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Original poster

Fat, unfit, and joined the gym

25 replies

Lacypants · 03/05/2019 09:37

As above really, I managed 15mins of a 30min class yesterday, and I went to row this morning and did 10mins.

I know it's not a lot, but it's better to do what I can and increase as I lose weight / get fitter, than to force it now and hurt myself, right?

I am v self conscious of the fact that I'm the fat woman in the gym

OP posts:

rosesandcashmere · 03/05/2019 09:40

I don't know what you can do as I'm no PT (sure someone will be along shortly) I just wanted to say well done for taking the first step! Are there any trainers in the gym you can ask for a session with to devise a plan?

rosesandcashmere · 03/05/2019 09:41

Also no one sees you as 'the fat woman in the gym' they are too busy concentrating on themselves!

mouldyhousemouldylife · 03/05/2019 09:45

I am v self conscious of the fact that I'm the fat woman in the gym

It's a gym! For everyone to use, but especially people who want to lose weight surely? I mean it's the least likely place someone's going to look at you as "the fat woman at..."

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SweetestThing · 03/05/2019 09:47

Well done for taking up exercise! I was that overweight, unfit person once so I know how it can feel a bit uncomfortable when you look at the other people in the gym and feel self-conscious about how they are so much fitter/slimmer. Keep at it - it is so worth it and I think all gym users think when they see someone at the start of their fitness journey is "Well done for wanting to do something".

Any exercise is better than sitting on the sofa, so feel proud of yourself that you're doing something for you.

LiliesAndChocolate · 03/05/2019 09:47

Well done!!!
One day at a time and nobody really cares about the size of others, so don't worry.
Come back every day and tells us what you did. You are doing the right thing by taking it easy but don't stop too soon either! If a class is too fast, slow down, do a step instead of jumping and so on.
Approach the instructor at the beginning of the class and tell her, you are a beginner and if she can give you variations so that you can manage to complete the class. Instructors are usually lovely and would happily show different versions for those who need it. Try to complete a 30 min class.
Be mindful of what you eat/drink after the gym. You don't want to ruin your hard work with a smoothie or juice.

Are you going tomorrow?

Aimily · 03/05/2019 09:50

I haven't got any advise, but I just want to say well done you're doing great!
Also the gym is one of the only places I find you really don't get judged for your size, most people are there for the same reason and too busy focusing on themselves to notice anyone else.

CakeNinja · 03/05/2019 09:52

Oh lord at the gym I go to, everyone seems far to obsessed with what they look like to notice anyone else
The reason I know this is because I’m often the one looking around and nosing what everyone’s up to in a conscience effort to NOT see my reflection in a mirror!!
I’m normally looking at people’s technique to work out how to make mine better though, and genuinely people that exercise whatever their size know how hard it is and how much effort it takes so if anyone is looking at you, they’re more than likely thinking good on you for doing it - it’s far easier to not go!
Keep it up, little by little. Definitely start off just with what you can manage without pushing yourself too hard otherwise you’ll injure yourself, making you less likely to ever want to go back.
Well done

Original poster

Lacypants · 03/05/2019 09:57

I can't go tomorrow as I'm a single parent and Im having to squeeze it in around school, my job, and when I can get childcare. I may be able to go on Sunday either before or after work, and same on Monday. Tuesday im going after work and before school run.
I have some weights for doing weighted lunges and squats at home and I'm increasing my walking.
Yes, I'm tackling the diet side of it too.

I'm very big, 18 1/2 stone and only 5ft 1.
I was already big, but have gained about 2.5stone since starting antidepressants about.... 18months? Ago. I was suicidal though, so at least I'm alive. I'm now in a place where I feel I can start to tackle things

OP posts:

Notageek · 03/05/2019 09:59

Why not just walk on the treadmill... you can gradually increase speed, incline etc and work harder as you get fitter. The gym should be able to offer you a training programme and update it regularly. I’d ask to get an appointment with an instructor to give you an initial programme. They are usually free and good if you don’t know where to start.

Original poster

Lacypants · 03/05/2019 10:08

I'm comfortable with rowing as I used to row, I know how to change the damper settings on the machine, I know my form, it's no impact, and it works tonnes of muscle groups.
I am going to do the induction session next Tuesday to learn how to use the other machines, and my membership gives me three free PT sessions to make a plan, so I'm going to book that after the induction.

I just needed to get in and do it while the momentum of deciding it was time was still going. Ive done the hard bits. I've gone in and I've done something in a group, and I've spoke the PT leading it and made adjustments where I needed to. When I say I did half, I completed the first full circuit of exercises, I didn't do the second circuit, but I did stay and do the stretching out at the end etc.
I have anxiety so the fact that I even went at all is amazing for me.

OP posts:

BigbreastsBiggerbeard · 03/05/2019 11:51

It's brilliant that you've made a start on getting fitter. Small steps. No-one cares about your size or shape - everyone is there for the same essential reason; to improve in one way or another.

Given that you suffer from anxiety, taking the steps of joining the gym, attending a group class and generally just putting yourself out there is absolutely amazing.

Original poster

Lacypants · 03/05/2019 11:59

Thanks to all who have responded to this, it really means a lot to feel supported :)

OP posts:

sar302 · 03/05/2019 12:41

Rowing is an excellent choice. Low impact. no stress on the joints. Good for the core. 18 months ago you were suicidal, and now youre here. Fuck everyone else's opinion!

Best thing to do would be to get a gym induction. They're usually offered for free, and they will take you round all the equipment and show you what to do. There are loads of routines for beginners on line if they don't do you a programme.

Listen to your body, and if anything feels off, stop. Might also be worth going to see your GP to get blood pressure etc checked, just so you know you're really good to go 👍🏻

DMCWelshcakes · 03/05/2019 13:04

Congratulations OP!

You've already come such a long way & should be really proud of yourself.

Keep going!

Bigsighall · 03/05/2019 13:15

Excellent! Exercise is said to be good for mental heath too.
I go to a gym and agree with what others say, no one cares about you (no offence!) people are just busy doing their thing. Keep going, it will get easier. Definitely stick to things you enjoy or at least don’t hate!
A tip I follow is when I really can’t be bothered to go I will tell myself just walk in the door and if you don’t want to do any more then turn round and go home. Mostly once you’re there, you’ll do something. It takes the pressure off.
Enjoy

Needallthesleep · 03/05/2019 13:39

I’m a PT. Sounds like you are doing absolutely the right thing. Rowing is (as you’ve already said) great for working lots of muscle groups. Exercise is hugely important for strength, and improving mental health.

My one piece of advice, if Weight loss is your aim then don’t underestimate focusing on your diet and moving your body when not exercising (a very clumsy way of saying walk more, take the stairs etc). Those will have a much bigger impact on your weight.

BlueberryFool123 · 03/05/2019 13:47

I recently went back to the gym after a period of Ill health. My fitness is none existent. Things I have found helpful:

Choose “gentle classes” - things which are easier on the joints not high impact (aqua aerobics, stretch classes). I also recommend, if you can, going to classes with an older clientele then they often aren’t as high intense.

If you are doing gym work get a tailored programme and get it reviewed regularly. Start small and work up.

Rowing is hard (I say this as a former rower) try the elliptical for some cardio.

Start gentle and work up. Work on making life long changes - regular exercise. You won’t do this if you injure yourself by pushing too hard.

Also stop being so harsh on yourself. Would you tell a friend they were a “fat women in the gym”? Of course you wouldn’t you be telling them they were awesome for going. Be kinder to yourself.

Orangecake123 · 03/05/2019 14:30

Go slow OP and take your time building up.

EssexGurl · 03/05/2019 14:54

Good for you. I go to the gym regularly and there are so many different body shapes at ours (council run so not at all swanky) that no one bats an eye who you are or what you are doing.

Only things I would say are:

Don’t hog the machines (woman this morning was sat on a rowing machine texting for over 10 minutes - I know because people were muttering about it! So she was noticed for a bad reason!)

Wear dark colours (I was on the cross trainer and found my eyes drawn in the mirror to a woman in neon workout wear. I got v conscious she thought I was watching her, I couldn’t avoid it!)

But those tongue in cheek answers aside, just go for it.

EssexGurl · 03/05/2019 14:57

Oh, and try to get a routine going. Same thing on the same day. I find this works for me. Most days I hate going but do it because it is in the diary. You will get into the habit of going and each time do a bit more and feel so much better about yourself.

RavenLG · 03/05/2019 15:26

OP, I just wanted to say well done. I'm a stone lighter and an inch shorter than you and I really want to join a gym but my anxiety is a massive factor in stopping me (even though I used to work in a leisure centre and know people of ALL shapes and sizes use them) but I can't get over my insecurities. You've made a massive step and just take it one day at a time. Well done!

MrsScamander · 03/05/2019 18:25

Well done OP, you must feel so proud of yourself!

I'm around the same weight as you and really want to join a gym but my fear of being judged is stopping me.

I even got a leaflet for my local YMCA gym through the door offering half price memberships and got myself fired up about joining before I had the thought of what if the PTs in charge judged me

Candleabra · 03/05/2019 18:31

Good for you. Honestly no-one is bothering about you (I mean that in a nice way!) I went to a yoga class this week (first time) and it was soooo hard. Everyone doing full on inversions and everything. But I just did what I could and felt great afterwards. They say to leave the ego at the door. Just concentrate on you. Good luck and keep going. Small changes will become part of your normal routine and will pay massive dividends in the long run.

SrSteveOskowski · 03/05/2019 18:43

Stop beating yourself up OP. You're doing really well.
Nobody joins a gym and immediately does a full class, half an hour on the rower and another twenty minutes on the treadmill.
You have to build it up gradually.
Ten minutes on the rower is good for when you're just starting out, and as you said, the rower is one of the best machines for using all the muscles.

Little tip though. DON'T wear a thong when rowing as I once found out when I almost shredded my arse!

PhillipeFellope · 03/05/2019 19:00

Well done OP! The first steps are the hardest!

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