Being the only fatty in the gym class...

marajade5

Hi Guys,

Just trying to get my internal thoughts clear on this one!

I've just started back doing classes at the gym and have noticed that I am the *only* person there who is fat. I really struggle with the classes (Legs, Bums & Tums, Yoga, PIlates and Zumba) and am literally dripping with sweat after 5 minutes.

In short, I don't know whether to feel motivated that everyone else is thin, or to feel that everyone is disgusted with me and wondering why there is a fat person struggling with the class.

Does anyone else ever feel like this??

donyellemoniquex3

Bump

rahlpn

Try not to think about it so much. The "fit" people in class were probably not always that way. They may look at you and think "good for her. I remember being there once". If you exude confidence and stick with it they may start noticing changes and you may even get some compliments! I'm also sure you're not the only one in class not happy with your body at the moment, everyone is there for a reason.

sdpeklo

For what it is worth I sweat 5 min into every class I go to. Remember ......the sweat is the fat crying when it leaves your body. : ) Plus I just plain sweat easily. I have learned to love the sweat....makes me feel like I am getting a great workout in.
No one in their right mind is paying any attention to what you are doing or how you look. When I go to the gym it is all about me. The precious hour I get there child free I am gonna focus soley on me.I don't give a rats what anyone else looks like fat ...skinny....whatever.
I took a step class a few times and couldn't follow the moves very well . But hey I went....and I do my best. Remember.....nearly everyone who hits the gym is or was a "fatty" at one point or another. Nearly everyone feels uncomfortable in a class for awhile for some reason or another which leads me to......
Most people are so involved or they should be with their own workout .....no one has time to judge anyone else. If they do they aren't using the gym for its true intent and purpose . I go to my local Y as it is focused on community and values...if your gym isn't a good fit find one that is. All the best on your journey. : )

miracole

Trust me, people are more impressed that you're out there than anything. I've come to realize that at most gym classes people spend 90% of their time trying to make sure that they look their best while doing the exercises, and 10% actually listening to the class instructor, they don't have any focus left to give those around them more than a passing thought!

marieautumn

Maybe the people in your class were a lot heavier before they starting going to the gym and sticking to it. I can almost guarantee you they didn't all start that class because they were super model skinny.

katkins3

I know how you feel.
When I started Jazzercise I described myself as "the fat chick in the last row that's always out of step". I'd get so discourages that I'd leave the class in frustration. I'd sit in my car and cry.
I kept going back for two reasons. I knew I really wanted to dance and the ladies there were friendly. I started asking the instructor, after class, to show me the steps that I needed help with. She was glad to help. I also saw that there were women of all ages and fitness levels there.
Now, I've been been going to Jazzercise since 2004 and have made many friends there. I try to greet new people, like I was welcomed.
Hang in there. Don't be shy to request modifications to any moves that you need help with. Try not to compare yourself with others, but concentrate on your own progress. If possible, say hi to some one else who looks like they need encouragement.

mushroomsontoast

I'd feel the same - who wouldn't? No-one likes to be the odd one out.
Why not buy a fitness DVD and work out at home for a while until you feel better and fitter about working out with the skinnies at gym?

lolalament

You're probably too busy struggling with the exercise to see when others are struggling!

There's always going to be somebody better than you, or thinner than you, so don't worry about that. By going, you're trying to change yourself and that's the important thing.

zytah

Hi Guys,

Just trying to get my internal thoughts clear on this one!

I've just started back doing classes at the gym and have noticed that I am the *only* person there who is fat. I really struggle with the classes (Legs, Bums & Tums, Yoga, PIlates and Zumba) and am literally dripping with sweat after 5 minutes.

In short, I don't know whether to feel motivated that everyone else is thin, or to feel that everyone is disgusted with me and wondering why there is a fat person struggling with the class.

Does anyone else ever feel like this??

honestly, if i saw you at the gym, id be in awe of you and turn into your cheerleader. you have the balls to get in there. to see someone willing to try and then try their hardest is very inspiring to me. keep up the great work!!

Taylor0212

I lost over 20 pounds and I still sweat like a pig within 5 minutes of a cardio class! I was also one of the heavier ones in my class when I first started, as it was kickboxing and people simply thought I couldn't do it. Prove them wrong, and quite honestly who cares what you look like. You're still doing better than everyone else not exercising! Keep up the good work

MyJourney1960

but but but you are there to learn and to become more fit. if you are going to feel discouarged at every step of the way - this won't work. the point is that there are always always always going to be people who are thinner, taller, smarter, prettier, richer, more talented than you (made ya feel better, huh? ). so? embrace the experience, learn from it. nobody started out 100% fit, and even those who are very fit are still going to class to stay fit and improve. JUST. LIKE.YOU.

I sweat buckets. you think that is going to stop me from going to the gym and working out? no way. i'm also fat - i look horrible in a bathin suit. so? I still go to the pool once in a while becaause that is what i want to do.

Siannah

Maybe there's a lot of former fatties in your class. Don't worry about it, definitely don't let it stop you going!

stefjc

Most of the time that happened to me I was the instructor! No, really. I was and overweight instructor, taught 15- 20 classes a week, some to some extremely fit people.

I am aiming to go back to classes in a month or so, as a participant. Again I will be the fattest person there - and I won't care. I'll be too busy trying to get the moves right.

Enjoy it. Your instructor should enjoy you, new and in need of help and friendly guidance.

horndave

every day. we all start somehwere. Screw those other people, I am doing this for me.

are822

Agree with what everyone else is saying. I consistently go to classes several days a week since last November and am always so impressed when new people come and stick with it. Don't worry about what you look like, just envision what you are going to look like in a few months and how great it feels to get through the workout!

Rosamia41

I'm heavy too and recently started working out at the gym taking the group classes. Believe me I started dripping in sweat after the first five minutes too while everyone else was nice and pretty. At the beginning I did feel embarrassed but after class I was proud of myself for finishing it. I never realized how strong I was for finishing the class. Now instead of being embarrassed I push more so I can get the results and everyone at my gym will see how much weight I've lost. Remember this is for you, and no one else.

Cheekies_

Remember ......the sweat is the fat crying when it leaves your body. : ) Plus I just plain sweat easily. I have learned to love the sweat....makes me feel like I am getting a great workout in.

^^^ LOVE this! ^^^

lripson28

Everyone's gotta start somewhere. Like others have said, I'm sure all those other fit people in the class were not always that way. They are probably thinking, good for her for getting out and trying to make a change. Don't worry about anything, just focus on you and what you are doing.

chrisloveslife

I know how you feel.
When I started Jazzercise I described myself as "the fat chick in the last row that's always out of step".

This is how I feel about myself at Zumba. But I keep going back and getting used to the moves every class. I also hate watching myself in the mirror because my moves don't look like the instructor's.

framingsammie

If it helps, I start to drip with sweat literally 5/10 minutes into any class I do. As others have said they were probably once where you are at the moment. Honestly, whenever I see a bigger person exercising I feel proud of them. Also, the others in your class are probably struggling too but all you're seeing is that they are slimmer than you. Keep up the good work. xo

daveymac1

It's not sweat, it's liquid awesome!! When I see people bigger than me at the gym, I think right on! Good for them to try to get healthy. I find at the gym, people do not judge. We are all there for the same reason. Some are just more advanced.

april1445

In my experience, fit people sincerely just want everyone else to realize how much better it is to be fit. It's the couch potatoes who judge, not the fit ones. Use them as inspiration. You'll get there, and they'll welcome you when you do. Sweating is a good sign, by the way. If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.

zytah

ill add that the "fit" girls usually never make it out a class unscathed either. ive seen plenty with perfect makeup, hair all done, newly manicured nails, cute outfit go in. when class is over, out shuflle zombies with makeup running, hair all blown up, busted up nails and sweat soaked clothes. :laugh:

Najay

Dont worry about what others think, you will drive yourself crazy. I know its hard though. Look at it like this everyone had to start from somewhere. They could have been in your shoes before. Be inspired that you have the motivation to be in class. The more you go the stronger you will become and you will be outworking the others. Sweating is a good, when I workout I want to be drenched, if not I think its a waste. Keep your head up.

michelefrench

I know how you feel.
When I started Jazzercise I described myself as "the fat chick in the last row that's always out of step".

This is how I feel about myself at Zumba. But I keep going back and getting used to the moves every class. I also hate watching myself in the mirror because my moves don't look like the instructor's.

this was me too...started zumba and cardio kickboxing @ 240lbs (5 foot tall...) back row, marching in place thru most of it cause that's all I could do...now i'm front row center @ 140 lbs - everybodies a newbie once...keep going!!

jbalistriere

This applies more to running than classes but I think the message is still appropriate. Someone posted this a while back and I keep it printed at my desk with a picture I found on FB of a guy running with the words "No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everyone on the couch". These have both motivated me and calmed some of my anxiety. I hope they help you as well. Good luck!




Hey, Fat Girl!

Yes, you. The one feigning to not see me when we cross paths on the running track. The one not even wearing sports gear, breathing heavy. You’re slow, you breathe hard and your efforts at moving forward make you cringe.

You cling shyly to the furthest corridor, sometimes making larger loops on the gravel ring by the track just so you’re not on it. You sweat so much that your hair is all wet. You rarely stay for more than 20 minutes at a time, and you look exhausted when you leave to go back home. You never talk to anyone. I’ve got something I’d like to say to you.

You are awesome.

If you’d look me in the eye only for an instant, you would notice the reverence and respect I have for you. The adventure you have started is tremendous; it leads to a better health, to renewed confidence and to a brand new kind of freedom. The gifts you will receive from running will far exceed the gigantic effort it takes you to show up here, to face your fears and to bravely set yourself in motion, in front of others.

You have already begun your transformation. You no longer accept this physical state of numbness and passivity. You have taken a difficult decision, but one that holds so much promise. Every hard breath you take is actually a tad easier than the one before, and every step is ever so slightly lighter. Each push forward leaves the former person you were in your wake, creating room for an improved version, one that is stronger, healthier and forward-looking, one who knows that anything is possible.

You’re a hero to me. And, if you’d take off the blaring headphones and put your head up for more than a second or two, you would notice that the other runners you cross, the ones that probably make you feel so inadequate, stare in awe at your determination. They, of all people, know best where you are coming from. They heard the resolutions of so many others, who vowed to pick up running and improve their health, “starting next week”. Yet, it is YOU who runs alongside, who digs from deep inside to find the strength to come here, and to come back again.

You are a runner, and no one can take that away from you. You are relentlessly moving forward. You are stronger than even you think, and you are about to be amazed by what you can do. One day, very soon, maybe tomorrow, you’ll step outside and marvel at your capabilities. You will not believe your own body, you will realize that you can do this. And a new horizon will open up for you. You are a true inspiration.

I bow to you.

Rowan813

I was the fatty in class. It is hard. I stuck it out and now I am one of the fitter people in classes. I am so glad I stayed. I get a wonderful sense of accomplishment each time I try something new at the gym and do better than I thought I could. I will never be the fittest, but that is fine. Whenever I see new people I try to make them feel welcome because I remember how I felt. Stick with it and you will be one of the regulars welcoming new members.

kezza8888

In my experience, fit people sincerely just want everyone else to realize how much better it is to be fit.

^^ THIS!!

When I see someone working out who potentially is a newbie to healthy lifestyle, I tend to think "Go Girl/Boy!" It's EXTRA admirable because getting started IS the hardest part.....Eveyone has to start somewhere, just dont give up. Somewhere down the line you could be the slim/fit girl ready to make a newbie feel more welcome! :-)

dmwill23

I totally understand! I used to feel bad that I was always the biggest person in the class and the most out of shape.:embarassed: But then I realized that this is my fitness journey. What other people may or may not say, feel or think about me, will not help me reach my fitness goals. Don't worry about what other people may think, just focus on what you want to do for yourself!

marajade5

Aww, thanks everyone! Will be thinking of your comments at Zumba tonight !