18 stone and panicking about gym today

[MamMamMam]

I signed up to my local gym a few days ago, so paid in full. Now I'm thinking of a million ways to back out

Im almost 18 stone. Unbelievably unfit, i can't believe I've let myself get here.

I feel physically sick thinking about it. The judgement, the showers, me collapsing in a sweaty lump on the floor.

I can't think of what to pack in my gym bag. I want to hide, but i can't sit on the sofa and continue the way I am, as much as I'd like to.

The staff seem lovely buuuuttttt feck I'm panicking.

I have to be there at 10.30

Please feed me your positive gym stories

[Iliketeaagain]

It's fine. No one will care what size you are.
And if they do, quite frankly they're twats.

The first few times will be hardest, then it will get less hard (because you will get fitter).

Exercise is one of the very best things you can do for your health.

You can do this.. 💪🏻

[LailaByron]

I was 18st 4lb when I started at WW and my local gym. I was scared too! Scared of people staring and judging but in reality....
Nobody gave me a second look! Everyone’s too busy working towards their own goals. Now I’m 11st 2lb and feeling so much better and have gained so much confidence. I’m still at the same gym and probably wouldn’t recognise anyone that goes there coz I’m too busy sweating my own backside off! Go for it! You’ll love it and in 6 months time you’ll look back and be so proud and glad you did it!

[Musicalmistress]

You can do it! I need a kick up the arse to do the same.

[MollyHuaCha]

Just go and enjoy it! Ask the staff for a gym induction so you know how to use everything properly. Ask them to write down a routine for you to work through on your visits.

If you haven't got a routine yet, walk on the treadmill or slow pedal on a bike whilst you look around and decide what appeals to you.

As for everyone else... you'll find they will all be concentrating on their own routines.

[Elmo311]

Don't worry about anyone else, this is all for you :) don't let others hold you back! You can do it, and you'll feel proud of yourself that you did.

Trust me, no one will be looking or paying attention to what you are doing, or how you look. You'll also be too busy concentrating on yourself to care.

Now go and sweat!

[DyslexicNotThick]

Good on you Mam, for doing something about it.
I'm heavier than you and my weight is impacting my mobility but I can't imagine getting to the gym.
I admire the fact that you're being proactive in doing something positive about it.
I can fully understand your panic but please also recognise that this is it, as bad as you're going to let it get. However physically and emotionally hard today is, it's the worst it's going to be.
Next time, you'll be more familiar with the showers, the equipment, the terminology used etc. And next time you'll be a little bit more able for the exercise than you will be today.

Forget anyone else there, we're all living our own lives with our own limitations etc. Not everyone will be a sleek powerhouse gym fanatic. You do your own thing and in a few months, the newbie will be looking at you and feeling inadequate, thinking you're judging them. You wouldn't, would you? So don't let fear of others judging you put you off. Those that judge clearly have no empathy and aren't worth a fig anyway.

You go for it, give it all you've got. You'll thank yourself in a very short period of time.

[Loopytiles]

You can do it!

[GetOffTheTableMabel]

To start with, dial down your goals. Your first goal isn’t to lose weight or even get fit, it’s just to get comfortable in the gym. So try to show up every few days and spend some time on a treadmill, just observing everyone else. Notice how little attention they pay to others, notice how they come in all shapes/sizes/ages, notice the odd smile or nod of encouragement and respect. You belong there as much as anyone but you won’t feel that unless you spend enough time there. The hardest part is showing up. For a while, make that your goal. Good luck!

[Easterbunnyiscomingsoon]

Our gym has a ladies only room...

[MamMamMam]

Thank you everyone. In my head I know its the right thing

DyslexicNotThick my weight has also started to affect my mobility. My lower back and right hip in particular as well as being out of breath going up stairs.

If I continue to be this panicked I think I'll be sick on the treadmill.

The plan ( in my head) is to do the gym and maybe the pool for 6 weeks then try a class.

I never been this nervous

[beela]

Go for it!

Here's my positive gym story:

I went to a circuits class last week. I was really scared that it would be full of super muscly men like the last one I went to ten years ago but it was the only class that fitted in with the time I had available, so I braced myself and went.

It was actually full of women like me, some older some younger, some thinner some fatter, some fitter some unfitter... and only one muscly man. Everyone was really friendly and I survived the class. So it was fine

[EnlightenmentwasaPassingPhase]

You can do this, OP!

[lubeybooby]

I go twice a week and am size 20/22 atm. I have a big cover up beach towel for after the shower, but there are plenty of people there bigger than me and I really have no need to be paranoid. Neither do you

You'll feel good after. Go for it x

[formerbabe]

I've never showered at the gym...I just go home.

[lubeybooby]

oh and no one takes any notice of anyone in the actual gym either. We're all just focused on our own workouts and breathing.

It's all going to be fine and totally worth it. My health is much much better for it

[reallyanotherone]

Me too! I an currently outside the gym working up the courage to go in for my first class.

I’ve not been near a gym in about 15 years, am late 40’s and overweight...

We can do this..

[AlphaNumericalSequence]

Lots of people of all shapes and sizes at my gym, and all levels of fitness. Before I joined a gym I thought it would be full of fit 'n' fabulous people, but in reality many people there have weight problems, or are elderly and have limited mobility or other health problems.

I tend to notice the people who look slimmer and fitter than me more than I notice others, because that feeds in to my insecurity and low self-esteem.

When you look at people and think they might be judging you, it is probably more likely that they are in their own battle with self-image, and are looking at the people they think might be judging them!

Go for it, enjoy it. I hope that once you are more used to going you have a good time. I find exercise brilliant at improving my state of mind when I am low or anxious.

[Basilneedswaterandsun]

No one will care OP. People will be doing their own thing.

[ittakes2]

I was worried about going to the gym after nearly doubling my body weight. I was very surprised to see people who were twice the size of me and certainly lots the same size as me. Honestly if you are going to a good gym you should only find positive encouragement from people. Your past doesn't matter - what matters is you are doing something now for your health. GOOD ON YOU - keep going. Don't let what you think strangers will think of you ruin your chance to get your health and life back. Remember why you are doing this - for yourself and your family. Honestly - these strangers will not give you a second thought - but you have to live with yourself and you need to do what you need to do to have the life you want. Good luck!!

[prettyhibiscusflowers]

Go go go! You’ll feel so much better after the first visit and imagine how you’ll feel in 6 months time!

[1moreRep]

as someone who is very fit and who works out 6 times a week, i'll tell you exactly what i think of when i see an over weight person working out

good on you, you are so brave and i really respect the big step you have taken.

you can do this xx

[Thatisme]

Hello there, I have a very positive gym story for you. Until the age of 44 I had never set foot in a gym and I used to tell everyone that I never would have invested time and money in putting myself through what I considered pure torture. As a result, although not overweight, I was incredibly unfit, unable to make a run for the bus or climb a flight of stairs without being out of breath. My father passed away and while grieving I made the impulse decision to join a local gym, decision that I nearly immediately regretted. I was simply terrified but I took the bull by the horns and signed up for a class. To my surprise I was no better or no worse than most people there. I tried my best but I struggled, thought I was going to pass out but at the end I felt great for doing it and for pushing myself so immediately signed up for more classes. Three years down the line I am now very fit, I go to gym 4/5 times a week, I made lots of friends, I feel energised and healthy most of the time. Most importantly exercise has been for me a health boost for the body but also the mind. As it did help to cope with the loss of my father still now during difficult or stressful times it is the place where for an hour or so I look after myself and myself alone. So go for it! It is hard initially but you will quickly reap the rewards and will never look back. All the best!

[CuppaSarah]

I'm a receptionist at a gym and I can tell you no one will bat an eye. You'll find nothing but support and kindness. If anyone is unkind quietly mention it to staff, they will sort it out and will be so disgusted on your behalf. I'd also tell them how you feel, they'll have had loads of nervous people and will make you feel at ease

[Whatnotea]

Go, go, go!
You have inspired me to do the same.

[bigbluebus]

I go to a small friendly gym where there are people of all shapes, sizes and ages. The only thought that has ever entered my head when I see a larger lady stepping on to a piece of equipment is "good for her for being here". The fit, lycra clad brigade are too busy admiring themselves in the mirrors to notice anyone else. Everyone else is just a person trying to improve their fitness or lose weight.

Do you have to change/use the showers at the gym, if that really bothers you? Most of the people at my gym in the daytime just arrive and leave in their kit and shower at home.

Good luck - you've taken the first step. Do it for you - sod everyone else.