As a fat person, I get what you're trying to say. But it can come across a little condescending. Like you'd be patting my head while saying it. Almost like it's this huge production to go to the gym or that Im worried you're judging me, so you totally want to make sure that I know you're not.
If you were out to dinner with a fat friend and they ordered a salad instead of a burger would you say "good job Larla! I'm proud of you for ordering a said!". Probably not.

I once heard a comedian make a joke about how when a skinny person posts a photo of them in a belly shirt people roll their eyes at them being skanky or showing too much skin. When a fat person does it, it's inspriring because they have enough courage to show off a body they are.supposed to be ashamed about. And its SO true

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For me (I'm not op) I'm inspired that you took that step to do something new outside of your comfort zone. I'm inspired that you are still at it even though it is more difficult for you to run a mile than it is for me. I'm inspired that you want to make a positive change in your life.

That's what inspires me.

Op here. This is what I was trying to say.

You assume that this is new for them. That's the condescension. I know plenty of former HS, and college athletes and former gym rats that are now, some
very much soI get that you're trying to be helpful or encouraging, but many people already know what to but life has knocked them for a loop.

Anonymous wrote:So we are supposed to not admire the dedication and effort that overweight people are showing when we see them jogging or cycling? Sheesh. I guess we aren’t supposed to notice the good positives we see through the day and only think/feel the crappy side of daily life? Guess I’ll just be happy and proud of you in secret.

You're not supposed to assume we're struggling or outside of our comfort zone or worried about your judgement. I go to the gym 5 times a week, and have since basically high school (where I was a two sport athlete). I'm not nervous or making a positive change or in need of your encouragement. I'm probably more fit than you; I'm just fat.

When I see fat people at the gym, I think, "good for you, keep coming and working hard, don't get discouraged".

Anonymous wrote:For me (I'm not op) I'm inspired that you took that step to do something new outside of your comfort zone. I'm inspired that you are still at it even though it is more difficult for you to run a mile than it is for me. I'm inspired that you want to make a positive change in your life.

That's what inspires me.

Op here. This is what I was trying to say.

So we are supposed to not admire the dedication and effort that overweight people are showing when we see them jogging or cycling? Sheesh. I guess we aren’t supposed to notice the good positives we see through the day and only think/feel the crappy side of daily life? Guess I’ll just be happy and proud of you in secret.

My, touchy we are today. Relax.

Anonymous wrote:Am I the only one that finds the whole inspiring thing really condescending?

+1

OP is labeling (look at subject - SMH) and judging.

MYOB, OP.

Anonymous wrote:As a formerly fat person, I know the struggle. The struggle to mentally make yourself go to the gym in the first place. To try something new, and to go outside of your comfort zone. To sweat profusely with other people around, and maybe be self conscious about it. To feel like you "deserve" to be there, among some super fit people. You may not see it now on some of us "regulars," but believe me, many of us get it, and we truly support you. Keep at it! Keep challenging yourself! Keep sweating! You've got this!

I have two "fat" neighbors who I see running in the neighborhood and trimming down. Although I'm an average weight and size, I haven't worked out in a year. I feel jealous of them and disappointed in myself that I've become so lazy. They don't inspire me to do jack, though.

As a formerly fat person, I know the struggle. The struggle to mentally make yourself go to the gym in the first place. To try something new, and to go outside of your comfort zone. To sweat profusely with other people around, and maybe be self conscious about it. To feel like you "deserve" to be there, among some super fit people. You may not see it now on some of us "regulars," but believe me, many of us get it, and we truly support you. Keep at it! Keep challenging yourself! Keep sweating! You've got this!

Anonymous wrote:Am I the only one that finds the whole inspiring thing really condescending?

No, you are not!

--fat triathlete

Am I the only one that finds the whole inspiring thing really condescending?

For me (I'm not op) I'm inspired that you took that step to do something new outside of your comfort zone. I'm inspired that you are still at it even though it is more difficult for you to run a mile than it is for me. I'm inspired that you want to make a positive change in your life.

That's what inspires me.

Thanks for the respect. I hope you mean inspiring as in they're doing something difficult instead of inspiring because you work out harder because you don't want to look like them. Because if I heard you tell me I was inspiring, my self consciousness might jump to the later conclusion.

To all the fat people who go to the gym - keep it up! You are very inspiring to me. Most people are not judging you, but are happy you are there. Respect.