I got laughed at in the gym and now I never want to go back

You may be large but you are there doing it! Do NOT let them stop you.

If I see someone in the gym who is trying to do something about being overweight etc I think bloody good for you! Well done for getting through the door. It's not easy.

Definitely report them.

I'm a member of Pure Gym and occasionally there are no staff on duty but if this is the case there is always a notice to let you know as you come through the door.

No, you probably aren't the largest person there. Maybe they just aren't there at the same time as you. But even if you are, so what? Everyone has to start their gym and weight loss journey somewhere.

I used to work out with a personal trainer and one of his other clients was a much younger woman who was short and stocky and probably morbidly obese. She looked like a rugby forward, but bloody hell she was strong with incredible stamina. (Besides, how cool is women's rugby right now!). She could lift massive weights and do incredible feats of strength (like the power sled push) that even bigger guys could only dream of. Lots of the guys really admired her. She didn't give a stuff what people thought of her and exuded confidence. Channel some of her (fake it till you make it).

Remember, you deserve to be there just as much as anyone else. Please please don't let 2 silly girls deter you from your goals, which are really important. You are far better than them.

I know about the intrusive thoughts throwing you emotionally back to unhappy school years. Many of us do, especially where its body image and bullying related. For me it was swimming in my early teens - I basically cried and refused to do it, so spent most of a year in detention every time swimming was on the PE timetable! I got over that in my 20's with some 1:1 lessons.

Be proud of yourself for getting in there and doing something for yourself.

First..,well done for getting out there and exercising.
Secondly…please report it at the gym. It is not ok. I gym several times a week and that kind of behaviour would not be tolerated.

That’s horrible and I understand why if you’re not feeling confident in the first place it would be enough to put you off. First off, as I’m sure you know, when people feel the need to mock/laugh at strangers, their behaviour says everything about them and nothing about you. People who are comfortable in their own lives just don’t do that. Next, the gym is for everyone. If I were in your position I would have gone over to the reception desk and spoken to a gym employee about what happened and asked them to have a quiet word with the individuals concerned. In situations like this, it really isn’t you: it’s them. Horrible people who have not been raised to treat others with the kindness they expect for themselves.

Easy to say but please don’t let this get to you.

Whenever I see someone out for a run or whatever who might be a bit out of shape, I think “good for them, they’re out there doing it”. In contrast to myself, who hasn’t set foot in a gym since before COVID.

Ignore them and their childish comments. If they say anything again, tell a member of staff or better still tell them at least you aren't a bitch. Don't let them put you off or shame you into leaving

I'd go with you, then they wouldn't dare comment.

I have used a gym and exercise classes. It might be these obnoxious people go early or late in the day. If you could go at a different time you would avoid them and meet different people who are more supportive as they have also been/are on your journey. Get your annoyance up and show all the horrible people you are far better than them and you WILL reach your goals. Onwards and upwards. Get fit and enjoy doing so.

D'you know what OP? At least you are not like them.

Keep going.

Well done on going! it's the hardest thing to get there. Keep going, and try not to let people effect you if you can and use it as motivation.

I am with others, please report it.

Honest to God, proper gym goers don't give a shit about anyone else's size. We are all there trying to improve.

What nasty fucking bitches!! I'm sorry that happened to you. If I see an obese person working out I just think good for them..the whole point of a gym is for getting in shape etc. it would be totally pointless if only people in perfect shape could use it.
Like others have mentioned you need a different gym where these horrible people would have been made to leave

That is horrible behaviour and reflects only on them. I love gyms because everyone is just there to better themselves. No one is relying on you as in a team sport, no one is competing against you, it's just you for yourself. And while unfortunately the very few nasty comments were out-loud, you didn't hear all the people who didn't look/think twice at you, or the people thinking supportive thoughts.

Also, huge kudos to you for taking ownership of your fitness after such a horrible experience at school!

I'm really sorry that happened to you. My gym has people of all shapes and sizes and nobody comments, laughs or stares so that was outrageous

Speak to the staff because I'm sure they won't want customers being treated like that. The whole point is to work on your fitness and everyone starts somewhere. Don't give up. They were the arse holes, not you

Please dont allow a couple of teenagers who have seen nowt of life stop you

I do get how those feelings all come rushing back, but you have to grab hold of the fact that your arent that teenager anymore , you have tools to use now

I did a half marathon mighty hike a few years back, I did it, was proud I survived it, gushed about how brilliant it was - and forgot to mention I was so fat I got stuck in a Stile and held everyone up whilst I was pushed and pulled out of it

But even the shame of that didnt stop me, 3 months later I climbed our highest mountain as another organised event. I did it, yep I was portably in the last 20/30 up it, and I had mountain rescue bringing up my rear - but I did it

The following year I did the full marathon mighty hike, and finished in the top 30% - and aged 60, Im so proud of that . No one had to pull me out of a stile, I managed the climbs without feeling I was never going to be able to breathe again

And Im doing it again next year

Because I didnt let other peoples sniggers stop me. I had a goal - to get fitter - and Im getting there.

Ive never been happy as a fat person, but I got to the point where my life had gotten so small I had to say fuck it and go for it

There are so many gyms that have sessions for older women, women carrying too much weight, menopausal women etc , which are so much more inclusive then the one size fits all council run gyms , its worth looking around . Quite often in my area there will be a six week block offered at very good prices - you commit to the six weeks of a small group and then you can either sign up for 1to1s or carry on in a small group session. The good thing about these sort of classes are everyone who goes is committed and are worrying about themselves and wanting to work, rather then it being a place to hang around with friends having time to stand around commenting on others

Im never going to be a skinny Minnie, Ive middle aged spread that's determined to stay, Ive a pouch, but Ive legs with so much strength in them I think I could be a champion kick boxer :)

Dont let anyone or anything stop you getting where you want to be

I did find pure gym pretty good at responding to my email complaint (about a completely different topic). So worth looking up the email on the phone app and detailing what happened including date and time. I imagine all they will do is put up a poster though about being supportive or something like that ☹️ they seemed to put a lot of motivational posters up.

Please don’t let those nasty little bitches stop you going.
Another time - if there is one, I hope not! - go straightaway to a staff member and tell them exactly what they’ve been saying.

oh darling! That’s so cruel.

I think you ought to treat your self to a gorgeous pair of new leggings with matching top and report those little cows to the gym.

if you see them again, confront them. Or show them what you’ve written here. You are amazing, you are an inspiration and I’m so proud of you for your courage, I was also bullied in school and it really does traumatise you, so to be triggered as an adult it’s horrendous.

wow I wish I could come to your next work out with you girl !!!!!!! X

I voted YABU because I think you are amazing to commit and engage at the gym for your well-being and you must not be dissuaded by the immaturity of some.
Please don't give up, you sound inspirational.
Re the unkindness re your weight in your youth, it is important to remember that children can be unkind without being malicious.
Keep at it

use it as fuel, prove them wrong. Would love to see their faces when they see your future skinny self!

So sorry, OP.
Those girls sound really pathetic and immature.
I also suggest going back to the gym and having a word with a member of staff, I’d ask them to check the cameras if they can, and sort those girls out next time they come.

I am so sorry OP - what a horrible experience. Unfortunately there are bullies and unkind people no matter how old we get - but there are many nice ones too. I second the advice to go for a smaller, more personal gym. If there is somewhere that does classes, that could be better also as you get to know the other people in the group too. Find one that suits you - I would also say that some of the nicest gym people and PTs are the ones that might look intimidating as they are so fit and fab looking but often they are the ones that are so happy to see people try to get fit that they are so eager to support you. I thrived in my small gym - the trainer (male) is so kind to everyone no matter the ability and there is a nice atmosphere between everyone there.

I was in an outdoor pool in France once and I couldn’t swim (nor haul my arse out of the pool) and a couple of kids were watching me and laughing at me. It felt awful. But when I got home I determined to teach myself to swim - which I did. I’d always been afraid of water so it was an extra big achievement for me.

Anyway, really good on you for getting to the gym. I know it’s hard but don’t let that pair of idiots put you off.

That's crap OP - you deserve praise for your effort and resilience. It's just a form of bullying. Unfortunately, some people are dicks, and for some reason being cruel makes them feel better about themselves. Imagine being the type of person who had to do that to make themselves feel good!
Do not let this put you off! Find a more friendly gym (or maybe complain to the staff - I think at my gym they are keen to encourage a wide range of people to join so I think they would deal with this as the staff are really nice). Good luck with your fitness journey - it does become much easier!

I've recently started going to a gym. I'm in my 70's, a bit overweight and not very fit but I've had no problems as there are others there like me and I'm certainly feeling fitter. Do the gym staff help you?
As@Bananaandmangosmoothie suggests, you could find a community leasure centre gym (which is what I go to). But in any case I'd look around to try to find a more supportive gym if I were you.