I've had a membership to a local gym. How can I feel good about going. I keep thinking that everyone is looking and snickering. I started 5 years ago and for the first year I did great. The second year I kept going but I made the mistake of changing my eating habits. I haven't been in 3 years. I know it works. How do I get over the feeling of inadequacy when 1/2 the members could pose in an exercise magazine?? I'm fifty years old and 50 lbs overweight.
I've been trying to get a "buddy" to go, but no one is interested
dont worry, theyre not looking &snickering, &if they are, WHO CARES?!? do it for yourself! just know that you too will soon able to pose in the magazines like them if you keep your workouts in check. :)
This is actually a weird time of year to try to start going to the gym. January 1 begins an extremely busy time for the gym (new years resolutions) and so the gyms are packed! However, those that use the gym regularly are also more likely to find other outlets during this time...
Another trick is to try going to the low-impact classes. They are designed for people who can't do a lot of the jumping and quick movements, and so appeal to us overweight people.
Third, is find some music and ignore everyone else. I promise, they aren't paying attention to you at all. And if by chance they do notice, the most they'll do is mentally applause you for taking care of yourself!
Also, if you can, try going during the day. Gyms tend to be less crowded.
I think its just the opposite myself. I don't think people are looking at the overweight people and sneering. Personally, I always think "good for them!" because I have been there and know how hard it was for me to get moving.
The first part of confidence building is going in that gym and doing your thing not caring about everyone else. They are busy doing their thing and probably aren't even paying attention. Put on your iPod and tune everything else out. You are there for YOU not them. You are paying for your membership, not theirs.
The only thing anybody might be sneering at are the people who sing really loudly outloud from their iPods! And they can't sing! Now THAT is hard to not to miss! :)
i agree, the best thing you can do is stay positive. it's hard to do that sometimes, even i used to feel self concious just going for walks sometimes! try to change your frame of mind and instead of thinking they're looking and sniggering, remember that they're probably too busy thinking about themselves anyway and be proud that you're getting out there and taking care of your health!
Honestly, honestly, honestly, most people don't care. You may get one insecure person out of the whole gym who will look at anyone funny for not wearing a matching Lululemon outfit, but the worst anyone else will be thinking is "I hope she doesn't get to that treadmill before me." Most gymgoers know exactly how great it feels to work out regardless of your age or size AND that the toughest part is just getting off the couch.
Everyone at the gym is being sneered at by someone. Whether because they are "too thin to need to be working out", because they are overweight or maybe even cause their gym clothes aren't stylish enough. But, the sneerers are actually only a small representative of all those at the gym.
When I see someone overweight at the gym I am thoroughly impressed by their confidence and decision to become healthier. That and I know their work-outs are tougher b/c of it. Mostly, I'm impressed by anyone who isn't there to talk to their pals and try to get a date :P
I was really scared to go to the gym forever, but now I actually understand that when people say "no one cares that you're there" they're telling the truth!
When I see over-weight people in the gym, my ONLY thought is "at least they're doing something about it." The only time I think negatively about over-weight people are when they can barely stand or walk and they are gorging themselves at Hometown Buffet. Just do it! After the first week-you will love it! It's like a drug!
just ignore the other people at the gym. thats what i do. also, just like others, i am glad the overweight people are there! they, just like you, are actually doing something about it. keep you head up high and walk into the gym not thinking about others! :)
How about joining a class? Everyone is at the gym for a reason. It can be rather intimidating with all of the tone bodies walking around...but hey, everyone has to start somewhere, and everyone knows that. Believe me, people who see you working out at the gym don't look down on you...they are usually supportive and will even show you how to use certain machines. Just because they spend 2 hours in the gym everyday doesn't mean thay are going to judge you...give them a chance, and maybe you can learn something from them. Keep up the great work...and good luck!!
How about joining a class? Everyone is at the gym for a reason. It can be rather intimidating with all of the tone bodies walking around...but hey, everyone has to start somewhere, and everyone knows that. Believe me, people who see you working out at the gym don't look down on you...they are usually supportive and will even show you how to use certain machines. Just because they spend 2 hours in the gym everyday doesn't mean thay are going to judge you...give them a chance, and maybe you can learn something from them. Keep up the great work...and good luck!!
My mom had the same problem when she went back. She said 3 things helped her; the morning classes at 5am, last night work outs so she didn't have to worry about people judging and her Ipod, says it is her savior.
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