Being a fat lady at a skinny gym...

[Andrea K 33]

Girlfriend listen to me: Your money is the SAME size and color as those skinny people. You know how they got skinny and stay that way? By not caring what some other person with a hangup has and getting in there and working it! You will have role models in front of you to keep motivated. I didn't care. I was in a gym for college age people. I got out there walking and then cheering on any one else larger. I then kept working it until I was down girlfriend ... do not under any circumstances, after you've come this far, let someone with a small mind interrupt your Quest to be healthier.

So well said!

[katesuccess 990]

I"m still a few pounds larger than you, and I too find myself being the biggest (or 1st runner up) at the gym all the time. But hey - the dialogue I have in my head goes like this. If I'm afraid they think i'm the fat one, it's the only way I"m going to change that is by getting moving, working out and eating carefully. Is their opinion more important than my health? No way. DO they care, and for that matter -do I care what they think? Nope.

Another thing I discovered is that if I put my earphones in on my way in from the car, it's like being in a quasi-invisible bubble! No one yacks at you with headphones on, and frankly I notice people are so busy looking at themselves they rarely even look at me. I saw a woman working really hard on Russian Twists yesterday, and doing a great job (she's slightly overweight, but clearly on her way to being fit) and I took off one earbud long enough to say, "Hey you're doing amazing with those! I hope I get there soon!" She beamed, and I was really glad I said something. I suspect most of us think GOOD things about each other's efforts, because we all have something about us that makes us self conscious or that we wish were different, even shoe size maybe. Truth is, in a place where people are hoping to get stronger and healthier, chances are they're thinking nice things instead of tacky ones (even if there ARE a few of them too). Assume the best about yourself and them - and go for it.

[swimbikerun 1,048]

"Is their opinion more important than my health? No way."

Yes Lord! Bottom line, if your opinion is to be negative of someone trying to do something to get healthier, then you need to be talking to a counselor. Lots of people don't attempt to do anything. Why can't we encourage those who ARE taking steps to do so?

"Another thing I discovered is that if I put my earphones in on my way in from the car, it's like being in a quasi-invisible bubble! No one yacks at you with headphones on,"

The problem is that you don't hear people like me who encourage the non stereotype gym people on. Not everyone out there is going to cram you. Some may have been in the same position you were and want to pass on blessings.

People like me.

[jgj 29]

I too am the fat person at the skinny gym but I have been going for two years. I had to get over being afraid of being judged for my weight. I have started back after my surgery [July 1st] and it is so much easier to do everything. Keep going , it is worth it

[roundisashape 712]

I'm your height and 100 pounds larger, and can honestly tell you the gym is one of the few places I DO feel comfortable. I've never gotten any crap - definitely some encouragement from time to time, but mostly I'm ignored. Go for it!

[BandedSister_Lizz 22]

Hey Mi75

I can totally relate to how you are feeling. Like many others said no one is worried about you or what you are doing. My psychologist told me the same thing! It's try ppl are trying to lose the weight you and I won't lose if we stay at home worried about what ppl will think! Get your workout on! Be a maniac lol

Lizz

[mi75 1,241]

thanks everyone! i think my family has decided as a collective that the local "Y" is the best option for us. not so much a traditional 'gym' but still LOTS of workout options there, including weights, nautilus, classes, pool, etc. also options for my kiddos (swim lessons, swim club, volleyball for my tween, computer lab, etc). it's a bit more pricey than a typical gym but i feel like it has a lot more options there for ALL of us.

we will be taking an 'official' tour later this week and having a trainer set up a little program for me. getting excited!

[BandedSister_Lizz 22]

I am a member at the YMCA and I love it! All of the group exercise classes are a great option. If you like to dance Zumba will be tons of fun !

[mi75 1,241]

i am excited to try all the new things, however i have not exercised, danced, etc in front of other people in about 20 years. literally. it will all be new, and that part is intimidating also, but i gotta start somewhere!

[Cupcake 801]

Thats great news I hope your tour goes well keep us posted on your progress.

[Gibble 28]

I do Water aerobics 3x's/week. Got there by telling myself that I might be the fattest person there now, but by doing this I won,t always be. I have been doing this for 31/2 months now and finally last Friday I was talking to the instructor and told her I had lost 4 lbs that week and that made 50 lbs since Feb, Got congratulations from her and several others. Really felt good!

[Shells_Almost_There 357]

Go for it! I am consistently the largest person at the gym that I joined 2 months ago. While there are the usual "look me up and down with that judgmental look of disgust" people from time to time, the overall feeling and attitude is super positive. Do what you need to do for you and to heck with the rest!!

[labwalker 1,177]

I'm surrounded by 90lb soaking wet runners at the gym when on the treadmill. I figured I was a chick magnet... LOL

[swimbikerun 1,048]

One thing a lot of people are missing is that a lot of people are bigger than they used to be. So not everyone in the gym is 20 something and size 2.

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

How do i get over being a fat lady a a skinny gym?

@@mi75

I'm gonna "TRY" and make an anology, hope it comes out right

years ago when i was a single parent i shopped at K-Mart

(not that ihere is anything wrong with K-Mart) but it is on the lower end of shopping places

ie Lord and Taylor is a "lttle" better

My 11 year old daughter was always ashamed of possibly being seen, shopping at K-Mart!!(OMG )

I would tell her that all the over people were there in the same boat

as time went by i was able to go to "better" stores, see other people shoppping there too

but who knows, maybe they were in the same boat as i used to be???

they survived too, didn't sink!! LOL

you will be fine too

strutt your stuff

good luck bud

kathy