Gym embarrasment?

Kayluh_xo

**Hope I'm posting this in the right area**

I've been considering getting a gym membership but have been reluctant on it for quite some time. I have my own elliptical at home and fitness games I do the kinect and workout videos, and I walk and roller skate but I still want to do more, that's why I wanted to get a gym membership. However, being bigger(283) I feel like I'd be one huge target there that doesn't fit in. I know everyone's suppose to be there for the same reason, working out, and getting or staying healthy, but still. I'm very self conscious and was just wondering if there was anyone else who use to or does felt the same way that went ahead and did it anyway and how it went.

ellebelle203

You are not the only one who's fuller and at the gym I promise. You just have to get out there and do it. I find that going to a public gym is a big motivator because everyone is working hard and sweating, so I have to do something. I'd get a membership, sometimes when you work out at home, and don't have people around you, you don't work out to your fullest. Hope this helps!

heyitsmekatie

There was a gym at my last job and I used to be afraid that I'd look out of place being there with my in-shape co-workers. Someone told me something that really helped me get over the fear and it's stuck with me for years... he told me that no one would laugh at me for going -- they'd think more of me for going because it showed that I was trying.

I think you will find that other people at the gym probably won't even give you a second thought and, if they do, they will be glad that you (like them) are trying.

1996gtstang

just do what you want to do and dont worry about it..

mgobluetx12

I am 257 and am having the same concerns. However, my dvd workouts are getting boring and so I'm doing it. Tomorrow I'm going to go join the 24 Hour Fitness by my house and I'm excited about it. I can't wait to take the classes and lift heavy weights. Who cares what people think? We ARE totally all there for the same reason and you just have to remember that one thing. I'm really tall, so I get stares everywhere I go, but I'm not really used to it and it still makes me uncomfortable sometimes. I just am going to go and focus on getting a great workout and heading home. I hope you can do this for yourself!

Add me as a friend and we can keep each other motivated to ignore the stares!


(edited to change weight. I was at 259 for 3 weeks, so I keep forgetting I lost 2lbs - damn plateau!)

IveLanded

You know what I do? I put on my ipod really loud and I don't look at anyone else. I usually make a plan of what I'm gonna do ahead of time and just go to my machines, do my work, and leave.

And I want you to know that the only people who are judging you are the people who aren't willing to work as hard as you or who have never had to work that hard. Whenever I see someone bigger than me at the gym, the only thing I'm thinking is "Good for them" and I shoot them a mental high-five.

leeanneowens

There are all sizes of people at my gym. I'm definately not the only big person there. I was nervous about joining at first too but everyone I've encountered seems to be pretty serious about what they are doing.

SashThompson

Don't ever let what you *think* other people think of you get in the way of your goals. Chances are, they're thinking the exact same thing. Go for it!

Cryssy27

I felt the same way you did. When I joined a gym I was 293. I was embarrassed to even enter the gym really. I always felt people would look at me and judge. After thinking about it for a couple weeks I told my self I don't care. I go pretty early in the morning and miss a lot of the crowd at my gym. The people I have meet there are in the older generation though! On the weekends though I do see the younger and thinner crowd. But I am not there to impress them or try to prove anything to them. I put on my music and work my butt off. Never feel like you don't belong that is why there are gyms to work out and make your self better. I never regret joining my gym. I go five days a week. I have even learned names of the many friendly ladies there!

myfitnessval

i am totally the same. after 4 months ive finally come around to the idea of gym working out and i'm stoked. i had a test run when i was on vacation and was working out in a gym, a chick walked in and i felt embarassed for a quick second but then go back to work. if anything someone else (who was smaller than me of course) being there and being able to see me made me work harder. in my crazy head i was thinking, she might think im a fatty but at least i'm working my *kitten* off as hard as i can! lol idunno, that kind of worked as a crazy motivator for me

kikicooks

I know you aren't the only one who has felt this way. I used to think the super fit chick running on the treadmill next to me was probably laughing at me inside but I got over it. Most likely no one even cares about who else is around them and if they are laughing or judging then they aren't nice people and you wouldn't want to associate with them anyway. You are there for you so do what you gotta do and forget about the other people around you. I think most people at the gym are impressed with anyone that is there whether you are already fit or overweight because you are all there for the same reason...to be fit. You can totally do it!

lmunro5394

When I joined our Y 4 years ago, I was 260lbs. I'm 5'4". I felt the same way you do. But one day I finally decided that I really could care less what anyone else thought of the fat girl on the treadmill. I was there to get healthy and while I may not have cared before about my weight, I did at that moment and I was doing something about it.
Those thin girls? The majority of them are stressing too about what they look like.
Go and have fun!

peace_pigeon

I bet that most people (if they looked up from their machines long enough to notice you in the first place) would give you only respect and encouragement. We all start somewhere, and it is always the first steps that are the hardest and take the most courage. Join that gym, and rock it!!

Sailatsorf

I'm a bigger gal, and I use the gym at my university ( and you probably know how college guys can be). I just put in my headphones and do my workout, ignoring everyone around me. Even if they're thinking whatever you're afraid of them thinking, they're not going to say anything. And if they do, you won't hear them because you've got your music going, and you're too busy working out.

MichaelFunaro

The first time I joined the gym back in 2005-06, I felt the exact same way. But you know what, no one cares because they are in their own little worlds. They have their headphones on and don't even notice you. Don't sweat it at all, in fact at first it might seem strange, but after a few visits you will feel like just another person in their working out. Really, no one cares. In fact, if anything they would silently applaud you for choosing to exercise and be healthy. So go get that membership.

wjranch

This is my advice to you........ Remember this.... Everyone has a "day 1"....... then a "day 2".........and a "day 3"...........and so on.............and so on..........and so on.
You get the picture?

We all had to start somewhere...
it isn't where you've been, it's where you're going that counts...
and if you are 'going' to the gym, you are miles ahead of those sitting on the couch, too self conscious to help themselves!!


p.s. My lil' bit of psychology on this? It is your self consciousness that has likely been the culprit to your weight gains all along... don't you think it's time to conquer that beast and take back control of your life?? Jus sayin'

TexasTroy

I worked in the health club and fitness industry for a long long time and I can tell ya, that there are a lot less "super fit " people than not " super fit ' people- the not so fit people far exceed the fit ones. Sure there are a few studs and studettes from time to time but not very often. Most, if not all people there will welcome you and respect you for " just doing it " . I say go for it...have fun with it. Join some classes-that helps make things much more enjoyable. Good luck and just have fun!

hotsambatcho

Don't be embarrased or ashamed. It's hard for anyone to try anything new, and I think you're an inspiration. I love seeing people in the gym work toward their goals...whether it's to lose weight, gain weight, rehab injuries, etc. If someone is judging you because you're trying to better yourself, they have mental issues they should be working on before they even worry about their body.

mustgetmuscles1

Most everyone is intimidated by the gym at first. Its the same for guys walking into the free weight areas. Once you go though you will quickly get over it and realize no one there really cares. They are there to do their own thing and will either ignore you or respect you for trying. Most are even happy to help if you ask. The only time this might not be true is right around new years when the gyms are full of new people. : )

Just put your head phones in keep your head down and go to work. In a week or two it will be a second home.

krumpli

I started bigger. I'm now smaller than I was, but still bigger than most.

I swear to you, nobody ever even looked at me sideways. I personally never notice anyone, fat or thin, at the gym unless (a) I need to cycle in with them on a machine or bar (b) they're gross and don't clean up after themselves (c) they wear way too much cologne. Just go in there and do your thing. If anyone does look at you, smile/grimace at them and go back to doing your thing. Everyone else is either there to work, or not even worth thinking about!

gr82run

Check out a YMCA. It is really people from all walks of life, and my experience has been that everyone supports one another along the way. At my bootcamp class, we have some VERY overweight people who are beginners and need to modify most of the exercises, and when they are coming in "last" place, everyone ahead of them cheers them along. It is really a great atmosphere.

Ke22yB

Some of the people working out used to be big When I started at the Gym I was to heavy to weigh in and they estimated my weight the scale only went to 350 but I kept at it and have lost alot of weight and appreciate the bigger people working out because I know how serious I was to keep going.
So you go and do your thing and you will earn their respect as well

cal_73

You know what I do? I put on my ipod really loud and I don't look at anyone else. I usually make a plan of what I'm gonna do ahead of time and just go to my machines, do my work, and leave.

And I want you to know that the only people who are judging you are the people who aren't willing to work as hard as you or who have never had to work that hard. Whenever I see someone bigger than me at the gym, the only thing I'm thinking is "Good for them" and I shoot them a mental high-five.

If you are thinking "good for you" how about giving them a smile rather than refusing to look at them?

vadimk123

Despite being a guy, not being very young anymore, and being overweight I do feel self conscious at the gym when surrounded by groups of giggling teenagers and intense-looking bodybuilder types.

So joined a 24 hour gym and try to go when most people are at work (I have a sliding work schedule).

Have you considered a gym like "Curves" or another gym aimed at women and people who aren't "muscle heads" - you might fell less self conscious there?

GmeB

pay no attention. I go super early in the morning,not only to avoid the crowd,but I go that early so I can get it in for the day,and not come up with excuses not to go.Hubby and I joined the Y 3-4 years ago,lost,gained,then quit for a long time.Back at it now,and theirs a Planet Fitness about a block from my house now.Open 24 hours,no judgements allowed, and lots of machines. on top of that,its so much cheaper

Jersey_Devil

You need to walk into that gym like you own it! It's YOUR gym! (Just don't spot anyone on your 1st day)

pants77

Choice of gyms can go a long way - Gold's is generally full of hardcore weightlifter types, so it might not be a comfortable environment for a person that's just starting out. I used to have a Planet Fitness membership, and they are very laid back.

You can and should do a trial membership at a few different places. Most gyms will let you do at least a couple of weeks for free. Then you can try them all out and pick the one where you feel the most comfortable.

And keep in mind, anyone who's going to judge you, they're not worth worrying about.

melodyfrommars

the gym, and all public exercise outlets (especially the pool) terrify me. i let it get in the way of my going for too long. my constant mantra is that no matter what anybody thinks, i am trying, and that says something positive about me. also helps if i can paste on my '**** you' face for an hour or however long it takes. i suffer from social anxiety disorder to boot and really if we don't go we are doing ourselves a disfavour... you only got one life to live, so don't let the jusdgement of other people cramp your style (easier said than done i know!!)

melodyfrommars

oh and also, if you have a YWCA or rec centre type gym nearby, join that one. its full of every type of person under the sun and everyone is superfriendly.

gogonunubean

I go to a smaller gym in a smaller community (not in a big city). I find that everyone is very supportive, I used to be the person walking around trying to figure out how it works, now I am the person that helps the lost souls!

Go and talk to the owners and ask to meet some of the trainers and maybe some of the patrons too. People at gyms come in all shapes and sizes and have all kinds of goals and agendas and I have never heard anyone comment or stare. We have two guys that come and walk on the treadmills wearing jeans and leather jackets and we are all like 'whatever!'

It was funny you posted this today - this morning I was working out and a lady who must be around 300 lbs came in - it was her first day. I wondered how she must be feeling so I gave her a big sweaty smile.....and I noticed that everyone else around me was smiling at her too. Rather than judge, I know we all felt pleased that she was joining our fitness journey.

affleckf

I just left the gym. And i feel like this everytime. I remember my first day at the gym (draged by my boyfriend who wanted someone to hold the boxing bag) I walked though the doors and was happy to find that i wasnt the only large woman there! im sitting at around 238ish right now, so i was suprised. after that i realised that everyone is not really paying attention to you. I basically just put in the mp3 and pump music, and do my own thing. It works, and now i enjoy my time at the gym. id recomend a gym membership, just remember to have fun and to picture the pair of pants you wanna get into lol good luck