Fat people going to the Gym

[z3n1th]

Support with all my heart!!

Don't psycho yourself into stopping from increasing your fitness levels because of what you think you may perceive… I'm actually fairly certain that everyone is rooting for you!! XX

[DilfLover1]

while i've never workedout in a gym before (aside from middle/high school), i have felt this very thing. my first term in college i took my first ever hip-hop dance class and felt SOOOOOOO out of place when i was one of two or three bigger people in the class…it took me a couple terms and my dance instructor saying "you're really good" and "could u join this other dance class? i have a guy in there that feels insecure because he's the only guy in there". i eventually got to the point where i was like "u know what, fuck all these judgemental fuckers. my fat ass is outdancing you assholes" and so i just had fun w/ the NICE people in the class. it may take u a while, but where ever u end up working out, u will get that confidence where u just say "fuck everyone else judging me; im here to improve my health."

[sammy1023]

I encourage folks to have fun at whatever exercise program they do.  If you feel insecure, off, etc going to a gym, then find a workout routine that you can be relaxed around and happy with.  That said, anyone out of shape or overweight I see at the gym should be applauded, they are still doing more than 99% of folks out there.  Anyone taking the time to put the effort in I salute you. So don't give up, keep working, and enjoy, and don't care what others think of you, think highly of yourself…always!  bill

[john55665]

I'll say the first few months will be tough to get going to the gym into routine but once you finally work it in and see results, you will feel much better about yourself. I was really skinny when I first joined my gym and felt embarrassed too because of how weak I was but you have to understand that no one in the gym started off with perfect bodies. Everyone started somewhere and I admire that they have taken the first step which I think is the hardest.

Just stick to your routine, doing cardio like walking up an incline treadmill which is really good for losing weight and not to mention builds up your legs. Plug your ears with your favourite songs and you will be in your own world.

[DamaDama]

i actually like when i see fat people in the gym.They remind of me, of how i was when i started before going to college.Well i lost my extra pounds by walking and doing bicycle but i had some extra pounds when i started to the gym.It was really nothing.I don't think anyone would be weird looking at you, and if they do they are the complexive ones.Those people who stare at others forget how they were when they first started, and in my opinion that is the worst thing for them.

[JerodParker]

I gained 20lbs and feel like I have to lose it before I go to the gym where the hot guys are, haha.  But my goal is to get hot by February, relatively.

[billd28971]

My personal reaction when I see an overweight person at the gym is "Good for you!"  Everyone has to start their fitness journey somewhere and there is no need to already have a "gym body" to go to the gym.  Having said that, find something you enjoy and be persistent, also don't beat yourself up if you have a setback.  Your goals will happen.

[poltergeist]

As much as I'm not exactly a gym guy myself, if I happen to see one in a gym I wouldn't put too much thought about it but wish him the best and good luck in transforming himself. It might trigger anxiety at first but that's what gyms were built in the first place right? To help people stay in good shape? Don't give a damn what other people think as those who make fun of him earlier would eventually compliment him right after he starts showing progress.

Though for me personally, if you want to lose weight as well as being healthy, you don't necessarily have to hit the gym. There are other types of versatile, cheaper workouts. You can first start with simple one like jogging a few kilometers each day, rope skipping and eventually push ups, pull ups, sit ups, squads and any other. By the time you start hitting the gym, you might have lost several pounds already…

That is, if you keep it up consistently

[moonmonday]

If anyone is immature enough to fixate upon someone pursuing fitness, regardless of body type, size, or anything else, they're an idiot and their opinion is not worth worrying about or giving weight.

I used to dance on stage – ballet, modern interpretive, jazz -- I did it all! And while I still work to keep fit, I have no use for the body I once had because I don't practice for hours a day or perform anymore. But even when I did, I never had the statue build; that's not my body type. Everybody has a different body, everyone looks different in various states of fitness. Don't be brainwashed by the popular image of the "fit body" because that's not what everyone has. It's what a tiny percentage of people have.

Those who obsess over a certain-inch waist, or a degree of being "cut", or anything like that, aren't after fitness or health. Those who fixate on abs are most often unaware they don't generally occur without specific cultivation. And they certainly don't make a person beautiful.

It may take some time and work, judging by what you've written, but I think the first and most important thing to do is to accept yourself and to love yourself. You are not an object of ridicule. It is admirable when anyone takes steps to improve his health, for his own reasons. I say, good job and do whatever you're comfortable with. If you find that you're not comfortable with a public gym setting, perhaps think about buying free weights for home, or perhaps an alternative -- the Wii systems and a variety of fun exercise games are very inexpensive, especially right now with all the sales!

But any professional personal trainer will never ridicule you for wanting to pursue fitness. That is their job, to provide personal fitness advice and health encouragement. Don't worry about a professional. They aren't judging you; it's their job to keep themselves fit and to help others with their fitness goals.

One thing that I have always felt was especially excellent on the subject of body image, self-image, and which touches upon exercise, healthy living, and diet, is Joy Nash's "A Fat Rant". Check it out if you like! I hope this helps.

[bob85]

I go to the gym about 4-5 days a week and I always see plenty of people of various body types, but I don't judge people negatively based on their body size/weight. I'm at the gym for the sole purpose of working out and to stay in shape. I don't have the time of day to look around and make judgements of other people - that's not why I'm there.

I know that it's easier said than done, but you need to try to just forget about other people and what they might think (I said "might" because I doubt that the average person even pays much attention to you or to other people anyways. They are focused on what they're doing instead). Have confidence in yourself! Know that a complete stranger's opinion of you doesn't matter. You should be going to the gym because YOU want to be there.

After all, you're not at the gym for THEM; you're at the gym for YOU

[obras62]

@Kekkaishi:

I am well over weight, therefore, I'm insecure about joining a gym in order to try and get in shape and loose weight.
being fat, I have no stamina and completely out of shape. the very basics of body workout is quite hard for me to do.
I feel ashamed working out in front of other fit guys, and also take a private trainer thinking he might not take me seriously.
I'm interested in your opinion / reaction (to yourself) when you see a fat guy at the gym.
will you encourage him in your heart to keep going or will you think he is out of place?

You have a lot of good ideas here and opinions, I'll give you mine as well.

I am overweight and I have to lose, at least for now, 45 pounds so that I can have a procedure done on my heart (it's a great incentive).
It is difficult to get motivated. I too feel out of place and ashamed, however, I and you show be praised for at least trying.
The idea is to not overdo anything.
MyFitnessPal is a free app for a smartphone.
Download it, and use it in tandem with MapMyFitness
This helps you log your food and exercises.
The idea is to go slowly, you didn't get big overnight and you won't get fit overnight.

Start out with the basics, like getting to the gym, cardio and some weights.
With time you will do more and want to do more.

I teach English as a foreign language and I tell my students the same thing, stop trying to do it all in one day. A little each day then you get into a routine and then you will be happier and fitter.

Good luck
and stop looking in the mirror and hating yourself.

[Monastero85]

Before joining the gym I had zero muscles, so I was feeling ashamed of doing the exercizes ladies do, lift their weight, and seeing people with huge muscles lifting up real weights.
But then there were also "fat" guys, and they helped me a lot in understanding that not everyone who goes to the gym is already fit! But with hard work, you can definitely get better.
I have been going to the gym about twice a week for the last 2 years, and I can totally see improvements in my body and in the body of the "fat" guys who kept working.

Morover, from my point of view, having a gym subscription forces you to go and do something a lot more than doing that at home, cause you can procrastinate much more at home!!!

Let us know what you decide to do!

[rufusmc]

As someone who puts on weight as soon as I look at food I know how it feels thinking abut going to a gym.

I joined weight watchers with some mates and lost 54lbs in 5 months just by eating right, the weight has pretty much stayed off (except over the hols!). I have a fairly active life with loads of walking etc so that was my exercise. I don't have masses of muscle as I'm not into weight lifting.

So if you want to lose some weight try one of the weight loss programs, even if you join, get the details and then do it yourself, the gym can come at a later stage when you feel more comfortable.

Good luck whatever you decide to do  :hug2:

[ffuck]

Personally I wouldn't have any problem seeing someone fat in the gym. I would even be proud of them and willing to help if they asked.
And this is how it is most of the time, contrary to popular belief. Especially among guys, there is no bullying or something like that, there is in fact support and motivation. I think the worst you can get is people not paying attention to you at all, everyone minding their own business (which is actually what all people should do at the gym). Focus on yourself and what you have to do, don't get interrupted by others around you, and if you need help, just ask: gym-rats may seem intimidating sometimes but many of them are pretty nice people

Good luck, friend! And keep your head up no matter what! :laugh: :laugh:

[dzirlo]

don't let your (ridiculous) fear of being ridiculed keep you from going where you think you should be.
if there really are some self-absorbed idiots in the gym who would even look at you cross for how ever you look, remember they are the idiots, not you.

i had that same fear throughout my middle and high school and started going to the gym pretty much late, and i'm so sorry for all the time i've lost just cause of my inability to confront my fears.
now i don't have that body i could've had if i had started in my formative years.

i think many of you telling the guy to avoid the gym are actually enabling his fear. you should confront it, and don't forget, you are soon going to look better and better, and your self-image will change also.

unfortunately, we are all aware that in the gay world, good body is almost a compulsory requirement.
not just for sex, even your social status depends on it.
so, just go with it, and never give up on self-improvement cause of a few mean glances from some nobodys.

[Domosuke]

@dzirlo:

i think many of you telling the guy to avoid the gym are actually enabling his fear. you should confront it, and don't forget, you are soon going to look better and better, and your self-image will change also.

unfortunately, we are all aware that in the gay world, good body is almost a compulsory requirement.
not just for sex, even your social status depends on it.

I think as long as a guy can walk up stairs without any issues, makes a conscious effort to eat healthy now and then. Still keeps active like jogging after work or bike riding etc, power walking etc. lol.

I don't think he needs to go a gym and become the next Mr. Olympia, not that there is anything wrong with that.

It's clear he's not comfortable going to a gym right now, so I'm not gonna force him to go.

Some people are big, some people are small, some people are both during different stages in their life. That's just the way it is.

I'm not saying people should be obese and underweight, no. I'm just saying people have different shapes and sizes.

Yeah in the gay community, physical attractiveness is key and advised, but you kinda just contradicted yourself.

You told him to ignore people that shame his body, yet at the same time said in order to be happy in the gay community, he needs to lose weight?

[Kekkaishi]

Thank you all for your posts!

even though I will not be going to the gym after all, I have began a "40 minutes full body workout" video to which I only lasted 20 minutes or so. with time I will get better at this and perhaps start going to the gym.

[brianboru72]

Good for you! We all have to begin somewhere and you're off to a good start with that kind of attitude.
The key is keeping yourself motivated. Consistency is so important. 10 minutes that you can keep doing regularly is more important and will help you more than forcing 40 minutes and then giving up after a week.
Once you feel up for it- visit the gym and try to see a trainer for some advice, even just for when you get started.

[samiderwish]

u want to make balance betwen the eating and sporting

[dist]

When I first started working out I was super skinny and did sometimes feel inadequate working out next to big muscular guys. But as time went by I got into my routine and just didnt mind what other people were doing or how they look. And heres a secret: they dont either. Everyone is there to better themselves, no matter their current state of mind. Now when I see new beginners I root for them and I respect them for pushing themselves, because everyone started out that way, so everyone understands.

And I would advice you, especially as a gay man or whatever you are, to not let your insecurities and fears dictate the way you live your life. Dont hide away, get out there and face everything you fear, thats how I built my confidence and Im sure it will help you too. Go to the gym, do your best, dont mind other people because they dont mind you. And if you want to, ask them for advice. All guys Ive talked to at the gym, fit or not, are more than happy to share their tips. Have some faith in people. Especially gym rats. They may look fierce and determined during their workouts, but when you talk to them, theyre just like any other decent human beings