Have you ever felt like you were the fattest person at the gym?

I went to Goodlife last night with my sister. Unfortunately she frequents the downtown one where it seem you already have to be fit and skinny to attend. I felt very out of place and don't know if I want to go back. I know I shouldn't let this bother me but it does anyway. Anyone else ever feel this way?

I sometimes felt that way when I started going. Just remember that people have one of two thoughts when they see you:

"Darn, she's on the cardio machine I wanted."

or

"Good for her."

I know how you feel...when I first joined the gym that I go to now, I felt that way...I had lost 40 by eating right, getting good nutrition and working out at home, but I still felt that way. I felt like when I was on the elliptical people were just staring at how big my but was. But then I realized that I don't know the other peoples stories...sure some of them may have never had a problem with weight, but others might have had a weight problem and were able to get to their goal weight and are just maintaing their healthy lifestyle.  I realized I was judging them just as much as I thought they were judging me...I finally understood that we were there for the same reason, to get and stay healthy, and that is all that counts.

except for one guy i AM the fattest in my gym, that doesn't bother me, most people there have been very very supportive to me.  Now if I could just be more motivated.

The gym I go to has three kinds of members:

1. stay at home wives/mothers who work out for hours and look like models
2. musclehead guys who throw around weights and would fall over dead before they would put away their dang plates
3. ME

That's how I feel anyway. I pretend not to see the stay at home goddesses and direct my venom towards the guys who think just because there is a female in their free weight lair that all of a sudden they don't need to clean up after themselves.

Thanks for your replies everyone. I am just having a weak moment. Normally I am alot more confident than this. I have already lost 30 lbs and have another 30 to go so I should be thankful. Anyways, even with the extra weight I am in the best shape of my life! This particular gym is the one in the core of the city and I know other gyms aren't that bad. Maybe I will try the women's only one closer to my house next time.

I used to have that feeling. And it sounds horrible to say this, but I've now lost 55-ish pounds, and am no longer even CLOSE to the fattest woman at the gym. Being the fattest there actually helped to motivate me, to work hard to NOT be the fattest woman at the gym/supermarket/ANYWHERE.

Original Post by amethystgirl:

I sometimes felt that way when I started going. Just remember that people have one of two thoughts when they see you:

"Darn, she's on the cardio machine I wanted."

or

"Good for her."

exactly!

I go early in the mornings, no one looks good at 5am. :)

Yes... but, in addition to attending the skinny young people gym (the one closest to my house) I also attend the gym where seemingly all the attendees are pretty old, pretty heavy Korean and Chinese ladies who chat and giggle with girlfriends buck-naked in the locker room. I like going to the gym with those ladies so much better. Not only do I not feel like the fattest person there but they seem like they're having so much more fun at the gym than all those super serious guys and girls, heaving and grunting and sweating and frowning their whole workout.

I feel out of place when I'm clearly the least fit person there, usually because I haven't done any consistent exercise for years and just getting to the gym winds me. Size doesn't make a difference, I've seen (and been very jealous of) several people larger than I who just never seem to tire out running at what would be my sprint pace.

think of it this way, even the best bodies started somewhere.  Its no wonder you see the best looking people frequenting the gym, they work hard to look good!  Give them the props they deserve and just know that they have respect someone willing to put in the time because they do it all the time themselves :)  No one is going to hate on you for trying to better yourself no matter where you are starting out.  

I just tell myself, this is MY life and I have every right to be here.  If anyone has a problem with it, it's theirs, not mine!~

Lol, that's a great subject line. I think most of us can relate to that feeling. I always used to feel awkward about going to our campus gym, because there were so many young, fit folks there. I started working with the Phys Ed. professors though, and it didn't take me long to realize that they are just seriously excited to see me working and embracing fitness, which is after all, their life's work. It's affirming in that sense for them, and they do not spend time judging me negatively. It has really lowered my "gym inhibitions."

I don't notice 'fat' people at the gym. If I do, I typically think 'good for them -- I wish I had the motivation they do' because they'll be working out 10xs harder than me!

I'll tell you who I do notice, though. STUPID, SKINNY HIGH SCHOOLERS who ignore the HUGE signs which say NO CELLPHONES.

They make me angry.

They screw around, half-heartedly working out and chatting away obnoxiously in that stupid, carpetless room so their voice takes on an even more obnoxious tone. URGH.

So no. I probably wouldn't even notice you. Though I am intimdated about the type of gym your talking about, too. I hate commericals for our Bally's or LA Fitnesses where everyone is tiny. Why would I desire to go to a gym where everyone is well dressed and skinny already? I don't want to feel out of place. Lol.

Well I actually went to another class this week. My first step class. Let me tell you that even though I am still 30 lbs overweight, I can keep up with everyone! I know I am physically fit although I am bigger. This summer I accomplished an 8 minute mile while running. Anyways, this class I felt more confident. I go with my sister and brother-in-law and they are the most fun people to be around. We had a blast! I was having a seriously down moment on monday, probably because I have been working so hard for so long and my progress feels slow. I feel good now and thank you everyone for all your encouragement. Its so nice to have people to talk to that relate to what the heck you are talking about!

Original Post by tincognito:

 I hate commericals for our Bally's or LA Fitnesses where everyone is tiny. Why would I desire to go to a gym where everyone is well dressed and skinny already? I don't want to feel out of place. Lol.

Bally's just filed for bankruptcy so TAKE THAT BALLY'S.

I belong to Goodlife here in Ontario and it's the best.  I go in the morning (before 9 am) and it's a seniors convention.  I tell ya, seniors ROCK!  They are so damn friendly, love to talk, and don't care what you look like.  Actually, i'm starting to think it's their social time.....they do work out, but I see them socializing most of the time.  I am definitely the youngest person there when I go!

~H~