Gym embarrasment?

I think I've got the story of all stories. I am 34 years old and significantly overweight. I decided to go back to college for some upgrading. I need a higher GPA and some anatomy and physiology courses in order to get into an accelerated RN program. I though it would be a great idea to enroll in Exercise Science since the program offers the courses I needed and I thought I could learn some things about nutrition and exercise and lose weight. Oh, it would be so great I thought. Well, wouldn't it be obvious to a smart person that everyone else would be about 20 years old and fit as a fiddle? Well, yikes. So, now it's only been 3 weeks, I've lost about 15 lbs (though I found them since I lost them earlier this year...oops! so I'm only showing 3 lbs down right now) Anyway, I've had to run 1.5 miles, which is 3 half mile laps, and by the time I was done 2 laps, everyone else was done all 3. Some people were nice, but mostly I was humiliated! The next week we had to do a ya-yo test (basically the same as a beep test). I got to level 5. That's pretty bad, but at least I showed up and that's all that really matters. One girl got to level 13. That's 100% for the test for a female. So, the moral of the story?? Own it, get in there and do it. Who cares? I'm thinking now that it would be so awesome if I could actually lose all this weight, get totally ripped and be a personal trainer instead of a nurse. Or maybe I'll still be a nurse, but I will be a skinny nurse who can tell people the right way to be healthy. I hear running is way cheaper than blood pressure medication for the rest of your life. So cheers to you. Hit that gym! It will be so worth it. If you're not embarrassed going to Walmart overweight, don't be embarrassed going to the gym.

Different gyms, different vibes.
Some are meet markets. Some are tough guy places. Many are just places all sorts of people go to put some activity in to their lives and to improve their health.

It's a good bet that there is going to be a stinkin' ahole or 2 in every crowd...but, most people are decent. Most people won't think anything worse than "good for her, here making her life better."

So, don't assume the worst. Go get it done.

I suggest the local YMCA, if there's one close to you. You'd be surprised that truly all types go! Take a tour and check it out and good luck!

Let me just say, I personally think it is so awesome to see people at the gym, working their *kitten* off, getting it done...heavy or slim.

When I think of the people at the gym who I laugh at, the ones I shake my head at...it's the trim/buff meatheads/jocks who talk 90% of the time, do a few reps, scream a bit, flex and puff up in the mirror, use the word "bro" a lot, high five all of the other meathead/jock dudes, and wear hoodies or beanies. In all the times I've been at the gym and I see someone who's obese, trying to get in shape they've always got their head in the game, getting it done and it's just awesome. I always want to go up and say, keep up the good work because it can't be easy, I know they're self conscious thinking everyone is looking at them. But, if you're heavy, and working it at the gym, trying to better yourself...when you feel like we're all looking at you, it's just because we're giving you props. Keep it up!

I felt the same way back when I went, my advice is to just do it, and you might find out it's not that hard. I personally would never go to a big gym. If the size of the gym isn't that big then you might find it peaceful and enjoyable. Half the times I went to mine there was nobody there, or maybe 2 or 3. Alot of the time they were big like me too, and it actually made it even better.

Also the bonus to that is you got the whole gym to yourself in terms of machines.

We all have our own insecurities and bring them to the gym with us. 'I don't lift heavy enough.' 'That guy/girl looks like Mr./Ms. Olympia; I look like Olive Oyl.'
Can't let it stop you.

I goto the gym all the time LA Fitness. No issues I can think of. Normally people are at the gym doing their work out routines. Only time they'll say something really if your hogging a machine for too long or they need a spot. I recommend joining a gym best thing you can do. Try to find one with a swimming pool which is awesome.

I was really self conscious at first going to the gym alone but the more I went the more I noticed everyone was
into their own workout to notice anyone else. What worked for me was starting out going to the women only
section of my gym first. I felt self conscious but a little less self conscious being in that section. It also helped
that I would bring things to entertain myself with and distract me while I was on the treadmill or elliptical - ie:
shows on my iPad, magazines or music. It made the time go by faster and it also made me ease up by not
paying too much attention to all the peripherals. Your time at the gym is just that your time. After a while of
doing this it actually became a non-issue. I enjoy my time at the gym and actually prefer to go alone
as I feel I am more productive. Hope that helps a little.

The best thing I can say is to look around at different gyms if you have more than one that is within a reasonable distance. I was always freaked out by the thought of walking into a gym until I found one where I felt comfortable and saw other people like me that we heavy and trying to loose the weight. Try to keep in mind that if you stick to your goals and loose the weight like you want to, what will stick out in other peoples minds is how hard you worked and how much you accomplished, not picture you the same as when you first started going.