Are you very overweight and go to the gym? Please come talk to me.

[NcHere]

Am really considering joining.

Am 16st and so scared of looking like an idiot, having negative comments or just feeling awful.

What can I expect?
I'm just So nervous.

@Bloomburger Yep, the only people who ever draw any kind of attention in my gym are the grunting, huffing, sweating men who are attempting to show off by lifting weights way beyond their ability.

I'm around 19 stone. I have been going to the gym regularly for 3 years. I see a PT 3 times a week but happily go in and do my own thing, as well as swimming.

I haven't lost significant amounts of weight as I have issues with emotional eating / snacking but I have toned up to the point where people assume I have lost a fair amount of weight. I am also stronger - my arms have now caught up with my legs, fitter - noticeable in every day life such as: walking the dog, lifting heavy boxes at work, running for a bus with ease; I sleep better and the regular exercise has a positive effect on my mental wellbeing too. It's my place to de-stress with my boxing gloves!

I am not your typical gym bunny but my gym is one of my happy places. I've never had a negative comment.

In fact any comments have been excruciatingly positive e.g. "You're doing so well! How much have you lost?!" I answer politely (dodging the weight stats!) but dislike the insinuation I am just there for weight loss. I have gained (excuse the pun!) SO much more than weight loss.

Things which helped me: putting together a gym outfit which makes you feel good. It doesn't need to be expensive. I often wear a band or character tee which makes me happy with light gym trousers. Invest in a decent sports bra and decent trainers if / when you can. Put together a gym bag too with ready packed toiletries in your favourite scents. Pop your clothes / towel etc. in the night before. It will be easier to build a routine if your bag is ready to go.

If you're really nervous, take baby steps. Even if you spend 15 mins on a machine and you've had enough, you've achieved! Then try to add ten minutes more the next time.

Please go for it!

Apologies for lack of paragraphs. Were deffo there when I wrote my post.

There are paragraphs puggers :)

That's fantastic.

I think I'm going today. I'm not sure yet. Still nervous.

Do people judge you if you just leave in your gym gear? I want to shower at home, not at the gym 😑

Go!

Leaving in sweaty gym gear is totally fine, what most people do.

I run home in my gym gear - makes more sense if its at the end of the day.
Anyone who laughs at an obese person in a gym is like laughing at a sick person in a hospital.

I go to the gym and there are people of all sizes and fitness levels there. Most people are not amazing bodies. Nobody will hardly even look at you tbh, everyone is always too absorbed in their own stuff. Nobody will judge you and you definitely won’t look stupid.

Well done you for going!

I'm a short, fat, unfit person & I've never had any comments or nasty looks at the gym. I also go home in my gym stuff & nobody gives a shit. I think most people who go in the evening leave in their kit, but I've noticed more showerers in the morning who generally leave in work clothes.

Basically, you do you & no one else gives a fuck.

Good luck!

I’ve just joined one as I’ve def got weight to shift. It’s been absolutely fine and I thought I’d feel awkward, but not a bit of it.

Everyone is doing their own thing and all shapes and levels of fitness are there. I think some gyms are aimed more are the super serious fit bods which can feel intimidating, but mine is quiet and not aiming to be trendy. Look about for one you feel comfortable in. Honestly it’s ok. Just start off gently, don’t go all out.

I’d forgotten about that nice buzzy feeling your muscles get after some exercise, it feels good.

I’m a size 16 and a short arse, so In the obese category. I’ve never felt judged and people have only ever been nice and friendly.

The only ones that get an eye roll are the fellas in the gym section that stroll in, do a few minutes on the weight and then sit around taking selfies and using their phones

Nope, no one will judge you for leaving in your gear. I do it every time, then come home for a nice bubble bath. The vast majority of people I see at my gym don't change before leaving.

I always shower at home afterwards unless I am going somewhere straight after that requires me not to be a sweaty mess! I've been known to go to a supermarket after in my gym gear and often find others from the class have done the same

I always left in my gym clothes and my neighbour, who I went with, did the same. (Our gym didn’t have much in the way of private changing or showering, this being Germany, so we always just went home to get freshened up.) I doubt anyone gave it a second thought.

I was 19stone and a half, I still put on my lycra and went out cycling on the road and I also go to the gym.

I've lost 6 stone since but noone has ever said anything to me even when I have done an intense workout and sweating like anything.

My gym is within 8 min walk of my house, I walk to the gym ready and leave straight after and come home and shower, no point in lugging all my stuff and showering at the gym when I can do it in the comfort of my own house.

Most people in my gym seem to do the same e.g. leave and shower at home.