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Original poster

I'm so mortified by what this woman said to me, I don't want to go back to the gym.

633 replies

DeclansAFeckingDream · 03/08/2024 22:12

I'm so embarrassed. I have lost 4 stone in the last year by eating more healthily and I started going to the gym about 6 months ago in a bit to become more toned and generally feel better. I'm now a size 12 and happy enough with that. I'm 57 and I haven't found it easy.

I really enjoy the gym now and go about 4/5 times a week, on my own, and do my own thing. I feel great. This evening as I was just about to start using the rowing machine, a woman (who is super fit and absolutely stunning) approached me and said 'I don't mean to be rude, but those leggings do nothing for you because you can see your cellulite through them, you might be better with joggers'. She then went back to her equally stunning friend and they seemed to have a good old giggle.

I'm so mortified. My leggings are normally Sweaty Betty ones, not 'up the bum' ones and I wear a long tee shirt too. I felt quite good when I went in tonight and now I'm back to feeling like an overweight old bag and I never want to set foot in there again. I will though, I've worked hard to feel healthier - I just understand why anyone would say something like that. I daresay she can see my cellulite, but why bring someone down like that?

OP posts:
Irridescantshimmmer · 04/08/2024 04:55

To be stunning on the outside and a bitch on the inside makes this gobby cow the most revolting thing since covid19

This makes her ugly, people with her attitude take 2 steps forward in life and 10 steps back.

Just remember that when we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change So don't give her the power to demotivate you when you are doing so well.

MotherHen1990 · 04/08/2024 05:22

Someone woman just love to tear others down! Please continue the gym as you normally would. It's something you enjoy don't let the comment of one person spoil this for you. She maybe stunning but that means nothing. She sounds like a shit head on the inside. Please continue to be yourself and do what brings you joy. Your life is about your happiness x so please fulfill it.

Gillypie23 · 04/08/2024 05:29

She's a bitch. Ignore her. Keep going you love it and have worked hard.

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Blahblahblahblahblahblahblahblahlalala · 04/08/2024 05:34

What a bitch. Next time you see her, I’d have to say something.
Something like, ‘I may have cellulite, but at least I’m not a horrible person’ with a pitying look.
Well done on the 4 stone, that’s amazing!

Chickendinner24 · 04/08/2024 05:37

Yep, I'd be making a formal complaint. Her behaviour is so far from normal. She's a massive cunt.

Nazzywish · 04/08/2024 05:42

Don't shy away from putting her in her place next time you see her. I'd actually say to her how awful that made you feel and you'd appreciate if she didn't comment like that again, be direct, it'l be enough for her to think twice next time. She wants to act like a spiteful child then she needs to be spoken to like one.

Newnamehiwhodis · 04/08/2024 05:45

You’ve been enjoying the gym. You’ve been feeling good. Please don’t let this bully ruin it all for you. She’s a hideous person to say something like that.
I am sure you look strong and good. We ALL have cellulite. She’s shockingly ignorant, and no happy, well-adjusted person goes out of their way to be mean to someone.

I know it’s so so hard (I’ve been bullied, too,) but please keep going to the gym. Please keep wearing what you’re comfortable wearing. She can fuck right off.

TurquoiseDress · 04/08/2024 05:48

What an awful woman and a totally uncalled for comment

Good for you to continue going to the gym despite that sort of unnecessary shit

Typical gym bitch, hanging out with a mate to laugh at someone else's expense...unfortunately you see these types in the gym, male and female

I go to the gym, get on with my activities and get out of there and on with my day...while others are still in there drooling over their own reflection

Channellingsophistication · 04/08/2024 05:49

It’s really shocking that this woman would make this remark. I’d complain to the manager. It may not be the first time she has done this…

Congratulations on your weight loss - you have done so brilliantly - don’t let it put you off going to the gym.

LadyTiredWinterBottom2 · 04/08/2024 05:53

She absolutely meant to be rude.

Most women have cellulite.

When you see her again, say 'Please stop looking at me and commenting on my body, it's weird and if you make me feel uncomfortable again l will report it to management ' then flounce off.

I would also wear shorts and bounce my ass about in front of her. How dare she.

XelaM · 04/08/2024 05:53

BellesAndGraces · 03/08/2024 22:17

Most gyms have a code of conduct that require members to be respectful and courteous to other members. Next time you see her, I would point her out to a member of staff and ask them to speak to her about harassing other members.

Absolutely this.

PralinesandCream · 04/08/2024 05:59

You’ve done so well. Please don’t let some random mean individual distract you from your goals. I’m angry on your behalf, who the hell behaves like this?
And yes, I would complain to the gym. Imagine if people stop coming because of behaviour like this.

Fraaahnces · 04/08/2024 06:05

I wonder if she sees your gym as “her” gym and if the number of women members has dropped off due to her random unsolicited comments. Like people above have said, management might be interested to know that she is marking her territory by being a fat-shaming bully. It should be on cctv that she approached you and you left. I bet you looked upset. Bitch of woman needs dealing with.

Axelotylbottle · 04/08/2024 06:22

She'll almost certainly have cellulite, or some other age related issue by the time she's 57.

Would report as others have said she could impact the gyms business and stop people getting fitter.

If she approaches you again I'd get out your phone and start filming, though as others have said there's probably CCTV too.

Loloj · 04/08/2024 06:28

What an absolute bitch. I would actually report her to the gym staff - what an awful and unnecessary thing to say to someone. You see all sorts at the gym and I don’t bat an eyelid. Most women have cellulite (even the really toned ones) - it’s perfectly normal so try not to let it get to you. What a nasty person she is. Well done on the weight loss - I’m sure you’re looking healthy & great.

DixiePeach · 04/08/2024 06:33

That’s shocking and wouldn’t be tolerated at the gym I go to. Please tell a member of staff, and don’t let this put you off sounds like you’re doing amazingly well.

Onthemaintrunkline · 04/08/2024 06:39

What a nasty piece of work she sounds. Fair chance she was a bully at school too!

Im so sorry she has spoilt the gym for you. Your weight loss is an absolute credit to you.

You mentioned she was nice looking….but shes shown her true self, looks fade.

Go back to the gym, you mentioned you have come to enjoy it, and wear whatever you like, what a narrow small minded nasty woman she sounds.

StarlightLady · 04/08/2024 06:42

Yellowbananasarebetterthangreen · 03/08/2024 22:24

Grrrrrr! if you see her again.............. "I dont mean to be rude but you are a rude and nasty person. Hope that helps"
Well done on your fabulous weight loss and gym adventure. Complain to the staff and dont horrors like her put you off. x

This!

Rock on OP, enjoy the gym and ignore her. Just be thankful she is not your next door neighbour.

l

xxSideshowAuntSallyxx · 04/08/2024 06:50

We never mock, giggle, snigger or eye roll at fellow group members.

Dignity and respect are one of the most important things to us at The Gym Group so please never behave in an aggressive, abusive, anti-social or threatening manner. We consider any act of harassment, bullying or victimisation to be in direct conflict with our culture & values. Because of the importance of this we have a separate Dignity at The Gym Group Policy and any breaches of this could result in termination of your membership immediately and we reserve the right to contact the police if we think it’s necessary.

Two rules taken from my gym website, she's broken both of them in my view and I'd be reporting her to management.

https://thegymgroup.a.bigcontent.io/v1/static/dignity-at-the-gym_VI

MadMadamMim10 · 04/08/2024 06:51

I would go in shorts next time and give her a little wave and big smile if you see her. Nothing wrong with cellulite, own it! Fuck her! Just shows how obsessed she is with her own looks and willingness to conform to unrealistic beauty standards that hurt women. Cellulite is perfectly normal and womanly, and no one should have to feel ashamed of it. And to say that just to bring you down is really mean of her. Just laugh at her if you see her again and pity the fool she is.

Original poster
DeclansAFeckingDream · 04/08/2024 06:52

Oh goodness, I'm so shocked that so many of you have replied, I worried that I sounded so whiny!

Now I've had some sleep I'm not so upset anymore, I'm angry. I'm going to go to the gym tonight (along with my cellulite!) as usual and I'm going to speak to staff. I should probably be brave and speak to her directly but I also don't want some kind of argument in the middle of the gym, I actually just want her to stay away from me and leave me to do my thing without her comments.

DH asked me what my experiences of everyone else there is and I truthfully said that I was terrified the first month I went because it's hard, particularly as an overweight, unfit 57 year old. But with the exception of this woman and the one young girl who told me off for walking in front of her camera while she was filming herself, everyone has been so lovely and incredibly supportive and encouraging. I'm not going to let one person put me off.

OP posts:
Original poster
DeclansAFeckingDream · 04/08/2024 06:55

I also realise that as soon as someone says 'I don't mean to be rude' at the start of their sentence, rude is exactly what they mean to me.

OP posts:
Namechangey23 · 04/08/2024 06:55

Scarydinosaurs · 03/08/2024 22:19

What a dick.

Amazing she managed to say so many words with her head up her arse.

I hate gyms - this is why I exercise at home.

For the social side pick a sport. IME people who play sport are actually doing the thing people who only train in gyms forget about…doing the actual thing you’re meant to be training for. It isn’t aesthetics, it’s health and self improvement.

Fuck her.

Absolutely this.

And also pinched from previous poster, do say this to her if she approaches you again.

Amazing you managed to say so many words just then with your head up your own arse. Well done.

I agree, would try some nice new sports until you find one that clicks, getting out in nature is far more fun and heathier than sweating in a gym next to knuckleheads, pervs and swishytwits like her. Paddleboarding is great fun and good for the core and the arms! Good luck OP.

Willmafrockfit · 04/08/2024 06:57

I may be able to hide the cellulite but you cant hide your bitchiness!

wonderingwhatlifemeans · 04/08/2024 06:57

I never had anything like that even when I was struggling at the gym at 27 stone! So sad that she is so insecure she makes herself feel good by hurting others.

I teach and one of the most important things I think I taught my class of year 4 children this year was the 'really?' look. Sometimes silence is all that is needed and just that look that says it all. I even had my children practice it on the mirror and with each other. I taught them that some actions don't deserve words and the best thing you can do is walk away.

Keep going to the gym and enjoy it and spend time with the positive people there. Should you meet her again don't even engage but just turn your back to her and talk to the nearest person as if she is not even there.