anybody else scared of the big boys?

BoxingCoachMo

I am usually too zoned into my own work to notice these people

twoscimitars

I just don't like going to the gym, period. I always feel self conscious. The last time I was at one (circa 310 pounds) someone walked by me and made a comment about "not being sure the elliptical was going to make it" through my workout. Awesome. Needless to say, I never went back.

SergeantSunshine_reused

Hell no! Just have to walk around like a boss and know what you are doing

TexasGirl_Amie

I love working out with mostly guys. I am usually the only female in my gym when I go and the guys are super supportive and nice. They are always willing to help me if I have questions or come by and say stuff like, "Nice! 5 days in a row!"

I them!

KareninCanada

Military gym here, too... there are a few guys there doing heavy iron who I stay away from - they're lifting so heavy that they're practically in tears so I give them lots of space. But so far not even ONE has been rude or impatient with me. I'm 5'2" so I don't exactly blend in... LOL Generally speaking, though, the guys who I have crossed paths with have been nothing but polite and friendly, and more than accommodating to my beginner sets that only take a minute.

It totally helps to bring a buddy, though - last night I had to cross the gym to the olympic bar for deadlifts and psychologically that was crazy hard. But I had a friend, we loaded it up with a whole 20 pounds (rofl) and did our sets. Us with our total of 65 lb, right next to a guy doing 155 lb. Really, it was terribly comical. But you know what, we are the only two girls I have seen use that particular rack in the last month of going there. So that's worth something.

Also - I had a bit of an "aha!" moment - no guy in a military gym should EVER risk being rude to you. Why? Because he has NO way of knowing what your rank might be. Maybe you're a Warrant Officer and he's a Private - you're both in civvies, so he would never know it.

thesarahsundae

In all honesty, everyone at my gym is really friendly and kind. I've never had any problems. I am working my way into the free weights again and I don't care what ANYONE says or thinks. But you need to feel comfortable with working out. You'll get there when you are ready.

thesarahsundae

I just don't like going to the gym, period. I always feel self conscious. The last time I was at one (circa 310 pounds) someone walked by me and made a comment about "not being sure the elliptical was going to make it" through my workout. Awesome. Needless to say, I never went back.

:mad:

That is RUDE!! I would have said something back, but that is just me. I'm sorry you had to deal with that.

FrostyBev

They are actually the nicest people in my gym, so no. I am not scared of them. I ask them for help and they are my man-slaves!MMMUUUHHAAAAA!

This!!! lol and I am speaking for the fellow big guys (or atleast the ones I workout around and with) I maybe look intimidating but come ask me a questions or need some help and you'll see I am a very soft spoken guy who is there for the same reasons you are and that is to get healthy and add years to my life...

^^ This for sure.

j4nash

Nope, but I may be considered one of them.. I'm always the tallest person in the gym.

Most of them will be really nice so don't be afraid to ask questions or advice.

TexasGirl_Amie

I just don't like going to the gym, period. I always feel self conscious. The last time I was at one (circa 310 pounds) someone walked by me and made a comment about "not being sure the elliptical was going to make it" through my workout. Awesome. Needless to say, I never went back.

Girl, you should never let people like that get to you. Typically they have something ugly to say because they are insecure themselves. I had people make fun of me one day for my tat (mind you, its of my 3 boys names). I stood up to them and said, " Look, I am here to get myself into better shape and be the best mom I can for those 3 boys on my tat. If you have a problem with it, fine, but don't share your opinion with me because I don't care. Also, maybe you should concentrate on your own problem areas and not mine while you are here."

keesh1123

I just don't like going to the gym, period. I always feel self conscious. The last time I was at one (circa 310 pounds) someone walked by me and made a comment about "not being sure the elliptical was going to make it" through my workout. Awesome. Needless to say, I never went back.

I really hate that this happened to you. Some ppl can be so insensitive and immature. I would be back at that gym riding the mess out of that elliptical.

BrendaLee

I just don't like going to the gym, period. I always feel self conscious. The last time I was at one (circa 310 pounds) someone walked by me and made a comment about "not being sure the elliptical was going to make it" through my workout. Awesome. Needless to say, I never went back.

I've had similar experiences at the gym. You can say that the buff guys are focused on their workouts and don't notice the big girls working out, but they notice and sometimes get a good laugh out of it. It won't keep me out of the gym when I'm ready to go, but it would definitely keep me out at this weight.

MrDude_1

Most of the "big boys" that are in shape arnt there to hang out. As long as you're not interrupting their workout, they'll probably be nice and helpful to you..

The *kitten* tend to be easy to spot as well. Its just like any other group... however in the gym, they tend to be the middle guys or scrawny guys.. not so much the in shape ones.

as for the elliptical comment.. you just have to grow a thicker skin. you're 300lbs. that sucks. you have a long road ahead, that sucks.. but you're not going to win it by quitting just because someone made a rude comment about it. suck it up and walk back in there.

Udail51

As one of the"big boys" I am compelled to respond. One year ago I was the fattest (heaviest) person in the gym. Now I am generally the heaviest in the gym. Usually I am also the one moving the most iron.

There are always going to be rude people, however big people generally are not the ones being rude. If they are a jacked up roid head that is different.

I generally stay to my self, clean the bars and try to be considerate of others. I have years of lifting experience and if asked I will give my of opinion. I think I am friendly and enjoy visiting with people. I would not mind more not looking at me like I was a freak because I want to move 500 plus pounds.

I will help anyone. The only thing that I don't like is when a person is using the only power rack for something that does not need a rack.

Give us big boys a chance and you may just find a very kind and knowledgeable friend that is more than willing to lend a hand.

twoscimitars

Most of the "big boys" that are in shape arnt there to hang out. As long as you're not interrupting their workout, they'll probably be nice and helpful to you..

The *kitten* tend to be easy to spot as well. Its just like any other group... however in the gym, they tend to be the middle guys or scrawny guys.. not so much the in shape ones.

as for the elliptical comment.. you just have to grow a thicker skin. you're 300lbs. that sucks. you have a long road ahead, that sucks.. but you're not going to win it by quitting just because someone made a rude comment about it. suck it up and walk back in there.

I never said I quit. I bought my own damn elliptical and now I workout whenever the hell I feel like it. And believe me, I have a thick skin. I just chose to remove myself from a negative situation. And I'm no longer 310 pounds. As of this morning, almost 28 of those pounds are gone. So thanks for your helpful advice.

nutandbutter

Nope. I probably was at first but now the free weight area feels like my home at my gym. Everyone back there tends to look really angry but I've realized it's just because of their focus.

ChemHate

YES. This is the reason I'm terrified to go to the legit free-weight room on campus - it is DOMINATED by international soccer players (and there is just no getting over that). I would LOVE to do the free weights, but IT'S TOO SCARY. If they just made a wussy women's free weight room....

ash190489

haha, how funny. some of them are very nice, but most of the time I just think they're all steriod injecting boof heads lol which is probably not true at all, but that's how I deal with it. If they're walking around like they own the joint, then they're are a show off idiot. Haha. I feel much more comfortable going to gym with my partner, but for a long time when I went to the gym solo I would avoid those men - I felt intimidated and like they were always looking at me (they probably weren't - just pananoid!). Now I am more confident on the equipment & know some of them that it's all fine now. I still will never go alone at night though - even though there are cameras everywhere etc. FREAKY.

fiftyandfit

Had to chuckle....

We recently moved into a new station and the executive staff included a
FABULOUS gym!

I work out after my shift (I only have to work 10hrs)
and when I go in, the PM deputies are in their working
out before their shift. I'm old enough to be most of these
guys Mom!!
At first, yes, a little indimidated....some of these guys
have guns! (and I'm not talking about the one on their
Sam Brown!!)
But, I asked, and they are more than willing to help.
Suggesting exercises for my problem areas (might as
well be this whole body!!) Pushing me when I want to
give up. Spotting me when I need help.
And if I don't make a workout....they seriously
want to know what's up.

Don't let intimidation dissuade you from a workout!

:drinker:

MountainMia

If you are anything like me, it's all in your head. It's not about them, it's but about me. I feel embarrassed about my fitness level as it's brought into sharp contrast with theirs. I got over it. Everyone has to start somewhere, and I actually admire the people who are in far worse shape than I but still get in there faithfully. I figure it's like jumping off a high dive. The first time it's really terrifying, the second and third it's still a bit scary, but by the time it's a habit, you are expected in there. Don't let your fear stand in your way. Conquer that B and do the right thing for you.

Disclaimer- I'm lucky to workout at a gym with a good mix of everyone. About 35% fit to super fit, 50% Overweight, and about 10% Obese to which I belong. There is also a small group of people with serious physical and mental disabilities there EVERY DAY and I admire them the most. They work really hard to do the simplest exercises, and are such an inspiration to me. If they can do it, I can do it. And so can you!

docktorfokse

they do seem intimidating being all muscular and knowledgeable, but they're totally cool and usually helpful if you're respectful to them

chaoticxinsane

I'm so self conscious I can't even get myself to go INTO a gym. It has nothing to do with my weight, I just get so wrapped up in being a stupid clutz that I freeze if I have to do anything physical where anyone can see me!

I REALLY, REALLY want to learn tribal belly dancing, but can't get myself to sign up because I'm so afraid of... well, the learning process. Why the hell can I take artistic and literary criticism so well, but start critiquing my form and posture and I freeze?

melrose09

ok so I work on a military base as a civilian. One of the many perks of this job is they have a gorgeous inexpensive gym! So I use it at lunch everyday! At first I was VERY intimidated by the "big boys" at the gym (thank goodness there's fewer of them usually when I go!). It's getting easier, but sometimes I feel so self- conscious there. Tell me I'm not the only one!

Me me! I'm venturing over there tomorrow. I go over there to use some of he dumbbells and the pull up and tricep dip stuff sometimes, but I've never actually lifted lifted, but I'm meeting up with a friend and she is going to show me the ropes!