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

I stopped going to Puregym as it soulless and generally lacks atmosphere. Its usually full of kids and isnt manned properly so they can get away with stuff. The best place I went was Nuffield as its not for profit and you feel properly supported. They also do classes which I found more fun rather than just pushing weights constantly.

Fantastic outcome. Well done pure gym

I am so happy that they have been banned. Keep up the good work OP hold your head up high you are doing amazing!

Wah, this makes me feel so sad. I’m sorry OP. People can be so cruel. I cannot stand bullying.

You should feel very proud of going and also for doing your cross country event years ago! Chin up xx

Thats absolutely horrible, and this was a tough read from a fellow bigger girl who goes to the gym!

Please dont let this stop you from going! These are the type of girls who peak in senior school and think theyre the dogs doo-dars who end up wishing they could relieve their glory days... 🙄

Youre doing amazing just being in the gym! Keep going! You're amazing

Listen, your in the gym because your aware you need to lose weight and get in shape - IGNORE THEM! I would have made them feel awkward and say at least I’m here doing something about it and not in McDonald’s, why do you feel the reason to belittle me? Kill them with kindness. Nasty little shits

Great result, well done! No excuse for bullying and there should be consequences.

Slightly similar thing for me - on two different occasion out running over the summer, two different older men both physically bigger than me (so intimidating) physically mocked me - i.e. running in a really ungainly way, like simulating someone with a disability - as I ran past them (both with their wives, no idea if that makes them more likely to mock a single female runner out on their own ...).

It was really upsetting and really getting inside my head and making me not want to run. It might sound a bit mad, but I put what had happened into ChatGPT and explored some of the stuff suggested. It did help - just in case you find you can't put it behind you

That’s a result and well done for speaking up.

Please report them to the manager. I admire you so much. I started going to the gym when I was 65, and the gym I use is welcoming and very supportive. I find it hard work but this morning one of the instructors told me that she could see some muscle definition in my arms. Made my day. Don’t let the skinny beasts drive you away. You are worth ten of them. You go girl 👏👏👏

Are these young girls the tyoe who seem to do very little exercising and a lot of posing and scrolling on their phones? Their opinion means nothing. Keeo showing up OP you're dping this for you, you don't need to prove to anyone else. Esp giggly school girls xx

Well done for putting effort in to get healthier!
These people aren't important in your life. I'm betting if they'd seen you in the supermarket or walking down the street they'd still have made comments, and if you'd been slim but had clothes on that they didn't like they'd probably have still laughed, people like that enjoy being nasty. Its not a reflection on you or the thing they've chosen to bully about, just a reflection on their personality.

Forget those pathetic idiots. Do what you like. Tell the management. It's frowned upon.

I’m late to the party and see you’ve sorted it. Fantastic!

Well done and good for you! Bullies don’t win!

I have said YABU….not to feel the way you feel. You’ve been treated horribly….but don’t let this make you quit!

You are doing incredibly well. For those vile people laughing, there will be far more looking over impressed that you’re there putting the effort in to improve your health. Well done!

I would actually write a really strongly worded email to the gym manager about the experience, how it’s made you feel and how you would like this addressed as the purpose of a gym is to be healthy. Those girls are bullying you and they’re pathetic.

Stand up to them and be proud of your efforts. The gym will not want this culture so will want to address it.

Well said I was a youth worker for 20+ years and I just gave up 2 years ago

Just to chime and say you handled this brilliantly and I hope you feel proud of yourself for continuing to turn up. I hope the gym made it clear to those girls why they were banned, and that they reflect on it at some point... Late teens is old enough to know better.

Just to help you at the beginning, maybe you could try to team up with a gym buddy? I know you shouldn't have to but it may help you feel more secure in the environment. I did see someone ask for one on FB the other day but there is probably another way of doing this also. I'm sorry you feel like you do, but just hold your head high (easier said than done when it's not us personally). Take care and please continue. x

You are fabulous!

You are awesome for overcoming your anxiety and getting in the gym. I’m so pleased you reported these bottom dwellers and they have hopefully learned a lesson. I teach teens. They can be vile at times, especially teen girls

Well done op for raising this horrible behaviour. I wish more people felt brave enough to address it. Please don’t give up. When I see larger people running/ going to the gym I think fair play as I know it’s not easy (I’ve been there).

OP as others have said. Please don't give up. You are amazing for taking the first steps in getting healthy. As I always say, if you are out trying, you are lapping everyone on the sofa! Don't let some tw@ts stop you from achieving your goals. You've got this!

Great update - those nasty young women deserve to be banned.

This happened to me too. I also finished my workout early. I did go back though, but it really pissed me off that these girls were behaving so rudely in the first place.

Definitely complain OP - they are likely teenagers who have zero manners. Don't let them get to you. Tell the staff, so they can deal with it. It needs to be brought to their attention. It is harassment and I'm sure they'll want to know about it.

Going forwards, if this gym has an unwelcoming and judgmental vibe, can you look at joining another gym in your area? Maybe have a look at gyms that have a minimum age of 18, or that tend to attract an older crowd. In my experience they tend to be more welcoming and inclusive.

Well done for going though - don't let what happened affect your confidence and your momentum!

Well done for going and an even bigger well done for persevering (which I do hope you will). You could maybe go at a quieter time, if there is one. Like when those nasty little girls are still at kindergarten 😀.

That’s a great outcome 👏