New people with shame issues at the gym
arewethereyet
Posts: 18,702 Member
Hi...I wanted to post something on an issue a lot of people have.
When I first signed up for the gym I was ashamed of my weight and body. I was sure everyone was looking at me thinking
"who is she fooling, she wont last" I didnt sign up for yoga,pilates or exercise classes let alone touch the dead weights in the weight room, for the same reason. I mean the girls that are in there are all 120 pounds.
Well one day this all changed for me, and I realiized NOONE cares what I look like, they are concerned with what THEY look like, that is why they are there...well most of them anyway.
I had decided the treadmill was boring and I wanted to kick up my routine. The elliptical machines were very popular so I tried one out.
Well I lasted maybe 5 minutes and thought the oxygen masks were going to fall from the ceiling. But I continued to do my 5 min and increase by 1 min a day for about a week.
The 2nd week I was on for say 10 minutes when a young buff guy stands infront of me (this is what they do when they are waiting for a machine), like "I know this fatty isnt going to be long"
He stood there, staring right at me, looking at his watch. I was so angry...no way I am getting off that machine. That was the 1st time i did 45 minutes..sweating like a pig...feeling like Rocky!
I smiled at him as I got off the machine and said (in gasping breaths) "Hey, bet you thought it was going to be a short wait" He looked bewildered and said " I am waiting for my girlfriend on the machine next to you, I am done with my work out, great job on yours!!"
My point is....go...do your work out.....use ALL the machines...ask for info on lifting the dead weights as they are very beneficial. NO ONE cares...they are actually thinking
"look at that girl over there, that is what I used to be like!" cant wait to see the new you!
When I first signed up for the gym I was ashamed of my weight and body. I was sure everyone was looking at me thinking
"who is she fooling, she wont last" I didnt sign up for yoga,pilates or exercise classes let alone touch the dead weights in the weight room, for the same reason. I mean the girls that are in there are all 120 pounds.
Well one day this all changed for me, and I realiized NOONE cares what I look like, they are concerned with what THEY look like, that is why they are there...well most of them anyway.
I had decided the treadmill was boring and I wanted to kick up my routine. The elliptical machines were very popular so I tried one out.
Well I lasted maybe 5 minutes and thought the oxygen masks were going to fall from the ceiling. But I continued to do my 5 min and increase by 1 min a day for about a week.
The 2nd week I was on for say 10 minutes when a young buff guy stands infront of me (this is what they do when they are waiting for a machine), like "I know this fatty isnt going to be long"
He stood there, staring right at me, looking at his watch. I was so angry...no way I am getting off that machine. That was the 1st time i did 45 minutes..sweating like a pig...feeling like Rocky!
I smiled at him as I got off the machine and said (in gasping breaths) "Hey, bet you thought it was going to be a short wait" He looked bewildered and said " I am waiting for my girlfriend on the machine next to you, I am done with my work out, great job on yours!!"
My point is....go...do your work out.....use ALL the machines...ask for info on lifting the dead weights as they are very beneficial. NO ONE cares...they are actually thinking
"look at that girl over there, that is what I used to be like!" cant wait to see the new you!
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Replies
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Hi...I wanted to post something on an issue a lot of people have.
When I first signed up for the gym I was ashamed of my weight and body. I was sure everyone was looking at me thinking
"who is she fooling, she wont last" I didnt sign up for yoga,pilates or exercise classes let alone touch the dead weights in the weight room, for the same reason. I mean the girls that are in there are all 120 pounds.
Well one day this all changed for me, and I realiized NOONE cares what I look like, they are concerned with what THEY look like, that is why they are there...well most of them anyway.
I had decided the treadmill was boring and I wanted to kick up my routine. The elliptical machines were very popular so I tried one out.
Well I lasted maybe 5 minutes and thought the oxygen masks were going to fall from the ceiling. But I continued to do my 5 min and increase by 1 min a day for about a week.
The 2nd week I was on for say 10 minutes when a young buff guy stands infront of me (this is what they do when they are waiting for a machine), like "I know this fatty isnt going to be long"
He stood there, staring right at me, looking at his watch. I was so angry...no way I am getting off that machine. That was the 1st time i did 45 minutes..sweating like a pig...feeling like Rocky!
I smiled at him as I got off the machine and said (in gasping breaths) "Hey, bet you thought it was going to be a short wait" He looked bewildered and said " I am waiting for my girlfriend on the machine next to you, I am done with my work out, great job on yours!!"
My point is....go...do your work out.....use ALL the machines...ask for info on lifting the dead weights as they are very beneficial. NO ONE cares...they are actually thinking
"look at that girl over there, that is what I used to be like!" cant wait to see the new you!0 -
I felt like that the first few times I went to the gym..
I finally realized that the people there arent making fun of you, and arent betting on how long you last...if anything they are hoping you succeed greatly and are anxious to see your progress and your happiness and confidence increase.
Plus, most of the people at the gym are not concentrated on you, they are concentrated on theirselves and their own workouts.
:happy:
Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter0 -
Hi...I wanted to post something on an issue a lot of people have.
When I first signed up for the gym I was ashamed of my weight and body. I was sure everyone was looking at me thinking
"who is she fooling, she wont last" I didnt sign up for yoga,pilates or exercise classes let alone touch the dead weights in the weight room, for the same reason. I mean the girls that are in there are all 120 pounds.
Well one day this all changed for me, and I realiized NOONE cares what I look like, they are concerned with what THEY look like, that is why they are there...well most of them anyway.
I had decided the treadmill was boring and I wanted to kick up my routine. The elliptical machines were very popular so I tried one out.
Well I lasted maybe 5 minutes and thought the oxygen masks were going to fall from the ceiling. But I continued to do my 5 min and increase by 1 min a day for about a week.
The 2nd week I was on for say 10 minutes when a young buff guy stands infront of me (this is what they do when they are waiting for a machine), like "I know this fatty isnt going to be long"
He stood there, staring right at me, looking at his watch. I was so angry...no way I am getting off that machine. That was the 1st time i did 45 minutes..sweating like a pig...feeling like Rocky!
I smiled at him as I got off the machine and said (in gasping breaths) "Hey, bet you thought it was going to be a short wait" He looked bewildered and said " I am waiting for my girlfriend on the machine next to you, I am done with my work out, great job on yours!!"
My point is....go...do your work out.....use ALL the machines...ask for info on lifting the dead weights as they are very beneficial. NO ONE cares...they are actually thinking
"look at that girl over there, that is what I used to be like!" cant wait to see the new you!
What a great story!!! That helps with my self consiousness when I'm trundling down the sidewalk with a 3lb weight in each hand feeling silly!!0 -
I smiled at him as I got off the machine and said (in gasping breaths) "Hey, bet you thought it was going to be a short wait" He looked bewildered and said " I am waiting for my girlfriend on the machine next to you, I am done with my work out, great job on yours!!"
good motivational point to this story but seriously LAUGHED OUT LOUD @ his response!!!!!! too funny! but hey, it was the motivation you needed to push yourself so great!:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:0 -
..they are actually thinking
"look at that girl over there, that is what I used to be like!" cant wait to see the new you!
That is EXACTLY what I'm thinking! I'm in good shape, but not perfect. . .but I used to nearly die at the gym. Just keep going. That's all it takes. I used to get up at 4:30 to get to the gym when it first opened so no one was there. I could only go for 5 minutes on the treadmill the first time.
Just start and keep going and you will amaze yourself! So True!:flowerforyou:0 -
Great story!0
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so true!
I have gone into the gym and had a young guy say...you are looking so good! then he ruins it with...I wish my mom would come to the gym.......:sad: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:0 -
lol...funny but sooo true. Mam' is the wierdest thing to hear, but some of us are not kids anymore.
There are some people at the gym that are like that. I used to go to a gym where the free weights area was like a country club and god forbid anyone who wander into it without the proper athletic wear or gloves. But that was ages ago and every gym I have gone into since then, most and I mean most people are really just into their own lives, and their own problems and their own self-doubting body images, even the skinny people in the gym.0 -
so true!
I have gone into the gym and had a young guy say...you are looking so good! then he ruins it with...I wish my mom would come to the gym.......:sad: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
:grumble: :ohwell: 0 -
Great stories! You made me laugh, which is always good. Also, I'm so impressed and motivated when I see how much weight you and the others posting here have lost. it really encourages me. By the way, I used to feel intimidated about going to the exercise classes at the Y, which were free as part of the membership. I started out by going to a class for senior citizens (at 54 I am one of the younger ones) and for those new to exercise. The instructor is close to my age and fantastic - I'm so glad I finally tried it. I feel like I am truly conditioning my entire body in a safe and tolerable way. I've even felt empowered to try some of the regular classes, but they are killers.0
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I signed up for the geriatric version of the aerobics when I first started at the gym.
those old ladies kicked my butt. I was lying on the floor when granny clampett said, honey i am sorry i cant help you but my heart rate will go down!
This was a very motivating moment for me!0 -
I signed up for the geriatric version of the aerobics when I first started at the gym.
those old ladies kicked my butt. I was lying on the floor when granny clampett said, honey i am sorry i cant help you but my heart rate will go down!
This was a very motivating moment for me!
YOU ARE A FUNNY GIRL!! Granny Clampett....about wet my pants!:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Ali0 -
glad to help with any calorie deficit.....0
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Way to go and good for you.:drinker: :drinker: :drinker:
I know when I first started running the first time (before got sick) and I was about 180, (only 5'3") I had been running on the treadmill at home alone. But it broke and wanted to keep running, so moved to the street... at night so no one would see me running. I couldn't hardly run a couple houses before that same feeling of the masks needed to come down.
But after a while I wanted to run in the day, but I would go before school kids would be out.
This time I got back into running after being sick and getting better and back up to 180, I didn't care, I knew I was going to do it no matter what just like you. And when I run (now 157) and I pass kids I think to myself I probably run 5 or 6 miles farther than they can. Specially when they are walking thier bikes up what I think is a small hill and I run past them.
I also know in a couple months they are going to say to themselves, didn't she use to be bigger? Wow, running works!
It is a big achievmant to get past those issues. I use to wear big sweat pants and stuff to, and big giant t-shirts, not any more, if it fits and it works good for running, I wear it!
YOU GO GIRL!!!!!! We deserve the best!0 -
Beautifully written and correct story. Most of the gyms I've worked out in have been very supportive atmospheres. But I'm just getting into swimming as an exercise...and I felt the same type of thing. I don't have endurance, I'm panting after a lap. I'm not a swimsuit model body type :laugh:. But I went and it turned out it was ok. I don't think anyone looked twice at me or thought it weird I was there. I can do it.
We can all do it.
~~
But I do have a jerk at a gym got what was coming to him story....(I've never told anyone before)
When I was 19 I'd put on a little weight immediately after HS. I moved out on my own and joined a gym. I also started dating a very good looking body builder - but he didn't work out at my gym. Did I mention I lived near Hollywood and my gym was in Hollywood. I was certainly not the "Hollywood type." I didn't have lots of money, barely enough to pay the rent. I didn't have fancy workout clothes, but I was faithful in my workouts and making progress. One day the jerk personal trainer at the front desk spoke to me while I was waiting for my bf to pick me up. The front desk guy started a monologue...so you work out here? Maybe someday you'll have enough money to be able to hire me (he thought he was hot s***) and you'll really start looking good. You trying to be an actress (no...that was not my goal). You'll need a trainer who knows what he's doing to get where you want to go...But you'll have to get a good job to hire me. (He was very patronizing and proud of himself and quick to point out I was struggling to make ends meet and very young.)
At just that moment my bf came in the door, ignored the desk guy, picked me up and swung me around with a kiss. He had just worked out and was ripped and about twice as muscular as desk man. Desk man looked mortified. BF finally noticed the desk guy and gave the most passing nod, and we left. It was a beautiful moment.
BF ended up moving away, but his legacy was to make me very comfortable in a gym. He also drilled me in the importance of good form and told me to ask the guys on whatever equipment for help and guidance if I felt lost.
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great story!! :noway:0
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I signed up for the geriatric version of the aerobics when I first started at the gym.
those old ladies kicked my butt. I was lying on the floor when granny clampett said, honey i am sorry i cant help you but my heart rate will go down!
This was a very motivating moment for me!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: That just struck me as sooo funny!!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:0 -
What's funny is when you start a regular routine and you start going at or around a certain time; you end up seeing the same people there. So after a while and depending on how outgoing you are, you usually end up making some new friends or acquaintances. Plus the guys or gals at the new gym I go to are really nice and if I have a question, they usually have an answer and are really nice about it.
I always tell myself that everyone had to start somewhere and those people at the gym had to start once too!0 -
"you wouldn't care what people thought of you, if you knew how seldom they did"
Its an awesome quote that a good friend of mine always told me... and its so true....0 -
"you wouldn't care what people thought of you, if you knew how seldom they did"
Its an awesome quote that a good friend of mine always told me... and its so true....
Oh I lke that one Jackeh. Must use that.
I always have to tell my hubby that the neighbors have their own lawn to mow, they really dont care about ours!!0 -
"you wouldn't care what people thought of you, if you knew how seldom they did"
Its an awesome quote that a good friend of mine always told me... and its so true....
So gonna use that...... Makes me feel better already.0 -
When I see someone who is very overweight at the gym...I think they are the ones who are really trying hard and I'm fully supportive! I think most people are generally on their own fitness plan and it's always good to see someone who is just starting. It can really make a difference in how you feel day to day. It not only helps with weight maintenance and weight loss...but it helps your mind as well. You will feel more confident as you add onto your workouts. One day at a time!0
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Great part about the running--
I have to admit...I am afraid to run on the treadmill:noway:
I am afraid I will look funny and then fall off. :laugh:
I am all good with the walking, but would rather on one see me run for the first time until I get my running legs. I still havent decided what to do about this:ohwell:
Thanks for sharing--:happy:0 -
I did run....I did fall...and I lived through it all!
I got up, bowed to the folks behind me and got right back on.
One of them came over and pinned the 'stop' clip to my shirt!!!0 -
So laughing about bowing to the people behind you. I farted in taekwondo loud enough for my neighbors to hear once (gross, I know). I turned to them, said "surprise!" and went back to my workout. It surprised me as much as it did them. Luckily it wasn't smelly.
What else are you going to do?0 -
I did run....I did fall...and I lived through it all!
I got up, bowed to the folks behind me and got right back on.
One of them came over and pinned the 'stop' clip to my shirt!!!
Did it hurt???? I'm afraid I will get hurt falling0 -
You are way too funny! I wish I lived near a gym so I could go, but I live in a small town and all the people know why I'm walking, and everyone waves as they go by in their car. I used to be embarrassed to be walking because everyone would know I'm trying to lose weight but now I just enjoy it so much I look forward to my hour before my bus run. But the down side is there are no opportunities to make new friends. Kudos to everyone who runs! I don't think I will ever get to that because it will kill my knee joints but I'm okay with just walking. Have fun with it everyone.0
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: What a great story!!!!! I definitely don't think you should be afraid to get on the machines or use the free weights in the sections all the buff ones are working out!! They are really just there to check themselves out in the mirror and I really do think that they probably are more impressed with you then you give yourself credit for ~ after all, you are making the effort to get in shape and get to the gym!! Don't let them intimidate you!!!!!0
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So laughing about bowing to the people behind you. I farted in taekwondo loud enough for my neighbors to hear once (gross, I know). I turned to them, said "surprise!" and went back to my workout. It surprised me as much as it did them. Luckily it wasn't smelly.
What else are you going to do?
That must have been so funny! :laugh:0 -
So laughing about bowing to the people behind you. I farted in taekwondo loud enough for my neighbors to hear once (gross, I know). I turned to them, said "surprise!" and went back to my workout. It surprised me as much as it did them. Luckily it wasn't smelly.
What else are you going to do?
Oh my goodness! I don't know if I would've been able to continue if I had been one of your neighbors. I probably would've fallen on the floor laughing my butt off because of your "surprise!".
I'm so childish that way. :blushing: 0
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