Stop rolling your eyes at fat people in the gym!

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Replies

  • chellec23
    chellec23 Posts: 147 Member
    If people roll their eyes at me at the gym I don't notice. I have actually had a lot of people compliment me and say wow when they see me on the elliptical for an hour straight. I'll wear tank tops, too, I don't care what others think....I'm there to get healthier, not to impress anyone. If they don't like my fat *kitten* in their gym TOO BAD because I pay the membership fees just like everyone else! And I don't stand there in everyone's way yammering, either...I actually do work out.

    The people I roll my eyes at are the meat-heads who lift some weights for about 10 seconds then stand there looking at themselves in the mirror for 5 minutes before doing anything else, and the skinny ho I saw yesterday wearing yoga pants and a sports bra (no shirt). Oh, and the creeper who works there who pretends to do something productive while leering at the women.
  • wizwitch
    wizwitch Posts: 82

    There are few people I roll my eyes at in the gym, and most of the time it's due to technique/form or lifting so much you can see a hernia waiting to happen.
    I´m new to lifting. If you go to my gym (wich I would be pretty surprised if you did.Lol) I would love it if people corrected me instead of rolling their eyes.

    ^^This
  • aaronlawrenc
    aaronlawrenc Posts: 666 Member
    who does that? im waaaay too busy looking at my god like figure in the mirror



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  • beyondjupiter
    beyondjupiter Posts: 247 Member
    I stopped going to the gym because I am self conscious and I am probably making all the looks up in my head. I was bullied pretty heavily in school due to my weight and it took me many years to not think that everyone was judging me or thinking I was fat. However, that all seems to come back when I am at the gym. I bought a year membership and never went. Literally. I did my first workout when I signed up and felt so uncomfortable I didn't go back. People were looking at me, but in reality it was probably because I was new. I work out at home now but I would love to get the courage to join a gym again.

    I'm not saying that people don't roll their eyes, I am sure someone somewhere has. However, I imagine most of it is projection. We feel bad so we think others feel the same.

    Jen
  • gym_king_carlie
    gym_king_carlie Posts: 528 Member
    I was a big lad and was very conscious of peoples stares at the gym when I first started, It does happen, usually by vain people who care more about image in the gym then actually training, on the positive side, I did get friendly hello's and support from the more established bodybuilders.

    when I ever see a 'newbie' who's large I make an effort to talk to them in the changing rooms/by the water fountain and so on because they remind me of where I started, not because I have to, I just know I would have appreciated the same kind of gestures and sometimes they feel motivated or 'inspired' because I show them a picture of what I looked like before it began (I keep a picture on my phone to remind me of who I was)
    .

    everyone who joins a gym, mostly have the same goal, to live better, feel better and look better, so no one should roll their eyes, I would roll my eyes at someone who puts others down.
  • amandajones1978
    amandajones1978 Posts: 140
    I've only seen it happen once at my gym. A couple of young guys were walking by and made a comment to each other about an older, heavier lady and laughed. I gave them the eyeroll after they realized I heard them.

    There is no excuse for that rudeness.
  • fShaw86
    fShaw86 Posts: 878 Member
    There was this bigger lady at the gym today, doing some weight training. She needed some help getting off the bench, so she asked me for help. Then I went to the chest press, and started my workout. Above mentioned lady rolls HER EYES at me, tells me I've messed up my form, and calls a trainer to show me "how to do it right." And it's her 4th day at the gym...

    ._. Why did I even help her off the bench.
  • ladydy911
    ladydy911 Posts: 126 Member
    I have never experienced this. If I did I would probably just laugh it off. I am way to old to be worrying about what other people think.

    I am one of those people who take "casual strolls" on the treadmill. I also have arthritis in my hips and knees and torn cartlidge in one knee. (excuses I know, but facts also) I take these "casual strolls" for my alloted 30 minutes and make sure I don't go over the speed my Dr. recommended and ALWAYS leave sweating. I will continue to take my "casual strolls" because when I began this journey I was 498 lbs and would be out of breath walking from the couch to the bedroom so I will stroll on lol. I do LOVE it when I get done with my walk and step off the machine and the person running uphill on the treadmill next to me gives me a high five. I have had this happen several times.
  • shellbatronic
    shellbatronic Posts: 193
    When I first started at the gym I was super self conscious (around 335 pounds then) and hyper aware of people looking at me. Someone gave me some valuable advice, though- when I'm on a treadmill, or working out in general, "be the honey badger". And when I got self conscious or started assuming someone was laughing at me, I said to myself "honey badger don't care", and I kept going.

    People shouldn't be jerks to anyone at the gym, obviously, but letting them get to you, or even caring what some anonymous gym-rat thinks, only distracts you from the task at hand, and that is whatever exercise you're doing. Be a Honey Badger!
  • neandermagnon
    neandermagnon Posts: 7,436 Member
    I think a lot of the time people are so self conscious at the gym, they assume people are rolling their eyes, laughing, judging, etc. when really most people are just there to get their sweat on and get out.

    I agree with this. There are some people who are actually mean, etc. But a lot of it is people perceiving others as being hostile when they're not.

    Also, if someone is being mean but you're acting like they're not, you dis-empower the mean person, so you win either way. If they're not really being hostile, then you're happy because there's nothing to be concerned about. if they are trying to be hostile and you happily get on with your workout without letting it bother you, then you win.

    ETA: I do agree that if there's genuine and blatant hostility then you should report it to the management.
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    I've never seen anyone be mean where I work out.
  • HannahJDiaz25
    HannahJDiaz25 Posts: 329 Member
    I think a lot of the time people are so self conscious at the gym, they assume people are rolling their eyes, laughing, judging, etc. when really most people are just there to get their sweat on and get out.

    This!!! Very few people care what you are doing in the gym!
  • darkguardian419
    darkguardian419 Posts: 1,302 Member
    I'm fat, and about the worst I've gotten is a look of surprise at what I was able to do.
  • 1223345
    1223345 Posts: 1,386 Member
    Worse for me was when people were using me as "motivation", watching my speed and everytime they looked tired and like they were going to stop, looking at me and then going faster. Wouldn't want to end up like that fat girl.

    Offended that you may inspire someone? That's wacky. I doubt they are thinking they don't want to end up like the fat girl, but more like if you who are overweight and out of shape can keep up a good steady pace, then surely they can too. If you don't want to make someone look bad, then just go slower. :wink:
  • DivaMoe40
    DivaMoe40 Posts: 159 Member
    They're exactly where they should be! And they have just as much right to be there as anyone else.

    Instead of being a twunt, be nice. Smile. Say hello. Make them feel welcome, so they'll keep coming back.

    (Added bonus: You'll feel better too.)

    I totally agree with you. It actually makes me smile :happy: . There is this gentleman that I see at the gym regularly and it makes me happy to see him in there as often as me and working out so hard and deligently. So YEAH! don't be rude to the fat people because they are trying to not be in that category. You have to start somewhere...right?
  • DivaMoe40
    DivaMoe40 Posts: 159 Member
    I've never seen anyone be mean where I work out.

    Me either.
  • dirtyd89
    dirtyd89 Posts: 170
    I simply say f*** the haters and continue working out.
  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
    I've also not encountered this at the gym. Why would people roll their eyes at someone that is heavy at a gym? That makes no sense. But, like other people said there are some people that are just nasty, wherever they are. Also, sometimes there can be snobby, gossipy types that give everyone looks down their noses or huff and puff if you glance in their direction, or watch you and turn and whisper to each other, or say rude things directly to you. But, that is very unusual. They do that to everyone, and for no specific reason (it's just their form of entertainment). And usually they are young, just barely not teenagers anymore. Possibly it may be there own form of insecurity, and that's just how it comes out.
  • meinola
    meinola Posts: 36 Member
    They're exactly where they should be! And they have just as much right to be there as anyone else.

    Instead of being a twunt, be nice. Smile. Say hello. Make them feel welcome, so they'll keep coming back.

    (Added bonus: You'll feel better too.)

    TWUNT is my new favorite word. Awesomesauce.
  • bigfatbino
    bigfatbino Posts: 136 Member
    On the rare occasion I go to a gym, there's only two people there. Me and whoever is using the machine I'm waiting for.
  • Josalinn
    Josalinn Posts: 1,066 Member
    The only people I roll my eyes at when at the gym are the ladies with full on make up, bracelets and dangly earrings. I'm sorry but not only does it look out of place/ could be dangerous should heaven forbid your accessory get caught on something, but you don't look cute with your make up running down your face or if you are going so slow as to not produce any sweat, why bother?

    As for the fat people (whom i count myself among) I give an inside "Huzah!" because I think its fabulous they are there.
  • jenniebean1680
    jenniebean1680 Posts: 350 Member
    I dont, I roll my eyes at the dumbass guys throwing/dropping weights, or using up a bench chatting rather than working, when I need said bench. Is that ok?
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    I caught myself doing this once...

    Gal on a treadmill next to me would jog for a minute or so, jump on the sides of the treadmill...adjust hair...adjust armband...get a drink...jump back on for another couple minutes...jump on sides...adjust hair...adjust armband...get a drink.....repeat for 30 minutes or so. Whatever, it's your workout.

    As I was getting ready to leave I overheard a conversation between her and another gym goer..."I just ran 3 miles and really feel good afterward, but don't see the results I think I should".

    I found I rolled my eyes as I walked out the door because I was thinking...ya, that's because you only ran for 1/2 that.
  • meadow_sage
    meadow_sage Posts: 308 Member
    I am a very big woman...my maximum weight was about 430 lbs (current 350 something). I've never noticed anyone rolling their eyes, but I have noticed staring (I mean gawking!!!!). When I was younger, there were even a few tiny girls that were laughing at me. I've had people laugh at me when I went to dance (even people that I know LOVE me). Along time ago, that would bother me. Now, I couldn't care less. I am in my own world in the gym. With that being said, it does bother some people and just because you don't see it everyday, doesn't make it funny. Fat people are just that, fat PEOPLE. They aren't stupid or less than, in anyway. I don't think it is as bad as it used to be, probably because so many people are overweight and obese now. When I was younger I was made fun of everyday. Idk, it could be that I am more immune to it, after all these years.
  • MyChocolateDiet
    MyChocolateDiet Posts: 22,281 Member
    OMG, if you knew how many fat people rolled their eyes at me when I was skinny for saying any little thing. Mostly the same ish I say now, only now apparently it's funny since I'm overweight, but when I'm thin, it's "oh she's so stupid" *eyeroll*. Having been both, believe you me it happens WAY more in reverse. How about everyone just wear sunglasses so we can all just roll our eyes till they fall out with no one being the wiser.

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  • bregalad5
    bregalad5 Posts: 3,965 Member
    I'm fat, and about the worst I've gotten is a look of surprise at what I was able to do.

    This for me, too. People look at me with a shocked look on their face when they see that big girl wearing knee braces running and doing squats, and lunges... She may not be able to run fast or get down as far as your typical person, but she's doing them.

    I've rolled my eyes a couple times, but it was at someone moving into a spot they see I'm clearly using, or the guy 1/4 @ssing things while loudly talking on his cell phone about complete nonsense.

    I go to a parks and rec gym, so I'm sure the clientele is a bit different than your typical gym, but everyone at mine is super friendly and the staff is really nice, too.
  • Keiras_Mom
    Keiras_Mom Posts: 844 Member
    I sometimes forget I'm not the big girl anymore. When people stare at me, I think they're judging me for being overweight and at the gym. DH pointed out the other night that all the people staring were guys, and I was wearing something form-fitting. That made me feel even worse, until he said they weren't judging me negatively; they were checking me out. :blushing:

    Congratulations on your fantastic weight loss

    Great NSV

    Thanks!
  • SassyCalyGirl
    SassyCalyGirl Posts: 1,932 Member
    I roll my eyes at skinny girls who pick up 5 lbs dumbbells.


    this is just as rude as rolling your eyes at a "fat" person.
  • redhead1910
    redhead1910 Posts: 304 Member
    Everyone who is in the gym and actually working out and doing there best deserves to be there. Lifting free weights doesn't make you any better then anyone else. As long as someone is making an effort, they deserve respect. /endrant
  • jofjltncb6
    jofjltncb6 Posts: 34,415 Member
    so much drama and judgement......
    this is why I don't go to a gym and never will.

    I have encountered far more "drama and judgement" at the grocery store than I have at the gym...

    ...but I'm not going to stop buying groceries because of it.

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