Group: Beginners to Exercise

Created: 2012/01/01, Members: 970, Messages: 18927

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Embrassed to go to the gym

toddb27
toddb27
Posts: 5
Joined: 2003/12/30
United States
2003/12/30, 06:34 PM
Hi, I just started going to the gym this week. I was wondering what other peolpe think of me when I am there. Right now, I am doing a light weight training prgram. I am 5'9 275lbs out of shape with man boobs. I was wondering on what peolpe think when I go there. Do peolpe that workout look down on me? I am embrassed to go to the gym with all the in shape peole there. It really is ruining my confence. Any input would be appreicated.........
yadmit
yadmit
Posts: 4,670
Joined: 2003/10/05
Canada
2003/12/30, 07:29 PM
I wouldn't worry about it, at least you're going! The people that don't work out and look down on you are the one's with the problem.

I can't say for sure, as I don't use a gym... (not enough cash and at this point, it's not convenient for me), but I'm sure most of the people in there were in poor shape before.

Just think, in a few weeks, you'll see some definition and the confidence level will shoot up! For years I refused to go outside without a shirt, now I do... my confidence has gone up and I've accomplished a goal!

Keep it up, don't worry about what other people think too much and you'll do well!

Tim

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"I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies, for the hardest victory is over self."

Aristotle
Carivan
Carivan
Posts: 8,542
Joined: 2002/01/20
Canada
2003/12/30, 07:30 PM
Hi Todd and welcome here to freetrainers.
First off let me tell you something. We all go to the gym for the same reason,to workout and not to look at others. We all started somewhere, be it obese, skinny, triple chinned, etc. Grab the weights and do it. Others probably are thinking highly of you because you are thier and not at the local krispy kreme. Others will probly tell you the same thing. Don't let your mind play games with you.
Good luck with your new lifestyle and Happy New Year.

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"A will finds a way"
Ivan Montreal Canada
rpacheco
rpacheco
Posts: 3,770
Joined: 2001/12/13
United States
2003/12/30, 08:23 PM
I'm sure you're not the only one there who may be out of shape. Do it for yourself and don't worry about what anyone else thinks...unless of course you are only there to check out the women (LOL)!

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**_Robert_**
Pain is temporary; glory is forever!
pimple
pimple
Posts: 490
Joined: 2003/07/08
United States
2003/12/30, 09:07 PM
heh... i'm sure most people there have better reasons to go to the gym than to make fun of starters... there's always about the same group of people at the gym i go to, and there's always at least one new person that goes there at least once a month...

let me tell you this... most of this new people (the ones that are out of shape) go there alone... some are embarrassed to take their shirts off and some are embarrassed to do certain exercises, as tehy think they'll look dumb or something...

now, those who think they don't belong just because they max out what some of the guys warm up with, are the ones who end up quitting after a few weeks, and getting sloppy... and then there are those who focus on their goals and do their thing, and those get sharper in no time...

some times one of the 'big guys' sees a new comer doing a certain exercise completely wrong (which is not a crime or a sin), and (s)he goes in and helps that person... i've been going to that particular gym for just under a year now, and i still haven't seen anyone point a finger and laugh at someone else! i haven't even seen any quiet mocking either,

so if i were you, i'd not worry about what those around you might possibly be thinking, and just bust out those reps...

heh, good luck!
bigandrew
bigandrew
Posts: 5,146
Joined: 2002/10/21
United States
2003/12/31, 10:35 AM
hey man don't worry about it, therss some guys who wuld love to be at ur weight, i knwo it sounds funny but its true, i'm a cheerleader and all the smaller guys( tumblers) are always like man i wish i was ur size i'm liek no u don't lol everyone is there at the gym to get better at somthing, maybe they r too skinny, or out of shape, or maybe they are lil boys who get picked on cause they rn't big and strong or maybe a teen is dreaming of being a body builder fact is i don't worry about anyone else but myself and u shouldn't either, fact is ur there and taking matters into ur own hands and not waiting for the FDA to come out with somthig that will make u thinner and leaner in one month, or getting a gastric bypass, to me the only way to look like what u want si to work hard and eat right, good luck to you and your working out career and welcome to the weight lifting community
2003/12/31, 10:49 AM
Definitely stick with it. I always have more respect for the out-of-shape guy because I know that starting a program and making that commitment is a very difficult thing to do. Whether it's the bigger guys looking to lose weight or the small guys wanting to get bigger, those people signify what a gym is really about: making a commitment to yourself and your health, and putting the wheels in motion to make a positive change. I was once the skinny kid who was embarrassed to lift around all the strong guys, and now I regret waiting so long to start. Go there for yourself and stick to your goals. You earn my respect just by being there.

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OSU Law Rugby....specializing in personal injury and pain & suffering.
2003/12/31, 11:01 AM
Todd, I have learned here at FT that members are very helpful, sympathetic and kind. Nobody here has ever made me feel embarrassed or stupid for the questions I have asked. For the most part these ARE the people in your gym. If you stick with it you will find this to be true. Welcome to FT. Stick around and good luck.

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Living well is the best revenge.

Charlie
INTRUDER
INTRUDER
Posts: 642
Joined: 2002/06/27
United States
2003/12/31, 11:47 AM
Its the ones that dont go to the gym that should feel embarrased.

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"Get everthing you want--just make a little change now"
WAnglais1
WAnglais1
Posts: 329
Joined: 2003/10/23
United States
2004/01/02, 12:52 PM
You know, I posted something like this a bit back. This community is just great at support. I felt terrible about going in...I hope to work up from no self esteem to low self esteem in the coming months. For me it finally came down to this...don't worry what others think. You're doing this for you. I now go to the gym with some friends and it's great. One of them is a really attractive woman, and I am just a goofy-looking guy who needs to drop some weight. That's motivation enough for me! Please let us know how it goes for you.
Jdelts
Jdelts
Posts: 1,218
Joined: 2003/10/19
United States
2004/01/02, 11:13 PM
Trust me, unless you walk around like your sh#t don't stink, no one or at least almost no one, is talking smack or thinking negatively about you. Its common to feel that way though and getting comfortable will take some getting used to. Good luck!

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May the lift be with you.