Help me not hate being in the gym!

put it this way - you have absolutely no idea how those other people started out. Maybe they were just like you, and fat people in the gym trying to lose weight, and doing it.

One way not to feel so self-conscious is to get better with lifting weight. The more you lift, the more people are going to be staring at the weights you're lifting, not at you, and thinking 'woah! that's some weight being lifted over there!'

pdm3547 wrote: »

I was in the gym last night on my new routine. My trainer has added squats, so last night was the first time I'd done them without him being next to me.
There was this ridiculously good looking girl behind me working on her midriff as I set up the rack. I was super conscious of her looking at herself in the mirror and, by default, watching me. As I started my squats, I noticed my big old belly sticking out and thought that I looked a real mess.
Towards the end of the sets, I noticed the girl had stopped what she was doing and was watching me. I was sooo conscious of how I looked. But then I noticed her eyes - she was following me up and down. She wasn't staring, judging or anything, she was watching my form. It didn't matter that I was overweight, it didn't matter I wasn't as pumped as the other guys, she was just watching me squat.
I re-racked, made eye contact, smiled. She smiled back and gave a little "well done" nod.

That's what happens in a gym. No judgement, no nastiness. Everyone is trying to reach the same goal.

At least you didn't react like I did. I was heading to the water fountain & this attractive blonde was just getting there & she gave a nod & said hello, and my immediate reaction was to say hi back, but then I turned around to see who she was talking to. Nobody was behind me, so at least we both got a good laugh out of it.

I'm the fat girl in the weight section. It took months for me to get up the nerve to walk in there. But during that time I watched videos like crazy, asked for advice here and then one day took a deep breath and walked in. I knew what I wanted to do, pretty sure I had the right form (no trainer for me), put my headphones in and blocked everyone out. I don't think anyone pays any attention. There is this one guy the reminds me of a shark while I'm doing bench presses. I keep seeing him circling me. Not sure if he hangs there just in case I fail a lift or what but it's kind of weird. In any case...like Nike says...Just Do It!!

DanerTee wrote: »

I get looks from the bulky dudes and the fit ladies and I wish I could know what they are thinking. Are they thinking "What the hell is she doing here?!" or something nicer?

If you're new to the weight room the regulars are wondering who this new person is, same as if someone new starts at the workplace.

Who cares what they think, really, though? It's not about them, and if they don't like the "fat chick" in "their" area, that's just too damned bad.

Being in the gym with a pt is a huge help. I have one and would never went anywhere near weights before getting with her. Now i go 2 times a week on my own. As for what other people are thinking i know 99% of the time i vague out with music and focus on what i am doing. Wouldnt have a clue what people are doing. There are two big girls who train with another pt one night a week. I totally admire them. They are in their giving it a go, and i admire how tough it must be fitness wise. Im reasonanbly fit now and it still kills me. If you need something to think you belong there is this 50 plus female who discovered after getting videoed running for physio that she runs like a totally unbalanced fat little penguin. Me. God it made me laugh when i saw it. And yes i may have the weirdest running style but i belong in the gym too. Like someone else said if someone was nasty i can guarantee those around you would give it to them. We are all in the gym for the same reason. So go and do your thing and dont care about others. Good on you and good luck with your journey.