Criticised by a gym professional...
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Don't listen to gossip and don't assume the story is true unless you saw/heard it happen. I question the motivation of the person who passed along this story to you. In what way did s/he think it was going to help you?
This. We have a few at our gym that will say anything if it gets a rise. I wouldn't automatically assume he actually said it.
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summamumma wrote: »Just my opinion, but I don't think overweight people should go to the gym, especially not those mega-gyms. Oh, the irony! The only time I have felt good there is when I was already in shape. I would never go there in my current state (60 pounds to lose). I don't workout outside for the same reason. People are mean and as hard as you try not to let it get to you, it still will be in the back of your mind. Getting in shape is hard and you need only positive voices around you, either at home or at a small gym with other overweight people.
I would respectfully disagree with every word in this post... going to the gym and working out to get in shape is NOT about the other people in the gym - it is about YOUR decision to create a better YOU. It is all about YOUR mindset and your mental fortitude to continue with the journey - if you cannot get past that little voice in the back of your head that says 'other people are watching me' then you will never handle this process in the first place, because guess what? People are ALWAYS watching you no matter what you do or where you do it!
To the OP - the guy is a jerk and doesn't deserve another wasted second of thought on your part - you do you and ignore the nay-sayers. Remember, revenge (esp. in the form of beating them at their own game) is ALWAYS the best reward!16 -
He's rude.
Please ignore idiots and do what you need to do to get your workout on!
Jerks are everywhere.
Good for you for going to the gym and doing something good for yourself.1 -
summamumma wrote: »Just my opinion, but I don't think overweight people should go to the gym, especially not those mega-gyms. Oh, the irony! The only time I have felt good there is when I was already in shape. I would never go there in my current state (60 pounds to lose). I don't workout outside for the same reason. People are mean and as hard as you try not to let it get to you, it still will be in the back of your mind. Getting in shape is hard and you need only positive voices around you, either at home or at a small gym with other overweight people.
I think this is not good advice
Overweight people should go anywhere and do anything they damn well please, especially if that something is going to help them achieve a healthier life
I went to a gym overweight and now I'm not, I went knowing nothing and now I'm a regular ...I see overweight people at the gym and I think good on you, stick with it, you'll work it out and it's worth it. I see fat people killing it and I think feck the effort it takes to move that mass through space ..it would kick a fitter persons *aardvark*
So I have to say this approach would have been detrimental to my ability to succeed
Know you have as much right to be anywhere you damn well please as the next person22 -
summamumma wrote: »Just my opinion, but I don't think overweight people should go to the gym, especially not those mega-gyms. Oh, the irony! The only time I have felt good there is when I was already in shape. I would never go there in my current state (60 pounds to lose). I don't workout outside for the same reason. People are mean and as hard as you try not to let it get to you, it still will be in the back of your mind. Getting in shape is hard and you need only positive voices around you, either at home or at a small gym with other overweight people.
I actually like that people of all sizes are at the gym. I find them inspiring. When I go, and I see the same people every week, especially some of the overweight people, it makes me feel like I'm a small part of their journey. I sometimes feel a bit alone (IRL) with my fitness progress so it's nice having those consistent people around. I wish people would realize that, even if they feel watched, a lot of that watching might be positive and in the spirit of comradery.12 -
goldthistime wrote: »I agree with sued0nim. I had something a little similar happen. Years ago I went with a girlfriend to our first aerobics class. We were awkward because we didn't know the moves and struggled to follow. My sisterinlaw's BFF was in the class and told her how we stood out and were obviously new. Apparently they had a little giggle over our awkwardness. No harm done except that my sisterinlaw relayed all of this to me. With relish. In my view it was my sisterinlaw who was the bigger villain in this story. How could it possibly help me to hear that I was discussed in this way? Btw, that was the beginning of about a 10 year "aerobics queen" period in my life. I hope this is the beginning of your "gym rat" phase
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This is exactly what happened. It was family making fun. But maybe it happened to make me stronger.7 -
You were not criticized by a gym professional, but an asshat. Seriously no one but *kitten* are thinking things like that, and they can go screw themselves. Most people don't notice you, and nice people are cheering for you. I agree that you should consider reporting him. How unprofessional.2
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summamumma wrote: »Just my opinion, but I don't think overweight people should go to the gym, especially not those mega-gyms. Oh, the irony! The only time I have felt good there is when I was already in shape. I would never go there in my current state (60 pounds to lose). I don't workout outside for the same reason. People are mean and as hard as you try not to let it get to you, it still will be in the back of your mind. Getting in shape is hard and you need only positive voices around you, either at home or at a small gym with other overweight people.
If I don't go to a gym I will not work out period. I'm to lazy at home. I can't get motivated at home1 -
kerrydensmore wrote: »The person who told me was my mother in law. She's pretty reliable. But I'm keeping my head up and not gonna let him or anyone else keep me from getting to my goal. Gonna focus on me and do me. Like all y'all said I need to ignore that kind of talk and just keep on track.
Lovely, humble lady, you don't answer to anyone but yourself. Some musclehead with a black heart is no competition for pure determination and aspiring to be the best you that you can be. Keep your head up, and be proud of yourself, there aren't too many people with the balls, will and support that you have. Karma will kick his *kitten* soon enough, so grant yourself a big smile and know that you are the better person.
Best wishes and hoping you achieve all your goals.3 -
At the risk of being redundant, you are going to the gym for youself. Screw everyone else's opinion. I remember a time when I was training in Sierra Vista (shouts to Crossfit Cochiese), and there were a few sessions when it was me and 1 other guys. He was 350+ lbs at the time and my favorite guy to train with, because when he was there, he was there to work. Full disclosure, when I see new trainees struggle, I do smile and sometimes chuckle, but it is mostly because they remind me of me when I first got started. After the nostalgia, wears off, I help them out if I can. When training first days suck, second days suck more, but it does gets easier over time. All you need is dedication.5
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Had a strange conversation with a guy at the gym. He fancied himself quite the athlete but was pretty unremarkable, and built himself up by criticizing. It got tiresome. Anyway, one day there was a big lady-- well over the OP's weight-- who was struggling to fit into one of the circuit machines. I had the shortest conversation I'd ever had with the guy about it. He said, "Heh, look at that fat lady. She needs to--". I interrupted, "Go to the gym?" He answered, "Yeah, heh, she should...". Then he realized what an idiot he was and walked away.23
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I honestly don't even notice other people or what they are doing when im at the gym. I'm in my own little world with earphones in for the 60-90 minutes im there. I think most other people are as well.7
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Don't listen to gossip and don't assume the story is true unless you saw/heard it happen. I question the motivation of the person who passed along this story to you. In what way did s/he think it was going to help you?
Absolutely this. Information gets twisted on the grapevine..
And screw negativity. Use to to fuel your workouts.3 -
kerrydensmore wrote: »summamumma wrote: »Just my opinion, but I don't think overweight people should go to the gym, especially not those mega-gyms. Oh, the irony! The only time I have felt good there is when I was already in shape. I would never go there in my current state (60 pounds to lose). I don't workout outside for the same reason. People are mean and as hard as you try not to let it get to you, it still will be in the back of your mind. Getting in shape is hard and you need only positive voices around you, either at home or at a small gym with other overweight people.
If I don't go to a gym I will not work out period. I'm to lazy at home. I can't get motivated at home
I'm in the same boat - I won't do it at home so I have to go to the gym. Plus the variety of classes makes it fun. I have no rhythm but I LOVE Zumba and Cardio Kickboxing. Who cares what people think when they see me offbeat and sweaty? GO and MOVE YOUR BODY!
OP, I'm sorry that happened to you. Chin up, buttercup! Take in all the love you are getting here and be invincible!
***singing: Shoot me down but I don't fall....I am titaniuuuummmm!***2 -
sohifirefly wrote: »kerrydensmore wrote: »summamumma wrote: »Just my opinion, but I don't think overweight people should go to the gym, especially not those mega-gyms. Oh, the irony! The only time I have felt good there is when I was already in shape. I would never go there in my current state (60 pounds to lose). I don't workout outside for the same reason. People are mean and as hard as you try not to let it get to you, it still will be in the back of your mind. Getting in shape is hard and you need only positive voices around you, either at home or at a small gym with other overweight people.
If I don't go to a gym I will not work out period. I'm to lazy at home. I can't get motivated at home
I'm in the same boat - I won't do it at home so I have to go to the gym. Plus the variety of classes makes it fun. I have no rhythm but I LOVE Zumba and Cardio Kickboxing. Who cares what people think when they see me offbeat and sweaty? GO and MOVE YOUR BODY!
OP, I'm sorry that happened to you. Chin up, buttercup! Take in all the love you are getting here and be invincible!
***singing: Shoot me down but I don't fall....I am titaniuuuummmm!***
Thank u for the encouragement!! I thot about doing Zumba but I have NO COORDINATION whatsoever. Lol0 -
summamumma wrote: »Just my opinion, but I don't think overweight people should go to the gym, especially not those mega-gyms. Oh, the irony! The only time I have felt good there is when I was already in shape. I would never go there in my current state (60 pounds to lose). I don't workout outside for the same reason. People are mean and as hard as you try not to let it get to you, it still will be in the back of your mind. Getting in shape is hard and you need only positive voices around you, either at home or at a small gym with other overweight people.
I'm currently 65 lbs overweight and I love working out in my garage....with the garage door open. When I do this, I can't tell you how many people walk by and say "Girl, I should be joining you" or waving hello to those who are on their evening walk/jog. It's always great to see others who are in the fight with you. It let's you know that you are not alone and while it's a struggle for all of us, the key is to not give up and keep pushing towards your goals. A-holes like the guy the OP talks about is everywhere and if you're not careful, will derail you from your dreams, and you'll be the one who's suffering because you didn't stick to your goals.
OP, since you heard this from a reliable source and you trust what they say, the only thing you can do is just shake it off and keep it pushin'. And if he ever brings it to your face, tell him to kiss your entire @$$ and then go finish working out.5 -
Sorry about that happening to you - but don't you dare stop going to the gym. I started going at 244 lbs, 5'2" ! One day while walking to gym in my workout clothes this lady laughed at me while pointing and talking to her friend. I held my head high and kept stepping - but honestly even as I am typing this, the hurt is still there. But here is the flip side, I still see this woman, we work in the same building, I smile at her and to this day she will still hold her head down when we make eye contact.
Please use that energy from that hurt in the gym, or doing what every activity is going to make you a better and healthier person.
I won't pass judgment on the person who made the comment, there may have been more to that conversation, like .... but it's really good to see them still coming - who knows! But the person that shared that no help comment with you is the one to watch.
Stay strong, it is totally worth it!!!!4 -
Thanks to all y'all. It really helps to know I'm not alone in this!!3
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summamumma wrote: »Just my opinion, but I don't think overweight people should go to the gym, especially not those mega-gyms. Oh, the irony! The only time I have felt good there is when I was already in shape. I would never go there in my current state (60 pounds to lose). I don't workout outside for the same reason. People are mean and as hard as you try not to let it get to you, it still will be in the back of your mind. Getting in shape is hard and you need only positive voices around you, either at home or at a small gym with other overweight people.
I think this is not good advice
Overweight people should go anywhere and do anything they damn well please, especially if that something is going to help them achieve a healthier life
I went to a gym overweight and now I'm not, I went knowing nothing and now I'm a regular ...I see overweight people at the gym and I think good on you, stick with it, you'll work it out and it's worth it. I see fat people killing it and I think feck the effort it takes to move that mass through space ..it would kick a fitter persons *aardvark*
So I have to say this approach would have been detrimental to my ability to succeed
Know you have as much right to be anywhere you damn well please as the next person
Agree 100%. Having been a fat person at the gym 3 years ago, and yes....it was intimidating......you shouldn't let anyone stop you. I admire others now who are in the position I was 3 years ago and try to smile, be friendly and offer help if and when they ask for it.
It's a gym. It's there for people to get in shape not only for people who are already in shape.
I admire you for sucking it up and going back. Who knows what or if anything was even said..........let it go!
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I have noticed some bigger people working out in my gym. I'm a people watcher. When I see those folks I think to myself what a courageous person who is taking charge of their life & making positive changes. I admire people who act in their own best interests.7
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