If you’re overweight and you’re scared to go to a class

[CeeChynaa]

Posting here for traffic!

I’m mid 20s and have two kids. I have binge eating disorder and I’m nearly 22 stone. My fitness journey has always been up and down but I never felt confident enough to join a class.

I’ve recently joined Fitness First and have started going to classes for the first time ever. Being at my biggest, I was scared to start going but my experience has been so positive that I really wanted to share with others who are overweight and may want to start going to the gym.

I’m the biggest person in every class that I go too but no one stares. No one actually cares because they’re too busy getting on with the class! I take it at my own pace and often take breaks as I can’t keep up with everyone. The instructors who run the class will sometimes do alternatives for me (but not in a humiliating way.)

I just finished BodyPump and the instructor is amazing even though she’s strict as fuck!
If you’re hesitant about going on the gym floor then I’d recommend having a walk through with one of the team members to build your confidence.

This is your sign to get in the gym if it’s been on your mind. I promise you you’ll be fine!

Thanks OP that's a really inspiring message. I agree with you, I'm overweight too, not at the same level but a weight that has become embarrassing nonetheless. I think it depends on the place too. My pal went to a trendy studio place recently full of young fitness enthusiasts taking selfies etc and found it awful. I go to a hotel fitness centre where all ages, shapes and sizes feel comfortable. I always approach the instructor beforehand and explain my concerns and ask if there is variation (for example with a strength training exercise) and have always found great support.

@Alalalalalongalalalalalonglonglilong oh 100% it definitely depends on where you go too. I went to Pure Gym which is only across the road from Fitness First and it was full of people constantly recording themselves and creating content. I was also quite weary in that gym but I’m way more comfortable in FF.

It’s great to hear that you also visit a fitness place that you’re comfortable with! I think it’s important for everyone but especially overweight people as it can be quite daunting finally trying to take control of your weight

@CeeChynaa great post, well done you 💪🏻

Thanks so much! I’m trying my best. It’s just the eating that I struggle with but I’m gradually getting there

What a great, positive post! Well done for taking the plunge to start exercising. Years ago I joined the gym and was so self-conscious and I would scurry in and out, thinking everyone was staring at me thinking she’s so fat (I was a size 18-20).

But one day I was resting between reps on a machine and I started really looking around and observed that everyone was doing their own thing, and not looking at anyone else. I ended up sitting there for a few mins and it was a lightbulb moment.

There are some gyms that attract the posers and you just have to find a gym you feel comfortable in.

Well done you should be proud of yourself 👏

I agree! Lovely thread and OP well done!

Oh I would also add that aqua aerobics - don’t dismiss it - that’s how I started. It helped my confidence so much.

1. Nobody can see your wobbly bits
2. Nobody can see you coordination
3. You don’t get breathless or sweaty
4. you don’t have to worry about hurting your joints
5. Lovely shower afterwards.

@FannyBawz completely agree! I’m 3 months into aqua fit 3 x a week, and I’m feeling much better!

Thank you for the encouragement guys! I wish I could go to the gym 4x a week but that’s practically impossible with work and having two young children.

I’d love to do aqua aerobics but I can’t swim😂 so I think that’d be a bit silly of me. It looks like great fun though, people always seem to enjoy themselves in that class

Well done OP, and a good message to send out. I've been very overweight, and remember the psychological barrier I needed to clear to get into gym gear and exercising in public. I'd encourage anyone to 'just do it.' I hope you achieve your goals, whatever they are!

You’re right op, no one cares. They are too busy huffing and puffing themselves trying to get through it.

Most people in a gym class are one group of people with something in common - wanting to get fit. They are all in the same boat. No one cares about anyone’s size. We are all mates together.

Well done OP!! Brilliant and thank you for sharing.

I was a 16-18 and am now a 10-12 after getting the gym bug. It is mainly diet of course but enjoying exercise really motivated me I think and made me want to look after myself.

I used to love aqua aerobics and unless your pool is so deep you'd go out of your depth, I don't think you need to be able to swim. It is super good fun and you feel marvellous afterwards.

Well done OP! I hope a few lurkers will take your experience onboard.

I love hearing about other peoples experience’s regardless of whether you’re overweight or not. It can be daunting embarking on a fitness journey but I’m so glad to see that others have benefited from it massively!