Joining a gym and very overweight
swest222
Posts: 455 Member
So, Im thinking about biting the bullet and joining somewhere. - a few issues so I need some support please!
1. This would mean extreme dedication on my part as the ONLY time I can go is first thing in the morning.
(I work full time, my hubby and I work opposites and no one to take care of the kids in the evening) ---- sooo morning it is.
2. I'm seriously freaking out at the thought. All I can picture is all these fit people around me wondering what the hell Im doing there.
Okay so now I'm talking myself out of it .....
1. This would mean extreme dedication on my part as the ONLY time I can go is first thing in the morning.
(I work full time, my hubby and I work opposites and no one to take care of the kids in the evening) ---- sooo morning it is.
2. I'm seriously freaking out at the thought. All I can picture is all these fit people around me wondering what the hell Im doing there.
Okay so now I'm talking myself out of it .....
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Replies
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All of those fit people know that they wouldn't be fit if they didn't get their butt to the gym every morning. Don't worry about it- your there to sweat and get healthy and they will absolutely respect you for that.
It just takes getting into a schedule- soon enough you'll be a morning person and look forward to getting there. DO IT0 -
Sweetheart I can assure you one thing! Every person in that gym will take their hat off to you for your dedication to becoming healthier and the best you can be! When I started gyming i started at an all womend gym curves which was ok! I know gym at a normal gym, i have made f ew cool friends there! I load good music to my ipod and i give it all my sweat pant and love every moment of it!
The first time will be scary i will not lie to you! However once that is done you will come to love it! I always feel so good and proud of myself when I walk out of gym!
I have large breasts, i strap em down with a decent sports bra and all the squishy part jump wobble n move to rythym of my music!
DO IT! I can assure you will not regret it EVER!!!!0 -
I understand exactly how you feel! I had a total of 85lbs to lose. I joined Curves for Women. Head to toe exercise with out the stress of a gym, not expensive to join, hours open are very convenient AND you lose weight! I'm down 40lbs in 8 months with the help of MFP as well. You'll love it! Just Do it!0
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They will look at you and think "GOOD FOR HER, for taking care of herself!" It's not easy at first getting into the morning routine, but after a few days, it comes naturally. YOU CAN DO IT!!!0
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Do you know what I think when I see an overweight person at the gym? Good for them. That's what I think. If you're not familiar with the equipment or what exercises get a trainer for at least a week or two so they can get you comfortable with a routine. Good luck.0
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When I joined the gym I'm at now I was concerned about that too. Because of the side of town the gym was on, I thought the people were going to be intimidating and mean, but actually everyone there is friendly and great, male and female. I'm not really overweight anymore, but I do go lift weights in the mancave of the gym and the men are friendly, they give me my space, and everything works out good. I've never been mistreated in any gym, but I love the people at the gym I'm at now.0
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Every journey starts with the first step. Cheesy yes but true.0
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you can do it!!!
i am not a morning person, but that is the only time that works into my schedule also. (and my husband told me i wouldnt do it, had to prove him wrong!! lol) i love it now!!
i thought when i went everyone would make fun of me etc., but i have found that they are the most encouraging, helpfull people i have found. i have met new friends, and we are like a little family!
good luck on journey, and as i have for so many years, dont let people hold you back0 -
I totally get the anxiety of going to the gym and having just another place on the map of being the "biggest girl there". I felt that way when I was 400 pounds and I STILL feel that way at 181 pounds.
Best thing to do is find a good time to go where no one gives a ****. Mornings are best for that. And you've got to put your blinders on; get on that machine and do what you gotta do.
"You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great"
Good luck!0 -
I don't even really notice other people at the gym. People go to get into shape, not to critique others! I think you will do great and a few months from now you will look back on this and realize it was a great decision!
I joined a gym about a year ago with similar worries, I was terrified at the thought of working out in front of other people. That anxiety goes away in about two weeks and soon you will be kicking butt in there with no worries at all. Promise0 -
Some gyms have babysitting or children's play/exercise sessions.0
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Your just going to have to get over it. When you get there so early in the morning the people that are there are pretty dedicated and are so focused that they really won't be paying attention to anything but the workout. Once you get in the habit and start shedding the pounds they may even give you nods for being so dedicated. If you want this bad enough you will make it happen you just have to take the first step. I know you can do this!!!! Now you just have to believe in yourself.0
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On the other hand, there's a guy in my neighborhood who is quite heavy, and I see him jogging frequently when I'm on my way to work. He inspires me! Here's someone who has decided to make good decisions and value his life and health. It makes me want to hop out of the car and join him.0
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2. I'm seriously freaking out at the thought. All I can picture is all these fit people around me wondering what the hell Im doing there.
Also, I've had the same fear and believe me...nobody pays attention to what you're doing.0 -
It is definitely a little intimidating to go into a gym at first. I had some of the same apprehensions. At somewhere along the way, I finally decided that I could care less what anybody in the gym thought of me. I put on comfortable clothing and just focused on my workout. I mean, seriously, think about it, who cares what these people think? Just ignore them. Also, after 6 months, people start to take you more seriously because you are still coming in, while most people quit after a few months. That's what I recommend--suck it up and just plough through each workout one day at a time. Just make yourself go even when you don't want to.0
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:glasses: I have a 100 pounds to lose and go to a gym. I know why I am there and don't worry about the people around me. I have noticed that most people keep to themselves. The pumping iron people are too busy looking at themselves in the mirror to notice anyone around them. LOL Visiting the gym for the first time is hard. I had my membership for two months before I even went through the doors.
I did try a few gyms out with visitor passes before I found the gym I really liked. I felt more "judged" by the all female gym in my area.
You can do it, the first step is the hardest!!!0 -
Previously being one of those fit people at the gym in the morning I don't ever recall thinking to myself: "What in the world is this person doing here?!?"
Trust me - the vast majority aren't thinking like that. They know why you are there. They are there for the same reason and they have thier own business to attend to.
Occasionally there's a rouge *kitten* that spoils it for everyone and there isn't anything you or I can do about it. What goes around comes around. Just do your thing like everyone else does and speak positively to yourself.0 -
I agree with the others - people may not say it, but they will admire you for getting in there and doing it. Try visualizing what it will be like in a few months when those same people start seeing you slim down and admire you not just for starting, but sticking with it and getting it done! You have to commit - treat it like a class for school or a shift at work - it has to be done. It should not be something that you can do only if you have time or only if you feel like it - make it a part of a regular schedule that you have to get done and do it. That first week if you find yourself nervous, just block everyone out and think about your goals as you sweat. Why you are there. What you want to get out of every ounce of that sweat. How much you deserve to be the best person you can be. You CAN do this - this whole website is inundated with people who have done it and are still doing it. Join us.0
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You['ll be fine. Everyone's concentrating so hard on their own workouts they won't even notice you. When I started at the gym I was obese and now if I do happen to catch the eye of someone larger I think, good for you, I know how hard that decision was but how much good it will do.
Mornings will be hard at first, but once you get into the habit you'll start to look forward to it. Lay out all the kits you need the night before so you can just hop into it and get out the door before you wake up enough to talk yourself out of it!
I used to go to the gym at this size, and even swam in the pool in that bikini!
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/656044-500-days-on-mfp-photos0 -
Maybe make one or two training appointments just to get the lay of the land and familiarize yourself with the equipment. Find a morning class you like. And get to it!
Once the gym stops feeling so foreign, it may even become a nice place for you to get some respite from the craziness at home.0 -
Look for a gym that offer's child care. Go talk to as many gyms in your area as you can, all the people will be really friendly with you because you are looking to join, you want to take care of your body!!
Look, I went into the gym at 270lbs, I was treated with the upmost respect at one gym, some respect at another and what seemed to be only a slight amount of respect at the third (There are only 3 gyms in my area, not counting Curves, not my idea of a gym) I went with Anytime Fitness because they treated me like a PERSON! I get high fives and fist pumps each time I share a new scale and non scale victory with the owners. I love my gym!
You NEED to get over the fear of what other people might think when they see a larger person on exercise equipment... I have more respect for the ones working out than the ones walking by the front of the gym.0 -
Go! Suck up the initial anxiety & pain, settle into a routine & you will luv going. Time to yourself, a chance to burn off your anger, etc & a real sense of accomplishment Good Luck & Enjoy.
Russ0 -
The gym is a safe place. It has become my home away from home. Everyone is there because they have goals that are right for them and they want to reach the goals that they have set for them. They are not there for anyone else. When you are there and you are really working hard, people will show you a lot of respect. In my experience the only people in the gym that get any flack are the ones that are not there to work. Go, play, learn, and have some fun. The gym offers SO many resources to assist you in your weight loss journey. Good luck!!!
Hezz0 -
Early mornings are best at my gym. Its always either the totally dedicated gym rats, or folks like me with busy lives who just want to fit it in. Either way, no one there will be judging you, and honestly, who cares if they do? Just be a good member, and be friendly, and you'll fit right in. I look forward to my gym mornings now, and I sure never thought Id say a thing like that!0
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Do it !!! you will look back in 6 months and think what the hell were you getting so hyped up about
You should get an induction and a training programme when you sign up, tell the instructor that you haven't got a clue about using the equipment and he/she will take you through it all explaining what each bit of equipment is for and how to use it
Good luck and best wishes on your journey :drinker:0 -
I have never seen an unfriendly person at the gym, regardless of size/level of fitness. Everybody is there for the same reason, and everybody started off in worse shape then they are in. Just go and get your workout on.0
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I, too, am overweight. I have a gym membership, and the only time I could fit in any time to use it was the morning. I would show up in my ugly clothes, hair was combed and pulled back, no shower yet in the morning, and some water before I went. The wonderful thing I discovered was that the other people who were there got to know my face and my routines and would greet me in the morning. It was like a whole new circle of friends! I would walk the track that circled the basketball court where several guys were playing before they started their jobs in the morning, and I would also go into the Nautilus room where there were several more people working out before they started their day. In the cardio theater there were a few more people who were doing the same thing I was---getting a workout before the day started. Give it time, and use the showering facilities if they have it. Just be sure to bring your flip flops to where in the shower. Now that my life situation has changed, I no longer go in the morning, but when I can. I miss the morning crowd.0
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I am very over weight as well and just joined a gym a few days ago.... I know its easier said than done but don't let it bother you I was kinda feeling overwhelmed that the trainers and employees would kind of look down on me but they are there to help. As far as the other people they should be the lease of your concern you are there to get healthy if anything maybe they can help you out. Your already defeating half the battle by getting yourself to the gym and trying to improve on yourself.... You go girl :flowerforyou: I feel so good just in a few days and have more energy, start out slow and work your way up that is what i'm doing. Good luck!!!0
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So, Im thinking about biting the bullet and joining somewhere. - a few issues so I need some support please!
1. This would mean extreme dedication on my part as the ONLY time I can go is first thing in the morning.
(I work full time, my hubby and I work opposites and no one to take care of the kids in the evening) ---- sooo morning it is.
2. I'm seriously freaking out at the thought. All I can picture is all these fit people around me wondering what the hell Im doing there.
Okay so now I'm talking myself out of it .....
1. Although I don't have the same commitments as you, I get up every morning regardless of what time I start work and I train. Whether that be for 30 mins or 2 hours - I go! Generally in the morning you get people that are serious about training and less that are there to 'look good'. (and before anyone says anything, I am not saying that if you go any other time of day you are only going to look good!) Also because it's early, everyone tends to be in a zone of their own and I certainly don't take much notice of what's going on around me!
2. A year ago I weighed 126lbs and was a UK size 8 and trained every day. At that stage I recall a lady that was quite overweight and was really throwing herself into training, I mean, really! She was unbelievable to watch and left a trail of water in her path. A year later I am 50lbs heavier and UK size 14 and yet the lady I was talking about it still in the gym every morning and is looking AMAZING. She is a true inspiration that hard work and commitment to exercise really does pay off. So yes, I notice her, but only for positive reasons!!!
Join, start off slow, don't beat yourself up and enjoy the changes you see to your body. You can do it, you really can!!!!
Good luck!0 -
So, Im thinking about biting the bullet and joining somewhere. - a few issues so I need some support please!
1. This would mean extreme dedication on my part as the ONLY time I can go is first thing in the morning.
(I work full time, my hubby and I work opposites and no one to take care of the kids in the evening) ---- sooo morning it is.
2. I'm seriously freaking out at the thought. All I can picture is all these fit people around me wondering what the hell Im doing there.
Okay so now I'm talking myself out of it .....
Everyone in the gym will respect you for wanting to improve your health. At the gym I attend, not everyone is fit---there are plenty of people at all fitness levels. They also have free introduction sessions with a trainer to help you learn the equipment. I'd recommend doing a session just so you can get an idea of how many reps to do, too. You can do it! I really love gyms that have a lot of classes, too...lifting can be boring to me, so I like to incorporate other things. We're rooting for you!!0
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