Checking out/Getting checked out at the gym

Those good looking guys and gals had to start somewhere... Personally I have great respect toward anybody at the gym who is clearly giving it her best effort, sweating by the gallons. I look at them because I want to see how much they change in the next several months. I have no interest in people who do 10 minutes half hearted exercise on the stationary bike while browsing on their ipads or chatting with their bffs.

I don't mind getting checked out, I used to be so pathetically out of shape that I was practically invisible to the cool people. Just be thankful that you're not so ugly that people would rather not acknowledge your presence.

There's definitely some inspirational bodies at the gym : ) Im more shy of the fact that Im so out of shape. But its true everyone has worked hard to be where they're at :drinker:

I've felt the same. I started lifting weights about 6-8 weeks ago. I'm 47 years old, 25 lb overweight with a 44% body fat. I do NOT look good in my spandex workout capris, and the first couple of times working out with my trainer, I was pretty self-concious in the weight room full of bodybuilders.

But........the other day my trainer and I were working on hang cleans and one of the body builders happened to be using the space next to me. I was getting frustrated trying to follow my trainer's instructions. The BB actually stopped his workout, walked over and said, "Hey, listen, you've almost got it. It is one of the most difficult lifts there is and your form is better than some of these other guys in here, so don't give up. You'll get it!"

Now admittedly, he wasn't "checking me out" or flirting, but his comments 1) really went a long way in making me feel like I really did belong in the weight room, 2) made me realize that even buff body builder types are approachable and supportive, and 3) helped me get over my fear of the weight room.

use it as motivation to keep pushing

I def get 100% what you are saying.
I have been going to the same place on and off for a year.
I see a lot of the same ppl.
I may talk to one person once in awhile.
I walk in do what I gotta do and bounce.
I thought I would have luck talking to ppl and meeting ppl.
I just don't think I care that much.
If ppl try to talk to me, Im corgial, but I don't go out of my way ever to talk to anyone.
With some of us, It may always be that we are loners.

As an overweight girl (250 pounds), I get very insecure while walking in the gym. Especially the weight room. I get stared at all the time (especially if I am in the zone) and I also stare at people too when I workout, that's definitely normal. One day after I got done working out, I wiped down the machine and a personal trainer came up to me and said, "I just wanted to let you know that I am so proud of you. Don't you dare give up." That was about thirty pounds ago when I first started. Ever since then, I go into the gym and kill it every time (burning up to 500-1000 calories). I could careless if my face is red and if I am breathing heavily. When people stare, I take it as a compliment and push myself harder. Be proud of yourself and your body! If you've had a good workout, smile as you are getting off the machine and be proud of yourself. The gym is an overall positive place even if there are negative people in it.

One thing you need to realize is that we, serious gym users, are a small group in society compared to all the couch potatos out there. As the personal trainer told you, people who go to the gym to work out appreciate effort when they see it. We know it's hard work. Sure there are jerks, but that's true in any setting whether it's gym, school, campus, work, mall, you name it.