Joining a gym and very overweight
Replies
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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. Try to find one with child care so then maybe morning isn't your only option ( i am not a morning person)
2. I am the only over weight woman at the gym and I pay no mind to anyone else. I stopped being the only black person a month ago so I can't say that one anymore.
If you are dedicated enough you will walk in that gym and not give two craps about anyone saying anything. This is your second job and the pay is healthy life for you and your children.0 -
Hi,
I joined a gym weighing 274 pounds, it is quite daunting but after a while you just dont care and people now seem to respect me more as they see the little (not so fat) girl throwing kettlebells around and running on a treadmill. Did a 10k a few weeks ago too so just do it, I get up at 5.15 every day now and love it! Im 210 now, taken a year but its all worth it.
Good luck on your journey.0 -
Go for it girl, i go every morning and am now an addict (lol)...
everyone will be thinking good on you :-)0 -
There are people of all shapes and sizes at the YMCA that I go to. It can be a bit intimidating to be amongst people that are in much better shape than you without a doubt.
One thing that I have found personally satisfying is that after really working on the strength training for just three months (I did primarily cardio the first couple months on MFP) I'm already stronger than some of the other "buff" guys who work out with the dumbbells and such. I primarily focus on my own improvement, but it still feels good to see some progress compared to others.
The biggest issue with going to the gym is to have reasonable expectations of what you can do. Don't worry about anyone else is doing at first. At first, do only what you find comfortable to do. Whatever weight you pick for each exercise, make sure you can finish three sets of ten (or four sets of eight). After a couple trips, up the weight for each exercise by five pounds. Every few weeks, try to up your lifts by five pounds. Life is a marathon.....not a sprint. Even if you start out only doing 5-10 lbs on a lift, you'll find yourself doing far more after a few months and you'll see dramatic changes to your body in the meantime. There will be some people who judge, but don't worry about them and keep it up. In a few months, you'll feel bad when you don't go to the gym. I've seen some amazing transformations on this site and hitting the gym is one of the smartest ways to be one of those people.0 -
I dont normally notice much about the other people at the gym. When I am waiting for the squat rack or something I may pay attention to the form of who is using it for pointers or something but I couldnt tell you what they look like. After you go a few times you will see that noone really cares about who else is there. There are all shapes and sizes and most people at the gym, if they are focused on what they are doing, dont see anyone else.
To keep going, Dont think of "having to do a whole workout". Sometimes I start talkig myself out of going and I say to myself...ok...just go do one exercise and then be done.
Once I get there and get warmed up I always stay for a decent workout. Works everytime.0 -
That is the best thing you can do for yourself. Don't worry about others around you they are there for themselves not to look at you. Start slow and you will notice the difference. When I started I was almost 300 pounds...44 pounds gone now and I have made some great friends.
Perhaps you can even find a gym with a built in daycare, a lot are offering that now.
Once you join try out a few of the classes they offer that is where I have found some wonderful friends. We are all at a different level and the instructors know that so they show different options of ways to do the exercises so you get the same benefit.
Wish you the best of luck and if you need someone to encourage you add me as a friend on here.0 -
1 - At the early morning times, most are still half asleep.
2 - Who cares what they think. It's about you not them.
3 - Not all are fit; most are exactly where you are and just as scared.
4 - The fit ones don't care what anyone looks like; they are there for a purpose. Most have been going for a long time and have seen it all.
Are there any women only gyms in your area? I found that it was easier to start there. Mine also does not allow anyone under 18 so it fits my demographic well. All the classes at mine start around 5 AM so check out those in your area. They tend to cater to the working class with early morning and late evening for classes.
It's worth it. It really is. I feel so much better when I go and just know that every time is one step closer to being where I want to be.0 -
Why don't you try and find a gym that has a room for kids too? Some local rec centers or a YMCA kinda thing usually have a kids fitzone- if they get excited about going it might help with motivation since they'll probably bug you about going
Also don't worry about other people. That was probably my biggest fear about joining a gym and then signing up for fitness classes- but everyone is there for the same reason TO BE HEALTHY! Whether they are maintaining their healthy lifestyle or creating one they are there to get fit. I used to hide in the corner with my headphones so that I could pretend I was the only one there but now that I'm more comfortable I've begun talking to people and they are all really supportive! Kinda like real life MFPals
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Dont talk yourself out of it just because there are "fit people" at the gym. They are doing the same thing you are
.....working out!!
Early morning is a great time to go.... i used to go at 5am and it was always the handful of people. I know i saw a very heavy older man come in with his teenage daughter a few times. Then i started seeing him with a trainer working his butt off!! The results were amazing.... hard work and dedication pays off thats for sure!!!! Had i not been so shy... i would have congratulated him. I m sure he would have liked some random person he probably didnt know existed tell him KUDOS on a job well done it would encourage me thats for sure!!! 0 -
It's been less than a week since I joined Anytime Fitness. I was very self-conscience my first day. I was one of, if not the heaviest person in the place. As I found a treadmill to warm up on, I just pictured everyone naked and surprisingly....it freaked me out even more! So I just pictured everyone with blueberry pie on their faces and they needed to work it off.
Keep at it. You'll do fine.0 -
I had tremendous anxiety about joining a gym. My starting weight was 310 pounds. I thought, "Oh my friggin' God everyone is going to look at my fat *kitten* and laugh and wonder why I just didn't put down the Twinkies." Here's what helped me:
1) A trainer. I meet with him once a week. It's an extra expense (25 bucks a half hour) but so-so-so worth it. Even when I don't want to go, I *really* don't want to waste my 25 bucks. Plus, I like the dude. We talk about our kids, our struggles, he gives me great tips, and he keeps me motivated.
2) Childcare services. LA Fitness offers childcare at $10 a child/month. I go a minimum of three times a week and stay for two hours, so that's like paying a babysitter 42 cents an hour. My son loooooves the workers there and charges through the door the second we enter the gym.
3) Smile at the skinny people. You know why this is awesome? You make friends. You surround yourself with people that you want to look like. I cannot tell you how powerful it is to be around people who embody your goal. It's a little scary, but everyone is really are rooting for you. Smile, tell your fellow worker-outers that they're doing an amazing job and inspiring you. In return, they'll be your cheerleaders too. Community is so important!
Take the plunge. I totally recommend a gym with training, childcare services, and a sauna. I'm at 269 now and completely addicted to the gym. Speaking of which, it's time to go for a little HIIT.
Much
,
Sarah0 -
Those super fit people wouldn't be super fit if they didn't go to the gym, think of it that way! Plus, I can guarantee you will not be the only overweight person at the gym. There are quite a few at my gym and no one says a word. If I do even notice an overweight person there (it's rare I notice anyone when I exercise, I usually just put my headphones on and tune people out), I think good for them! You'll be fine. As for getting up early, if you can do that, it's even better. Hardly anyone is there, which means you'll worry a lot less what people are thinking. That and there's no queues.0
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You only get fit by working on it, dear. 0
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You can do it. I love the quote that say something like "everything we do takes us one step closer, or one step farther away, from our goals". Hit up the gym, and you are that much closer to your goal!0
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I completely understand. I have nearly 200 pounds to loose and just joined a gym about 5 weeks ago. It is a big co-Ed gym with lots of fit people. I was totally intimidated, but I just took my first step in. After a week on the treadmill I signed up for personal training because I was downright afraid of the weights. It was the best decision though! I feel more confident and people have been sooo supportive. I now go at least 5 days a week and miss it on my off days. At least in my experience the first step was the hardest! Good luck!0
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you know what? I am a good 60 pounds overweight, and it shows on my 5'2" frame. I go in to the gym 3-4x a week for cardio and strength training. The only comments I have gotten were positive! A couple months ago a few grandmothers told me they had noticed my dedication...one of the weightlifters says hi and told me to keep going ( in a positive way)...one of the trainers chats with me several times a week...and my biggest thrill--I can now use the same weight on the back extension as some men! Just yesterday I saw some muscled guy do a few reps, and I checked the weight when he was done
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Put your headphones on and get into our own world. They all know you are there to get healthy and lose weight. Most of the people are in their own world's also and really tend to notice anyone. It is mostly in your head. While there may be a few butt holes, they are just that butt holes and are few and far between, ignore them and keep at!0
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I was near 400lbs when I joined my gym. I could care less what everyone else in there thought. I was there to get myself healthy, not to impress them or care what they think. That was and still is my mindset. You cant let fear hold you back. Conquer it, you'll be happy you did!0
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Some gyms offer child care......goodlife is one but not all locations.....just do some research on that0
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You can do this! We can do this! We're all here cheering you on!0
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Go to bed EARLY! No exceptions. Let your inner momma out on yourself! "Young lady! You have an early morning tomorrow and you have to get some sleep. You will be no good to anyone if you are tired. March into that bathroom, brush your teeth and GO TO BED! Do you hear me?"0
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Everyone starts somewhere. Even those fit people that intimidate you. But I can tell you, they are only there to do the same thing you are - get a workout in!
Start off slow. Walk on the treadmill for 20 minutes, and get someone to show you the weight machine circuit. I was really overweight when I first joined my gym. I walked, building up my cardio endurance (and I'm now running a 5K!). I alternated lower/upper body weight machines. After a few months, my body craved more and yours will too! I'm now doing serious strength training 3 times a week, and running 2-3 times a week or doing interval running. At nearly 42, I've never felt more powerful in my life!
YOU CAN DO THIS!0 -
I belong to a pretty big gym and let me tell you, there are ALL different shapes and sizes there. Sure, there are the women in their teeny tiny shorts and sports bras with toned flat tummies and super in shape guys that make me feel a bit self conscious, but there are also plenty of men and women that are just starting out in their fitness journeys, older people just trying to stay healthy, even some teenagers trying to get in shape. I mean, truly, every different kind of fitness level is represented at pretty much every gym I've ever belonged to.
Just do it! I admire the people I see at the gym who are very overweight, working hard and getting healthy. I know for me, personally, shelling out the $ for that membership every month and making it a part of my daily routine made me stay more accountable and consistent. It was kinda like "Alright I'm paying for this and going out of my way to go there, I better use this membership to it's fullest!" You'll thank yourself later for it 0 -
I felt the exact same as you did. As a rule I really dont like change very much but am on a journey to change all that. Funny thing is...most of the people at the gym share the same insecurities as you do, so put on those gym shoes and walk in there with your head held high and make some sweat, because you're already doing the hardest part by taking that first step through the door. Good luck. You can friend me if you need some support.:happy:0
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I get up and go at 5 in the morning. There are maybe 4 other people there. And they are all men, very nice men. I don't think they think the way we do. LOL... We, as women, worry about what other people are going to think about us and how we look doing our workout. I used to think that as well. But now, I am there to do the same thing they are. And those men are all my friends now and always have wonderful advice. When I started at the gym I was 140 lbs overweight, so I know exactly how you feel.
I also joined Anytime Fittness, not any place like Gold's Gym where most of the people are already hot and now trying to build muscle. LOL.. AND I AM IN WAY PUTTING DOWN GOLD'S GYM OR ANYONE THAT GOES THERE, SO PLEASE NO ONE TAKE OFFENSE (hell my boyfriend goes to Gold's) . LOL.... I was just more comforable at a smaller gym.
Just get up in the morning and go. Take your headphones and plug in some good workout music and just do it. You will be thankful that you did... Good luck0 -
I'm just going to copy & paste what I said on a similar topic last night.
I'm the "fat girl" at the gym. I'm always the biggest one there. I don't have cute workout clothes yet, I am sweating by the time I walk in from the parking lot. I can't move as fast as others.
But I go. I work. I sweat. I smile at people, and they smile back. They talk to me and support me in ways that they're probably not even aware of. Because, you see, I'm THERE. I'm working, just like them. If some of them want to judge me for being big and sweating and all that, I'd rather they judge me in the gym where I'm giving my all rather than judge me as I stand in line at Popeye's fried chicken waiting for food.
So my advice? Just do it. Just go and do your thing. It's for YOU, not for anyone else! 0 -
Imagine the absolute worst things that could happen. Once you work through the scenarios in your head, if they were to happen, you'll be prepared. However, one of best pieces of advice I've read is to not take anything personally. People's actions have nothing to do with you. Ever. Isn't that freeing? You are doing something AWESOME!!! People who don't celebrate that have significant issues. Congratulations on wanting the best for your health.0
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Compare your gyms before you commit -- mine includes child care, and they have a GREAT playroom for all ages. Plus lots of exercise classes on the evening & weekends, which I can actually go to because of the child care. I know it's a balance, but if you're able to find a place you like that has day care and a good variety of classes, the social aspect might keep you comin back more than the solo workouts.
*edit* Saturday morning yoga class keeps me sane! Totally wouldn't be able to do it if my gym didn't include child care.0 -
People at the gym don't think like that. When I walked in my first day (at 292.5 lbs) I was scared to death! I kept my head down and wouldn't look at anyone. Once I started losing weight and feeling good about what I was doing, I raised my head. The more I went the more I recognized people. You will find out that people aren't thinking bad about you, they are cheering you on! People will start to recognize you and they will smile and wave. The ones that don't do that aren't thinking bad about you, they're just so into their workout they don't notice ANYONE. And you have to keep in mind, that not a single fit person started off fit. Even if they were thin. Those sculpted bodies take HARD work.
I love the gym now, and I'm certainly not the only person there who is obese. I love going every day now. One of the most rewarding parts is when I do something today I couldn't do two weeks ago. When I increase a weight, or swim faster, or even use a machine that I simply couldn't use before.
I have a lot of weight to lose (119.25 lbs to go!), and if I don't go to the gym, I'll never have a sculpted body. I want it BAD!!!
Get in there and show them what you got!!! You CAN do it!!!!! :flowerforyou:0 -
You have heard from other folks about joining and general gym environment, which is accurate and pretty much universally true. So no fears on that. But I would submit you are as fearful about possible failure of the program because perhaps you have tried before and been unsuccessful or a host of other reasons. Do not be. Your weight loss journey begins before you join and may have or could begin today in your kitchen, pantry, and food shopping expeditions. Pick a program you think you can follow and listen to the MFP calorie recommendations for losing weight at a maximum. You may lose weight very fast by increasing your activity, something as simple as walking at 3mph on a regular basis and very strictly following the dietary intake. No cheat days, I will work it off at the gym or any of that stuff, at least for a few months. Having accomplished the confidence of losing some amount of weight, you will be full of energy to complete your workouts. I set a goal to lose 10 pounds before I joined a gym, and then the gym, for me, was about losing inches, not pounds. Strength training at some point in your program will be a real asset. Feel free to check back in with this community and you will get a lot of encouragement. So there you have a different opinion. Set a short term goal to lose weight adjusting your activity and calories, and then join, or go all in now and use the gym as a tool to accomplish your goals. Good luck.0
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