Please be honest.....

gabrielleshannonhatt

it wouldn't matter. it's not like anyone can say anything. you're there to get fit and healthy.

i have the same problem. i hate going to the gym when there are people there, but then i realize that most of us are there for the same reason so i should just suck it up.

Miss_Chievous_wechange

I would be impressed with that person who had enough guts to show up and do what they have to do to better themselves. Who eff'n cares what anyone else thinks? Besides, you will find that in most gyms there are people of every shape and size. SO...what are you waiting for?

CeejayGee

If you saw a person who is overweight walking into a personal training or fitness theory course at your local gym, what would you think?
I am asking because a friend of mine has asked me to join her in taking this class. I am very interested in fitness and am trying my best to get into shape again. I just feel like everyone else in the class will be super fit and I am going to stick out like a sore thumb.....I dont want to feel embarressed. A part of me wants to wait until I am in better shape to take the course.

Honestly, I used to feel the SAME way as you. Then one time, I just forced myself to go to this ridiculously hot yoga class (never having even taken yoga before!) It was crazy hard and every single person there was a bean pole and there I was - HUGE in comparison. But, I did it. And no one even noticed!

Now I go to various classes at the gym...yoga, pilates, step aerobics. Often I *am* still the heaviest in the class, but often there's also a few other heavy people. And, sometimes, even though I'm the heaviest, that doesn't mean that I am the most ouf of shape, the least coordinated, or the least flexible!

I'm sure there will be an occasional d-bag who notices or whatever, but those people are judging you out on the streets too. MOST people won't notice, won't care, or will be supportive.

seriousaboutlife

I look at it this way.... it really doesn't make a difference what they think of me today... cause this time next year... I'll be a whole new me!!!

cba4994

I would think to myself that I hope that person would stick to it and admire them for wanting to make a positve change in their life. Any one who would shun you for your appearance is no one you need to be concerned with. If they are that shallow, you should not give a second thought to what they think. I hope you go to the class with your head held high. You should be very proud of yourself for trying to make a positive change in your life. Every one on this site knows how tough it can be.

shar140

Number one, don't worry about what other people think - are they going to get healthy for you? No.

Second, if you want to wait until you're in better shape, how does that really help? The sooner you get started with being serious, the better.

I hope this doesn't come across as harsh, but the best thing to do is to start and realize it is your health - who cares what other people think.

If you are worried about what other people think, look at it this way. If someone sees an overweight person walk into a fast food joint, they may think negatively; if they see an overweight person walk into a fitness place, I think they will think that someone is trying to get their life in order.

^What he said!

Honestly, who cares what other people think, you should be doing this for YOU, not them!

And why wait? If it fits into your schedule, finances are not an issue, etc then take the opportunity now!

Rae6503

"Good for them".

Seriously. I watched a guy at my old gym go from 400+ pounds to less than 200 over the course of about a year. It was amazing.

Debs1971

Your doing this for you, not for anyone else! Who cares what people that you dont even know think anyway, but to be honest they are probably thinking 'good on you - go for it!'

I started doing zumba a year ago and was the fattest unfitttest one in the class, i struggled to keep up... but i loved it and kept going! Now i go and im one of the fittest there !!

About 6 months ago a couple of new faces appeared in our class, they were young girls who had some serious pounds to lose, they have stuck with it, they are always up the front... now i watch them to keep in time! They have lost huge amounts of weight and are inspirational, everybody was really impressed that they were making an effort and even more impressed at the results! They wouldnt have lost all this weight sat at home on the sofa thinking 'when im thinner i will go to zumba'!!

Go for it!!!

Mom2rh

That's like asking how we feel if we see sick people going to the doctor...that's where they should be. Way to go! It's not a bad thing to go outside your comfort zone.

MsKeelah919

I'd think they are on the right track! And I'd commend them from within. Take it. Furthering YOUR knowledge is whats most important. This class may help you get to where you want to be!

melsinct

I would honestly think "good for them for wanting to get healthy!"

Me too! Most people in that kind of environment are there for their health and will champion others who are trying to improve themselves.

FollowThatUnicorn

Personally, I wouldn't really think anything of it. But I have the same fear of going to the gym. I went to one briefly where everyone working out was thin and hot. I was so embarrased Now the one I go to has all sorts of people in all ages and sizes. There are even families there with moms, dads & kids. I still feel self conscious but I try my best to block it.

1goodymom67

Seriously, if I saw someone doing that I would like thumbs up!! WTG!!! That is what I am thinking. You have to start somewhere. Everyone has to take the first step.

jorgetrimboli

A personal trainer is for train untrained people about exercising.
You don't need other people's acceptance.
If some Mr. Atlas or Miss Muscles mock you, they need psychologic help. Take the classes asap buddy!

nikip6454

I say go

And to be honest I applaud over weight people that are in fitness/health related courses and gyms and any other place that shows they are being healthy. I judge (okay I don't judge but I do notice) when super over weight people are eating huge ice cream cones/McDonalds/huge bags of Cheetos. I would never give a look or comment or anything, to each her own and I don't live in their shoes.

I think you would enjoy it--if you get a look, screw them!

bcattoes

I would think it's great. That's what gyms are for. But if you are uncomfortable then maybe you should try working out at home or outside until you are more comfortable. I really think being comfortable and find exercise that is fun is very important. Good luck with whatever you decide.

MarshallLuke

Please don't let other people's perceived judgment of yourself prevent you from going to the gym. Who cares what they think? All that matters is that you are getting healthier!
That being said, here is what I think at the gym... "Am I going faster than the person next to me on the treadmill? Yes! Wheeee... I'm winning!" I don't judge the person next to me, I just pretend we are racing. It helps me push myself (especially if the person next to me is fast). However, I often lose at my imaginary "Let's see who can lift more" game, because I am not a bodybuilder. But once again, I enjoy having a goal to set myself. :laugh:
So, yeah, you are there for yourself and your own reasons for pushing yourself (whether it is losing weight, strength training or even imaginary racing). So don't be bothered by other people. Besides, once I have walked out of the gym, I can't remember a single person I saw there. I only remember what I did that day!

moPOETRYtion

I would honestly think "good for them for wanting to get healthy!" We all need to start some where. I totally encourage you to do it!! You totally can!!!

This exactly!!

possummama

Most people will be happy for you and admire your desire to become fit. The rest of them? Well, they just don't matter and aren't even worth your thoughts.

Hellbent_Heidi

I would honestly think "good for them for wanting to get healthy!" We all need to start some where. I totally encourage you to do it!! You totally can!!!

Yeah, that!! When I see a newbie at my gym who is just starting out and has a LONG way to go, I always hope they'll stick with it so I can watch them have an amazing transformation!

jenny95662

i use to go to a step class while i was around 240 pounds, there were thin, old young no one cared!

voluptas63

It's only as awkward as you make it. We truly create our sitations around us with the confidence we exude.

bigdawg025

I would be proud of that person... whoever it may be. I think it's commendable to go to those classes, and they are an awesome way to start this journey (or continue it as the case may be.)

michelledunn25

I WOULD THINK THE PERSON IS AWESOME TO TRY A CLASS. AND IT WOULD MOTIVATE ME TO KEEP GOING WHEN I WANTED TO STOP.

outersoul

I'd want to hi-five you personally. I went through something similar when I signed up for my first 5K. I thought everyone would be a super fit, amazing runner. To my surprise the race, a huge race, was filled with all sizes, shapes, and fitness levels. I was somewhere in the middle.

Anytime I see an overweight/out of shape person doing any form of exercise, I secretly cheer them on in my head. It's awesome.

ohmariposa

I would think "yay, another person has seen the light"

AlsDonkBoxSquat

If you saw a person who is overweight walking into a personal training or fitness theory course at your local gym, what would you think?

I am asking because a friend of mine has asked me to join her in taking this class. I am very interested in fitness and am trying my best to get into shape again. I just feel like everyone else in the class will be super fit and I am going to stick out like a sore thumb.....I dont want to feel embarressed. A part of me wants to wait until I am in better shape to take the course.

You thoughts are welcome....

I would think that is a person who recognizes that they don't know how to be healthy and really wants to understand how to change. i think it's dumb to wait, the information you learn can be only beneficial to your journey.

kapeluza

Who cares? Why let anyone determine what you want to do or not!

Melky06

your there for education on how to be healthier and more fit, your in the same boat as the others taking the class, equals. Knowledge is power. You can't do or not do based on what you think others will think of you. I would love to see a person who has struggled with weight come into the class. Do what you want that is in your best interest for your health. I think the support you got through this post is what you'll find out when you take the class. People generally like to help others out, Good Luck, TAKE THE CLASS !!!

Qarol

A part of me wants to wait until I am in better shape to take the course.

I've put off joining the synchronized skating team for years, thinking I would just join next year when I was thinner. Then things happened, and I didn't quite lose all the weight, so I'd put it off another year. I'm done putting things off just b/c I don't look "perfect."

And if I saw someone overweight (like me) going to a gym or a class, if I even noticed, I would think, fantastic...they're doing something about it. You never know...those fit people you see in class may have at one point been overweight themselves.