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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To go to the gym at 20st

125 replies

TenTonneTessy · 06/03/2019 18:26

I’m going through a bad time in life and have never been through the doors of a gym.
I could desperately do with the weight loss but I would also love a place to go for some solace and there’s a pool and steam room.

Am I insane to consider going at my size?

I won’t take offense, I’d really like to know before signing up as I’m not in a position to lose money if I’ll be laughed at or jeered.

OP posts:

CalmDownPacino · 06/03/2019 18:29

You are absolutely FINE to go to a gym. Hold your head up high and stride in there. We ALL start somewhere, all have our own goals and anybody who judges you can get to fuck. Good luck.

thecatsthecats · 06/03/2019 18:30

Some people have deluded ideas of what overweight people can manage.

I went to the gym at 21st. Now I'm 17st.

Good luck!

Ilove31415926535 · 06/03/2019 18:30

Nope, just go for it. There are all shapes and sizes at my gym, and I regularly go with a friend who's a size 18-20 - she's by no means the largest person who goes there, and no one bats an eyelid at anyone's size or what they're wearing. We're all there for the same goal. You're going there to get fitter and improve your levels of well being. Just go. You'll love it. Especially the steam room/pool.

Mammylamb · 06/03/2019 18:31

Go for it. As a fatty, I found that no one else cares what anyone else is wearing or looks like

user1493413286 · 06/03/2019 18:32

Definitely go! Have a look round first, you’ll generally find that the people in there aren’t all skinny with perfect bodies. The majority are working on their own imperfect bodies at all ages and not paying any attention to what others are doing. I’d ask for a programme to be set up to make the most of it, most gyms offer that free of charge

HarrysOwl · 06/03/2019 18:32

That's amazing to want to make changes to be healthier and fitter

No one (worth anything) will judge you except to think 'good on her' I expect. Good luck :)

Foslady · 06/03/2019 18:33

Get yourself there - it’s not just the physical benefits but the mental ones too. I had a breakdown and part of my treatment was gym membership (had to go so many times a week) - I credit it with a huge part of my recovery.
And you have every right to be there - enjoy!

user764329056 · 06/03/2019 18:34

Do it! I am in week 3 of going after 3 years of doing no exercise at all and piling on weight, no idea what I weigh but am huge. After just a couple of weeks I feel like a different kind person, the feel good factor affects every area of your life and I wish I had done it years ago. I wear a big baggy t-shirt and gym trousers and yes, I am the biggest one there but am determined that will soon change as the weight comes off. Honestly you won’t regret it OP, you will feel really proud of yourself xx

Dragongirl10 · 06/03/2019 18:34

People REALLY are not that interested op, most are far to busy beating themselves up about not going for 6 months, /will they have time to wash their hair before work /doing their shopping list...and a thousand other things..........
Of course you should go and enjoy yourself, you will be fine..

Invisimamma · 06/03/2019 18:34

I've seen lots of larger people at the gym. Also older people who are very slow etc.

I was 16st and didn't feel out of place (bannatynes).

LordNibbler · 06/03/2019 18:35

I've been to all kinds of gyms. The ones I've felt the most comfortable have been the council run gyms. You tend to get all walks of life in there and all abilities. They also seem much friendlier and far less intimidating.

mommybear1 · 06/03/2019 18:37

Go for it OP if you feel the appeal of the sauna why not! In all seriousness I was 17 stone when I started I took the view head held high I was there for a purpose not to look good (big red tomato face when exercising 😂). Away I went and I had no bother - I should say mine was also a mainly male gym (boxing) and there were a lot of "preened" fellas there 😂.

pickletickled · 06/03/2019 18:38

Of course you should go. It'll make you feel good.
Go in with confidence and in the unlikely event anyone laughs or jeers then tell them (also with confidence ;) ) to go fuck themselves!

Some people have deluded ideas of what overweight people can manage.
Definitely cats
I was overweight, 4 stones heavier than I am now and I was very fit. Granted I wasn't doing my joints or heart many favours but I was fit nonetheless fitter than i am now

frenchonion · 06/03/2019 18:38

There's such a mix of people at my gym, just go for it!

Katinkka · 06/03/2019 18:39

Yeah. Council gyms are more likely to have all sorts in and nobody cares. Fancy gyms might be a little intimidating but I still don’t think anyone cares either.

Winegumaddict · 06/03/2019 18:39

Oh definitely go. The more I'm exercising the easier I find it to make healthy choice too so win win.

JohnMcCainsDeathStare · 06/03/2019 18:40

Op the best workout is the one you do not the one you think about.

There is a lot of useful stuff on YouTube but always be wary ans watch out for the risk of injury.

capaciousbladder · 06/03/2019 18:41

Wow, you are fabulous . Gyms can be really daunting places to new people, especially if they feel as though they stand out. I'm hugely impressed you're considering this and really hope you go and that you catch the fitness bug. Why not have a tour of a couple of different gyms, have a chat about what's available in terms of inductions, gym programmes, classes and ongoing support. Also see how you feel in there and if the natives smile at you

Fabulous first steps OP, it's great for your physical health, mental health, confidence and hopefully social life. If you try to go at the same time each day, you'll probably see the same faces and that's lovely. All the best!

FluffySlipperSocks · 06/03/2019 18:41

I'm 18st and have started going. Good for you! As a previous poster said, everyone is there to better themselves so there is no need to feel uncomfortable

22Giraffes · 06/03/2019 18:42

Absolutely do it! I am about 4 weeks in to going to the gym, and I am the heaviest I've ever been. No one pays any attention to me and I feel so good at the end! My gym is full of people of every shape and size so please don't worry. Good luck

formerbabe · 06/03/2019 18:42

I've been to lots of different gyms. One thing I've noticed is no one even seems to glance at anyone else!

Klopptimist · 06/03/2019 18:47

I promise you this - everybody at the gym is far too busy with their own workout to notice anyone else. Also remember that many people there will be, or have been overweight themselves. You can do it!

AwdBovril · 06/03/2019 18:50

DH & I go to the gym together. We are both overweight, he weighs approximately 20st, down from 23st. We are getting healthy & losing weight together. I've lost a stone, albeit from a lower starting weight. Ours is a council run gym. It's great.

Bollocks to what anyone else thinks. You are making this change for you.

Rade · 06/03/2019 18:51

I also agree that council gyms are less intimidating. I don't notice what other people look like or wear.

Jebuschristchocolatebar · 06/03/2019 18:54

Go for it . You have nothing to loose. There are all sorts at my gym and I’ve never even stopped to notice anyone. Get a session or two with a trainer if you can and get yourself a programme to start off and before you know it you will be flying. Good luck

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