I agree with others that I am rooting for out-of-shape people to keep coming back to the gym. I can understand feeling self-conscious though. I'm close to 60 and have been athletic all my life but for a long time back in the day, every time I moved to a new city and started up at a gym I felt really really self-conscious in the weight room because it felt like a guys' hangout and I was afraid that they might be judging me because I'm a woman. I'm guessing that most of them were not judging me and probably not even paying attention but it was hard to shake that feeling of being an outsider.

Still, I had enough experience to know that it would pass and these days I never worry about that because women have taken their rightful place in the weight room, too. But it's always hard to feel like an outsider. Just remember, OP, at some point, most of us felt that way and just keep telling yourself that if you keep coming back you will soon feel at home in the gym. Good luck!

I either don't notice at all or I'm silently wishing you well. I started out over 100 pounds heavier so I know exactly how you feel. People are intimidated or hate on the fit people at the gym but you have no idea what their story is either. We could all do a little less judging.

When I see larger men and women running outside, I really am impressed. Much more than when I see thinner runners out.

I'm very fit and think it's great when anyone is working out. The only thing I laugh at (at least internally) is when someone who needs to lose a lot of weight is paying a trainer $100/hour to do one arm curls while standing on a bosu ball, or something similar. But I'm really laughing at the trainer. People trying to lose weight need to get their entire body moving, whether it's cardio or weight exercises that use the major muscles (squats, lunges, push ups, etc.--not curls and calf raises).

Anonymous wrote:I got the gym regularly and I honestly admire those who are less than fit and need to lose weight when I see them working out because it shows they are willing to do something about it.

I sometimes feel like saying something to encourage them but feel that it would come across as patronizing.

I've been both heavy and smaller and I agree with this.

I got the gym regularly and I honestly admire those who are less than fit and need to lose weight when I see them working out because it shows they are willing to do something about it.

I sometimes feel like saying something to encourage them but feel that it would come across as patronizing.

go, go, go! I'm mostly not paying attention to others in the gym, but fully support anyone who's there!

I work out daily and I'm in very good shape. I think it is awesome when people work out, no matter what shape they are in. As a runner, I think runners are awesome, whether they're running 1 mile or 10, at 7:00 pace or 13:00 pace. As a person who loves yoga, I love it when new people come to class and break through their preconceived notions about how you have to be this or that to do yoga. (flexible, strong, skinny, etc.) As someone who lifts weights, I am glad when other people start doing so, because it is so good for your current and future health.

All I want from people at my gym is basic etiquette - wiping off sweaty machines, not resting on a machine for 15 minutes after using it for 1, etc. If you're doing that stuff, I respect you, no matter your size or fitness level.

Not at all. I think it is great! At my gym I have seen many people work with a trainer which I think is smart. The trainers will really help people who may not be gym savvy. I put myself in this category too. Go for it..you have nothing to lose but weight!

You might do a search for a previous thread on this same topic. General consensus is that gym goers aren't judging you, except for the occassional internal thought of "good for her for getting in here!".

All sorts of people go to most gyms, and most of them aren't in excellent shape. The personal trainers and instructors are used to working with people of all shapes and fitness levels, and most I think are genuinely happy to help anyone of the journey of increasing their fitness. I'd highly recommend signing up for a few personal training sessions when you start out if you can swing it -- it's a great way to get motivated, learn the equiptment, and figure out a workout plan to get you on your way to your goals.

I see more out of shape people at the gym than fit people. I was intimidated when I first started working out, but 99% of the people I encounter there are nice and considerate. I'm proud of anyone who makes it a priority to spend time there, regardless of fitness level.

Not OP, but this is good to hear, from someone who will be joining next month when my youngest goes to kindergarten.

No, I admire your initiative.

I go to the gym and am fit.

I used to not be fit, and over 50 lbs heavier. I used to be self conscious, but remember that even though you might see buff people at the gym, they also had to start somewhere, and many were not always like that.

When I see anyone giving an effort and trying, I think they're awesome. Putting in an effort is commendable, not laughable.

I really want to join a gym. I am curious what the fitness people think of those who are not fit. I get a feeling that I won't be taken seriously or that people will kind of be laughing at my giggling belly.