When you see an overweight person at the gym... what do you think of them?

Question

I am overweight, but working on it. I go to the gym a LOT - I am a gym RAT. If only my eating habits were as easy to get a handle on.

Anyway... when I am in the classes, I get really self conscious. I can't always keep up with the rest of the class, and when I look at myself doing the exercises in the mirror... I always look really big and awkward - especially next to the thinner people around me.

I don't know why, but I am always worried that the people around me are thinking "Oh my God, what a fat cow. She can't even keep up with the class." or "She's huge... she needs to come to this class more often." - stuff like that. I just want to hide in some corner or be invisible.

Do you think that about overweight people at the gym? Or do you think more along the lines of "Good for her for doing something about it."

Thanks for all the encouragement. I am GENUINELY surprised to not get any posts that said they are disgusted by overweight people at the gym.

I do lift weights... I don't feel as self conscious there. I also like to do the barbell classes that do cardio and resistance together.

Answer 1

I'm overweight too, and I'm way too self concious to go to a gym, so I applaud you for doing so! As for what other people think, I don't know what to tell you- I'm sure there are people who are also applauding you for being at the gym and maybe some who are not so nice... but most people probably don't think about it much either way. That's what I've always been told... no one looks at us as closely as we think they do. Either way, try not to worry about it... you're doing a good thing, and you're awesome! :D

Answer 2

I think good for you for trying to make yourself better. I used to be sooo skinny, but after I had kids, I gained a few pounds. I am not overweight, but desperately want to lose 15-20 lbs. I know how hard it is...keep up the good work. I used to work at the gym, and the overweight women and men are usually the best customers. They are the ones that are usually the most serious. I love watching Biggest Loser. I cry just seeing those people really struggling to better themselves. It's an awesome acheivement!! It takes work, but its gonna pay off!! No worry about what others think. Some of those people were once overweight too...and so they have no room to judge you. :) Keep up the good work...wish I could get to the gym!

Answer 3

I think more along the lines of "Good for her for doing something about it". The people that NEED to be in a gym are people who are struggling with weight issues and obesity. The so called "skinny" people and muscle monkeys as I like to refer them don't NEED to be there. Maintenance is a good thing, but "overweight" people are looking for a life-change at the gym. You are in a very small percentage of over-weight people that are actually pro-active.

You shouldn't feel discouraged or self-conscious in the class. When you look in that mirror, just remember that you don't see yourself sitting on the couch with a bag of chips.

Answer 4

I'm the same way; but when I see an overweight person working out and making an effort into creating a healthy lifestyle I don't judge or think bad about that person because we are all there at the gym for a purpose and we have goals to reach.

Answer 5

i think "good - they have acknowledged the fact that they are overweight and not only that, they had joined a gym and are ACTUALLY attending."

i dont go the classes but the other day there was this large woman wearing a top that was exposing her stomach. like she was a size 20 (UK sizes) and she was wearing a size 12 top. i was shocked and i sorry to say that i gave her a dirty look - and she saw me! sorry....

also, this woman only comes in like once or twice everyother week while i go 3 times a week. i think shes a bit lazy (but hey - she may come when i miss the gym)

anyway just push urself and try and keep up with the others. please just control ur eating. the food will never run out or run away and life isnt an all u can eat buffet. u should see results if u carry on going to the gym. good luck!

really good question

Answer 6

for me, going to the gym is kind of like going there and doing your own thing. i don't notice other people because i'm into my own groove.

as for if i do notice an overweight person (because i like people watching) i think it's great that they're trying to do something for themselves! it's much more refreshing to see an overweight person in the gym working out than listening to one complain about their weight and doing nothing about it or just dieting.

so many diets out there say "lose weight without exercise". that's not possible.

don't forget that cardio is not the best way to lose weight, contrary to popular belief. the fitness classes are GREAT, and i suggest you continue to do that, and the weights are not just for boys anymore either. :P i'm a girl and i found the best results from working out with the things the guys work out with. so many women are afraid to do that, and being self conscious about weight doesn't make being self conscious about lifting weights ANY easier.

the truth of the matter is, there are good and bad people in the world.. some need to put others down to feel better about themselves. if you encounter them, know that they are the ones with the psychological complex.

you should applaud yourself for going out and facing that kind of possible discrimination. i award you and i wish i saw more overweight people in the gym. then agian, all those fit people... don't you think that maybe even some of them were overweight?

everyone's there to improve their body, so no person has a right to be there anymore than you do. we all have imperfections. it's easier to fix a body than it is to fix a social complex (being an asshole to people who are overweight).

whenever i see an overweight person running on a treadmill, which could be considered embarrassing if you were sensitive about your weight, i think "good for her"... not only is she exercising and helping her body, but she's facing social obstacles while doing it.

really, i think you should continue to work out, go to those classes, lift weights... use the 'boy toys' and you'll see better results--much better than working out on the eliptical for 45 minutes.

Answer 7

Exactly you are doing something good for yourself. And remember that when you are at the gym - you don't have to be a twig but you are getting healthy. Being overweight isn't just about how it looks. Its about what it does to your body like diabetes... Do it for you...

Answer 8

I would say no. If i see overweight people at the gym then i fel good for them because there trying and who knows you may watch them drop all those pounds before your eyes and see a new person.

Answer 9

I think its awesome, you have to start somewhere and everyone at the gym will respect you for putting in the effort to change your body. It seems like people only judge themselves at the gym, they are there to get themselves in shape, not worry about how skinny or strong other people are.

Answer 10

when i see overweight people at the gym, i think it's a really good thing because they are making an effort to live a more healthy lifestyle.