Please be honest.....

it wouldn't matter. it's not like anyone can say anything. you're there to get fit and healthy.

i have the same problem. i hate going to the gym when there are people there, but then i realize that most of us are there for the same reason so i should just suck it up.

If you saw a person who is overweight walking into a personal training or fitness theory course at your local gym, what would you think?
I am asking because a friend of mine has asked me to join her in taking this class. I am very interested in fitness and am trying my best to get into shape again. I just feel like everyone else in the class will be super fit and I am going to stick out like a sore thumb.....I dont want to feel embarressed. A part of me wants to wait until I am in better shape to take the course.

Honestly, I used to feel the SAME way as you. Then one time, I just forced myself to go to this ridiculously hot yoga class (never having even taken yoga before!) It was crazy hard and every single person there was a bean pole and there I was - HUGE in comparison. But, I did it. And no one even noticed!

Now I go to various classes at the gym...yoga, pilates, step aerobics. Often I *am* still the heaviest in the class, but often there's also a few other heavy people. And, sometimes, even though I'm the heaviest, that doesn't mean that I am the most ouf of shape, the least coordinated, or the least flexible!

I'm sure there will be an occasional d-bag who notices or whatever, but those people are judging you out on the streets too. MOST people won't notice, won't care, or will be supportive.

I would think to myself that I hope that person would stick to it and admire them for wanting to make a positve change in their life. Any one who would shun you for your appearance is no one you need to be concerned with. If they are that shallow, you should not give a second thought to what they think. I hope you go to the class with your head held high. You should be very proud of yourself for trying to make a positive change in your life. Every one on this site knows how tough it can be.

"Good for them".

Seriously. I watched a guy at my old gym go from 400+ pounds to less than 200 over the course of about a year. It was amazing.

That's like asking how we feel if we see sick people going to the doctor...that's where they should be. Way to go! It's not a bad thing to go outside your comfort zone.

I would honestly think "good for them for wanting to get healthy!"

Me too! Most people in that kind of environment are there for their health and will champion others who are trying to improve themselves.

Seriously, if I saw someone doing that I would like thumbs up!! WTG!!! That is what I am thinking. You have to start somewhere. Everyone has to take the first step.

I say go

And to be honest I applaud over weight people that are in fitness/health related courses and gyms and any other place that shows they are being healthy. I judge (okay I don't judge but I do notice) when super over weight people are eating huge ice cream cones/McDonalds/huge bags of Cheetos. I would never give a look or comment or anything, to each her own and I don't live in their shoes.

I think you would enjoy it--if you get a look, screw them!

Please don't let other people's perceived judgment of yourself prevent you from going to the gym. Who cares what they think? All that matters is that you are getting healthier!
That being said, here is what I think at the gym... "Am I going faster than the person next to me on the treadmill? Yes! Wheeee... I'm winning!" I don't judge the person next to me, I just pretend we are racing. It helps me push myself (especially if the person next to me is fast). However, I often lose at my imaginary "Let's see who can lift more" game, because I am not a bodybuilder. But once again, I enjoy having a goal to set myself. :laugh:
So, yeah, you are there for yourself and your own reasons for pushing yourself (whether it is losing weight, strength training or even imaginary racing). So don't be bothered by other people. Besides, once I have walked out of the gym, I can't remember a single person I saw there. I only remember what I did that day!

Most people will be happy for you and admire your desire to become fit. The rest of them? Well, they just don't matter and aren't even worth your thoughts.

i use to go to a step class while i was around 240 pounds, there were thin, old young no one cared!

I would be proud of that person... whoever it may be. I think it's commendable to go to those classes, and they are an awesome way to start this journey (or continue it as the case may be.)

I'd want to hi-five you personally. I went through something similar when I signed up for my first 5K. I thought everyone would be a super fit, amazing runner. To my surprise the race, a huge race, was filled with all sizes, shapes, and fitness levels. I was somewhere in the middle.

Anytime I see an overweight/out of shape person doing any form of exercise, I secretly cheer them on in my head. It's awesome.

If you saw a person who is overweight walking into a personal training or fitness theory course at your local gym, what would you think?

I am asking because a friend of mine has asked me to join her in taking this class. I am very interested in fitness and am trying my best to get into shape again. I just feel like everyone else in the class will be super fit and I am going to stick out like a sore thumb.....I dont want to feel embarressed. A part of me wants to wait until I am in better shape to take the course.

You thoughts are welcome....

I would think that is a person who recognizes that they don't know how to be healthy and really wants to understand how to change. i think it's dumb to wait, the information you learn can be only beneficial to your journey.

your there for education on how to be healthier and more fit, your in the same boat as the others taking the class, equals. Knowledge is power. You can't do or not do based on what you think others will think of you. I would love to see a person who has struggled with weight come into the class. Do what you want that is in your best interest for your health. I think the support you got through this post is what you'll find out when you take the class. People generally like to help others out, Good Luck, TAKE THE CLASS !!!