Too fat for the gym

I hear you loud and clear. I worked out at home (thank you YouTube videos!) and lost about 50 lbs before I started working out in public. I've always yo-yo'd with my weight too, binge eating with special events, holidays, vacations, weekends, you name it. I've been working on slowing down and savoring each bite, and it's helped me dramatically (being mindful of what I'm actually eating). I'm not perfect, but I'm a work in progress and am slowly changing my lifestyle.

It is true that nobody will judge you at a gym but there is no need to go to the gym at all. One of the best exercises is simply going for a walk. There are a ton of exercises you can do at home without needing special equipment.

I was also too self conscious about my body to go to a gym when i started

I got one of those total gym machines with 300 lbs of weights for 300$ on Facebook.

Added bonus ... no excuse to not use it. It's IN MY HOUSE.

I also have a treadmill that I overpaid for.

In the end, if I have to drive somewhere etc etc ... it's just so many excuses to not do it... and at home... I can take my shirt off and no one sees.

As a bigger gal myself, I get it. And you know what I’ve found out- seeing other “big people” in the gym inspire me to keep going in. - if they can do it, I can too. And you know what else? Sometimes, those that are in better shape, have helped me out. An understanding smile, a pointer here and there, answering my dumb questions every now and then (mostly about how to use the machines they’re currently on), some assistance with a machine I’m on and they’ve noticed I’m having a little trouble, and sometimes just a funny story- have gone a long way towards keeping me going back. I don’t go every day- mostly 2x a week and wanting to do a 3rd. But, at least it’s happening. The other part that helped- talking to one of the gym staff, and getting a “routine” set up. Then I’m not going in there aimlessly, and can build on it- adding exercises as needed. You can do this! And if the gym really isn’t your thing- the other posters had some good ideas and insights.

Yeah, I have body image issues and wouldn't want to work out at a gym, however little attention was paid to me. I think a lot of people carry over their memories of what jerks people were in school phys ed (at least at my schools), and feel self conscious among the regular gym goers. Plus, since practically everyone on MFP says they're totally focused on their own activities, if someone makes you feel uncomfortable, no one is likely even to notice unless you complain. Or that's my interpretation of the "everyone minds their own business" comments. It probably would be fine, though.

I've come to actually like working out at home, mainly using DVDs and downloads. I bought a lot of them initially, but now pretty much stick to Cathe Friedrich videos and DVDs. She has on On Demand subscription for those who want to try without buying everything, and does intermediate and advanced strength training and aerobic and interval style exercise. (plus has forums and a workout manager) I also have accumulated fitness equipment, but it's not as extreme as the home gym above. I've now got a dumbell rack, which has gotten full, a club step/weight bench, resistance bands, mats, and a barbell w/plates, but it's been gradual acquisitions. I sound like an ad for Cathe and exercise videos, but I've learned the style of workouts I like, plus strength training exercises with free weights in the privacy of my home. I can wear anything I want (old Hello Kitty shirts, only an exercise bra, etc) without self consciousness. It's so nice, plus no commute or gym fees. I've also gotten a better attitude towards my body, valuing fit over thin. Recently I've gotten underweight due to illness, and miss being heavier and stronger, a big change in my attitude towards my body.

Please don't put off working out till you feel comfortable exercising "in public". If you're motivated now, start now. Exercise may help with your body image more than any therapist; it did for me (a former anorexic).

You are definitely not too fat for the gym! I went when I was 380lbs and my friend came with me who started at 405lbs. There was some equipment that just absolutely wasn't going to work for us, but we were able to happily workout and basically everyone was really nice to us. No fat shaming. No dirty looks. No mean comments. Just smiles and helpful comments.

For the first time ever I understand this. I put on a bunch of weight this year. I can list a number of excuses why but it doesn't matter but one was an 18 month break from the gym. Beginning of this month I started getting strict with my calories and going back to the gym. I have always worked hard while at the gym I used to be a gym rat. This time was no different I am working hard. For the first time I saw people watching me. In my mind I thought they were all thinking look at this fat guy make a fool of himself. but that is my own negative self talk I had to put that away. Were they looking yes! But what they were thinking who knows and who cares. I am down nearly 12 lbs hit my first goal and hoping to keep going.

Silent_Soliloquy wrote: »

Be warned though, eventually your utility room will end up looking like this:

I think your basement is the size of my whole flat!

@barsukas, I had a fear of the gym too thinking, I was TOO old 54 at the time. My husband actually bought me the gym membership for my birthday. Not because I needed to lose weight but because living in the PNW the winters are horrible. So I decided to why not give it a try. I discovered I was totally wrong about people judging you at the gym.

Just a little story I wanted to share, I usually go to a Body Works class about a couple times a month. Just because of the time of the class. To make a long story short, a few weeks back there was a new woman there. I know because we talked after class. The class isn’t easy for me and I’m in maintenance within a few pounds. The woman was large, she was struggling but she was doing. I was there at one point in my journey so I made the effort to tell her now good she was doing.

So the point is maybe I did take notice but I love watching people at the gym. Not to judge but to see what concepts they’re doing. Go for you, who cares what people think, 👍🏼