im sorry

I admire people with weight so much for working out - I struggle to get the motivation and energy and I don't have any extra to have to lift - for every person who sniggers, there are at least two like me who are quietly admiring your determination and extra strength.

Why are people so mean and judgmental? It makes no sense.

Normal people admire you. Don't let the haters deter you. They will hate no matter what.

This is a big reason I've never joined a gym. Just going to inquire about adult ballet lessons I got weird looks from the ballet dancers running the booth. Maybe my questions about the possibilities of dancing in The Nutcracker were a bit far-reaching, but I don't think being told I'd not fit into the child-sized mouse costumes was a bit much, too. (If anyone wonders why I say "a bit" or "kinda", it's a habit of my sarcastic humor. Not an attempt to downplay the situation, as it has been assumed a few times one here.)

That is bad, what the heck are gym's for but people who wish to improve their bodies. Do they not have staff on who could have curbed this appalling behaviour?

This is way out of order, I've not frequented many gyms in my life but when I young and weedy I used to work out at a local weights gym and what I got there was constant support and acceptance, which I paid forward later. Your gym seems toxic, I hope this is a rarity and you can maybe find a better gym, these a-holes don't deserve your custom.

You may have been unlucky with the audience or maybe because you expected a negative reaction, you thought everything happening was targeting you. In my experience the true fitness community is supporting each other and taking a person for who they fight for to become. Meaning respecting you if make a true effort to make a change. Maybe you give it another try. Keep in mind - a gym is rarher small and people just look around - even if it is in your direction it does not mean they are looking at you and if they do it is not necessesarily in a bad way. Good luck!

That sucks. I am sorry. People suck. I am like that also - I barely even leave the house anymore for fear of people's judgement, having to talk to strangers, just dealing with people in general... It's so very, very unfair. I would be proud to go to the gym with you (at least you go!) Bless.

That Is So WRONG.. Isn't a Gym Supposed To Be For Getting Into Shape ? Mussel-Headed SOBs.---And Yes I Mean Mussel

Just existing in a fat body, period. I have a condition that makes my legs grow larger and larger without me having much control over it (lipedema) and the amount of comments I've gotten over the years is demoralizing to say the least. I wouldn't dare set foot in a gym looking like I do so I just workout at home. It's not the same though as I can't afford all the equipment I would like.

This is sad

Dushbags

maybe it's just me but i tend to mind my own business when im at the gym. never saw the point in putting others down when they are trying to work on themselves

Not all gyms cultivate this kind of behavior. I go to Planet Fitness (of all places, the last I'd expect), and I've been to several of them. I never felt like anyone was looking at me unless I was stretching (25+ years of yoga causes staring).

Please continue, just ignore the A-holes. You are doing something great and worthwhile.

Keep going and definitely speak to the staff. As others have said, the gym is about community and encouragement. If there are people who don't respect that then they need to be dealt with. Or be really brave and confront them yourself! Tell them that you have decided to make a positive change in your life and are going to commit to it. You may well find that they'll respect you for it and offer an apology. You can be the catalyst for a change in them!

Those people have no brain haven't they any idea what a gym is for or do they just think it's a place to go gossip and flirt with strong guys. I'm so sorry you had to deal with those idiots, just keep on going though and also I'd your looking for free YouTube workout recommendations you should do some of Chloe tings workouts they really helped me reach a weight I'm happy with

I have a lot of joint issues and I am always embarrassed to do the weight machines. The person before me, and probably after me, will have it set at 200 pounds and I have to take all the weights off just to move it without dislocating something. A lot of us older people also feel embarrassed about our saggy baggy bodies.

When they stare and snicker, I take off my shirt and dance

That should never be a thing you are there to help yourself. I'm so sorry. It already hard going and working out people shouldn't have to worry about that kinda c**p they should have them kind of people kick out and not Abel to come back.

Isn't the whole point of the gym is to not be overweight?

Seems you have la ack of confidence?

Exactly why I bought my own equipment. People can be horrible.

Anyone who laughs at an overweight person at a gym is a 100% pure douche nozzle from concentrate, you are trying to improve your health by being there. Most others at the gym will be admiring you for making the effort to improve yourself :).

Privately owned gym or franchise gym? Try a city leisure centre facility, if they have them where you live, or a YMCA/YWCA. Much more relaxed and people of all sizes and shapes work out there.

What gym is that cos in all the years I've been at a gym I've never seen that. I'm in Northern England if that makes a difference

I've never been to a gym where this happened. Not that it might not happen somewhere, but at least in my experience it isn't common at all.

For the very first time, I (quite overweight) am going to a gym without feeling self-conscious. I think the difference is that it's a circuit, with very small time intervals so, no one has time to stop and look around at anyone else. I know that no one is looking/staring at me, because they have X amount of time on this, then 15 seconds to move to the next, then X amount of time, etc... There is never a chance for anyone to gawk at anyone else. It also helps that there are constantly trainers on the floor making the rounds and kind of shouting encouragement at everyone. I'm actually enjoying it and no one is more surprised than me!

I hope you told the owner / manager of the gym why you stopped, they usually aren't happy to lose income because of obnoxious other guests.

You picked the wrong gym.

You should be getting applause and encouragement

yeah.... Two girls was so awfull when I went there that I never want to go there again, not feel cumfortable... they snickering, and was saying awfull things like I smell bad and other things...

Omg..... I’m not the only one!

As in: “Me and her seen it with our own eyes!”

'damaged goods'?! i'll show them actual damage! that's awful and i hope you're ok!

*Relatable girl moments*

If I was doing now what I was doing as 16, I'd be monumentally depressed. Nothing you've said here is something to be embarrassed about. I hope you find peace! You deserve it.

It shouldn’t be, i fee, the same way.

Yeah, me too

Affirmative

it always sounds louder in a public bathroom

NO ONE should make fun, judge, or criticize someone else for not having enough money.

Why is this embarrassing? You are just wanting to understand the material, don't be ashamed to ask questions a lot.

YES

I talk about stuff like that with my dad all the time. He already knows about it, so its not that awkward, he did marry a woman lol

people can give others a hard time abt this too, i still feel embarrassed for enjoying animated things and i got a lot of grief abt it over the years but like its so dumb bc? its usually made by adults too lmao??? regardless tho it shouldnt be embarrassing idc

I can't even sing in front of my husband. Only parents and daughter.