Fat people in the gym

futurejedi

Encourage them, tell them they are making improvements. Teach them to help them

You don't understand. No, no, and no. I've known super obese Polynesians who were heavy lifters, brothers, ran a moving business. Healthy blood, normal BP, good endurance. At the gym and at work were treated with respect. Take them anywhere casual and absolute strangers express their "concern" and give UNWARRANTED, UNPROVOKED advice on their "health." No. You don't know anything about a fat stranger at the gym. Doc gave my buddies seal of approval, told them it's all Gucci unless they start to feel adverse effects. They don't need your condescending reminders that they are"too" fat, unwanted, and must be exercising for weight loss, amirite? Because God forbid a fatty like riding a bike! Are you even aware that weekly exercise has health benefits even for those who don't exercise enough to lose weight? And not all fat people eat burgers and fries and cake. You can get fat by eating too many calories of any food. Reject the stigma. Learn some respect.

Actual many of these people you say I don't know Ive actually been thanked by them for wanting to encourage them and help them

traceywoody

The only reason I started talking to people in my gym is so that if I collapse someone will help me. True story.

LOL I love your sense of humour. Thanks.

traceywoody

Whatever you do, don't drive next to a random jogger blasting "eye of the tiger" some will laugh, others will spray you with pepper spray...

Laughing so hard. Funny. I would totally love that.

iggyboo93

Whatever you do, don't drive next to a random jogger blasting "eye of the tiger" some will laugh, others will spray you with pepper spray...

:laugh:

I act the same way going to the gym as going to church - go to the early service to get it over with, go in head down, make no eye contact, and sneak out before the priest shakes your hand. I can't even comprehend the post Mass coffee and donuts. So, in response to the OP - no - I don't want any positive feedback from people. I've had been ridiculed enough about my weight that I will be suspicious of you.

Mr_Bad_Example

I'd rather something like that than checking out my *kitten* or making winky-faces at me through the mirror...

Funny... I've always found it more of a genuine compliment when people stare at my *kitten* and make winky faces at me.

wheird

I'd rather something like that than checking out my *kitten* or making winky-faces at me through the mirror...

Funny... I've always found it more of a genuine compliment when people stare at my *kitten* and make winky faces at me.

Tzeitel7

I'm just beginning this journey of eating better, getting exercise and losing weight. A couple of weeks ago I was out for a run, it was towards the end of it, and I'm sure I was pretty red faced. I passed a lady on the street and she urged me on. It was really sweet, I just quietly said thank you and kept moving along. For those fearful of saying anything, I did appreciate it. If she had gone on and on I may have gotten embarrassed, but it was just a few kind words to encourage me.

LassVegas

This goes in the category of "things the OP never saw comin'...."

ashleyisgreat

I'm just beginning this journey of eating better, getting exercise and losing weight. A couple of weeks ago I was out for a run, it was towards the end of it, and I'm sure I was pretty red faced. I passed a lady on the street and she urged me on. It was really sweet, I just quietly said thank you and kept moving along. For those fearful of saying anything, I did appreciate it. If she had gone on and on I may have gotten embarrassed, but it was just a few kind words to encourage me.

That sounds nice, and I wouldn't be offended by that. It's the whole "Aww, look, a fat person" attitude that gets me. The "good for you!" comments.

Derpes

fat people do not need your approval

people who think they need a pat on the back because they approve of fat people ( mostly only when they are actively trying to become like them fit, thin & acceptable though) need to take 1000 seats

^this

Mr_Bad_Example

I'd rather something like that than checking out my *kitten* or making winky-faces at me through the mirror...

Funny... I've always found it more of a genuine compliment when people stare at my *kitten* and make winky faces at me.

PennyVonDread

Encourage them, tell them they are making improvements. Teach them to help them

You don't understand. No, no, and no. I've known super obese Polynesians who were heavy lifters, brothers, ran a moving business. Healthy blood, normal BP, good endurance. At the gym and at work were treated with respect. Take them anywhere casual and absolute strangers express their "concern" and give UNWARRANTED, UNPROVOKED advice on their "health." No. You don't know anything about a fat stranger at the gym. Doc gave my buddies seal of approval, told them it's all Gucci unless they start to feel adverse effects. They don't need your condescending reminders that they are"too" fat, unwanted, and must be exercising for weight loss, amirite? Because God forbid a fatty like riding a bike! Are you even aware that weekly exercise has health benefits even for those who don't exercise enough to lose weight? And not all fat people eat burgers and fries and cake. You can get fat by eating too many calories of any food. Reject the stigma. Learn some respect.

Actual many of these people you say I don't know Ive actually been thanked by them for wanting to encourage them and help them

You got lucky they were on the same page. That doesn't excuse the prejudices towards fatness and belittling mentality. I got fat on prescribed dietary meal supplements post hospital. I had heart failure and went from a BMI of 23 to 33 because I had been living with a blood disorder that was undiagnosed and was not retaining nutrients. I was healthy and in recovery from my heart giving out. I never stopped running. I have been a distance runner for years, and the comments I got when I was recovering from near-death were so healthist, fat-biased, hate in the guise of "support." Because no one can tell you run 30 miles a week when you're fat, and they're always astonished when you tell them because all we ever hear on media is fat=bad, unhealthy, pity, unattractive, low self esteem, unacceptable, needs to be reversed. And for the record? Weight loss is a personal choice, not a moral one. I don't think anyone was any less human or valuable in their fat body as opposed to the "earned" thinner one. We should be encouraging people to value humanity over size based aesthetics, not telling people they aren't Ok now but could be acceptable with workouts over time.

wheird

This goes in the category of "things the OP never saw comin'...."

IKR? He thought he was awesome for it. :laugh:

KDar1988

I do not look at you to look down on you or because I think you have nothing to do there.
I look at you in admiration! remember that

I know how hard it is to get started(been there myself), and how easy it is to quit.
But remember this is a lifetime commitment, not a quick fix.
And most of the people at the gym are more than happy to help if you ask.

Now get back in there and kick some butt !

Thank you for posting this. I'm the big girl at the gym wondering what people are thinking of me. I wonder what they think, but on the other hand I want people to see what I can do on the arc trainer and elliptical. I'm a boss on those machines!! I'm trying to make myself better and I do hope that people look at me thinking "good for you!" and welcome any input if I'm doing anything incorrectly (although that never happens).

I personally enjoy looking at the rippling muscles I get to see while I'm there!!

Sovi_

Whatever you do, don't drive next to a random jogger blasting "eye of the tiger" some will laugh, others will spray you with pepper spray...

Now you tell me.

I prefer people to rate me after every move.

Adw7677

It amazes me how so many people can turn something nice (like the original post) and twist it into something offensive.

futurejedi

Encourage them, tell them they are making improvements. Teach them to help them

You don't understand. No, no, and no. I've known super obese Polynesians who were heavy lifters, brothers, ran a moving business. Healthy blood, normal BP, good endurance. At the gym and at work were treated with respect. Take them anywhere casual and absolute strangers express their "concern" and give UNWARRANTED, UNPROVOKED advice on their "health." No. You don't know anything about a fat stranger at the gym. Doc gave my buddies seal of approval, told them it's all Gucci unless they start to feel adverse effects. They don't need your condescending reminders that they are"too" fat, unwanted, and must be exercising for weight loss, amirite? Because God forbid a fatty like riding a bike! Are you even aware that weekly exercise has health benefits even for those who don't exercise enough to lose weight? And not all fat people eat burgers and fries and cake. You can get fat by eating too many calories of any food. Reject the stigma. Learn some respect.

Actual many of these people you say I don't know Ive actually been thanked by them for wanting to encourage them and help them

You got lucky they were on the same page. That doesn't excuse the prejudices towards fatness and belittling mentality. I got fat on prescribed dietary meal supplements post hospital. I had heart failure and went from a BMI of 23 to 33 because I had been living with a blood disorder that was undiagnosed and was not retaining nutrients. I was healthy and in recovery from my heart giving out. I never stopped running. I have been a distance runner for years, and the comments I got when I was recovering from near-death were so healthist, fat-biased, hate in the guise of "support." Because no one can tell you run 30 miles a week when you're fat, and they're always astonished when you tell them because all we ever hear on media is fat=bad, unhealthy, pity, unattractive, low self esteem, unacceptable, needs to be reversed. And for the record? Weight loss is a personal choice, not a moral one. I don't think anyone was any less human or valuable in their fat body as opposed to the "earned" thinner one. We should be encouraging people to value humanity over size based aesthetics, not telling people they aren't Ok now but could be acceptable with workouts over time.

Just because someone attacked you doesn't mean all of us are like that. Your letting what happened to you dictate how I support individuals and in hindsight are attacking me because I choose to offer a hand to someone.

wheird

It amazes me how so many people can turn something nice (like the original post) and twist it into something offensive.

Thank you for telling me what should not offend me.

Alatariel75

It amazes me how so many people can turn something nice (like the original post) and twist it into something offensive.

It equally amazes me that someone coming up and patronising me just because I'm fat and exercising is supposed to make me feel warm and fuzzy.

PennyVonDread

Encourage them, tell them they are making improvements. Teach them to help them

You don't understand. No, no, and no. I've known super obese Polynesians who were heavy lifters, brothers, ran a moving business. Healthy blood, normal BP, good endurance. At the gym and at work were treated with respect. Take them anywhere casual and absolute strangers express their "concern" and give UNWARRANTED, UNPROVOKED advice on their "health." No. You don't know anything about a fat stranger at the gym. Doc gave my buddies seal of approval, told them it's all Gucci unless they start to feel adverse effects. They don't need your condescending reminders that they are"too" fat, unwanted, and must be exercising for weight loss, amirite? Because God forbid a fatty like riding a bike! Are you even aware that weekly exercise has health benefits even for those who don't exercise enough to lose weight? And not all fat people eat burgers and fries and cake. You can get fat by eating too many calories of any food. Reject the stigma. Learn some respect.

Actual many of these people you say I don't know Ive actually been thanked by them for wanting to encourage them and help them

You got lucky they were on the same page. That doesn't excuse the prejudices towards fatness and belittling mentality. I got fat on prescribed dietary meal supplements post hospital. I had heart failure and went from a BMI of 23 to 33 because I had been living with a blood disorder that was undiagnosed and was not retaining nutrients. I was healthy and in recovery from my heart giving out. I never stopped running. I have been a distance runner for years, and the comments I got when I was recovering from near-death were so healthist, fat-biased, hate in the guise of "support." Because no one can tell you run 30 miles a week when you're fat, and they're always astonished when you tell them because all we ever hear on media is fat=bad, unhealthy, pity, unattractive, low self esteem, unacceptable, needs to be reversed. And for the record? Weight loss is a personal choice, not a moral one. I don't think anyone was any less human or valuable in their fat body as opposed to the "earned" thinner one. We should be encouraging people to value humanity over size based aesthetics, not telling people they aren't Ok now but could be acceptable with workouts over time.

Just because someone attacked you doesn't mean all of us are like that. Your letting what happened to you dictate how I support individuals and in hindsight are attacking me because I choose to offer a hand to someone.

No. I'm fighting an entire cultural bias against people who aren't represented with any dignity in mainstream media. You are still entirely missing the point that human value does not change with size, that size does not make you a better human, that even fat people suffer internalized fat bias and think they are awful and need to change to be considered human. And currently? They're right. Because of mindsets like this that reinforce value as a matter of body fat % and not personhood.

SunofaBeach14

I wonder how much an individual's self esteem influences his/her reaction to this. Meh, I'm probably a bit too entertained by the umbrage being taken here . . .

Janautical

As a fat person I appreciate knowing that others aren't looking down on me, I really do! But when I'm at the gym, I'm just there to work out, like everybody else. The other day someone gave me a thumbs up and started cheering me on when I was doing push ups, and I appreciate that! But also, I'd like to be ignored, like everyone else at the gym, you know?

I am glad to know you're not making fun of me. But it's not special for me to be at the gym. I am there for a reason: to work out. It's just kind of weird feeling to be singled out you know?

futurejedi

Encourage them, tell them they are making improvements. Teach them to help them

You don't understand. No, no, and no. I've known super obese Polynesians who were heavy lifters, brothers, ran a moving business. Healthy blood, normal BP, good endurance. At the gym and at work were treated with respect. Take them anywhere casual and absolute strangers express their "concern" and give UNWARRANTED, UNPROVOKED advice on their "health." No. You don't know anything about a fat stranger at the gym. Doc gave my buddies seal of approval, told them it's all Gucci unless they start to feel adverse effects. They don't need your condescending reminders that they are"too" fat, unwanted, and must be exercising for weight loss, amirite? Because God forbid a fatty like riding a bike! Are you even aware that weekly exercise has health benefits even for those who don't exercise enough to lose weight? And not all fat people eat burgers and fries and cake. You can get fat by eating too many calories of any food. Reject the stigma. Learn some respect.

Actual many of these people you say I don't know Ive actually been thanked by them for wanting to encourage them and help them

You got lucky they were on the same page. That doesn't excuse the prejudices towards fatness and belittling mentality. I got fat on prescribed dietary meal supplements post hospital. I had heart failure and went from a BMI of 23 to 33 because I had been living with a blood disorder that was undiagnosed and was not retaining nutrients. I was healthy and in recovery from my heart giving out. I never stopped running. I have been a distance runner for years, and the comments I got when I was recovering from near-death were so healthist, fat-biased, hate in the guise of "support." Because no one can tell you run 30 miles a week when you're fat, and they're always astonished when you tell them because all we ever hear on media is fat=bad, unhealthy, pity, unattractive, low self esteem, unacceptable, needs to be reversed. And for the record? Weight loss is a personal choice, not a moral one. I don't think anyone was any less human or valuable in their fat body as opposed to the "earned" thinner one. We should be encouraging people to value humanity over size based aesthetics, not telling people they aren't Ok now but could be acceptable with workouts over time.

Just because someone attacked you doesn't mean all of us are like that. Your letting what happened to you dictate how I support individuals and in hindsight are attacking me because I choose to offer a hand to someone.

No. I'm fighting an entire cultural bias against people who aren't represented with any dignity in mainstream media. You are still entirely missing the point that human value does not change with size, that size does not make you a better human, that even fat people suffer internalized fat bias and think they are awful and need to change to be considered human. And currently? They're right. Because of mindsets like this that reinforce value as a matter of body fat % and not personhood.

And how do you know this, have you done any research or is this opinion based on your own personal experiences

Sreneesa

Since OP has been there I understand where he is coming from. I think is genuinely trying to be encouraging.

I know its a sticky subject and some will be offended and some will not. That's life and everything that one says isn't going to go well with everyone.

It is what it is. As adults all we can do is accept it and move on. lol

Or

debate about it online.

Carry on..... lmao

SnuggleSmacks

I do not look at you to look down on you or because I think you have nothing to do there.
I look at you in admiration! remember that

I know how hard it is to get started(been there myself), and how easy it is to quit.
But remember this is a lifetime commitment, not a quick fix.
And most of the people at the gym are more than happy to help if you ask.

Now get back in there and kick some butt !

Copycat.

Lilly_the_Hillbilly

Just the other day I was shooting some hoops when a black man came up to me, gave me a high five, and said, "Keep it up short white boy!"

I felt so proud.

:laugh:

jkestens63

Encourage them, tell them they are making improvements. Teach them to help them

You don't understand. No, no, and no. I've known super obese Polynesians who were heavy lifters, brothers, ran a moving business. Healthy blood, normal BP, good endurance. At the gym and at work were treated with respect. Take them anywhere casual and absolute strangers express their "concern" and give UNWARRANTED, UNPROVOKED advice on their "health." No. You don't know anything about a fat stranger at the gym. Doc gave my buddies seal of approval, told them it's all Gucci unless they start to feel adverse effects. They don't need your condescending reminders that they are"too" fat, unwanted, and must be exercising for weight loss, amirite? Because God forbid a fatty like riding a bike! Are you even aware that weekly exercise has health benefits even for those who don't exercise enough to lose weight? And not all fat people eat burgers and fries and cake. You can get fat by eating too many calories of any food. Reject the stigma. Learn some respect.

Thank you so much for saying this. I am one of the "fat people in the gym" and I can whip some a** in there, believe it - male or female, people have trouble keeping up with me. I have had people come up to me in the gym with a sticky-sweet smile on their face - usually it's older ladies - and say something "encouraging" to me, and I can tell when they do it they just feel SO GOOD about themselves for being nice to the fat girl. B****, I have been in here every Wednesday and Sunday for an hour for the last year - AND this is the first time I've seen YOU in here, so don't throw me some BS about "keep up the good work!" I AM KEEPING UP THE GOOD WORK. It may not show in my size, but I am keeping it up. My weight loss is slow. I am working on it every day. Just because I don't fit someone's ideal of what a "gym rat" looks like, it does not mean I am not serious about my fitness - I am serious as cancer. I am dedicated. And I don't need anyone's pity or condescension masked as "encouragement." Because you know what? In addition to kicking a** in the gym, I have a master's degree, my income is well over six figures, I have an awesome marriage and great friends and a smart, healthy, happy son I am unbelievably proud of. My life is just fine, thankyouverymuch. So take your "encouragement" and shove it. If you want to do something for me? Leave me alone. I'm not at the gym to make friends; I already have plenty of friends (BTW, if you're looking for me and my friends? We're the cool girls sitting at the best table in the the hottest restaurant, wearing the expensive shoes.) And if you REALLY want to help me out? Wipe off the damn machine when you're done with it. My high-paying, prestigious job is demanding, and I don't have time to take sick leave because I pick something up from the snot and sweat you left on the handles.

Now. Someone get me a guest spot on "Louie."

Love it!!!!!

ashleyisgreat

It amazes me how so many people can turn something nice (like the original post) and twist it into something offensive.

It equally amazes me that someone coming up and patronising me just because I'm fat and exercising is supposed to make me feel warm and fuzzy.

:drinker:

MyChocolateDiet

OMG bunch of asshats in here.

ALL you have to do to NOT be perceived as a condescending a-hole is to NOT be a condescending a-hole. THINK of what you are about to say and ask yourself if it would be appropriate to say to a thin person. If not don't say it. For instance do you walk up to the fittest guy at the weights and go "Good Job DUDE keep it up and one day you'll be like me!". Do you go up to the sveltest cardio bunny and say "Awww hun, I know it's hard now but ONE DAY it will all pay off!" NO, you don't.

If you truly want to encourage just have...ready for this...it's a doozy...gonna blow yer mind right now...NORMAL CONVERSATION. Talk about the weights, how they just ordered new one's and they're coming in soon. Or the fact that you were just wondering how many reps are really necessary and what's their take. Or anything at all you'd talk about with a NORMAL person you were interested in learning more about/befriending. Because underneath all that fat that has you so hypnotized and "INSPIRED" there is just that, a NORMAL person who wants to be seen for that not as your pet project or barometer by which you measure your OWN success.

I ain't your f.king measuring stick! I'm a real person with goals of my own, my own history, my own ideals, my own hang ups, my own obstacles, and my own gumption. DO NOT get in the way of that to make yourself feel better.

And we will all get along just fine if you can manage that.

MyChocolateDiet

Encourage them, tell them they are making improvements. Teach them to help them

You don't understand. No, no, and no. I've known super obese Polynesians who were heavy lifters, brothers, ran a moving business. Healthy blood, normal BP, good endurance. At the gym and at work were treated with respect. Take them anywhere casual and absolute strangers express their "concern" and give UNWARRANTED, UNPROVOKED advice on their "health." No. You don't know anything about a fat stranger at the gym. Doc gave my buddies seal of approval, told them it's all Gucci unless they start to feel adverse effects. They don't need your condescending reminders that they are"too" fat, unwanted, and must be exercising for weight loss, amirite? Because God forbid a fatty like riding a bike! Are you even aware that weekly exercise has health benefits even for those who don't exercise enough to lose weight? And not all fat people eat burgers and fries and cake. You can get fat by eating too many calories of any food. Reject the stigma. Learn some respect.

Thank you so much for saying this. I am one of the "fat people in the gym" and I can whip some a** in there, believe it - male or female, people have trouble keeping up with me. I have had people come up to me in the gym with a sticky-sweet smile on their face - usually it's older ladies - and say something "encouraging" to me, and I can tell when they do it they just feel SO GOOD about themselves for being nice to the fat girl. B****, I have been in here every Wednesday and Sunday for an hour for the last year - AND this is the first time I've seen YOU in here, so don't throw me some BS about "keep up the good work!" I AM KEEPING UP THE GOOD WORK. It may not show in my size, but I am keeping it up. My weight loss is slow. I am working on it every day. Just because I don't fit someone's ideal of what a "gym rat" looks like, it does not mean I am not serious about my fitness - I am serious as cancer. I am dedicated. And I don't need anyone's pity or condescension masked as "encouragement." Because you know what? In addition to kicking a** in the gym, I have a master's degree, my income is well over six figures, I have an awesome marriage and great friends and a smart, healthy, happy son I am unbelievably proud of. My life is just fine, thankyouverymuch. So take your "encouragement" and shove it. If you want to do something for me? Leave me alone. I'm not at the gym to make friends; I already have plenty of friends (BTW, if you're looking for me and my friends? We're the cool girls sitting at the best table in the the hottest restaurant, wearing the expensive shoes.) And if you REALLY want to help me out? Wipe off the damn machine when you're done with it. My high-paying, prestigious job is demanding, and I don't have time to take sick leave because I pick something up from the snot and sweat you left on the handles.

Now. Someone get me a guest spot on "Louie."

Love it!!!!!

Meh. I don't even have to have a prestigious job that makes me too important to clean up other peoples sweat, or be "kicking *kitten*" in any of the classes to deserve for ppl to have enough respect and common courtesy to shut their trap. I deserve it just because I do.