Overweight and feel awkward at the gym?

Feeling awkward in new places is not really a bad thing. It means you are aware that you are the "new" person and want to fit in for a goal… much like a new job, or finding the right house of worship, or going to any new activity that involves people. It's a bit like stage fright - not such a bad thing if you realize it is just that you want to do well.

The good thing about joining a gym is that you are joining for the right reason. People are drawn to and would rather be around sincere people and people who are there for the right reason. If you enjoy working out in the gym, and keep going - sometimes if you just say something nice to the people at the gym, the person checking you in, the towel person, the trainer, and make that your first goal, (Thank you is a scarce saying these days unfortunately) you will be amazed how the atmosphere is more conducive to encouragement to come back.

That being said, I am exactly the same way about dance/yoga/classes. I do a lot of walking/running and home exercises like Wii Fit and My Barre 3. It is one of my goals to overcome in 2013 and find the right studio!

I started going to the gym at well over 300 lbs and felt awkward every time I set foot in the place. After a while, I finally realized that gyms are for people like me that need to be in there getting healthy! Don't worry about everyone else and what they think. You're doing this for you, to better your life.
Best of luck!

I think the thing with overweight people is more often than not they see things about themselves negatively.

How do you know these 'skinny sorority girls' don't actually think 'good on her' when they see an overweight person go to the gym?

How do you know some of these women weren't in your shoes a year ago?

Either way, you shouldn't let what anyone else thinks interfere with your weight loss. You are doing it for you, no-one else. And to be honest, more often than not, they are too busy doing their own thing to pay any attention to anyone else.

This WAS me, I was the chunky one in the back of the class trying to hide in aerobics,struggling at spin, and wishing I could be as good and as fit as those girls at the front.

A year later, it was me at the front, and I always make an effort to talk to people who look uncomfortable. Granted, I don't do many classes anymore (I've fallen in love with lifting) but I'm friendly towards the people in my gym.

There is always going to be SOMETHING to be self conscious about...most recently was setting up my now regular camp in the free weight area and starting with an empty bar.....13 weeks later and a raw increase of 55kg on my squats, I could'nt give a ****. The blokes I felt were staring at me are friends, and I's almost squatting 1 and a half times my body weight.

The only workout you'll regret, is the one you don't do.
x

I've gone to the gym at my heaviest size and you know, I don't care what others think. The other day I was doing Zumba and I glanced at myself in the mirror and I though that I looked so huge compared to everyone else but at my current weight, exercise and diet are the only things that will fix that. Anyway, I was in a funk for a couple days just from one glance in a mirror. I didn't let it stop me from going to the gym. For the past 22 days since ive joined my gym, I've gone to the gym everyday and I plan to keep going.

they'll be too busy focusing on themselves.

This xxx

I am about to join a gym for the first time in my life - not bad as I'm nearly 65. What makes it easier for me is what my mother used to say... 'I don't know them and they sure don't know me, they have no right to judge but even if they do I don't care!!' Nobody said this journey would be easy - but its worthwhile, thats for sure... Good luck!!

When I see an overweight person in the gym, my thought is "good for you". You are trying to get healthier. I have mad respect for people like that.

Agree with this completely. I totally understand feeling a bit "awkward" or self-conscious, but I think that's normal, and I think it's a good thing! That way, you'll work harder so that you don't feel that way anymore. Keep it up!!

Does anybody else have this problem?!

Only on days that end in Y.

Don't forget that a lot of the so-called "skinny & fit" people were once overweight. I go to the gym in cute tight matching outfits but I was once obese ... and in the gym wearing baggy sweats and t-shirts. I was extremely self conscience working out back then.

Now I try to be really friendly with anyone new. I def know what it feels like to be lost and uncomfortable in the gym.

Go to the gym, find exercises or classes that you like, and enjoy your workout! You might even make some friends as well.

Congrats on taking this step! I think that when you push yourself outside your comfort zone, you will find that your worries may have been for nothing. Like everyone says, focus on YOU. Psych yourself up, get in the zone...do whatever you need to do the first few times to get there and kick *kitten* at your workout and everything will fall in place.

I have been going to the gym for a while and using the cardio equipment and weight machines. Then I decided to try classes which made me feel awkward. Every class I tried I was so nervous but I thought, "everyone here was new at this once. f&$k this". Now I love classes, especially spin. Yesterday I started a heavy lifting program and I will admit, I was feeling anxiety about venturing over to the "other" side of the gym with all the huge dudes and a few very fit looking women. I just turned up my tunes, got in the zone and did what I went there to do. I actually felt good about myself for facing up to that "fear"...and you will too! Good luck!