When did you feel 'slim' enough for gym?

Every gym I've ever been to has a combination of fit & healthy folks and people who are average or heavy and simply trying to get healthier. It isn't like the high school PE classes in there and if it is, join a different gym.

If you're reluctant: see if you can get a trial membership for a week or two and test the waters. If it doesn't feel right or you're uncomfortable look for a different place. I promise you: you'll find a gym that works for you if you try it out. I've been a member at a couple of different gyms. The first was right next to our local high school and, while the fellow gym clients varied in age and athletic ability... I thought it was a little too loud, busy, and dirty for me.

The second gym was filled with middle aged to older folks, with trainers constantly available, very tidy, and tons of opportunities (classes, wellness coaching, etc., etc.). It was a perfect fit. Shop around to find a gym that works best for you.

I totally understand how you feel. I avoiding working out with free weights in my gym for the longest time, mainly because I worried about people looking at me and thinking, "You don't know what you're doing, and you don't belong here." A couple of things helped me get over that hurdle:
1.) Join a gym that fits you. Different gyms have different atmospheres. Like someone else mentioned, you should tour a few gyms in your area, and find one that seems to have a more welcoming atmosphere, and is populated by people at all different levels of fitness and all different levels of weight. I can tell you, if you look around my gym, you will see people at every step of the journey, and they're all just working it out. No judgment. We're all just there to get healthier and more fit.
2.) Join a class. If you feel like you don't know what you're doing, or like you don't belong, sometimes being in a supportive group atmosphere can help you feel more comfortable and more able to venture out on your own to other parts of the gym. In my experience, the people in group fitness classes come from all levels of fitness, and are some of the most supportive people in the world.
3.) Set a deadline for yourself. Ultimately, that's what I had to do with the free weights thing. I just had to decide: by this date, no matter what, I will start working out with free weights in public. If you wait until you feel comfortable doing it, it will just never happen. But if you DO it, you will eventually feel comfortable.

I used to feel the same way, afraid of people looking at me and judging me. But really, until you just do it, you very well may never feel that you belong. You'll lose 10 more pounds and think, well, my belly still jiggles, so you'll wait for another 10 pounds, mentally you'll keep making excuses not to just go for it. Don't play that game with yourself, just bite the bullet and dive in. I joined my gym at 210 pounds and horribly out of shape. I was embarrassed and felt out of place. But after walking through that door the first few times I got over it. Now I feel like I belong there, just as much as the skinny chicks and the muscle head young guys. Just do it, you won't regret it!

most people will be nothing but supportive and encouraging, i just saw a quote the other day "Why the $%&^ would you make fun of a fat person at the gym when you have concrete visible proof that they are actively trying to fix the problem". Go, you wont believe how much better you will feel, not just physically but emotionally as well. Start slow, don't be afraid to get to know the staff. and most importantly have a little fun!

I felt a little weird being 260lbs and 5'3" tall joining a gym but I did. I went every day just started by walking on the treadmill ( holding the rails). I realized no one there was paying attention to me so it made it easier. I still use the rails because I have a problem walking sideways so holding forces me to walk straight..

I'm not going to lie, I am scared that some day I'm going to find my pic on some website being made fun of for trying to run on the treadmill or doing some of the weight machines. I know I look weird being this big, but I am trying guys. I made a mistake, and I am attempting to fix it. Bullying, fat shaming... no one should suffer from that. No one is perfect, NO ONE.

I've never really felt "slim enough" and still don't but I went when I was almost 300lbs and I don't regret it one bit. If you're feeling judged at that gym, then find a different gym. There are lots of "no judgement" gyms around! You will be glad that you did.

Also, maybe the gym isn't your "thing" it took me awhile to find out what my "thing" was.

I can tell you this much -- the people at the gym are FAR less likely to judge you than the people at the grocery store. But, you still go buy groceries (presumably), right?

When I started walking I was 399 pounds. I was walking outside and I was CONVINCED that everyone was staring at me and judging me. Someone said to me, and it hurt my feelings at the time, but it is spot on -- "It is pretty conceited to think everyone out there gives a *kitten* about you. Seriously, no one cares."

Here's a tip -- they stare when you are skinny, too.

Do what you feel comfortable with, but don't let others control your life. By NOT going to the gym because oif what you perceive others may think - you are allowing other people to control your destiny. Just do it.

I'm a slim girl and when I see overweight people in the gym I cheer them on in my head.

You've lost 76 POUNDS!!! Just go! You're amazing!

I was 340 lbs when I started going to the gym - No one pointed and stared at the fat woman sweating and usually cursing.

I understand that it is a confidence issue... but you have a right to be anywhere and do anything no matter what size you are

You've lost quite a bit of weight already - I would tell you that if you want to go to the gym, just go. I never had any issues

good luck

I have never felt ridiculed or uncomfortable at the gym. You join when you want to get healthy. if anyone says something, just reply "we all have to start somewhere." and move on to the next exercise. If you're really uncomfortable there is an app that links with MFP, Sworkit that's free. I recommend the pro version ($ .99)as it has videos to show you how to do the exercises.

I too started on day 1, where I saw my HR skyrocket to 150 bpm after 15 minutes of walking 2.5 mph on the treadmill.

There are 2 options:
1) No one cares what you're doing (most likely)
2) Someone cares. In this case, why should you?

Let me flip this around, if you are concerned about what others think, then you can look forward to the day that people walk up to you out of the blue and compliment you on your progress. This happens to me occasionally now. #notsohumblebrag

I've never really felt "slim" enough for much of anything, but that hasn't stopped me from going to the gym. I actually enjoy it! It isn't full of only fit healthy people - there are also lots of overweight, unhealthy people who are there for the same reason as you. I just usually use it as motivation - if I see a woman in the gym with a physique that I admire, I just use that as motivation to work hard and get to that point myself! In my experience, most people there aren't too judgmental and a lot of them are helpful or supportive. Give people a little credit - they aren't as bad as all that. Hope you join a gym soon - I think once you just go, you will love it! Good luck to you.

If you're afraid of how people perceive you, as I was, no amount of pep talk or motivational speeches can get you to disregard that feeling.

I felt slim enough to go to the gym when I realized that an overweight person not working out would have a far bigger "jury" than the one who does something for him/herself. (might not be the best way of reasoning, but it worked for me)

...and that the fit persons at the gym got in that great shape by going there, because this is what the gym is: a place to get in shape. I felt slim enough when I realized that losing weight to go to the gym would be just as eating at home to feel full before going to a restaurant