4935194.html
Just get in there. Learn to love it and ignore the world around you.
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I think if the OP went to the gym they'd have been back and posted
I think this was one of those if I talk about it it will happen and then nothing happens posts because fixing inertia is really really difficult
The road to hell is paved with good intentions
When you're ready OP I hope you manage2 -
I've never seen somebody making fun out of someone. We all have our own issues. Don't bother...0
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gabygeenius wrote: »
I think judgemental people are everywhere. I was afraid of joining the gym for that same reason but I thought: "Hey, people will judging me while I'm at the supermarket as they will at the gym, at my work or everywhere". At least while you're at the gym you're kind of proving them wrong.
Feel free to add me, anyone. I'm practically new here. (I'm sorry for any grammar mistakes. Not my native language).
This is insanely true. Also consider this. You mention the judgmental people at the grocery store. Well, they definitely judge in any situation where food is involved. But if people in a gym are going to judge someone who is making an effort, they deserve to be called out on it. Because how dare anyone sneer at a person who is trying. The fact is we all have our own story behind our extra rocket fuel we've stored. And that story may not be anyone's business. Have you decided whether or not to join a gym? I hope you do because that in itself is breaking through a wall.1 -
gabygeenius wrote: »
This is insanely true. Also consider this. You mention the judgmental people at the grocery store. Well, they definitely judge in any situation where food is involved. But if people in a gym are going to judge someone who is making an effort, they deserve to be called out on it. Because how dare anyone sneer at a person who is trying. The fact is we all have our own story behind our extra rocket fuel we've stored. And that story may not be anyone's business. Have you decided whether or not to join a gym? I hope you do because that in itself is breaking through a wall.
True! I remember a time in my life I'd feel ashamed to eat in public (specially if whoever I was with didn't feel like eating...I didn't want to be the only one having a meal).
Judgmental people will judge everyone...even people who are in their normal weight. They'll always find what to talk about someone else: clothes, hairstyle, tattoos, voice, company, choices... ugh!
I hope OP finds the motivation to join a gym. I did 2 months ago (kickboxing and currently researching because I want to start weightlifting) and I love the person I'm becoming. Not only I've been losing weight...I've started gaining confidence, I found out I LOVE going to the gym (I feel awful if I miss a day...and honestly, I never thought I'd come to love it) The only regret I have is not starting earlier!
Btw, I love your username! Glad it wasn't taken.
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gabygeenius wrote: »gabygeenius wrote: »
This is insanely true. Also consider this. You mention the judgmental people at the grocery store. Well, they definitely judge in any situation where food is involved. But if people in a gym are going to judge someone who is making an effort, they deserve to be called out on it. Because how dare anyone sneer at a person who is trying. The fact is we all have our own story behind our extra rocket fuel we've stored. And that story may not be anyone's business. Have you decided whether or not to join a gym? I hope you do because that in itself is breaking through a wall.
True! I remember a time in my life I'd feel ashamed to eat in public (specially if whoever I was with didn't feel like eating...I didn't want to be the only one having a meal).
Judgmental people will judge everyone...even people who are in their normal weight. They'll always find what to talk about someone else: clothes, hairstyle, tattoos, voice, company, choices... ugh!
I hope OP finds the motivation to join a gym. I did 2 months ago (kickboxing and currently researching because I want to start weightlifting) and I love the person I'm becoming. Not only I've been losing weight...I've started gaining confidence, I found out I LOVE going to the gym (I feel awful if I miss a day...and honestly, I never thought I'd come to love it) The only regret I have is not starting earlier!
Btw, I love your username! Glad it wasn't taken.
LOL! Thanks! I'm surprised it wasn't taken the way it was going!0 -
It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about you. What does matter is the fact that you are doing something about how you feel about yourself and taking charge of your health! So hold your head up and be proud of making great choices. Go in, sweat, and get your shine on!0
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I started at the gym when I was 260 pounds. I started jogging on the treadmill in the cardio cinema because I was embarrassed that I could only jog for 30 seconds. Five years later, I have been hooked ever since. Once I hit my first mile, I started working out in the main room and never looked back. Even now, I am recovering from knee replacement surgery and I am embarrassed I still have a slight limp and can only do a limited amount of work. Five months from my surgery and today I did weighted squats on the smith machine, for the first time since I got my new knee. It was the best feeling and reminded me of how much I missed the feeling of a hard workout. At 36 years old, the gym has been the most therapeutic thing I've ever done.0
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Dress up as a superhero. Inattentive blindness kicks in and they won't see you.1
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The only people I judge at the gym are people who don't re-rack their weights. Honestly, most people are so busy doing their own thing that they aren't thinking about you. If they have time to judge you, they aren't working out as hard as they should. ;-) 2
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I saw someone your size in the gym yesterday who I had never seen before, and I saw her get a hi5! Definitely no judgement other than that she was gettin it!
PS I get judged for wearing bright pink tights and a lifting belt at the platforms, I have even had guys tell me I needed to swap them for the "girly training bar" still love the look on the douches faces when I can pull over 260 pounds off the ground :-D you just gotta do your thang and forget about them0 -
u guys have given me the motivation to go to the gym soon2
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I'm a woman. People are always checking me out at the gym. It's sick. Just ignore it. People sometimes have a staring problem, it's not your problem it's theirs0
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littlechiaseed wrote: »I'm a woman. People are always checking me out at the gym. It's sick. Just ignore it. People sometimes have a staring problem, it's not your problem it's theirs
They are most likely not checking you out
It's not cos you're a woman
It's cos you're in a gym
People space and look in the gym
It's actually your perception that needs fixing1 -
littlechiaseed wrote: »I'm a woman. People are always checking me out at the gym. It's sick. Just ignore it. People sometimes have a staring problem, it's not your problem it's theirs
how do you know they are checking you out? Are you checking them out, too?
Honestly, when you go to the gym, you are in a big room full of people. There are only so many places you can look without looking at other people. I look at people all the time, they look at me, it's no big deal... occasionally, you give the little head nod or something to acknowledge them.
unless they are winking at you or doing some other stupid, obvious come on, I'd say they are just looking around...1
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