Posted by Bobbie | Posted in Excercise, Personal Trainer | Posted on Tue February 16, 2010
I’ve been looking through some of the top searches people are conducting that inevitably find my blog. The most searched phrase has to do with being scared to go to the gym because you are either obese, overweight or fat.
Obviously, there are a lot of people that are in this position. They WANT to do something about their weight issue. They KNOW that they have to exercise or move to get some results. They’re definitely interested in going to the gym, but they are SCARED.
I’ve blogged about this subject quite a bit because I think it’s important to let those that are interested in going to the gym but are big to NOT BE SCARED to go to the gym.
When I first started going to the gym I weighed in at 270 lbs. Not the largest person I’ve ever seen at the gym by any means, but it was a big number for ME and going to the gym was a huge obstacle that I personally overcame.
If you are obese and scared to go to the gym, think about these things:
1. Realize that there are other big, overweight and obese people that go to the gym, and you will not be the only one there. In my estimation I’d say that probably more than half of the people that are there are trying to get in shape or lose weight. The other half is probably maintaining a loss or attempting to STAY in good shape.
2. Before going to the gym for a first workout, call or stop by and ask the owner or manager on duty about how their gym operates and for a brief tour if they have time. Tell them that you’d really like to start developing healthy exercise habits but that you’re nervous due to your size (or whatever the reason may be). If the reason is you’re not sure how to use the equipment, ask if someone will be available to assist you.
3. If you don’t get good vibes from the first gym you visit, then check out other gyms or fitness centers. A lot of large cities have YMCA’s that are a nice alternative and come with a lower membership fee. Not all gyms are the same. For instance, a few years back I visited a local gym in the anticipation that I might join. While the gym was very nice, I just didn’t get good vibes there, which is nothing against the gym in itself. The gym I eventually ended up working out at is completely different than the first. They have a very nice laid back atmosphere and everyone is very helpful. So if you strike out in your search, keep looking.
4. Think about WHAT IT IS you are really scared of. Is it the fact you’ll have to look at your true self in all of the mirrors? (Because those gym mirrors DO NOT lie!) Are you afraid to sweat? Are you scared someone will make fun of you? Are you nervous that you will look silly exercising and people will laugh? I was scared of these things at first too – then I realized that no one else really cares what I’m doing. Just like when I’m working out, I don’t pay attention to what others do. Plus, I’m over the sweating thing. Actually now I try my hardest to sweat as MUCH AS POSSIBLE, because I know when I work up a good sweat it means I’m putting forth a good effort.
5. If you are still scared and can’t bring yourself to go it alone, consider asking a friend to join you. I went the first month by myself to the gym and worked out with my trainer. It was peachy, but I really thought maybe I would enjoy going more if I had some girl support. I asked a bunch of my friends that I thought would jump on the health bandwagon – they all had weight to lose – but none bit. Finally, I asked a friend that was in good shape and she was all in! She’s a great motivator and has some really good ideas. Sometimes you just have to ask the right person, so think outside of the box.
If you still can’t find the right gym or are too scared, consider doing some exercises at home until you get comfortable. After all, that’s what my local gym’s success story (Cy Jones) did.
RELATED POSTS:
Now I know why there are mirrors at the gym
“Workout buddy” invitations fall on deaf ears
Q & A: Obese and scared to go to the gym – what to really expect
Thanks workout buddy Deb, you are a great motivator
I’m a strong girl – just ask my trainer
I like to work up a good sweat
An open letter to YOU from my personal trainer
Real life success story – Cy Jones
Tue February 16, 2010 at 10:30 AM
This is a great post and I hope you inspire someone to start at the gym soon! I was scared when I started and I was actually thin back then! Fear of the unknown for me and being uncomfortable and shy in places that I did not know. I knew no one when I joined. I didn’t know what I was doing. It took me a while to get a groove and comfort level. That gym closed and I had to get comfortable again at my new one.
My added advice – say hello to people at the gym. Smile at the faces you see over and over and introduce yourself or make small talk. I have found the gym a more comfortable place and more fun when it feels like I know someone. And it keeps me motivated to go when I know someone will ask where I have been after an absence.
And I’d also add that the gym can be a great place but may not start out that way. Give it a chance!
WaistingTime´s last blog ..The Breakfast Club
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 16th, 2010 at 10:36 am
Great advice! I’ve found it helps going to the gym when you say hi to others and get to know them. It really makes it a fun environment. I’d also agree with you to stick with it. I didn’t care for it much the first month. It’s hard to say if it was the sore muscles or just because I wasn’t socializing much at that time due to the newness of it all, but into my second month I really started to enjoy going. :)
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Tue February 16, 2010 at 11:14 AM
i love the gym. no idea why i’ve been avoiding it lately. i agree, don’t be scared! everyone is there because they want to get in better shape or maintain it, and you have no idea who, of the people around you, may be or may have been on the same journey you are.
liz´s last blog ..Black Bean Salad With Oranges, Red Onion and Cilantro
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 16th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
Yep, so agree with this too. I really hope that those that are concerned about it due to their size can give it a shot and see for themselves!
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Tue February 16, 2010 at 11:18 AM
The gym is a safe-haven for obese people. If there’s any place where you won’t be judged then it’s on the treadmill, getting your sweat on.
Harry´s last blog ..“Another 5 minutes for the blog”
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 16th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
You’re so right Harry. I feel the same way. :)
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Tue February 16, 2010 at 11:43 AM
Having been on both sides of the equation; a fat man in a gym, and a fit man in a gym, I will suggest that for people concerned about how they may appear to others, they should make a priority out of demonstrating superior exercise form. That is, anyone around you, regardless of what kind of shape they are in, will show you superior respect if you demonstrate superior exercise form — thus, promoting a higher level of confidence, while simultaneously improving your workouts.
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 16th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Great tip! Thanks for sharing this. Good form is very important and does make a difference. :)
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Tue February 16, 2010 at 12:05 PM
From a guy who runs Ultras…I always try to commend the heavier people for working out. On “repeat” customers…always say “it’s good to see you come back.” But your right…most people don’t care about what the guy next too them is doing…only on trying to get their work done….great post.
Dave´s last blog ..Setting a Record!
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 16th, 2010 at 12:09 pm
Dave, Thank you for visiting my blog and commenting, I appreciate that. I agree with you. I know that usually I’m so focused on myself and how well I’m doing the exercises that people will come and go and I won’t even notice. I’ve had people come up to me at the store and say, “hey! I seen you at the gym the other night and you didn’t say hi!” And I honestly didn’t see them there because I was to into myself. :)
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Tue February 16, 2010 at 12:30 PM
Great post!
Took me 2 years of umming and ahhing before I started at the gym last November. But now it’s great. It’s helped a lot that this time round I’ve joined some of the exercise classes (great way of meeting folk) and that I also exercise in the mornings (much better than the evenings for getting to know folk IMO). It’s also helped that Ive got to know the gym “character” – there’s always one, you know the sort of person who talks to anyone and everyone lol .
Oh and BTW I love your tag line. If my shirt is not dripping in sweat I aint worked hard enough…. you are so right.
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 16th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
Jonathan thank you for visiting my blog and commenting.
Going to the gym is a great way to meet people for sure. So much healthier than going to the bar or similar place. :)
I’m glad you like the tagline. I think I got that from Harry (a fellow blogger). He seen it on a sign at a gym I believe and I just love it.
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Tue February 16, 2010 at 12:51 PM
This is an AWESOME post!!
I managed to bring my 320 pound self to the gym. I was SO nervous the first day but i’m glad I went. No one gives you a second glance at the gym. Mainly because everyone is into their own routine.
I don’t think i’ll ever be afraid to go again. The experience had been liberating! :)
The Chubby Girl Diaries´s last blog ..The “You are worth more challenge” and oh yeah i’m up 3 pounds.
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 16th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Liberating is a good way to describe it. I feel like I can do just about anything now that I’m lifting weights. It’s an awesome feeling, isn’t it?
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Tue February 16, 2010 at 3:06 PM
I suppose I thought people would point and stare when I started going to the gym, but it’s largely the opposite. Everyone is so focused on their own workouts that they don’t notice anyone else.
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Tue February 16, 2010 at 3:22 PM
When I first started working out at a gym way back in the day I wasn’t overweight, but I was still intimidated. I didn’t know how to use the equipment and I didn’t want to embarrass myself. My boyfriend, now my husband, came with me and showed me the ropes. That helped a lot and it was more fun that way too.
karen@fitnessjourney´s last blog ..You Know What They Say About Planning Ahead
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 16th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
Karen, that’s a good point. The equipment is a little intimidating especially if you don’t know what you’re doing (like me when I started). And a good tip to bring someone with you that can help you.
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Tue February 16, 2010 at 4:34 PM
Great post! I really needed it! I’m terrified of going to the gym! I keep telling myself that I’m going to go check some out, and then I chicken out! I need to just face my fears, and do it!
Brittany´s last blog ..Our Deliciously Healthy Valentine’s Day
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 16th, 2010 at 4:53 pm
Oh Brittany, you can do it!!! There’s nothing to be afraid of. Plus there are some really cool people that hang at the gym. Get out and meet some of them and have some fun too! )
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Tue February 16, 2010 at 6:24 PM
Great post! I think this is a big concern to people & I understand the thought process… BUT, there are others there that are overweight. They are there to lose weight too! If you can go at an off time, that will help get you started when there are less people. It is hard but just put the focus on yourself & how much you want to get healthy. It is about you. With time, it gets better & there are always people that want to help.. ignore the idiots! F’em!
Jody – Fit at 52´s last blog ..Tough Love – Getting Healthy!
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Tue February 16, 2010 at 9:00 PM
I completely support your list of suggestions! I would like to add two observations.
1) What you do away from the gym will have more of an impact on your
health and fitness than what you do at the gym.
2) If you are really looking for a reason to fail, you will find one, and if you are really wanting to succeed, you will.
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 17th, 2010 at 9:04 am
Dr. J thanks for the suggestions. These are great tips and right on.
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Tue February 16, 2010 at 10:06 PM
I think that these ideas are great! When I was obese I couldn’t imagine stepping foot in a gym. It was overwhelming and unthinkable to walk into a gym.
Diane Fit to the Finish´s last blog ..My Trip To Meet Dr. Oz
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Wed February 17, 2010 at 8:53 AM
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Wed February 17, 2010 at 10:51 PM
I don’t do gyms, but I’ve run (pun intended) into the same problems while out jogging. If I go to a jogging trail that’s frequented by serious runners, no one gives me funny looks for being red-faced and puffy along slowly. If I try to exercise near my local ‘sports center’ (a place where the parents sit and chow down on fast food while watching their children run and sweat), then people stare at me like I’m an exhibit at the zoo.
Serious athletes will not give you crap about trying to improve your fitness!
The Merry´s last blog ..Thinking and Celery
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Sun February 21, 2010 at 9:44 PM
Isn’t it nice to not feel alone? I had a trainer once tell me, when I was having an emotional breakdown, that nobody really cares what I look like. He said, “Look around. These people don’t care. They’re busy looking at themselves in the mirror.” Sure enough, I looked and saw people watching themselves or were really into their workouts and not paying attention to anyone else. We are so hard on ourselves!
Angela´s last blog ..
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Anonymous Fat Girl Reply:
February 22nd, 2010 at 7:50 am
Your trainer was SO right. Thanks for posting this and you are right we are very hard on ourselves!
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