Workout When Obese
momof2kd
Posts: 5 Member
Hi, I'm new around here. Well, kinda. I joined a few years ago, but it didn't stick. Anyways, I'm a rather large woman. 6' 1" in height and 336 pounds.
I just joined a fairly popular gym that promotes a non judgmental atmosphere. Even so, I've struggled a bit. Along with my obvious weight problem, the medication I take has the unfortunate side effect of muscle weakness. This manifests itself most notably in my legs. I've gotten to the point that I can no longer get back up from most seats, including toilets. That was probably too much information, but it goes to show that I can't currently use most of the gym's machines aside from the ellipticals and a couple others. My legs also tend to just give out on me, especially if I try to exercise them.
All this combined means that I can only do a little bit at a time. I have to take frequent breaks, and have only been able to top out at half a mile on the elliptical and a few shoulder presses. Those are the only machines I can use, and my body won't hold out to do more right now even if I could use others.
Other than my physical issues, I've already caught people staring and laughing at me while I'm trying to do what little I can. Yesterday morning, I left in tears after hearing a couple other women saying that I was just wasting space when I was having to go for a bit and catch my breath. They whisper and stare. It's humiliating especially since I bring my son with me. I don't know what to do.
I could try to walk, but I'm afraid I'll fall on the uneven ground. I don't have any equipment anymore.
Just ugh. Sorry for the rambling post.
I just joined a fairly popular gym that promotes a non judgmental atmosphere. Even so, I've struggled a bit. Along with my obvious weight problem, the medication I take has the unfortunate side effect of muscle weakness. This manifests itself most notably in my legs. I've gotten to the point that I can no longer get back up from most seats, including toilets. That was probably too much information, but it goes to show that I can't currently use most of the gym's machines aside from the ellipticals and a couple others. My legs also tend to just give out on me, especially if I try to exercise them.
All this combined means that I can only do a little bit at a time. I have to take frequent breaks, and have only been able to top out at half a mile on the elliptical and a few shoulder presses. Those are the only machines I can use, and my body won't hold out to do more right now even if I could use others.
Other than my physical issues, I've already caught people staring and laughing at me while I'm trying to do what little I can. Yesterday morning, I left in tears after hearing a couple other women saying that I was just wasting space when I was having to go for a bit and catch my breath. They whisper and stare. It's humiliating especially since I bring my son with me. I don't know what to do.
I could try to walk, but I'm afraid I'll fall on the uneven ground. I don't have any equipment anymore.
Just ugh. Sorry for the rambling post.
29
Replies
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I’m so sorry you are having those experiences, you are trying and that is what is important!
Are there any other medications your doctor can prescribe that would work without the muscle weakness as a side effect?
Have you looked into using a cane/walking stick or a walker? Maybe having something you can hold onto will help with your stability.
If none of those are viable options, continue to do what you can and focus on your diet. It is possible to lose weight on diet alone if it comes to that. Exercise is important, but not the only way to lose weight.5 -
Walking is terrific exercise and don't hesitate to use walking aids. I do. My legs aren't as much a problem as my scoliosis (back) but meniscus tears in my knees mean my legs can fold at the most inopportune moments. I used a cane for years, then crutches because they let me walk upright and straighter than a cane. Unfortunately, the crutches eventually got to my wrists so I got an upright walker and it enables me to move like the wind! You can start with European "trekking poles" if you are worried about appearances.
The important thing is your health not what other folks seem to think of you. And remember, most of the time others ARE NOT thinking about you. Even if they are talking trash about you, you don't need to pay any attention. People who talk trash about other people are themselves trash. Pity them, not yourself.
And get an mp3 player to clip to your workout clothes so you can listen to your music and ignore extraneous chatter either from outside your head or inside.14 -
What other people say about you says more about their character than yours! People still laugh at me for not being able to lift much but I know one day I will and that’s enough to keep me going.
You are doing this for YOU, don’t let the heartless people stop you.
Are there later times that no one is there ? Usually gyms here are empty at night time. I started out at night but once I got more comfortable with the equipment I went during the day. now I’m doing all at home because I’m more comfortable that way. Fitness Blender on YouTube has some low impact (no jump) no equipment workouts if you’d be interested in that. I lost 30lbs with their videos. Their videos are completely free but they do have $10 programs on their site. 😌 Good luck, I hope everything works out for you.6 -
Is there a pool at your gym or one you can use/ join somewhere else? I do water aerobics, and it is so fun. I have a bad knee but it is no problem in the water. I also like to just walk in the water. Being in the water can be a good workout, and great for people who have trouble on land.8
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You know, it’s an unfortunate fact of life that there are *kitten* everywhere.
However, there are ALSO people like me who are silently supporting you, saying “You go, girl!” under our breath, and pulling for you with every step, or lift that you take.
Society dictates that we can’t come up to you and say this stuff. We have more class than those other women, I guess.
Don’t let Mean Girls dictate your quality of life. You get out there and decide what you want it to be.
For many many years, I was by far the biggest girl in the yoga class. I occasionally got those eye rolls and some of that sniffy attitude.
Now I get respect.
Every time I see a “large” woman walk into the studio, I want to hug her, welcome her, tell her my story, tell her she can DO this, too.
You get out there and earn some, too.
Think of those *kitten* as squeaky wheels. They’re just the ones you can hear. All the other cogs, the ones running smoothly, are pulling for you. And believe me, karma will get them in the end. People with that kind of attitude, it runs over into other parts of their life, like a poison.13 -
Caroline Jordan has "hurt foot" workouts, chair cardio, no-impact workouts, etc on her YouTube channel. Here's one example:
https://youtu.be/IC8SfzaG8_A 7 -
I want to second what @DancingMoosie said. There are all kinds of chair workouts, from yoga to cardio, on youtube. Maybe some of those would work for you. Also, would an exercise bike work for you? I have one knee that sometimes gives out on me. When I first started trying to get some exercise in, I used a recumbent exercise bike. That worked well for my knee problem. I understand it's hard to ignore those rude people but you're doing great. You're also setting a great example for your son. Keep it up!3
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I also like this lady, Miranda Esmonde-White
https://www.youtube.com/user/ClassicalStretchTET
Her workouts are good for almost anyone, and you can use a chair for balance. It's like a hybrid of Tai chi and Barre.4 -
I would ask if there is absolutely any way to be off the medication. I do not know what condition it is for, but if it is stemming from metabolic dysfunction...is it necessary? Ask your doc, get a second opinion, see what you can do.
There are a ton of meds out there, for just about everything. The least prescribed and/or adhered to medication is good nutrition and physical activity. That doesn’t make much money, so docs don’t like it much 😂
If it is the only medication, or getting off of it would kill you or greatly harm you, then search for an alternative to the machines at the gym. If the meds are for a metabolic disease or disorder...research what it takes to get off of it. Let that be your motivation.
Maybe an alternative gym. Recumbent bikes are fun. Swimming makes you weightless, while giving you a full body workout. See a private gym, if you have more moola.
FWIW...weight loss and metabolic health starts in the kitchen. Eat less than your body needs each day, and over time you will see a reduction in weight. Work in physical activity when you can.
Keep at it each day. Most days. Talk to family, tell them what you are doing. They will be your biggest support group. ✌️4 -
One of my main goals is to regain leg strength so that I can be more mobile again. Is an elliptical a good way to work on that?
Oh, and the medication is for very painful neuropathy. If I go off it, my feet get so bad I can barely stand it. I'm hoping weight loss will help with that too.7 -
You just turning up is amazing and you will notice as you lose weight and gradually work on your muscles and your body that things will get better and you'll be feeling better aswell.
I know it's hard but ignore those whispers. I know when I first started doing couch to 5k I got a few giggles when I'd run for a minute and then be out of breath and sweaty - now I can run solidly for an hour... So some people will be ridiculous. I know when I see someone overweight or obese working out in any form (even just walking when you can see they're on an exercise walk) I feel loads of positive things. I think a lot of people feel that positivity too - there will be more people cheering you in in the sidelines than hoping you fall. They're just quieter about it. The headphones idea is a good one. I listen to podcasts when working out and it's been a game changer. I'm so gripped by my podcast I care so much less what anyone might be thinking.6 -
I’m sorry you encountered women like that at your gym. I’ve had similar experiences. But I applaud you for showing up for yourself and reaching out to MFP for support and advice instead of closing the gym door for good.
I second the idea of looking for a pool. Whether swimming, walking, running, water aerobics or playing with your son hanging out in the water will probably feel great.
If you are hesitant to be around people in swimwear at your current size I know pools around here have a few time slots a week that are either adults only or women only. Those time slots may feel more comfortable to you, or call ahead and ask what the best off-peak time would be.
When it comes to timing exercise it can be tempting to avoid the peak times. However I would actually propose that early morning while often a peak time tends to be bursting with people who truly attend to improve themselves. People don’t show up in the gym at 6am or even 7am to whisper and stare - they’d much rather be asleep
I’ve also seen many people on these boards recommend video workouts with Leslie Sansone which is essentially walking in your living room. Could this be something for you? It’s a controlled environment compared to walking outside, I imagine you have a chair close by so you can sit down as needed.4 -
I’m so sorry you’ve experienced that! I was once 355lbs so I know the feeling all toooooo well. Feel free to add me and to message if you need to chat!7
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Ugh people can be so cruel sometimes. Best to put in your headphones and block out the empty-headed chatter. While you are working hard to improve yourself, they are stuck in their ways. I started at 307lbs( hit my 30lb loss yesterday
), so I can relate to the stares and rude comments, but at the end of the day they are strangers that have no importance to your life. Keep your head up, you got this! 6 -
Ignore them. Do what you need to do to get to better health. I have had a spinal cord injury and two big back surgeries and I know what an achievement it is to get back in the game, do what you can, and regain your health. You really should look into swimming for exercise. My legs, core muscles, back and shoulder muscles were really weak after my second surgery. Swimming offered me a safer way to get great cardiovascular exercise, rehabilitate my weak muscles and improve my stamina, strength, and flexibility. To this day I swim in the pool, stretch in the pool, do body weight exercises in the pool, and enjoy a pain free way to exercise safely. And no, I am not the fastest swimmer but it doesn't matter. Look for the people who encourage you, have survived and overcome struggles of their own, and you will find support.
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Also check out The Eldergym blog and Youtube videos. Don't be put off by the name. Run by a physical therapist who works with older adults. Exercises are safe, straightforward, and effective especially if you are just starting out. What is the cause of your neuropathy? I live with it as well, so I understand how unpleasant the numbness and tingling can be. I quit gabapentin because I disliked the side effects. I have found that eating a low refined sugar and sodium diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fatty fish really helps to tamp down the neuropathy. Weight loss that comes with that eating style is a big bonus.
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The_Wallflower wrote: »I’m so sorry you’ve experienced that! I was once 355lbs so I know the feeling all toooooo well. Feel free to add me and to message if you need to chat!
wow! there's some inspiration! Hopefully OP will add you - how and how long did it take you. Well done girl!1 -
You’re doing great!! Keep up the hard work!!
What should you do?- keep going to the gym and doing what you can, how you can!!!
The people at your gym who are acting badly are just stupid !! Any real athletes there will respect the effort. Any real athlete knows it’s ALL about the effort!! Obviously it is harder for an obese person so you are working harder or just as hard as they are.
When I started I was also obese, a smoker and older than almost everyone at the gym. I was very self-conscious. After about two months one of the truly fittest people I ever met asked me if she could video me working out because she wanted to show her parents- she was trying to inspire them to try it. She told me how much her and some of her group used me as inspiration- if I could do it without quitting and skipping, they felt they should too. They started to show me how to make it easier so I could last longer etc.
Everyone has a friend or family member who needs support and inspiration! At some point the real athletes in your gym will be inspired by you and will help you so you can help them. It takes a little while because so many people start and stop the gym right away. Stay with it!! It definitely gets to be more fun after a few months.
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I won't repeat all the advice about potential alt meds and exercises, etc., but will expand on an idea floated above about walking aids/walkers. If you can walk, try hiking poles. They help stabilize you, and take some of the effort out of your legs to your upper body. Might be helpful for you. Good luck no matter what you do. I've lost over 70lbs in a combined program focused on bicycling, swimming (ocean and pool), lite hiking/walking, seasonal gym work, and dietary moderation. It didn't happen for me right away, and beyond a quick drop, took a long time. I'm still working on it, could go another 50 lbs.
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Well I went back this morning and, if I do say so myself, killed it! Slightly increased my distance on the elliptical and added quite a bit of strength training. Found a few more machines I could fit on.
Some people were staring, but I've decided that I am no mind reader and they could be thinking anything. At any rate, it's not worth my stopping. It feels so so awesome to find that I can actually do a little more than I thought.
Thanks so much for all the encouragement and support.22 -
Way to go!! I’m so excited for you!0
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Well I went back this morning and, if I do say so myself, killed it! Slightly increased my distance on the elliptical and added quite a bit of strength training. Found a few more machines I could fit on.
Some people were staring, but I've decided that I am no mind reader and they could be thinking anything. At any rate, it's not worth my stopping. It feels so so awesome to find that I can actually do a little more than I thought.
Thanks so much for all the encouragement and support.
Most impressive! Keep it up!! You rule!1 -
Keep it up! I hope to see you on the Success Stories thread real soon. (Although this is a success in and of itself!)1
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Keep it up! Do it for yourself, they have to be real sad individuals if they have to criticise you to feel better.
I love zumba classes. Unfortunately, I'm uncoordinated, have no sense of rhythm and seem unable to remember a full choreography. When I started at my current gym, I was by far the largest in the class (and the clumsiest), and I also heard two young, svelte women saying something like it was a pity I was taking up a space another person could use. It made me feel terrible, but I decided to not let them dictate what I would do - I enjoyed the class, so I'd just try to keep apart from them and their idiot attitude. Five years have passed. I've lost 25kg, I keep enjoying the same class, I've met other ladies there to chat with before and after classes (some are brilliant at zumba, some are not, but they are all nice). The idiots don't belong to the gym any more. I'm so glad I didn't let their venom hurt me.4 -
Good for you. Keep at it.
As for the staring - it sucks, but as you say, you don't know what they are thinking. It could actually be surprise at your height. And maybe it would help if you tell yourself that. Your height is not related to your goals and you can't do anything about it so it might help to explain the stares that way to yourself.
I used to be terrified of being stared at and I used to be obese. In the end I tackled the fear by seeking out the most weird-looking exercises that nobody else did and just made sure I stood out. It was almost daring people to stare. Bear crawls round the gym? Bring it. Suitcase kettlebell carries (not weird as such but literally nobody does that at our gym)? Yeah. Great.
If anybody stares now, I don't even notice. Besides, they've all seen me beating hell out of the punch bag, so they want to be careful...
If you have the funds to hire a personal trainer for a few sessions that could be money well spent. They may have all sorts of exercises for you to try that you would never think of, rather than limiting yourself to machines you fit on.2 -
Awesome! Way to go!Well I went back this morning and, if I do say so myself, killed it! Slightly increased my distance on the elliptical and added quite a bit of strength training. Found a few more machines I could fit on.
Some people were staring, but I've decided that I am no mind reader and they could be thinking anything. At any rate, it's not worth my stopping. It feels so so awesome to find that I can actually do a little more than I thought.
Thanks so much for all the encouragement and support.
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Personally, whenever I see someone who is overweight and seemingly struggling with whatever exercise they are doing at the gym, I immediately have a sense of adoration for them.
I can only imagine the thought process of this person to get themselves to the gym in the first place. It sure takes a lot of determination and grit to do it. I just see 'change'/'someone putting themselves out there'/'I see someone trying'...
Then I think, wow...if they can do it - then I have no excuses!
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High-five! You’re my inspiration today!
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Sorry, you have gone through this. Please just continue on no matter what others say. Some people just won't understand. I had a really fit woman come up to me and ask me if I was finished on the leg press machine because she was doing her circuit and wanted to use the machine and I wasn't moving. I guess she thought I was just playing on my phone (when I first started, I needed to take much longer breaks between sets). I do understand how I probably looked to anyone not knowing the situation.2
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I am so sorry those people were so mean. We should want to help each other not tear each other down. I am a short woman at 4'10. I started out at 174lbs. It was VERY hard to work out when I first got started! Even the low impact workouts were almost impossible in my mind to do. I have always worked out from home so no judgy people here. I am now down to 135ish and SO strong! Just keep moving and trying it will get better! Find videos on youtube for low impact or sitting down exercises! Hugs you can do it!0
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