Going to the GYM when your 320 pounds :(
Shield45
Posts: 5 Member
Hi I have been on this awesome form for 3 days now and seen some amazing story's , But what I what to know is what does it feel like going to the gym when your over weight I'll be starting on Monday next week , but i am all most to afraid to go because of my weight.
Is there much judgement in a gym ? will I get the looks ?
I feel very self conscious about this and was hoping you guys could give me the motivation i need to go .
thanks
Is there much judgement in a gym ? will I get the looks ?
I feel very self conscious about this and was hoping you guys could give me the motivation i need to go .
thanks
8
Replies
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I started going to the gym at 231 pounds. I also felt very self conscience, and was afraid to get "the looks". Every one there has been very friendly and supportive! We are all there for the same reason! Go, have fun with it, and don't give up!2
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Don't worry about what others think. Anyone who shames someone trying to better their self is cruel. Do you, make sure you pay attention to your heart rate too. I pushed myself too hard when I was almost 300, my chest would hurt. I keep my heart rate in the 150-160s now10
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I hate to be the one to tell you this but yes, at our weight we do get "the looks" at the gym but I think for the most part it will be people thinking "good on them for finally getting to the gym to lose some weight".. so you stand tall and think "f*** it".
We do not allow others to decide our destiny! So get in there and own it!
You will get this look for another few stone but once you are up & running, you will blend right in.
Good luck and remember to breath!!!37 -
The hardest part of going to the gym(for me)...was walking in the door. I have no idea what people think about me, nor do I care. It's not my business what others think about me. I never get "looks" and I never feel judged. People are just as friendly as I am too them. Never let fear decide your fate. Make a gym plan and go in there and workout and have fun!5
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I started going to the gym almost two years ago; I went for a year or so and then stopped and got lazy. I very recently went back. I don't know if I get the looks or not. And, really, I try not to think about it. I go to planet fitness, and I know some people don't like it for various reasons, but I really do. I really do feel like no one is being judgmental like I felt at another gym I have gone to but will not name. All kinds of people at all kinds of levels. I put in my headphones and mind my own business. Some people have bad experiences at gyms, I'm sure (and I've read), but I really don't think that is the norm. You don't know until you try.
I would even say that if you start going and feel uncomfortable there, try a different one. Gyms are a dime a dozen in most places. Nobody can stop you but you!
*Edited to add that the other day, I was wearing a tshirt at the gym that said "I can't spare a square" with a roll of toilet paper on it (Seinfeld reference), and I wondered for the longest time why I felt like people kept looking at me. Until I realized it was the shirt. I always get looks with that shirt.5 -
at over 350lbs, I am in the same boat. Had been working out at home for about a month or so using P90 from Beachbody, lost about 10-12lbs but have been wanting to get to the gym and take my new found motivation to the next level but I cant seem to get myself to go because of not being comfortable in that space and not wanting to stick out and look like a fool.0
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I can't speak for every gym everywhere, but I've seen plenty of 300+ pound people in the many gyms I've gone to/been a member at (well over 20 gyms). Never seen a single one of them subjected to outward judgment, made fun of, etc. I think the most common "judgment" by other people is to think "Good for you!".
Every fit/muscular/slender person in a gym started somewhere too - many of them were overweight/out of shape the first time they walked into a gym. For every judgmental douche in a gym, there are probably 50 other people silently cheering you on. Anybody stupid enough to laugh at or make fun of a fat person in a gym would quickly be put in their place by plenty of other gym members - and the big, muscular "meatheads" would probably be right at the front of the line.
You can't control what other people think of you and you can't let it rule your life. The best saying I've ever heard is "What other people think of you is none of your business".
From a personal point of view - when I got back in the gym 15 months ago, I was 270 pounds with a big gut. There were plenty of women lifting more weight than me, and walking on the treadmill for 20 minutes was a real workout. Not one person ever said anything negative to me and I never felt like I was getting "the looks". I went about my business, they went about theirs.28 -
Hi I have been on this awesome form for 3 days now and seen some amazing story's , But what I what to know is what does it feel like going to the gym when your over weight I'll be starting on Monday next week , but i am all most to afraid to go because of my weight.
Is there much judgement in a gym ? will I get the looks ?
I feel very self conscious about this and was hoping you guys could give me the motivation i need to go .
thanks
I will judge you
I will judge you for going for it ...and you will be judged
Because every exercise you do, everything you attempt and learn, and possibly mess up and get up and try again is a symbol of your will and commitment
You will be automatically moving more weight than most people in that gym...at any form of exercise you will be moving 320lbs and that's hard work
So yes, I will judge you for finding it hard and doing it anyway
I will judge you as simply great
And if I see you week after week I will think you are awesome
But I'll never tell you, and I won't stare, cos the gym is a place you focus on yourself and I've got my own mountain to climb
You go for it74 -
Don't worry about what others think. Anyone who shames someone trying to better their self is cruel. Do you, make sure you pay attention to your heart rate too. I pushed myself too hard when I was almost 300, my chest would hurt. I keep my heart rate in the 150-160s now
Agreed. I try to always stay under 160 HR. Occasional bursts that high are fine but overall I like to stay in the low 150's or high 140's for my target on cardio. Then again, someone much younger can go higher if they want. But someone out of shape likely shouldn't.3 -
Depends on the gym and depends on the people in there. I am pretty certain you will get looks but you can't let that tear down your confidence. Everyone starts somewhere. It takes a lot of guts to do what you're doing, but i think the hardest part will be going there in the first place. Once you're there, enjoy yourself, dont' worry about what others think, and do your thing.3
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People go to the gym to do their own workouts. Honestly , most people don't give whit about anyone else there. If they notice your weight, they will feel respectful that you are making the effort. You have no way to know what someone might be "thinking." If you spend your time watching for odd "looks" (which might not be related to YOU at all) then you wouldn't be using your gym time well. Just go do your own thing!5
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I remember by first day going to a gym when I was severely overweight. I tried to do a spin class since I knew I couldn't run and I was scared of lifting weights; I figured I could hide in the back of a room while figuring out if it was right for me. And I remember that I couldn't even stand up on the bike to pedal - I had to stay seated the whole time. I was so embarrassed being around others that seemed to do that to effortlessly, and I was struggling SO much. But after the class, someone came up to me and told me I did a great job for being there and sticking out the class. And that comment has stuck with me for the past 3.5 years.
Going to the gym can be intimidating, but everyone that goes there is there because they are working on themselves. And I can proudly say that I smile at all of the people that are there, overweight or not, because we are all there to be healthier, to be stronger. So get to the gym and be proud that you are there! Who knows - you might turn into an inspiration!
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My buddy started at 323 a while back and is 217 now. Unless you go to a gym that's full of pricks, no one judges you. Typically they respect the effort or just don't even notice you, but I've never seen someone look down on someone bigger for trying to better themselves. Good luck and stick with it5
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People who go to the gym are divided between those so narcissistic that they won't notice you and those so supportive that they offer to help anyone who seems to need it.15
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You may feel like people are watching you...but they probably aren't (at least that's what I tell myself!). And if they are, think about the positive things they may be thinking about your bravery and dedication to becoming your best self! When I see someone my size or bigger working out I feel inspired. And I try new things..."hey look, she's not a skinny mini but she's doing that machine that I've told myself I'm too fat for! Guess I'd better try it too!"
I go to the YMCA, and it's a great atmosphere with a wide range of body types, ages, and fitness levels. I think that helps keep the atmosphere friendly and supportive.2 -
Hard to say, I've been to many gyms for many years. Some can have lookers, some can have workers.
The point of going to the gym regardless is being in the "now" and tackling goals. If you want change now, you have to go now. I never met a person that regretted it that truly wanted change.0 -
Everywhere you go in life there is judgement, short of never going outside you will run into jerks and you will run into people who are supportive of you taking steps to improve your health and fitness.
Don't let being self-conscious stop you from attaining your goals.1 -
Honestly, when I am at a gym I am pretty focused on myself. If I do notice another person it's probably because I like their pants/shirt.1
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Is there much judgement in a gym ? will I get the looks ?
i'm not much of a judger. i take a people-watchy sort of interest in everyone, because you never know who you're going to learn from. most of the recreational judging i overhear in my rec centre is the over-excited 20-something guy crowd, all giddy on the delights of putting absent members of their own circle down.
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I think people look more for others doing crazy things on the exercise equipment, than for what size you are. We are all there for the same reason.0
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It depends on the gym, most none fabulous type gyms, don't matter at all most people there are so wrapped up in their own workout they seldom notice anyone else. If it helps I started going at 325 pounds I'm down to 182 now and still going. My advice get some workout clothes that fit properly, get some great tunes and go for it.
Also if you try and use a personal trainer find one that specializes in weight loss not body building.2 -
Personally I find larger people at the gym inspiring, my automatic thought is good for you. I've seen many overweight people shrink over the years at various gyms and honestly it's pretty damn cool to witness!7
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Depends on the gym, but from what I've seen at the gyms that I've gone to, you'll get a lot of support from people since you're all there with the same goal... to become more healthy.
For the most part, people are not jerks.
Most people are also willing to help others at the gym, if you don't know how a piece of equipment works, don't be afraid to ask. You look more foolish using equipment wrong, than just asking someone how it works, that's what gym staff is for.
Overall, good for you for taking the steps. Keep in mind, you didn't get overweight overnight and you're not going to lose it overnight. It will take time, it's a lifestyle change and you will be so much happier when you're healthier.
HOLD FAST!
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I think it's worse walking in for the first time as an overweight, older woman. But it really was all in my mind. Walking through the door was the hardest part. No one looks at me any more than they would, say, at the supermarket. I've been going for four months now and have never once been made to feel uncomfortable.
I go to Planet Fitness, which gets a lot of crap on here, but it has been perfect for me. I've had the (free) trainer show me how to use the equipment several times now and there are other overweight people there. I enjoy it so much I go every day and haven't missed in four months!
Just do it!5 -
Hi I have been on this awesome form for 3 days now and seen some amazing story's , But what I what to know is what does it feel like going to the gym when your over weight I'll be starting on Monday next week , but i am all most to afraid to go because of my weight.
Is there much judgement in a gym ? will I get the looks ?
I feel very self conscious about this and was hoping you guys could give me the motivation i need to go .
thanks
I will judge you
I will judge you for going for it ...and you will be judged
Because every exercise you do, everything you attempt and learn, and possibly mess up and get up and try again is a symbol of your will and commitment
You will be automatically moving more weight than most people in that gym...at any form of exercise you will be moving 320lbs and that's hard work
So yes, I will judge you for finding it hard and doing it anyway
I will judge you as simply great
And if I see you week after week I will think you are awesome
But I'll never tell you, and I won't stare, cos the gym is a place you focus on yourself and I've got my own mountain to climb
You go for it
Perfectly said !!!
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If an overweight guy goes to a fast food place and orders a lot of food, would some people judge them? There are jerks everywhere you go, but most people are not. The gym is no different.
I got up to 305 lbs about 6 years ago before I decided to get healthy again. I had spent the first half of my life in the gym and in sports, so I was no stranger to exercise and how to do it, but it had been a while and I was a little nervous at first because I thought people would be "watching the fatty sweat". But, I forced myself to go and started out focusing on cardio with strength training being a secondary focus (different for me back then - cardio is for chicks, right?! ;-)). What I realized was I cared WAY more about me being there and how I looked than anyone else did.
Since then, I am in the gym about 3-6 days a week and I've seen it all, but I've not seen anyone made fun of because of their physique. Big, small, fat, skinny, it doesn't matter - you are all there to improve. Even the totally ripped guy looks in the mirror and sees imperfections that he is trying to fix, otherwise he wouldn't be there. So, in general, people are very supportive of people of all shapes and sizes.
My only suggestions - follow some gym etiquette.
1) If you aren't sure how to do something, ask. The few times I've seen people made fun of it is because they are completely doing an exercise wrong, but think they nailed it and are too egotistical to ask.
2) If you sweat on it, wipe it off.
3) re-rack your weights - hopefully in order for those of us that are OCD and have to fix them as we work out!
4) Just be respectful of other people's space and time in general.
5) don't stare at men or women. Its OK to look around, maybe give a head nod or something to someone you see a lot, but don't just stare. It creeps me out...
6) Do your own workout. It doesn't matter how much the other guy is lifting or how fast they are going. You only compete with yourself.
Everyone starts somewhere, everyone knows that. Get to the gym and do your thing.4 -
gym people are people too, which means there will be some judgers and some who don't GAF what you're doing, and some who think you're very brave for starting your journey. There will be people there who are or have been a similar weight to you, and others who have (annoyingly) always been thin.
Advice: go, enjoy your workouts, and ignore everyone as fastidiously as if you were on the London Tube
Good luck!
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If they are *kitten* *kitten* THEM. The gym is for focusing on yourself and if they are watching on you then they are clearly not doing a beast mode work out. DO NOT LET OTHER PEOPLE BRING YOU DOWN! It is always hard to do something (anything) new for the first time. Most people SHOULD be encouraging. I agree with the gym etiquette- see if your gym has a trainer even if you only use them once or twice they will help you in the right direction on how to use machines and workouts. Also the more you go the more you are going to see who the regulars are (congrats on going now and not jan when they are harder to pick out) if they appear friendly and you have a question most people (as long as you don't ruin their flow) will answer a quick question.
If you lived in my neck of the woods I would gladly say come with me!0 -
I can 100% understand the feeling that you may be judged. I started going to the gym when I had a good 50 lbs on you. (Yes, that means north of 370). I found that people were pretty supportive to be honest. I frequently got compliments on my swimming and endurance...heck, by the time I had dropped 130 or so, true story, a GYM EMPLOYEE not only noticed and complimented my weight loss but asked to work out with me. Here's some hot advice: you do you. If you don't know how to use a piece of equipment, ask. If you use a piece of equipment, for the love of God, wipe it off. If you use weights, re-rack them. Clean up after yourself. If you are female, many gyms have a "women's only" area if you are self-conscious. Also if you swim (easy on the joints when you're starting off bigger, btw), find out which lanes are for slower swimmers and if you have to share a lane, if it is a circle-style swim or if people split the lanes.
You'll be surprised at the support you get. Find something you enjoy, and go for it!4 -
I have a treadmill at home, but should be going to a gym. I just can't bring myself to do it until I've lost more weight. Nothing anyone says will change my mind. I'm down to 295 from a start around 325-330 but will probably start in January for weight work. I guess the question is can you do something at home until you feel a bit better about it?
I'll admit part of me doesn't want to commit to the gym until I've shown myself I'm actually losing weight and sticking to it.1
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