Have you looked at classes held by the county. I do not know about Bethesda, but Arlington holds exercise classes and they tend to have all shapes and sizes, but if anything border on older/not-so-skinny.

I also agree the larger gyms tend to be good for everyone. Maybe visit a few and see if you feel comfortable. If there is a planet fitness, they are geared towards the not so in shape folks. There are some really in shape people, but there are tons of less in shape folks.

Yep - the Y! Also, can swim all year

Another vote for the Y. It is a very diverse judgment free zone. Full of teenagers and grandparents and overweight middle aged moms.

Not quite in Bethesda, but classes that I’ve taken at the Friendship Heights Montgomery County Rec Center and at the Friendship Heights Village Center might fit what you’re looking for. The Rec Center does have a workout room, but I’ve never used it, so, can’t speak to the vibe. I’ve felt comfortable and welcomed at both centers.

Anonymous wrote:The Bethesda Y has great group classes, no judgement at all. Go on a tour and see if you like it. They also have circuit weight training.

Second the Y.

The Bethesda Y has great group classes, no judgement at all. Go on a tour and see if you like it. They also have circuit weight training.

Anonymous wrote:If you can travel a bit, Rock Creek Sports Club just off East West Highway on Grubb Road might be just what you are looking for. Young, old, and in between. People at all levels fitness. Good classes and trainers. One trainer I had was also a PT assistant and was excellent. Never feels self conscious there.

Another vote for Rock Creek Sports Club. Never felt like anyone was judging me in any way.

I think Pulse in Bethesda (on Arlington Road, neaer the CVS) is a good fit:
http://pulsefitnessbethesda.com/

I visited back when they were are their previous location by Westbard and it was an older crowd (like seniors) and no one seemed judgmental at all. I now go to a personal training gym instead, but they dont' offer group classes.

I really miss Curves. No mirrors, circuit available all the time. Positive atmosphere. Great way to get back into shape.

Anonymous wrote:Just posting to say I am in exactly the same boat and looking for exactly the same thing! Solidarity!

+2

Also in the same boat. So, following!

If you can travel a bit, Rock Creek Sports Club just off East West Highway on Grubb Road might be just what you are looking for. Young, old, and in between. People at all levels fitness. Good classes and trainers. One trainer I had was also a PT assistant and was excellent. Never feels self conscious there.

Just posting to say I am in exactly the same boat and looking for exactly the same thing! Solidarity!

Look into something like Fitness Together which is just 1:1 with a trainer in a private studio. Max 3 clients at once in separate spaces

In my experience, the smaller the place, the more clique-ish. I'd look for a large non-specialty gym OP. Most have their class schedule posted online, so you can see ahead of time if anything appeals to you. People are generally much more focused on themselves and comparing less.

I'm fat, nearing 40, totally out shape, and self conscious.

I'd like to find somewhere is Bethesda to do group exercise classes or even just work out that is welcoming to people that are easily intimidated. I have looked at a few yoga studios/boutique fitness places but they all seem culty or geared toward fit people who want an intense experience. Any thoughts?