which one is most reasonably priced? any "pay as you go" memberships?

I am a very in-shape person and still get self-conscious about my body. I’m too busy worrying about myself to pay attention to you, truly! Don’t even worry about it, OP.

Thank you all! This is helpful.

The Bethesda Chevy Chase YMCA where literally 70% of the patrons are either over weight or just old.
No shaming here!!

Anonymous wrote:Are you female? Golds Gym on Randolph Rd has a women’s-only area. It’s small, but you could maybe get into the swing of things before venturing into the rest of the gym.

I use that room sometimes. It’s directly adjacent to the women’s locker room.

Rock Creek Sports in Silver Spring is incredibly welcoming for all shapes and sizes.

No one cares about you. I swear. I say this as someone who has been both the overweight person and the very in shape person. Not one person there gives a flying F what you’re doing or what you look like and that’s the honest truth. So go where you want.

Are you female? Golds Gym on Randolph Rd has a women’s-only area. It’s small, but you could maybe get into the swing of things before venturing into the rest of the gym.

Anonymous wrote:Don't do Curves.

Join a normal gym, do your thing, and ignore everyone else. It sucks to feel self-conscious (I do), but I've found that most everyone is focused on their own thing.

Curves is also owned by some pretty unethical people with regards to women's rights and health. I wouldn't give them a dime.

OP, I was 50lbs overweight when I joined the gym. If it helps, just imagine all the "fit" people having an extra 50lbs on them - we all had to start and no one is judging you. And truly, people are much, much more focused on themselves. Find the location that's closest to you with the amenities you like, and cost that you can work with, and join there. As long as you follow basic gym etiquette (like everyone - gym newbie or old timer), you're golden, and people will respect you going to get a workout in.

Basic gym etiquette:
- don't talk on your phone
- don't go to the gym when sick
- wipe down your stuff if you're sweaty
- have a good sense of personal space in classes
- pick up after yourself
- don't slam/drop weights

Golds gym at wintergreen or RTC are fine, it doesn’t matter if you’re overweight, people are focus on themselves

I like Planet Fitness. I do not feel out of place at all.

Don't do Curves.

Join a normal gym, do your thing, and ignore everyone else. It sucks to feel self-conscious (I do), but I've found that most everyone is focused on their own thing.

Anonymous wrote:How about Curves gym? Just as a starting point.

I actually looked into them. They don't have one close to me, the closest is Olney about 25 minutes away. They also have really weird hours, like they close for 4 hours in the middle of the day.

How about Curves gym? Just as a starting point.

I am about 50 pounds overweight. I am slowing losing with diet changes and now am considering joining a gym. The problem is I am terribly self conscious and also very intimidated by gym culture/incredibly in shape people working out and judging me. I'm in moco in the Rockville area. Any recs?