Being the only fatty in the gym class...

Try not to think about it so much. The "fit" people in class were probably not always that way. They may look at you and think "good for her. I remember being there once". If you exude confidence and stick with it they may start noticing changes and you may even get some compliments! I'm also sure you're not the only one in class not happy with your body at the moment, everyone is there for a reason.

Trust me, people are more impressed that you're out there than anything. I've come to realize that at most gym classes people spend 90% of their time trying to make sure that they look their best while doing the exercises, and 10% actually listening to the class instructor, they don't have any focus left to give those around them more than a passing thought!

I know how you feel.
When I started Jazzercise I described myself as "the fat chick in the last row that's always out of step". I'd get so discourages that I'd leave the class in frustration. I'd sit in my car and cry.
I kept going back for two reasons. I knew I really wanted to dance and the ladies there were friendly. I started asking the instructor, after class, to show me the steps that I needed help with. She was glad to help. I also saw that there were women of all ages and fitness levels there.
Now, I've been been going to Jazzercise since 2004 and have made many friends there. I try to greet new people, like I was welcomed.
Hang in there. Don't be shy to request modifications to any moves that you need help with. Try not to compare yourself with others, but concentrate on your own progress. If possible, say hi to some one else who looks like they need encouragement.

You're probably too busy struggling with the exercise to see when others are struggling!

There's always going to be somebody better than you, or thinner than you, so don't worry about that. By going, you're trying to change yourself and that's the important thing.

I lost over 20 pounds and I still sweat like a pig within 5 minutes of a cardio class! I was also one of the heavier ones in my class when I first started, as it was kickboxing and people simply thought I couldn't do it. Prove them wrong, and quite honestly who cares what you look like. You're still doing better than everyone else not exercising! Keep up the good work

Maybe there's a lot of former fatties in your class. Don't worry about it, definitely don't let it stop you going!

every day. we all start somehwere. Screw those other people, I am doing this for me.

I'm heavy too and recently started working out at the gym taking the group classes. Believe me I started dripping in sweat after the first five minutes too while everyone else was nice and pretty. At the beginning I did feel embarrassed but after class I was proud of myself for finishing it. I never realized how strong I was for finishing the class. Now instead of being embarrassed I push more so I can get the results and everyone at my gym will see how much weight I've lost. Remember this is for you, and no one else.

Everyone's gotta start somewhere. Like others have said, I'm sure all those other fit people in the class were not always that way. They are probably thinking, good for her for getting out and trying to make a change. Don't worry about anything, just focus on you and what you are doing.

If it helps, I start to drip with sweat literally 5/10 minutes into any class I do. As others have said they were probably once where you are at the moment. Honestly, whenever I see a bigger person exercising I feel proud of them. Also, the others in your class are probably struggling too but all you're seeing is that they are slimmer than you. Keep up the good work. xo

In my experience, fit people sincerely just want everyone else to realize how much better it is to be fit. It's the couch potatoes who judge, not the fit ones. Use them as inspiration. You'll get there, and they'll welcome you when you do. Sweating is a good sign, by the way. If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.

Dont worry about what others think, you will drive yourself crazy. I know its hard though. Look at it like this everyone had to start from somewhere. They could have been in your shoes before. Be inspired that you have the motivation to be in class. The more you go the stronger you will become and you will be outworking the others. Sweating is a good, when I workout I want to be drenched, if not I think its a waste. Keep your head up.

This applies more to running than classes but I think the message is still appropriate. Someone posted this a while back and I keep it printed at my desk with a picture I found on FB of a guy running with the words "No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everyone on the couch". These have both motivated me and calmed some of my anxiety. I hope they help you as well. Good luck!




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.

In my experience, fit people sincerely just want everyone else to realize how much better it is to be fit.

^^ THIS!!

When I see someone working out who potentially is a newbie to healthy lifestyle, I tend to think "Go Girl/Boy!" It's EXTRA admirable because getting started IS the hardest part.....Eveyone has to start somewhere, just dont give up. Somewhere down the line you could be the slim/fit girl ready to make a newbie feel more welcome! :-)