Bad experience at the gym and feeling discouraged

2

Replies

  • britt01any
    britt01any Posts: 83 Member
    Think of it this way...it is just another test of your strength(inner). We all have them daily. Those of us who are in it for the right reasons will be triumphant!! So, go kick *kitten* and be triumphant!!
  • iofred
    iofred Posts: 488 Member
    At least you are working where they are waffling ... go into ignore, with a large set of headphones, and listen to the music you like rather than noise you don't
  • gothchiq
    gothchiq Posts: 4,590 Member
    complain to management. Their behavior is not acceptable.
  • leggup
    leggup Posts: 2,942 Member
    Make management aware of the issue. You can say something like, "Hi, I just wanted to bring to your attention that several of your new members are making people uncomfortable..."

    As for being on the machine 1 hour- make sure your gym doesn't have a 30 minute rule (mine did) and add to your complaint that the new members were complaining about X and Y and need to be made aware of the gym policies.
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    Wait, did they actually make fun of you for sweating??? At the gym??? Lazy, stupid, *kitten*. I start sweating as soon as I think about working out, by the end I am completely drenched.

    Options:
    1. Inform them that standing around being douchey doesn't actually burn calories. Just in case they read that on the internet somewhere and are using this as exercise.
    2. Record them, remix it, put it on youtube, make them famous for being lazy, stupid *kitten*.
    3. Complain to the management.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    Another thing to remember--I've been swimming for 20 yrs and have seen alot of jerks (both male and female) come and go. I've outlasted them all. I try to remember this when someone really is crass and bugs me. These people exist and they eventually go away. Tell yourself that you're in this for the long haul, and they are just passing blips on your screen. B)

    I relate to this comment most of all. Note that this gaggle of geese came as a pack, and they're NEWBIES. No way they'd have the guts to act like that alone. Or even show up at a gym alone. You'll outlast them.
  • Bellodesiderare
    Bellodesiderare Posts: 278 Member
    sofaking6 wrote: »
    Wait, did they actually make fun of you for sweating??? At the gym??? Lazy, stupid, *kitten*. I start sweating as soon as I think about working out, by the end I am completely drenched.

    Options:
    1. Inform them that standing around being douchey doesn't actually burn calories. Just in case they read that on the internet somewhere and are using this as exercise.
    2. Record them, remix it, put it on youtube, make them famous for being lazy, stupid *kitten*.
    3. Complain to the management.

    These are the best suggestions to handle it. All three of them. So many people are intimidated by the gym environment and a bad experience just makes it that much tougher to stick with your goals. Stand up for yourself and make them feel like the @$$holes they are.
  • irishdancer214
    irishdancer214 Posts: 108 Member
    That is ASBURD. I like going to my gym late too...I also feel somewhat self conscious and I know how much that would hurt!! Definitely talk to the management...these women can't only be talking about you...and from a business aspect, I'm sure your gym would prefer to lose 3 memberships compared to 20 people leaving saying they were insulted by members. Hang in there and keep working! I sweat like crazy so don't feel bad :) You're an amazing woman who is gonna show them who's boss!! Just keep thinking about that day when you get to run into them and they just stand there in shock at how much you've changed! Stay strong! :)
  • las07s
    las07s Posts: 150 Member
    I have never seen anyone at the gym (overweight or otherwise) and thought anything else other than "Wow! They are amazing!" Why? Because they are there, and they are sweating, and they are making a difference both in their body and in their mind. Sweat is a trophy! Soreness is a reward! Pushing yourself beyond what you thought you were capable of is an achievement! I wear my workouts and my copious amount of sweat like a badge of honor, because I killed it that day! Heck, you've never seen crazy gym person until you see someone beam at the puddle of sweat they left on the floor. :smiley:

    However, nobody has a right to say anything negative about anyone in a gym. Stand up for yourself and report them, because there may be somebody there too afraid and insecure to stand up for themselves. If management doesn't do anything about it, switch gyms. It will never be a supportive environment for you if they don't stand up for their patrons.
  • Venice_SA
    Venice_SA Posts: 9 Member
    This is normal thing in life. People will judge you because you are sexy or fat. I had low self esteem because Ive always been bigger than a normal big person. I ALSO was a size K bra. So people talked some even grabbed my boobs. I started doing small things to make me feel really great like great hairstyles and make up and clothes and i would affirm and reaffirm myself. Im still struggling with weight but im so much better confidence wise. I gym and let people talk about me, even at gym but i dont even hear them anymore cos i worked really hard on my confidence. It took years by the way. Just do you. Love you. Theres only one you. Whether fat or skinny, walking or running on the treadmill
  • CSARdiver
    CSARdiver Posts: 6,252 Member
    Eff 'em. Report the behavior to management and laugh all the way to personal fitness.

    You're better than them.
  • April0815
    April0815 Posts: 780 Member
    lewispwest wrote: »
    I'd be judging them that they are standing around talking crap about people rather than sorting themselves out. Then again you can lose the weight, they'll always be b!tches!

    Love it!!!!
  • AChildAtHeart
    AChildAtHeart Posts: 22 Member
    edited June 2015
    These sound like a bunch of low self esteem losers who build themselves up by cutting down others. Don't let them affect you. They can't interfere with your own healthy activities unless you allow it. Complain, but also tune them out or choose how to react to them. Instead of letting them make you feel bad, choose to feel bad for them that they have such a pathetic life instead of doing something healthy like you are. Getting angry or upset only wastes your valuable energy that you could throw into your workout. They're not worth your time!
  • lizzocat
    lizzocat Posts: 356 Member
    I would 100% report them to the staff. If someone is talking about at the gym, that's ridiculous.
  • getfitjelly
    getfitjelly Posts: 1 Member
    I feel exactly how you feel. They're probably just miserable people. Which is sad to have to beat someone up in order to build yourself up. I normally just go in their with my headphones blasting in my ear and do my thing. Forget what anyone else says. You're beautiful. Atleast you're trying to better your health and your body unlike some other people out there that won't even step foot in a gym just cause.
  • cosmiqrecovery
    cosmiqrecovery Posts: 171 Member
    if they have the breath left in them to talk *kitten* that loud, they're doing the gym wrong. three months from now you'll be strong enough to kick their noodly *kitten*.
  • moesis
    moesis Posts: 874 Member
    I would make some smart *kitten* remark such as, "when you work more than your mouth you actually sweat"

    I'm sorry that you have to deal with this, for the most part I have found people at the gym to be helpful and supportive. Don't let a few b!tches deter you from your goals!
  • alasin1derland
    alasin1derland Posts: 575 Member
    You should ask yourself what advise you would give to someone you really care about in the same situation as yourself. I find we know what we should say when we are sticking up for someone else but we never seem to apply it to ourselves. Hold your head high and enjoy your workout. People that are so caught up in other peoples lives must have nothing of their own to look forward to. How sad for them.
  • Justinelovezumba32
    Justinelovezumba32 Posts: 25 Member
    With the way my mouth is set up, I would handle them myself. May not be the best way to go, but it's letting them know, yeah *kitten* I hear you talking! Let your haters be your motivators! Good luck on your journey. Btw, they are probably jealous of your beauty!
  • Samstan101
    Samstan101 Posts: 699 Member
    Screw them, you are the awesome one. Having been you a couple of years ago when I started I used to find the machine in the darkest corner and hope I wouldn't experience exactly what you unfortunately did as I know I'd have been hurt and also angry. If its any consolation, if I see larger people giving it their all in the gym now I always think how fantastic it is as I know how much courage it took me. The only reason I don't say anything is that they don't know where I started so it'd sound really patronising and also if someone had said anything to me I'd have been incredibly self-conscious thatI'd been noticed and also would have wondered if they being sarcastic and having a laugh at my expense. But ignore them, do your thing and I'll pretty much guarantee they'll quit before you do. <3
  • tomatoey
    tomatoey Posts: 5,446 Member
    I think you should report them, because it'd be a good thing for you to do, to feel like you can take some kind of action.

    I know some people get more out of toughing it out in difficult environments, and if you feel like you want to do that, go for it. But it's also ok to find a place that feels safer and more comfortable to work out in, until you feel more confident about what you're doing. Some gyms just have terrible atmospheres. Some are more welcoming/awesome.

    I really like community centres, which tend to have a good mix of people of all ages and sizes.
  • Northernlight03
    Northernlight03 Posts: 1,980 Member
    Don't let them stop you working out and keep it up girl!! When you have achieved your goal they will be like "wow look at the girl...she lost so much weight" and you can hold your head high and be proud they didn't stop you
  • BeFitBri2
    BeFitBri2 Posts: 35 Member
    My advice is to just put some ear buds in, blast your favorite music and get into your own world and forget everyone around you. I am very shy and don't like being around groups of people I don't know so when I go into the gym I just try to focus and forget the people around me. You're doing great, girl. Women like that don't belong in the gym. The gym is supposed to be an uplifting and encouraging environment. If the problem continues you may consider speaking with gym staff and explain to them the rude behavior of that group of people. Best of luck to you!
  • BigLifter10
    BigLifter10 Posts: 1,153 Member
    Those types are always around - but .....headphones can be a major help. If I don't have headphones in, that invites pretty much anything....headphones on...eyes on target and just ignore. If it gets too bad, report it. Just remember you can only control YOU (not them) so mind your business and they see it doesn't phase you....they typically let up and focus on someone else. I've even worn headphones just to wear them - even w/out the music on.
  • leannefullarton
    leannefullarton Posts: 2 Member
    Yes definitely complain! they have no excuse for this and bullying isn't tolerated anywhere (or at least shouldn't be) you're there on your own doing you thing and working hard at it and shouldn't feel discouraged because some bored girls have nothing better to do!
  • jpaulie
    jpaulie Posts: 917 Member
    eff them, focus on your workout, they are not worth your time
  • gothicfires
    gothicfires Posts: 240 Member
    I'm sorry that you've had to go through this. Definitely report them to staff. But you also need to stand up to these women. You don't have to talk to them but I would do something like go work out closer to them. Let them see you sweat. Let them see that their words are wasted. If you let them bully you then they are going to do it to someone else when you are gone.
  • jos05
    jos05 Posts: 263 Member
    People talk about me all the time at my new gym. I see them looking at me and leaning in and talking to their gym partners. But its usually because I am covered in sweat! I'm there for an hour and a half most days. They usually get there and leave while I am still there. They see me lifting weights like a man and I don't talk to anyone. That time is my time! I go in and do my thing; I don't have time to worry about them...they aren't important. I know it's tough when you're worried about it....but you'll have to get into the mindset ...that, this is your time and don't be so concerned about those other people. When they've gone and fallen off and you don't see them in months or they talk about the wrong person and someone actually puts them in their place....poof! They will be gone.
    Concentrate on you! You are the most important person...what you think matters...what you tell yourself is the "gospel" ... so treat yourself right and enjoy your gym time...focus on what you came there to do and nothing less! :)
    Good luck!!
  • Xo_c_e_b_xo
    Xo_c_e_b_xo Posts: 70 Member
    Unfortunately there are nasty people everywhere nowadays, as everyone else said speak to management and if it persists then ask for your money back or tell them you want to leave because of them.
    Some people just don't live in the real
    World .... Gyms are not just for skinnys they are for anyone that wants to try and get fit.
    How dare they judge you when you're clearly trying to lose weight and putting serious work in !

    Feel free to add me if you need any support x
  • shedthesweater
    shedthesweater Posts: 279 Member
    TomBristow wrote: »
    You're not alone. I was at a gym class about 6 months ago, and it was a Boxfit class, which I've actually been doing for about 5 years on and off so I knew what I was doing.

    Anyway, I hadn't been in a few months and this random guy comes up to me and says "You're going to struggle today. You're going to hate this". I had no idea who he was - but he was saying it in a way as if he was trying to get under my skin.

    I still haven't forgotten it and I can't wait to get fit and prove him wrong.


    Yes, I will struggle with you here being negative, this is what I would have said to the jerk.