Why is it that when I go to a gym it's always full of skinny people?

Question

I mean I feel kinda odd going to the gym being over weight.... Everytime I go there its full of skinny soccer moms and it makes me feel uncomfortable.. why do I feel this way? Do you think they are all going to laugh at me?

Answer 1

Hugs to you. Your question reminded me of a story I read in Guideposts. I found it online for you. Follow the linky thing and read it for a little inspiration and some ideas.

Answer 2

When I go the gym and see skinny people, I'm not impressed. I'm there to workout, not go shopping for girls. However, when I see someone who is a little over weight, and is actually making that commitment, taking that step to a healthier body, I am FULLY impressed. When I see someone like that, working there a**es off in the gym, THAT's what motivates me. THAT's what gives me inspiration. Not some skinny person who thinks their cool because they can run 15 miles in 35 seconds, I don't care.

So, I'll tell you this, almost no one will give you a problem. It's a gym. Everyone is there for the same reason whether your 95 lbs or 295 lbs. If someone gives you a hard time, tell management immediately and they'll have no problem taking care of it promptly. The best part is, if you go often, keep a schedule, and really work hard, I can GUARANTEE you people will come up to you and compliment you on your hard work and progress.

Answer 3

Do you know how a person becomes a better tennis player? Yep, that's right.... you play tennis with those who are better at it than you are.... and they are better at it because they've been doing it longer.

Guess what else.... everyone was a beginning once. It's not a bad thing, but a good thing that you are in the gym with all those slim, trim people who have been working out longer than you have. Right in front of you every time you go there is the evidence that this is what is possible when you work at it, keep at it, and don't quit. No, they are not laughing at you any more than a good tennis player laughs at the beginner who can't seem to hit a ball with a dustbin lid never mind a tennis racquet. People who are good at something, and already successful at it KNOW what kind of work and dedication it takes, and they are almost always only too glad and proud to welcome the next person who wants to start that same journey and help them along that road.

Answer 4

Don't assume anything about anyone. Everyone has their own insecurities, don't we. Don't feel bad about your body or worry about your size when it comes to the gym. The day you forget it all the drama and emotion and decide that by walking outdoors and working out in the gym, you'll be healthier, stronger and have more endurance, half of the battle will be won! Relax. Also, consider the time of day that you go. Different types come and go at different times, I think. Good for you, please keep going!
Oh, and to answer your question, there are many reasons why they are skinny, but one is that they are in the place made to become that way. Even skinny people (most of them) have to work hard! (Believe it or not.)

Answer 5

They shouldn't! At least you're trying to change yourself for the better! All the commercials on tv are all skinny people too! Don't they think that it'll be bad for business to see skinny people? If I ever need to join a gym, I'm going to join the one with the heavy people so I can see the difference the place really makes in someone's life!

Answer 6

I felt weird going to the gym at first (I was 70 lbs. overweight but since have lost 30 lbs.) but after awhile I realized there were people of all ages, sizes, body shapes and mostly everybody is plugged into something (I-Pods, tread mill TV's, etc.) and just come in and do what they have to do and then leave. (I live on the East Coast and everyone is always in a hurry.) Don't feel self-conscious. You don't know if those skinny people were fat blobs at one time. There's a girl at my gym who lost over 100 lbs. and is still overweight but still coming and she's not self-conscous. Most people who go to gyms admire people who are overweight and are doing something about it!!! Good luck!!

Answer 7

They shouldn't laugh at you....if people go out of their way to make you feel uncomfortable, you *can* always bring this up with gym management, they do have rules of conduct, and that sort of thing.

But the truth is, I think as long as you bring your own towels and keep things clean (sweat is an issue for bigger people), it shouldn't be an issue. Here's why:

--When fitness works, it works because it's a habit. The skinny people who are there at the gym, usually, are *skinny because* they are there at the gym, and their workout has become a *habit*. So for those folks....the attitude *should be* more along the lines of "Well, everyone's gotta start somewhere," and for the most part, they'll be friendly when they aren't *busy working out* themselves.

--And for those folks who are there to just show off--more for social reasons than fitness ones--well....you can stay out of their way. Really, as long as you're not in line for the same exact machine, they really should be too *self-absorbed* to notice you.

And yeah, I hear you....I'm much the same way about doing *any* sort of physical endeavor out in public. 12 years of P.E. horrors in grade and high school pretty much *ruined me* on the gym class experience. I'm terribly self-conscious about this sort of thing.

But the truth is...as long as you do your thing and don't get in anyone else's way, it really shouldn't be a problem. Most people are at the gym themselves for the same reasons you are: because P.E. class didn't work for them, and team sports are a turn-off.

And if all else fails....like I said, *talk to* the persons in charge, and don't be afraid to ask "dumb questions", because they aren't so "dumb" once you ask them *ahead of time* so you don't screw up. ^_^

I hope this helps...thanks for your time. Good luck to you.

Answer 8

They are only skinny because they have been there longer.
I am a soccer mom and not at all skinny. I think that you should feel proud of yourself for taking that first step and believe it or not, all those skinny people are just as self conscious about there bodies or they wouldn't be there either. No one should be laughing at you. If they do then they are small minded individuals.

Answer 9

You know, I felt the same way when I started going to the gym, a tip is to try to go when people who work go, that way you see "normal" people as well as the soccer mom's. Besides, I'm sure that after a couple of months you'll start seeing the results on your body and before long you'll be in great shape yourself.

Answer 10

no. they wont...the reason why they are in the gym to improve themselves better, and so are you.

And they know the reason why you are there.

SO dont feel awkward...you'll be like them soon. I went to the gym before but my question is they are so skinny what are they doing here? And from that on I stop goin because I think Im ok with my weight, I dont want to be skinny...I like have a little more but not more than more.

Answer 11

To be honest, I don't think anyone at the gym is going to laugh at you. I'm skinny, and if I saw an over weight person at the gym I would admire them because they're trying to lose the weight instead of just being a couch potato. :)