Fat Girl at the Gym

[Anonymous]

I'm the fat girl. 240 pounds. Been to the gym 8 times in the last two weeks. Feeling good about it.

But now, I'm wondering if what I'm doing is enough.

I'm starting with cardio.

I've worked up to 3.5 MPH on the treadmill at 3.5 grade.

Is it a joke to those around me?

It's so hard to stay motivated when everyone is jogging away and I'm proud I made it 2 miles.

[Anonymous]

Don't you worry a bit what others think. No one accomplished anything big by asking what the people around them thought about it.

Keep doing what you do, this is for you. Find your own pace and then set your own challenges. If you think a trainer might help you set a workout plan, do that.

[Anonymous]

Good for you for making the effort. Do it for you!

[Anonymous]

No, you keep going. You're doing great! The jokes are people who don't exercise (even if they are thin).

Seriously, anyone who judges you beyond thinking that it is awesome that you're making a positive life change is a real loser.

Keep at it! I'm rooting for you!

[Anonymous]

Congrats! Just don't try to do too much too soon or you will burn out and get sick of it. If the beginning you can make it 2-3 days a week, that is amazing and then once it's a solid habit, work up from there. Also, I can promise that nobody is judging you. I am pretty thin and whenever I see a bigger girl working out, I just think "you go!" and really admire them for improving their health. Does your gym offer a complimentary personal training session? That may be a good way to just get used to the equipment and become more comfortable there.

[Anonymous]

You go girl!!!! That is awesome!!!!

I've been thin most of my life and then things caught up with me after two kids and I put on about 30lbs. I've worked hard for 6 months at my diet and at the gym 5-6 days/week and the weight has slowly come off, but I still a few pounds to go. When I see a much larger gal or guy at the gym I think to myself - GOOD FOR FOR THEM! THEY ARE WORKING HARD TO MAKE A POSITIVE CHANGE IN THEIR LIFE!!!

I know how hard I have to work and I was in somewhat decent shape to begin with so I know it must be just as hard to harder for you to do the workouts/run. I'm proud of you and I don't even know you, but if you go to my gym I'm giving you a secret "ROCK ON SISTER!" when I see you. Keep up the good work!

[Anonymous]

Tell me about the people who were at with gym with you. Can you remember any of them? I can't. Most people are going to work out and are by themselves. So....don't worry about it, just keep going!

[Anonymous]

Set your goals and work steadily towards them. You will be the skinny girl at the gym if you keep at it.

[Anonymous]

Former gym employee here: Don't start thinking about what other people think of you, it'll just derail you. First of all, no one goes to the gym to feel better by comparison to other exercises, everyone goes to feel better in comparison to their ideal (sometimes absurd ideal) for themselves.

2053 is right, gym rats usually look at "fat girls" or guys and are inspired.

Even the most judgmental bitches who would sneer at you at the bagel shop will give you props for being at the gym.

Plus, f-em, you'll feel better and this is about you!

[Anonymous]

Keep going! I go to a gym with a huge range of body types and I don't think anyone thinks one bad thing of the heavier members. To be honest when I see someone who comes in and is very overweight I always think "good for them!!". You are lapping everyone on the couch right now so be proud and keep going!

[Anonymous]

You are doing great. I'm not the fat girl, just the busy one. My goal is to do 2 miles at 4 MPD at 2.5 plus grade five or six times a week. Most of my friends are impressed at what I do, so no joke on you!

[Anonymous]

You're doing great! And going four times a week is great just remember not to overdo it so you don't burn yourself out.

I suggest looking into classes, too. A great one that is fun is Zumba. The first time I went the instructor just said if you don't know the move just shake it and it's true. It's great music and with time you know the moves and love going.

[Anonymous]

Losing weight is 20 percent exercise, 80 percent what you eat.

[Anonymous]

When I see overweight people in the gym or out running or whatever, I secretly say to myself, awesome, and everyone has to start somewhere. I am cheering them on. No one is judging you, trust me. Working out at the gym is like running. You are running your own personal race. There is no competition.

If you are in a gym like in Clarendon filled with young people, I could see feeling out of place. But in a gym like I go to, full of people of all ages and sizes, it's the most welcoming environment ever.

[Anonymous]

This thread makes me feel better. I'm fatter than I've ever been and have been too ashamed to go back to the gym. Thanks OP!