Fat People Power Walking?! Running?! Biking?!

shutupandlift13
shutupandlift13 Posts: 727 Member
edited January 26 in Motivation and Support
I wanted to share this because I see a lot of threads where people voice their concern about embarrassment of getting out and walking, running, biking, even going to the gym because they are overweight, out of shape, obese, etc. After a few rude experiences, I was one of those people myself.

But the other night I was driving home and I came across a man out walking in Cleveland. He was probably 6'0 nearing 300lbs. And he was out there trekking along, doing his thing. A lot of people worry that someone will drive by and yell rude things out the window while they are doing something active outside. You know what the first thought that crossed my mind was? No, it wasn't "man, he's fat." No, it wasn't "he really needs to lose some weight." No, it wasn't "move a little faster, bud!" It was, "Damn, that's fcking awesome! Good for that guy!" It was 9:30 at night and this guy was out putting work in to better his health. I should've rolled down my window and told him how excited/proud/thrilled to see someone out doing something like that, but I chickened out... maybe next time.

This same situation has happened a lot, I see all kinds of people out biking and running, walking and hiking, a lot of different shapes and sizes doing laps in the pool, and *gasp* LIFTING!. I have yet to think anything negative about these people. So don't be embarrassed, be proud! You are out working on getting fit and healthy.

And for every *kitten* that is willing to yell something out the window, there's probably 5 people driving by thinking how awesome you are or maybe even thinking how they really need to get out and do the same.

Replies

  • _chiaroscuro
    _chiaroscuro Posts: 1,340 Member
    The exact same thing happened to me on my way to work yesterday. I drove by a woman who was probably 250ish, trekking up a hill and wished I could tell her how awesome I thought she was. I have yet to figure out how to make that conversation not weird. I'm a chicken too. ;)
  • mazdauk
    mazdauk Posts: 1,380 Member
    A welcome reminder to all those who've become complacent that everyone starts somewhere - there was a comment on another thread that "proof cardio doesn't work - fat people on treadmills".

    Unfortunately, wanting to lose weight and get in shape doesn't result in an instant 50lb+ weight loss and a lean physique capable of running a marathon (or lifting heavy, if that's the side you favour).

    People's weight excess arises from different issues - although the basic tends to be eating too much, for some there may have been forced inactivity due to physical health issues.

    Well done to that guy - and all of us - for taking those first steps towards a better future. We were all there once!:flowerforyou:
  • Pearsquared
    Pearsquared Posts: 1,656 Member
    The exact same thing happened to me on my way to work yesterday. I drove by a woman who was probably 250ish, trekking up a hill and wished I could tell her how awesome I thought she was. I have yet to figure out how to make that conversation not weird. I'm a chicken too. ;)
    I know right? It's like, how do you say something like that without making it sound like you're mocking them? I really want to say something sometimes because a situation like that can really make my day with how motivating it is.
  • notworthstalking
    notworthstalking Posts: 531 Member
    I totally agree. I have also never heard my husband or father say anything bad about people trying. I will also say that the moment people no matter their size start moving their body's, they instantly start to look better. So go out at do your thing :)
  • PlayerHatinDogooder
    PlayerHatinDogooder Posts: 1,018 Member
    And for every *kitten* that is willing to yell something out the window, there's probably 5 people driving by thinking how awesome you are or maybe even thinking how they really need to get out and do the same.

    ^This 100%

    When I was overweight and running I had people cheering me on and congratulating me whenever I went outside. I also had one guy roll down his window and call me a 'fat c**t'. Did it get me mad? Yes. But just because there's one jerk out there doesn't take away my progress.

    I saw that guy a couple of months later after I was at my goal weight and he apologized and congratulated me. If you remain hard working and consistent you'll get the respect you deserve. Treat mean comments like water off a duck.
  • haidos
    haidos Posts: 69
    I hope one day I can appreciate this!
    at the moment I go for a run either late in the day because there will be alot less people around the park (although there's always loitering teens) or with someone else and we take less notice of people, although we're both quite wary of them.
  • RoseTears143
    RoseTears143 Posts: 1,121 Member
    Another thing to keep in mind is a lot of people project their own self esteem issues onto other people and see in their faces disappointment or ridicule that isn't really there.

    As an example, I remember reading a thread awhile back where a woman proudly posted that she was an overweight runner that was running in a park and ran past a rather fit looking woman that had a certain look on her face so this woman proceeded to shout something back at the fit woman something along the lines of "Yes I'm fat but I can still run!" and laughed and continued about her way. The problem with this I had was how did this woman know that the look on the fit woman's face had anything to do with the overweight runner passing her? It was probably a coincidence that she passed as that woman was thinking about something or any other number of reasons.

    With that being said, I think it's great for everyone to overcome any fears they have about getting outside and running or biking at any weight. I would probably chicken out if I drove passed someone running or hiking as well unless I was also running or hiking. I regularly wave or smile or give a thumbs up to people as I pass in the opposite direction or the like when I'm outside getting my exercise in. I love the morale boost I get back when they smile back or wave too. Like a silent acknowledgement of "Yea, we're gettin it in!" :flowerforyou:
  • clobern
    clobern Posts: 341 Member
    I am the same way. I am in no way fit, but everyday I see people who are in much worse shape than me. When I see some of those people outside walking or jogging or riding a bike, I don't laugh... I smile to myself and think "Man, that is awesome! I hope he keeps at it, go you!" And it makes me want to keep on doing what I'm doing.

    Rude people will be rude whether you're overweight, skinny, ugly, sexy, tall, short... doesn't matter. They feed off being rude and that is what they will do. Screw 'em! Keep inspiring!
  • Lesa_Sass
    Lesa_Sass Posts: 2,213 Member
    Big people out exercising make me happy and INSPIRE ME! I cheer and applaud. I want to beep at them but I am scared they will take it the wrong way and think I am making fun of them.

    I was super busy one day and was not going to make the time to exercise. I was driving along and saw a large girl out running, I GOT JEALOUS and happily came home and put my run before cleaning the house. So then I got my endorphin high while getting my chores done. All because I saw a big girl running. :smile:
  • kendrafallon
    kendrafallon Posts: 1,030 Member
    I hope one day I can appreciate this!
    at the moment I go for a run either late in the day because there will be alot less people around the park (although there's always loitering teens) or with someone else and we take less notice of people, although we're both quite wary of them.
    I'm pretty much the same, I prefer running first thing or late, simply because of there are fewer people about. I find it hard work to motivate myself to go running because the sods that make comments. Once I'm out and actually running I'm fine.

    I think it's the same for any sport or keep-fit activity. My size and weight is what put me off doing martial arts for several years, but I'm now a 4kup (Blue Belt) in Tae Kwon Do and wouldn't give it up for anything.

    We all have to start somewhere.
  • Mexicanbigfoot
    Mexicanbigfoot Posts: 520 Member
    A welcome reminder to all those who've become complacent that everyone starts somewhere - there was a comment on another thread that "proof cardio doesn't work - fat people on treadmills".

    Unfortunately, wanting to lose weight and get in shape doesn't result in an instant 50lb+ weight loss and a lean physique capable of running a marathon (or lifting heavy, if that's the side you favour).

    People's weight excess arises from different issues - although the basic tends to be eating too much, for some there may have been forced inactivity due to physical health issues.

    Well done to that guy - and all of us - for taking those first steps towards a better future. We were all there once!:flowerforyou:

    Thank you!! I go to an all women's gym and I like it, but at the same time I feel like alot of the women are very judgemental, especially some of the younger and slimmer girls.

    But I have kept going, 4 days a week for almost 6 months now and I hold my head up high and sweat it out. I never leave looking cute like some of them.

    I know I have done something good for my body and that makes me proud. When I started at 357 pounds, I would get on the elliptical for 2-3 minutes at a time until I could not do anymore. I never quit. (Over the time I've been going, I've worked up to 45 minutes now.)

    I commend ANYONE who is willing to get out there and move, no matter weight or age! :flowerforyou:
  • melmckay99
    melmckay99 Posts: 358
    I am the same! I always get this urge inside me to encourage those who are just starting out and even though I don't know them, I feel very proud of them for for all their efforts and dedication! As already mentioned, everyone starts somewhere. I would never critisize anyone for exercising and wanting to better themselves by living a healthier and more active lifestyle!!!!
  • hippikris
    hippikris Posts: 32 Member
    Amen to this post.
    I am a woman who goes to the gym and has been going on and off for the past couple of years, and I used to have that feeling that people were judging me. that was until recently, when 2 things occured. first, I was out walking one morning, when a women close to my size was driving by and stopped to tell me that she admired the fact that I was out walking and doing laps. she said " I give you credit that is what I should be ddoing, good for you" I had never seen this woman before in my life. so that made me feel good.
    the second was a friend of mine posting on his facebook, that he was at his gym working out and he is so motivated and gives so much credit to the heavy or large people for coming in and working so hard.
    I have learned that I am my most critical judge, and that it does not matter what other think or say, and that most of the time they are not paying any attention to me anyway. I have to take care of me.

    so to all the bigger folks working out, running, walking, you keep it up, and do not worry about what other people may think.
  • Lyerin
    Lyerin Posts: 818 Member
    I am self-conscious about running, so I do it in the early AM when almost no one else is there. However, I too notice that when I see someone exercising I always think "good for him/her!" or "man, I wish that was me!" I never think about how overweight the person is or out of shape - they are actually out there doing it.
  • Mia_RagazzaTosta
    Mia_RagazzaTosta Posts: 4,885 Member
    :flowerforyou:
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