I want to go to the gym, but I am overweight. How can I go without being embarrassed?

Answer 1

I was in the same position but now feel much more comfortable at the gym. Here are a few tips from my own experience.

First of all do your research. We all know of the gyms that are nothing but meat markets. Find a gym that has good reviews as a place where people go to work out, not to look at themselves or others.

Second, if you can afford it, hire a personal trainer. It's great to have someone there teaching you about technique and telling you "Good job." at the end of your workout. Again, do your research. It's REALLY important to work with someone who pushes you to do your best but is also supportive. It's also great if they work with your nutritional plans too.

Third, if you can't afford a trainer try to find a workout buddy. You may not get that professional edge but you'll both be there to offer support.

Once you've gone to a good gym a few times you'll feel much more comfortable. You'll feel great about getting healthy and you won't notice anything but that nice muscle burn.

Good luck!

Answer 2

First of all remember that you are there for yourself and no one else. However to feel more at ease I have a few tips. Wear loose comfortable clothing so that you feel better. Once you start to see some improvements and weight loss you can buy yourself more form fitting workout clothes. Try asking a close friend to go and work out with you. If you two keep each other company then you might not concentrate so much on what others think. Another thing that I think would help would be listening to some music that you like while you are working out. This will keep you focused. Finally, realize that some people at the gym started as you did with extra weight and now they have improvements as you will in time. Good Luck!!

Answer 3

Whenever I drive by a gym, I always see all types of people coming in and out. There's nothing to be embarrassed about. Just think: You're probably not the only one who feels a little shy. Hold your head up high and commit yourself to changing your life and becoming healthier. That's certainly nothing to be ashamed of. Be proud of yourself for taking this first step.

Answer 4

the best thing to do is go to a gym that is 24/7 but the thing is DO NOT GO WITH OUT A FRIEND!! i say that is what if ur working out and some thing happing to u and u will have some one there to help push u and u can talk to but do not over do your self take it slow and then work ur way up to a lil longer and then u can start going longer make shore u take a lot to drink with you and drink a lot of water and gatorade to make fell a lil better after u workout i know all this im telling u is a lot to do but im a big guy so i know that is what i do and it help's a lot hope this help u

Answer 5

I must answer this one.

i go to the gym myself, and i've seen SO MANY over weight men and women coming to work out there! there is no need to feel embarrssed. GOD! you should feel proud! there are so many over weight people out there still eating their daily burger with fries, still snacking on pizza and cookies, so when I see an over weight person there, Im happy for them cxause they know what's good fot them and they are making an effort in bettering them selves which is a big step!
no one looks at them different and o pointing fingers. everyone there is for their own cause, wither if to lose weight, stay fit, keep healthy, build muscle, etc.
dont let this stop you from living a healthy life, you have to start somewhere!!!

just go with an Ipod, do some daily cardio, get in your own zone, forget about everyone and everything else. believe in yourself and have some confidence! gym will help you with that!!

Answer 6

I don't think that you should have anything to worry about. You are making a great move for your self, physically, mentally and emotionally and you shouldn't worry about what other people think. A lot of them probably had weight issues in the past and that's why they're there. You are doing a great thing for yourself and the other people in the gym will see that too!!

Answer 7

Don't worry about what other think. Go during non peak hours so there will be less people or start a program at home and when you feel comfortable go to the gym.

Answer 8

You could go to a gym for women only.
You may have to learn how to deal with the embarrassment in order to achieve your fitness goals.
Here are some good ideas:
1. Do something that gets your heart rate up a bit like, walking, running, biking, and swimming.
2. Eat Whole, Organic foods like: Broccoli, Cabbage, Organic Brown Rice, Spinach, Sweet Potato, Apples, and other fruits and vegetables in their Natural State.
3. Avoid eating corn, white bread, white rice, candy, sodas, chips, and anything else that you already know you shouldn’t be eating.
4. Drink clean water as your beverage of choice. Avoid Fruit drinks and fruit juices (unless YOU juice them yourself)
5. Stop smoking, drinking beer & wine, and drinking coffee.
6. Get 8 hours of sleep each night.
7. Hang out with people who want to be healthy.
8. Avoid anything with High Fructose Corn Syrup.

Tone up the muscles:

1. Join a gym and get a trainer.
2. If you’re short on cash, start a light stretching & yoga regimen.
3. Do push-ups, and light dumbbell curls for the upper body.
4. As I said above, walk, run, swim, and or bike
5. Take an aerobics class, a yoga class, or some other fitness class.
6. Join the local YMCA..

Mental Health:

1. Get a friend to talk to each day about your feelings.
2. If you have some money or insurance, get a counselor to talk to.
3. Learn how to meditate.
4. Join a support group for the issue you’re dealing with.
5. Ask your Higher Self (or God) for guidance.
6. Start keeping a diary or journal about your feelings & thoughts.
7. Write a ‘gratitude’ list every night.
8. Do something that makes you happy each day like: listen to your favorite music, draw, paint, write, or anything creative.
9. Do something for someone else who needs help.

Answer 9

wow. great question.
this is very hard. a workout partner may help you feel better about it, or a trainer, but the best thing you can think of is how hard you are working and then think of all the people out there(and on yahoo answers) that complain, diet, and generally do nothing to lose weight, get bigger, or get stronger. definitely think of yourself as a work in progress. i wasnt always strong, i used to be way weak. the huge guys you see werent always big. and the people that do cardio for 10 hours a day couldnt always do that.
this is definitely a great subject, and i think its something that most people slowly get over. imagine, when youve lost almost all the weight youve wanted to, and you see a very overweight person join up. how gracious you will probably be, and how happy youll feel about yourself that youve worked so hard to get to where you are.
generally, in most gyms that ive been to, i dont care what you look like. its your ATTITUDE about being there that counts. if you talk all session, waste time, and complain about your workout, people will see you as lame and probably feel you have no reason to be there.
if your serious about your time there, expect results, and keep talking to a bare minimum, people will understand that you are there for a reason and that is to change how you feel about yourself now.
remember, actions speak louder than words, and in the gym this is heavily magnified.
MANY MANY a gym goer could learn from you if you were to keep your talking, whining, and complaining to a bare minimum, do your routine, and get out of there.

good luck.
NEVER EVER give up.
hard work + consistent effort = results.

Answer 10

You must realize its not a competition with other people. You are there to push yourself to new physical abilities and you need a gym. Nobody is pointing or laughing at you. Remeber its not a race, its self improvement.