Obese in the gym?
Replies
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As title, is anywhere here reaaaally overweight and still goes to the gym? I've been on MFP for 4 weeks now, and lost 10lb in those 4 weeks just through calorie counting. I've been reading (and reading and reading) about weight lifting, and it's something I'd like to do, but I'm terrified to go into the gym. I've only recently dropped below 300lb, but I am getting a little fitter (better able to walk up stairs and generally walk around!)
I'm not sure if I should just start a routine at home and wait until I've lost more weight before hitting the gym. Tbh, the whole idea of the gym terrifies me.
Is there anybody here who is really overweight and goes to the gym?
Good job! Great 4wk consistency! And congrats on your 10lb loss!
Actually I am medically obese. I went to the YMCA early today because there are fewer people early on Saturdays; and I wore all black which made me feel less hugeness.
My Y seems to have fewer body builders (who I find intimidating) than some other gyms. This Y community draws a family crowd, and lots of retired people.
My goal is to use weight machines every other day, and cardio on the elliptical every day.
Good luck with your activities, whatever you choose.0 -
No one is going to judge you, I've found that it' actually the opposite. Overweight people are encouraged.
If you have a lot of medical problems though like high blood pressure, prediabetes, or anything like that I'd get checked out by a doctor before doing any vigorous exercise.0 -
Ask for a 1 week trial, give the gym a go, and if you don't feel comfortable, look for another gym.
As a regular gym go-er, when I see an obese person at the gym I just want to wish them the best.0 -
How about going for a walk instead of going to the gym - works for me just fine!
Because the OP specified wanting to try weight lifting. :-)
The first time I joined a gym I was at least 100 pounds overweight and horribly out of shape. Someone told me to start out at 10 minutes on the elliptical - I made it for 5 minutes, and just barely. Every day I went 1 minute longer until I could use it for 20 minutes. I was bright red & sucking wind. My cousin stopped once to ask if I was okay because I apparently looked that alarming. I didn't pay attention to anybody else, and am pretty sure nobody else was paying attention to me either.
I started lifting weights a year ago. I did hire a personal trainer, and I still work out with him three times a week. Best thing I ever did.0 -
At 350lbs, I went to a a CERTAIN gym off hours, signed up, got a tour was feeling pretty good about myself. THEN I went during peak time and it was WALL to WALL people, crazy pressure, and I fell NOTHING but self conscioius judgement comparisons (I KNOW MY OWN ISSUES OF WHAT PEOPLE ARE THINKING) and I fought through the emotions a few times; but just couldn't maintain, the emotional battle was too hard.
A couple years later, same weight I joined a gym with a friend, they had a smaller, more private women's only section with treadmill, bikes, elliptical, and weight machines. Went at a variety of times before signing up (guest passes are the way to go), SO MUCH BETTER atmosphere. Not to mention they have lots of group activities (which I love), wallyball, yoga, spin classes, zumba, etc.
ALL that being said... GO VISIT them. Walk around, envision yourself feeling comfortable there, EVEN IN THE LOCKER ROOM. Tell yourself you BELONG there. You will be a paying customer like EVERYBODY ELSE, which gives you a RIGHT to be there NO MATTER WHAT YOUR BODY looks like. (Think Pretty Woman.) And if you FEEL comfortable in the space and with the people you see working out (more attitude than body shape) then THAT Is your gym.
Don't make it about convenience or money, make your GYM choice about where you KNOW you will get your workouts accomplished.
The others are right... you will be AMAZED to see how many of us BIG PEOPLE are getting our butts out there and GETTING IT DONE!!! But there are plenty of nice looking fit people too, don't think they are judging you, just enjoy the EYE CANDY and whisper to yourself... I'm gonna be my OWN brand of HOTNESS, if I stick with it!!!0 -
I have nothing but tons of respect for anyone that is obese or overweight and is going to the gym, and it's sad that anyone has to feel self-conscious about being there, when being there is truly one of the best things they could be doing.0
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I signed up when 303lbs and started swimming, walking on the treadmill and using the elliptical (on a low setting). I'm 93lbs down, run 4 times a week (I'm training for a half marathon!) and love the gym now. Just go for it, no one who's there for their own fitness, whatever level that may be, will judge you badly. Good luck :flowerforyou:0
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You can do stuff at home & you don't need any equipment. In fact your weight at the present time is more than enough. Body-weight exercises are fantastic. You are your own gym.0
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I used to be terrified of going to the gym. I was so worried that everyone would be laughing at me for being so much bigger than them. It would depress me and I would end up stop trying altogether.
Now, I honestly don't care. The gym I go to is a local YMCA, it's a huge complex and always busy, even in the mornings. Everyone's doing their own thing. I always make a point to look people in the eye and smile when I go by. I'm there, I'm trying. It doesn't matter how I look at the gym! We're all there doing the same thing, we're just all at different places on the journey.
To make it fun, I have a collection of geeky t-shirts I wear to the gym, including one of these
My gym bag is a Tardis!
Just go and have fun, if you're ready. Try not to worry about everyone else!
Where did you get this shirt? It's awesome!!!
Glad you like it! Here's the link
http://www.lookhuman.com/design/41347-working-off-my-adipose ^_^0 -
The gym is for getting fit! I plan on going as soon as I have a car0
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I do! I got a trainer to help me learn how to exercise, how to use machines and weights and my own body. When I go to the gym without my trainer, I do the things she's taught me and I just do my thing. It seems to me that everyone is just doing their thing. I've even had words of encouragement from others working out. At first I was apprehensive because of my size and my workout clothes, but I quickly realized leaving the gym sweaty and feeling high from my workout far out weighs my fears.0
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When I go to the gym & see obese folks there, I say "good for you! keep it up." When I first started I felt very self-conscious, but discovered that while you might catch someone looking your way, people are generally too involved in their own workout to be judgmental. I've also decided that "I don't know other people's story." - which means that when I see that fit person kicking *kitten*, maybe they were obese when they got here & rocked their workouts; or when I see that person lifting very little weight when they look capable of doing more, maybe they're rehabbing an injury. So go ahead & hit the gym - Shop around & find the one you feel most comfortable with - & I wish you much success. : )0
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1). Go to the mall.
2) Find the store that puts letters on shirts.
3). Have shirt made that says:
So what, I'm effing trying.
4) Wear it loud. Wear it proud.
^This^0 -
I've been the biggest person at the gym. Thing to remember is that most people are there for themselves exclusively and so they are not even going to notice or care, and most like many responses here, people there are going to see you (i notice people just naturally look at each other especially if it's a new person... we are all curious and not judging) and go "yeah, good for that person," not "omg why is that person here." So, no reason to be self-conscious. Yes people look at other people but that happens when walking down the street, no different. Less people will be judgmental at the gym than other environments because most are there for self-improvement and many were right where you are now so they totally understand.0
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I was 290 when I started on MFP. Was going to the gym from the beginning. Was never an issue.0
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A lot of folks have mentioned the Y. I think that's a great place to start. The rates are reasonable so you don't spend a lot of money while you're figuring out what you like, don't like (i.e. swimming, weight-lifting, treadmills, elliptical, etc.). Then, once you've tried it all out and figure out what you like best and would like to focus on more, you can start looking for a different gym that's more in tune with your goals; maybe you find you hate swimming and want a place with more weight lift focus or whatever and, by then, you'll likely have lost a little weight and lifted your self-confidence level and won't feel so shy about going in. The Y is also chock-full of diversity making you a lot less self-conscious. 80 year old men hittin' up the pool. Obese women doin' water aerobics classes, middle-aged pudgy men jogging on treadmills, slightly over-weight moms doin' yoga, younger kids always on the basketball court, and the super-buff lifting free weights. If you can imagine it, it's there and no one cares. The Y also promotes a certain standard of actions; they don't tolerate behavior that's not respectable and respectful to others. For me, it was a great place to start at and not feel so self-conscious and I found numerous people there that were more than willing to help me along my journey.0
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I was right around 250 when I started, my lifting buddy hasn't lost a pound, so he's still in the 275-280 range. Nothing wrong with being overweight and going to the gym, we all have to start somewhere.
Rigger0 -
Go to the gym if that's what you desire..we all start somewhere! It's hard to take that first step and even to this day I am still one of the largest in the gym at my hour (women that is). I workout in the weight area with all the men too. You just have to focus on why you are there and try and forget those around you. I really doubt anyone is judging you..although I know how your mind can make you believe that ,as i've felt that way many times. If anything I've had numerous people(skinny) say I inspire them which feels great. Put some weights in my hands and let me do my thing and I feel like a badass..I could care less what they think! lol So go,be proud and have a great workout. 0
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I. Go to the Y. I weigh 262. For what it is worth, my water fitness class has a mixture of all sizes, ages and men and women. One of the instructors told me that if I can handle that class, I can do other classes.
I will be using some of the weights and machines.0 -
I think you'll find that most people who are super fit have struggled with weight at one time or another. As such, most people at the gym will be supportive and encouraging. Don't be afraid to go. Be proud that you are there!0
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I am obese, 60 yrs. old and decided to join Planet Fitness. I have only been one time but I noticed that everyone was so involved with what they were doing that no one paid me any attention. The only complaint I have is that the staff look about 15 years old and only help or pay attention to the skinny, young people. I figured out the 30 min. circuit myself, did it, felt good about me and left smiling (and sweaty):bigsmile:0
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1). Go to the mall.
2) Find the store that puts letters on shirts.
3). Have shirt made that says:
So what, I'm effing trying.
4) Wear it loud. Wear it proud.
^^^ Love this :drinker:0 -
Love this!0
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If you want to go to the gym...GO! Who cares what anyone thinks...I don't. When I go it is for me, for my life, for my health. Sitting at home won't get you to your goals, (unless you can work out the same at home.) The gym I use is at a college rec center. The majority of people there are college students, I'm 50. Do I look out of place? Probably, but who really cares? These aren't my friends. (The reality is some have been quite sweet to the old gal huffing and puffing away beside them.) Most people are in their own "zone" anyways when working out. I have heard of people who have been treated poorly at the gym. If this happens you will just have to stay strong and ignore it. Put in your earbuds and do your thing gf. One day they will look at you and be jealous! Ha!0
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Never weighed more than 200lbs but don't pay attention to others in the gym or assume what they think. A lot of people aren't even looking at you0
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I started out at 320 in the gym and I don't even really care anymore. I am 297 now and there are even bigger people than me. We are just people trying to get healthy. If people stare or are rude they are the ones with the problem. People stereotype obese as lazy and people who don't ever exercise...so how can you be those things if you are working out? Just go for you and don't mind the other people. Go with friends if you can. Bring some music to tune people out.0
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If people notice you at all, all they will think is "rock on!" The gym is probably the last place anyone will think badly of you for trying to get into better shape.0
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There have been guys in the 400s at my gym, and the general attitude towards them is "good on ya". My gym puts peoples before and after photos in the front to inspire people too.0
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You have nothing to worry about, my concerns were exactly the same as yours and they were completely unfounded.
As a matter of fact I can't even get anyone to notice me at the gym I attend, it's gotten to the point that I'll actually initiate a conversation (very brief) just to break the odd sort of tension that seems to be in the air. I truly don't understand what people are thinking, most of the people whom I see are in much better physical shape than I'm in and they act like it's the end of the world to make eye contact. When you make eye contact with someone even accidentally just be polite and smile or nod or say have a great workout and go on with your business!
In retrospect they might be/have been just as nervous as I was.0 -
Everyone who goes to the gym had to start somewhere! People dontbwalk in the gym the first day skinny and buff. Its hard work. Keep that in mind. Everyone has a first day! You can order some great workout videos on Amazon for cheap (I like Jillian Michaels). Feel free to add me for support or if you would like me to share how I lost my weight. Good luck and keep your head up!
while I weigh less than the OP, my first day at the gym was this past Monday. you are definitely right about the not walking in skinny and buff. it does take hard work but it is also nice to be able to look at those around me and say "that's where I want to be". In my opinion though, OP, if you feel comfortable, Go for it! and trust me, your confidence will build.0
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