Am I the only one?

BflSaberfan

Am I the only one that not only doesn't pay attention to the other people at the gym, and pray they aren't noticing me either?

Some of the posts here freak me out! 50lbs ago I was so scared to go to the gym because of comments like I see posted on MFP. I went anyways because I felt like other people weren't paying attention to me. But then I come here and see posts referring to "the HUGE girl" at the gym, or the "fatty reading on the bike instead of pedaling"

Really people? This not high school school any more. At least they are at the gym, give them some credit! Maybe their tired, sore, sick who knows. Show a little maturity and next time you see them on a machine, maybe a friendly smile will make their day.

I wont even get started on the ones that bash what others WEAR to the gym. I dont care if your in a bathrobe and winter boots.

If you have time and energy to notice and care about these things I'd say YOU are the one without the focus.

What are you guys teaching your children?? Cheese and crackers! BE NICE!


PS I dont normally do venting type threads but I just cant believe any one would make snide remarks about someone trying to live a healthier lifestyle. Sitting on that bike at the gym going 1 MPH is better than laying on the couch with some cheetos.....so I guess I'm just surprised at the comments here - on a fitness site of all places.

Ely82010

Very nice comment, and I agree with you 100%. Just remember that some people don't have class or respect for others, be happy that you do and keep up the good work.

reese66

Agreed!!!

momto2girls

I don't like the "meat market' feel at a gym which is why my hubby and I have invested in our own equipment at home and videos.

Way to go on your weight loss!!!

FJMilner

Well said!! I don't really like going to the gym, mainly because there are too many people who are too concerned with everyone else rather than their own routine! Really, I wanna get fit, some days I have loads of energy, some days I dont.....I dont wana be judged on that basis. Now I mainly do my own thing, run, dvd, cross trainer and I only have me to answer to!! :bigsmile:

Angela4Health

I've never seen a comment like that here... hmmmm

purpl3sox

I completely agree. I am on a University campus and the gym is full of school athletes and really fit people. I used to freak out about going to the gym and I still feel like I don't quite fit. People really need to be encouraging to people who are in the gym and are doing their best. Don't make comments about them, they are clearly trying to make a change for the better.

poustotah

I used to be the fat girl at the gym!!! Someone was making fun of me!?

:-)

minxblack

I had not noticed those comments on here but then I try not to read too many posts for that very reason. As the fat girl who ordered a salad at a restaurant only to have some skinny twits at the next table comment.. "That salad is huge.. and watch, she'll eat the whole thing". Its a salad ladies. Perhaps I should have been rewarded by the fact that I considered getting something way bad for me and chose a nice green salad instead of say.. the 4 cosmos they were pouring down. And I agree, if you see my fatness at the gym, smile and acknowledge that I am trying to do something about it!

jenh1101

Agree 100%!

Setof2Keys

Way to bring awareness. I walk on a trail and I am bigger, I also see other ppl that are heavier than me. I think to myself, hey way to take control. Often they're pushing themselves and running when Im just walking. I think for fit people it is hard to understand that for the heavier person to take 10 steps it is much more work than the thinner person. It aches and pulls things. At least they are trying.

I get concious of the way I look often. I won't work out with my skinny friends yet...LOL.

VickiMitkins

Thanks for the post.

RunHardBeStrong

Amen!!! I'm there for me, I don't have time to watch everyone else at the gym and even if I did I would never judge someone else because I was once in their shoes!

bizco

I've never seen a comment like that here... hmmmm

Same here.

AmysNewBeginning

AMEN GIRL, LOVE YOUR ATTITUDE!!!!!!!!!!!

thkelly

Am I the only one that not only doesn't pay attention to the other people at the gym, and pray they aren't noticing me either?

Some of the posts here freak me out! 50lbs ago I was so scared to go to the gym because of comments like I see posted on MFP. I went anyways because I felt like other people weren't paying attention to me. But then I come here and see posts referring to "the HUGE girl" at the gym, or the "fatty reading on the bike instead of pedaling"

Really people? This not high school school any more. At least they are at the gym, give them some credit! Maybe their tired, sore, sick who knows. Show a little maturity and next time you see them on a machine, maybe a friendly smile will make their day.

What are you guys teaching your children?? Cheese and crackers! BE NICE!


PS I dont normally do venting type threads but I just cant believe any one would make snide remarks about someone trying to live a healthier lifestyle. Sitting on that bike at the gym going 1 MPH is better than laying on the couch with some cheetos.....so I guess I'm just surprised at the comments here - on a fitness site of all places.

i put my headphones on and usually keep my head down and move from spot to spot and just get my workout done. i tried doing the friendly smile thing at my gym, but everyone just walks by with a snotty look on the their face so i gave up on that.

when i see people doing exercises wrong or with bad form or walking on the treadmil on a 10 degree incline while holding on the side rails for dear life sometimes i think "wtf are they doing?" but you're right "At least they're at the gym" so give them credit for that.

pen282

I totally agress with you!
I don't tend to pay attention to those around me at the gym and hope they don't pay attention to me!

As for larger people being at gyms - good on them and everyone goes to the gym for the same reason - the improve their health and fitness. I find it terrible when coments are made, people should grow up!

suzannekk

I don't go to the gym (can't afford it) but I do walk the neighborhood and the office park, and I care NOT what people may be saying. Now...at the pool...I'm mortified, but dressed? They're the losers if they make fun of me. I'm trying.

KTCali

Agreed, it is very childish.

I always try and think that yes, someone may be looking at me hiking, or walking, or even at the gym and think...why is she even trying she has so much to lose... but then I realize that this isn't me they are looking at..it's my current body and I won't look like this forever. One day I will be at the gym, and they will look at me and say wow, look at her, she is my inspiration (like I do when I see a ripped chick on the machines) ! It's all temporary and eventually I will be that girl everyone wants to be like not the one everyone is making fun of

That's just my two cents.

AmberMagdalena

I like this post! This is the EXACT reason I have been putting off joining a gym. I'm so embarrassed. I live in a small town now too, so the gossip in the gym is terrible. When I lived in Philadelphia it was totally different.

twooliver

It concerns me that you find these comments on this web site. This is suppose to be a nonjudgmental place of support. If it's coming from folks you've friended...I'd unfriend them! I only want to surround myself with inspirational positive supportive folks!

Love your honesty!

makena78

I agree with you on the comment issue. But, this isn't a maturity issue but rather a human nature issue. Of course we notice other people at the gym. That's only natural to compare ourselves to others to see where we fit in. This will happen know matter what your weight is. That shouldn't stop someone from going to the gym though. Hold your head high and be proud you're at the gym and not worry about what other people think or say.
On that note people may think what they want but shouldn't post their thoughts because, that is just plain rude. Sorry some people offended you though, that isn't right. Good luck on your weight loss.

BflSaberfan

I've never seen a comment like that here... hmmmm

Same here.

I've 3 threads in the past week with these comments. 2 today alone.

JackieJ13

Yeah, I think people need to just mind their own business. Everyone has something to work on, so just work on yourself and don't worry about anyone else.
One time a few years ago, I went to a step class at my gym. I think I was the ONLY overweight person there. I really appreciated the teacher as she passed me on the way out saying that I did a great job keeping up on my first class. I think it should always be that encouraging.

makena78

Please don't be afraid of what other people think at the gym. What only matters is what you think and feel. It's in our nature to think things about other people to make ourselves feel better. It's another thing to say something. Don't feel discouraged or think badly of the gym. All that matters is your health. good luck

RyonsLions2

I'm with you on this!!

ukjessi

I've never seen a comment like that here... hmmmm

Same here.

I've seen enough of those types of comments on here to last me a lifetime!

Very happy that you haven't!

End6ame

I am going to allow myself to get flamed to defend some of these comments. First, I’d like to say that I do not defend derogatory statements about people, that is in fact, immature. That being said, referring to someone as fat, is not derogatory, it is simply an adjective like tall, skinny, athletic, white, black etc… and I think there has been too much sensitivity that has developed around referring to someone as fat.

Additionally, from my experience, many of these individuals that are sitting on the bike going 1mph and are more focused on their, book, phone, video games (yes, I have seen fat people on bikes playing handheld video games) are the same people that will come on here and say “but I am eating right and working out, why am I not losing weight?” and then reject every suggestion other’s give them.

Personally, I think that if people were criticized and judged more rather than spoon fed only what they want to hear, they would be much more motivated and achieve better results.

Let the flaming commence.

edenman34

People do this to make themselves feel better. Unacceptable? Absolutely, but it happens.

I pay attention to people, but in a good way. I look at women who are in shape and make that what I'm aiming for that day. I like to watch the people playing basketball and see other people push through intense workouts because it motivates me. If I see someone who is larger than I am, I just think to myself, "good for you!". It takes a lot of motivation to get into a gym if you are not normally active, so I'm proud of them for making the effort.

Just bring your ipod with you and don't think about what other people are thinking. Chances are, you're never going to get to know them on a personal level so their opinions shouldn't matter.

BflSaberfan

I am going to allow myself to get flamed to defend some of these comments. First, I’d like to say that I do not defend derogatory statements about people, that is in fact, immature. That being said, referring to someone as fat, is not derogatory, it is simply an adjective like tall, skinny, athletic, white, black etc… and I think there has been too much sensitivity that has developed around referring to someone as fat.

Additionally, from my experience, many of these individuals that are sitting on the bike going 1mph and are more focused on their, book, phone, video games (yes, I have seen fat people on bikes playing handheld video games) are the same people that will come on here and say “but I am eating right and working out, why am I not losing weight?” and then reject every suggestion other’s give them.

Personally, I think that if people were criticized and judged more rather than spoon fed only what they want to hear, they would be much more motivated and achieve better results.

Let the flaming commence.

Well I guess my whole point was why do you care? and so what their playing a video game, maybe they have a heart condition and cant over do it so their doctor told them light workouts only? The point is you dont know their story or the day they had.

You think people should be judged more? Really? Tell that to the girl sticking her finger down her throat to get her body to what society thinks is thin. I think we'd all be better off minding our own business and letting others go about their journey in the way they want to get there!

jene77

Great post!