Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you are in Montgomery County I know the local community centers have small gyms in them. They have good equipment are mostly used by seniors. Super cheap too.

Interesting. Any in particular you would recommend?

Not in particular. Just stop into one and check it out. Usually they have some bikes, some weights, a tread mill and maybe some other equipment. I think you will be happy at one if you like to work out in a small, semi-private setting.

Anonymous wrote:If you are in Montgomery County I know the local community centers have small gyms in them. They have good equipment are mostly used by seniors. Super cheap too.

Interesting. Any in particular you would recommend?

If you are in Montgomery County I know the local community centers have small gyms in them. They have good equipment are mostly used by seniors. Super cheap too.

I have noticed that ilovekickboxing has an unusually high number of very overweight people and that it is a welcoming environment for people who are trying to get in shape. It is overpriced for what you're getting, but if your primary objective is to be in community of people with significant weight issues so that you won't feel self conscious, that would be a good match.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

I think most YMCA's are 70% retired patrons. In the aerobics and step classes it's closer to 90%.

I think that the Y is a great place for feeling like you can blend in, even if you are not as fit as you like. I go to the Y in Silver Spring, and I like that there are older people, fat and thin people, families with kids, all kinds of people there. It is a big contrast to some gyms -- I did an LA Fitness once, and I felt like the weight area was all grunting muscled men and the aerobics classes were toned young women. The diversity of the people working out at the Y helped me to feel comfortable.

At most gyms, you can get a free 1-day pass to try it out. I suggest you try out some gyms you might like, and you can see what the clientele is like and if you feel comfortable there. Good luck!

People are usually pretty nice at the Y.

Anonymous wrote:

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

I think most YMCA's are 70% retired patrons. In the aerobics and step classes it's closer to 90%.

I think that the Y is a great place for feeling like you can blend in, even if you are not as fit as you like. I go to the Y in Silver Spring, and I like that there are older people, fat and thin people, families with kids, all kinds of people there. It is a big contrast to some gyms -- I did an LA Fitness once, and I felt like the weight area was all grunting muscled men and the aerobics classes were toned young women. The diversity of the people working out at the Y helped me to feel comfortable.

At most gyms, you can get a free 1-day pass to try it out. I suggest you try out some gyms you might like, and you can see what the clientele is like and if you feel comfortable there. Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:

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

I think most YMCA's are 70% retired patrons. In the aerobics and step classes it's closer to 90%.

Anonymous wrote: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?

I go to Sport and Health at Pike and Rose. Everyone is friendly/not paying attention to me. I need to lose 30+ pounds and have never felt intimidated there. Plus it’s clean and well-maintained. The only thing I don’t like is the locker room setup— there’s no privacy, with all lockers facing each other in a big U shape— but you can change in the shower area for privacy.

I love my Sport and Health gym in DC. They have a Bethesda location too that has an indoor pool if that is of interest to you. I bet they have special rates for the New Year too.
https://www.sportandhealth.com/locations/maryland-clubs

I agree, everyone is just doing their own thing, don't worry about being judged at a gym, just do what makes you happy.

You may want to avoid the Soul Cycle or Barre type studios, they may be more judgy but I need variety in classes and cardio machines, weights etc, so I have never been to those.

My Sport and Health has people of all ages and fitness levels-teens to seniors-everyone just does their thing. Teens rock the rowing machines and weights and the seniors walk the treadmill, sometimes in regular clothes! All good.

I'm a very in shape person. I absolutely am not judging you. In fact I'm also self conscious while working out bc people stare and I wonder if they are thinking bad thoughts about me (that I am vain, judging them, showing off, etc). You do your thing and I will do mine, please just return my smile or wave when we pass each other.

Second the recommendation for Rock Creek Sports Club. I love it and find it welcoming, friendly, accepting.

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

Planet fitness

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

I think most YMCA's are 70% retired patrons. In the aerobics and step classes it's closer to 90%.