Gym Questions - ThinnerTimes

ryker · 05-06-2007, 04:14 PM

Hey everyone,

I think it's really stupid that I let the following affect me, but I really have to ask. :P

I really want to join a gym and be able to swim and work out and lift weights. I am SO PSYCHED about being able to do this in some sort of extreme capacity, because frankly I've ALWAYS wanted to join a gym and work out. My biggest problem is I feel SO SELF CONCIOUS being in a gym because of my weight.

I live in Washington, DC full of 20 year old Hill interns, and college kids. DC is a HUGE college town, though you'd never know it. I stick out like a sore thumb, and I constantly feel like I'm being ridiculed behind my back or mocked or frowned upon.

I REALLY want to go to a gym, and its my own stupid fear keeping me from doing it. I know that. And I was just wondering if anyone has felt the same way, and what you did to get past it.

Am I the only wannabe-loser out there? :P

- R

coptergirl · 05-06-2007, 04:30 PM

I was self conscious as well when I first joined my gym. I started in the pool with a friend before I had surgery and did water aerobics classes. Then I had the surgery and when I was cleared to go back to the gym, I started on the treadmill, then moved around to the other cardio stuff, then weights...then I got a trainer. Some people are stupid and will stare, but the smart ones there know the importance of health...and as you lose, you acquire your own personal cheerleading squad because others (yes...even those who were judgemental before) see and comment on how well you are doing. I say go for it. In a few months (if not now even) you will knock their socks off and be the talk of the town

StacyBee160 · 05-06-2007, 04:46 PM

Do you have a Curves near you? Based solely on what I've heard, and the people I've heard about it from, it seems to be more oriented to women trying to get in shape, and less to hardbodies competing for whose butt is the tightest. Ladies I know who have gone to Curves, most of them are not only overweight but in their 30s, 40s, and 50s as well, and the seem to love it!

Gina in NY · 05-06-2007, 06:44 PM

My gym is heaven and was the first time I walked in. I walked in there at 288 and felt like the trainers were so happy to see me. I feel like they're happy to see me every day! When I miss a day, they always ask if I was ill, if I'm okay etc. Now there are two other gyms in town that are not heaven - I tried those and left. The grunting coming out of the weight room was quite a turn-off. (as was the smell)

Most gyms will give you a trial period for free and usually at least an orientation session or a couple personal training sessions. My gym offers a 21 day free trial and two personal training sessions.

Check for classes that are available etc.

Then go in - tell whoever you're talking to that you're about to lose 100 or so pounds and you need a supportive environment in which to do it. See what their reaction is.

But honestly, this is like the "You don't conquer the mountain, you conquer yourself" proverb. If you can manage to feel proud that you are "doing it" and not feel like your out of place, you will be seen as a person determined to succeed.

I now look like one of those in-shape people who others might feel are judging them, but of course I'm not that at all. I see very overweight folks come into the gym and I think, "Boy are you doing the right thing! You're going to love it here!"

So check out a few and chose the best. Then - go every day and you will become one of the regulars. In a few months people will come up to you and tell you how great you are doing. Happens to me all the time.

Miss Kitty · 05-06-2007, 10:19 PM

Yep, I was so scared to walk inside a gym! Around here, it's a meat market at the gym and there's no way I'd go get sweaty with a bunch of hot looking babes wiggling their tight butt in my face. I decided to try out Curves and I love it. There's every body type and age at the one I go to. I feel really comfortable walking in there and I work up a good sweat. You can make what you want out of it. I've seen some women walk in there and not break a sweat at all. Others really work it and they are the ones that you see shrinking in size and shape. I'm sure at some point I may want more of a challenge and I'll want a personal trainer. For now, though, I'm very pleased with what I'm doing! Like Gina said, go visit different types and see how you like them before making a commitment at any particular one.

Mavis · 05-07-2007, 07:25 AM

I go to Curves, I joined more than a year before my surgery. My particular Curves is very supportive. And there are all types of women there in various stages of fitness. It takes 30 minutes and it works!

LyndasRoom · 05-07-2007, 08:38 AM

Ryker,
I feel exactly the same way...even now...My solution...I am going to start with fitness classes at the local community college. They have a drop-in gym, with fitness trainers on-site at all times to help you. My son did this last year for his PE requirement for High School, and it was awesome. It is less expensive than a commercial gym, and this way I can see if my knees can take the machines, etc...or if I just need to get out and walk. Plus, I'll get to spend time with my kid...who's going to college in the fall...

ladytonya · 05-08-2007, 10:39 AM

I'd say go for it! Take Gina's advice and try out multiple gyms until you find the right one. I was lucky and felt at home in the first one I went to. I was over 400 when I joined and was scared to death. I knew that if I didn't start doing something that I was not going to maximize my weight loss so I bit the bullet and went. I was pleasantly surprised. Of course there are a few that aren't exactly polite, but for the most part everyone is very nice and extremely supportive.

Lots of people rave about Curves but I don't get the appeal. They have very limited hours, no pool, no showers, not even a place to change. When I looked into them, I was also told that you can't go to another Curves without a guest pass. What's up with that? My gym is Peak Fitness Center. There are Peak Fitness Centers in many places around North and South Carolina and I can go to any one of them. Plus, the closest Curves to my house is open from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm and closes for lunch. If you have a job, when are you supposed to go? Duh! I like the Curves concept, I just don't think they completely get it. I LOVE my gym!

Linds0514 · 01-04-2008, 05:13 PM

Ya i have never met one person who have lost weight from Curves, if your worried about being in public at a gym go walking or running or swimming etc... it will burn more calories then curves.

porshh951 · 01-04-2008, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linds0514

Ya i have never met one person who have lost weight from Curves, if your worried about being in public at a gym go walking or running or swimming etc... it will burn more calories then curves.

Its cause curves is all about circut training and they literally throw you out after 30 minutes.

No solid workout lasts only 30 minutes long. My mother go's to curves to get her heart rate up, then go's home and does her real workout that lasts another hour.