I hate being the fattest person at the gym.

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Replies

  • Lonewolf1507
    Lonewolf1507 Posts: 507 Member
    You just keep on going and do it for yourself, when I restarted at the gym I wasn't the largest but I was up there. With hard work and logging of my food I have become healthier and lighter/smaller, a member of the gym who is also on my FL said the other day that when he first saw me at the gym he didn't think I would last the course, but he is impressed with my doing it and the results. He is not the only one that has told me that they are impressed with the work I have put in at the gym and the results.

    Being prefectly honest I am very impressed with the results :happy:

    Andy
  • Crochetluvr
    Crochetluvr Posts: 3,334 Member
    I have a LOT of respect for anyone who is overweight and working out at a gym. And I have a feeling most of the people there working out feel the same. Our gym has a mix of overweight people (of varying sizes) and totally fit people. I am kinda in the middle . :)
  • 4n6babe
    4n6babe Posts: 33 Member
    I'm tired of also being one of (or often THE) fattest people in the classes. And it does cross my mind from time to time, and some days I'm more aware of it than other days.

    BUT instead of letting that be a totally negative feeling, I try to use it to motivate myself even more. "I'm TIRED of being the fattest person here, so I'm going to work extra hard and show everyone that I am changing!" (regardless of if they really notice me or not)

    Even though I'm often still the biggest, I have already had several people I often see there come up to me and mention they notice a difference. That is a great feeling and I do the same thing to others. Its motivating and its awesome to make some friends during this weight loss journey.
  • Maracuya77
    Maracuya77 Posts: 23
    Wow, you are beautiful! Well, you know...there's lots of people at the gym who are fit but probably self centered, conceited, selfish, rude, all that. You can work on being fit and just forget about them. There is more to your worth as a person than your weight. For example, I'm sure you're a down to earth, genuine, caring, giving and friendly individual. Just because someone is fit doesn't mean they are doing well in their lives, or even that they have good self esteems. What I'm saying is this: Focus on your health, and focus on your good traits. Don't worry about what you look like for now...the rest will come as you do it for your heart, do it for your lungs, your knees, your family. Don't worry about anyone else. You're a beautiful person the outside (exotic!) and I am sure you are on the inside as well.
  • SmileURLuved
    SmileURLuved Posts: 57
    Don't think of it in a negative way.. Since I have lost weight, I have people come up to me all the time, stating they have seen me working out, and getting fitter, and that I inspired them to keep going,,, Think of yourself as the biggest motivator in the class, because that is who you are... Keep smiling, and you will soon be hearing the same positive compliments that I have been given...:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:
  • bethlaf
    bethlaf Posts: 954 Member
    Bet you a buck that a good number of those beach bodies were in the same position as you at one time. They are just farther along in their journey. Do not let that discourage you. In fact, you should be inspired. I have been going to the gym recently and there is this woman who works out the same time as me. She is in amazing shape and she works out hard. I tell myself that I can be like her with diet and exercise.

    Edited to add: bet you another buck that as you continue going to the gym, people will notice your dedication and respect you for it.
    Bet another buck that no one disses you for being fat, i bet in fact they are like, awesome shes working on it !
  • conniemaxwell5
    conniemaxwell5 Posts: 943 Member
    (this was posted in the forums a while ago - seemed appropriate to resurrect it)

    Hey Fat Girl

    Yes, you. The one feigning to not see me when we cross paths on the running track. The one not even wearing sports gear, breathing heavy. You’re slow, you breathe hard and your efforts at moving forward make you cringe.

    You cling shyly to the furthest corridor, sometimes making larger loops on the gravel ring by the track just so you’re not on it. You sweat so much that your hair is all wet. You rarely stay for more than 20 minutes at a time, and you look exhausted when you leave to go back home. You never talk to anyone. I’ve got something I’d like to say to you.

    You are awesome.

    If you’d look me in the eye only for an instant, you would notice the reverence and respect I have for you. The adventure you have started is tremendous; it leads to a better health, to renewed confidence and to a brand new kind of freedom. The gifts you will receive from running will far exceed the gigantic effort it takes you to show up here, to face your fears and to bravely set yourself in motion, in front of others.

    You have already begun your transformation. You no longer accept this physical state of numbness and passivity. You have taken a difficult decision, but one that holds so much promise. Every hard breath you take is actually a tad easier than the one before, and every step is ever so slightly lighter. Each push forward leaves the former person you were in your wake, creating room for an improved version, one that is stronger, healthier and forward-looking, one who knows that anything is possible.

    You’re a hero to me. And, if you’d take off the blaring headphones and put your head up for more than a second or two, you would notice that the other runners you cross, the ones that probably make you feel so inadequate, stare in awe at your determination. They, of all people, know best where you are coming from. They heard the resolutions of so many others, who vowed to pick up running and improve their health, “starting next week”. Yet, it is YOU who runs alongside, who digs from deep inside to find the strength to come here, and to come back again.

    You are a runner, and no one can take that away from you. You are relentlessly moving forward. You are stronger than even you think, and you are about to be amazed by what you can do. One day, very soon, maybe tomorrow, you’ll step outside and marvel at your capabilities. You will not believe your own body, you will realize that you can do this. And a new horizon will open up for you. You are a true inspiration.

    I bow to you.

    Wow, I love this.
  • Maracuya77
    Maracuya77 Posts: 23
    By the way, I'm 258 lbs right now at 5'5. I am considered 'fattest' in most circles...but I know that my heart is true. I am working on self esteem and self worth, and I have to focus on my good traits..inside and out..my contributions to society and to my family....and just do this for my health. If you want to add me, please feel free to : )
  • HannahPendrigh
    HannahPendrigh Posts: 147 Member
    most of those people were probably the fattest person in the gym at one point!! use it as motivation instead of letting it put you off :) at least you're in the gym doing something about it instead of sitting in McDonalds scoffing burgers!! A really big woman has just joined my gym and I see her most days just walking on the treadmill. Instead of thinking 'what is she doing here?' I think 'good on ya girl!!' because she's working hard and doing something about her weight!! Just don't give up :)
  • Herbalifekim
    Herbalifekim Posts: 10
    if their looking then who cares!!! You can do it!! So far I've lost 55 pounds! I feel stronger than ever and have TONS of energy! ~Kim
  • tatd_820
    tatd_820 Posts: 573 Member
    I'm not sure how much you need or want to lose but please just stick with it. I know EXACTLY how you feel. I was that BIGGEST person in the class when I first started. I was the BIGGEST person in the class for a while. But guess what? Not anymore! It takes time but if you are consistent and determined you will and can make changes. I also know that when in class, others are not looking at you. THey are looking at themselves. And if they are looking at you....that is on them. The first ever class I took at my gym, I was so nervous. I got there and almost backed out....till I saw 2 old white haired ladies in their 70s waiting for the class to start! When I saw them, I said "oh hell no, if they can do this class, my fat azz can do it". I am so thankful they were there waiting for the class because I would have most likely not gone to class at all which means I would not be where I am today. The classes are fun and great workouts. They helped me stay focused and really it's like having a personal trainer that you don't have to pay for. I work out way harder in class than I do on my own. You can do this...do not worry about being the fattest...you are there for the same reason that they are....to be fit and in shape.
  • 89nunu
    89nunu Posts: 1,082 Member
    Pretty sure sure noone is questioning why you are there! They are either feeling with you and thinking you go girl or they are embarrassed that you are better at something then they are :D
  • HortensiaD
    HortensiaD Posts: 3
    Sometimes its simply just us judging ourselves, our weight and our bodies, and nobody else at the gym really cares about it. We then become the person who is judging.
  • boatsie77
    boatsie77 Posts: 480 Member
    ...WOW!...that's a fabulous excuse not to go to the gym...think I'll use it next time I want to veg out on the couch watching reruns of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo while stuffing my pie-hole with pork rinds and yoohoo.
  • mamax5
    mamax5 Posts: 414 Member
    I am right there with you! I completely understand where you are coming from. Now if you were to see another "fat" person would you be looking at them or would you be worried about what you are doing? When I see a pudgy person at the gym I just think way to go! They are there trying to get fit like I am. Just relax and do your thing. Try not to feel self conscience and just get you burn on!
  • nikbolok
    nikbolok Posts: 107 Member
    Girl, you are great. You got out there and did it. So what if you consider yourself the fattest person at the gym, it's better than being the skinniest person on the couch!!! My experience is that no one looks at others at the gym. They are too dam focused on themselves to care.... If they are looking, they are interested and envious of your drive. I had to get over that at one point too, it will get easy don't worry :) Keep doing what you are doing!
  • Erikalynne18
    Erikalynne18 Posts: 558 Member
    I just got back from the gym and I seen someone who was overweight and covered in sweat and you know what I thought? "wow he's really pushing himself! Why aren't I sweating more? Time to move faster!" The way I see it there are 2 types of extremes (regardless of size): the type who push themselves and see results and the type who basically walk around and do the minimum effort just to say they went to the gym. Which would you rather be? Keep putting in the effort and eventually you'll have that body you want :) Don't let your weight hold you back. :)
  • xXMollySarusXx
    xXMollySarusXx Posts: 46
    If there are really fit people at your gym, that means they KNOW hard work, & perhaps they think highly of you for giving it your all to get in shape. Because there are a lot of overweight people (idk if you're one of them) who just don't do anything about their weight problem, and its sad. But you had the balls to get up off the couch & do something about it! Just try to remember that when you feel outta place. Also, it won't be long until you'll be one of them ;)
  • VogtAndrea
    VogtAndrea Posts: 236
    I get a few stares when I get out of the swimming pool and I don't do well in a gym where there are big mirrors and windows where people can see me. It's not about the others who are working out but the looky-loos. They bug me and I do feel a lot of them are passing judgement. It shouldn't matter to me though. Those people don't know where I'm coming from or what I'm dealing with. When I go walking around the town on the weekends or on days that I don't go to the pool, I just put on my ipod to tunes that I like to walk with and anyone watching me can "go hang". When I'm in the pool and doing aquafit or swimming laps, I feel the same way. Its only when I'm getting out that I feel that way.
    It's none of their business anyway, if they're critical. If they are thinking or saying supportive things, great!
    Either way, it's my path that I'm walking. I'm not going to let what others think, feel or say stop me from taking care of what I need to in order to be healthier. And neither should any of us who feel the stares of others while we're doing what we need to.
  • iggyboo93
    iggyboo93 Posts: 524 Member
    Another thing - look at the weight lost by all the amazing people on this thread. They were in the exact same place that you and I are at now. We'll catch up to them - pinky promise. :smile:
  • JAllen32
    JAllen32 Posts: 991 Member
    Just remind yourself that some of those people started out just like you! I felt that way too when I first started. You don't know how many of the people around you have pushed through the embarassment and came out looking like they have always been fit. Maybe they are still feeling insecure about themselves, and aren't even noticing you. Or maybe they are seeing you and being happy for you that you took those steps and hoping that you stick with it like they did. Just enjoy yourself and don't worry about "them". Good luck!!! :-)
  • Khisalandra
    Khisalandra Posts: 100 Member
    I can totally relate. I just signed up at my local gym last Saturday, and have started going in the mornings before work. Luckily it's slow in the mornings, so there's not a lot of people for me to feel freaked out about. It was really hard to get on those machines the first time when the people who were there look like fitness models... but I did it. It was even harder putting on my suit to get into the pool while people with athletic bodies were doing fast laps in speedos. But I did it. Because I figure we're all there for the same reason... to be healthy and happy. Haven't had a single bad look (that I've seen) yet, and have had several people smile and greet me as we pass. Now if only that little voice inside my head would stop chanting at me that "they're all going to laugh at you!" Stupid junior high and high school PE flashbacks. heh.
  • bryt0412
    bryt0412 Posts: 32
    I know how you feel! But I try not to let it get to me,I also just started the gym and most of the time I spend most of my time in the cinema cardio room lol mostly cause its dark! Eventually, I will go out to the main room more often eventually but for now Im fine where Iam. Im working my way up to make it to a class just not sure which one yet.
  • DennyHodge
    DennyHodge Posts: 56 Member
    Remember that some of those "fit, in shape people" used to be overweight themselves. I have always admired people that had the guts to get in there and give it all they have, and most of those fit people are very supportive types when it comes to that. It's all about trying. That's inspiring to many people regardless of shape or weight.
  • FrnkLft
    FrnkLft Posts: 1,821 Member
    ...WOW!...that's a fabulous excuse not to go to the gym...think I'll use it next time I want to veg out on the couch watching reruns of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo while stuffing my pie-hole with pork rinds and yoohoo.

    Uh... you jumped the gun a little... read the post.
  • kar328
    kar328 Posts: 4,159 Member
    http://flintland.blogspot.ca/2012/05/hey-fat-girl.html

    This is a great read..... similar to what you are talking about. I read it once in awhile to remind myself....

    Thanks for that link, made me teary. That's me too. I'm slowly getting over it, I'm working with a trainer and he's good at just getting the job done. Today I did some 1 minute jogs on my walk around the lake, usually I wait till no one is around, but a couple was ahead and not moving fast so I said "okay" and jogged past them. OP I'm as self-conscious as they come, but I'm starting to lose some of that. It's a work in progress - it won't happen overnight. Don't give up. I'm not
  • twinkiemon
    twinkiemon Posts: 216 Member
    When I started going to the gym I always saw this same incredibly fit lady whenever I would lift weights. One day I struck up a conversation with her and she told me she used to weigh 250 pounds and couldn't even walk up the stairs without getting out of breath. She finally decided to change her life and now looks like she does now, which is amazing great.

    That was a big inspiration to me because my weight wasn't too far off from that. So when I see the fit people at the gym and I feel like the only fatty around, I think that maybe those people were once in my shoes and by keeping at it, someday I'll have that body too and then when I strike up a conversation with another heavy person at the gym maybe I can inspire them like that lady inspired me.

    But I do know how you feel - I went to a kickboxing class recently and I was one of three fluffy people in that class - the rest of them were about 25 of the fittest ladies I've ever seen who all knew what to do. But it just inspired me to work harder toward my goal.
  • kbalut
    kbalut Posts: 5 Member
    Do you want to know what everyone at the gym is thinking? "Good for her"! and "way to go" and "hope she sticks with it" and "I looked like her a couple of months ago" and "I used to be as determined as her"....KEEP GOING! Never Ever Give up!
  • _SusieQ_
    _SusieQ_ Posts: 2,964 Member
    I went to a new class last night that was similar to Crossfit (aka HOLY CRAP). I was by far the biggest one in the room, BUT as I looked around I noticed I was not the least fit. Being smaller doesn't mean being more fit, and as you keep going you will eventually get past those thoughts and only be focused on how YOU can become the one that the others envy.

    I'm not saying it's easy and I constantly have those moments of wondering what people think of me, but the smaller, stronger and more fit I get, the easier it gets.

    Good luck!
  • unapologetically_crystal
    unapologetically_crystal Posts: 278 Member
    kudos for you to going even if you feel that way. but here is an idea.. maybe they were exactly in your place one day? its a possibility. remember that you are there for YOU not them.. try to forget that they are there. but seriously not everyone was born with those bodies.. if any of them.. they have put in time and dedication JUST LIKE YOU are doing right now. & actually they probably feel out of place sometimes too. we are all more alike then we will ever realize. stay strong and do you. =)

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