Tips for Helping Big Folks Feel Comfortable Working Out at the Gym or Recreation Center

Living Large at the Gym

The thought of exercising, panting, sweating, and going red in the face in front of other people can be intimidating to anyone of any size. However, plus-sized people often are especially nervous about the reaction of fellow gym-goers. Will they laugh at you or look at you like you don't belong there? Will you break the exercise equipment? Will it be awkward to run around in a towel in the changing room? Here are a few pieces of advice for being more confident as a big person at a gym or recreation center.

Step One: Preparing yourself mentally. Many large people are intimidated by exercising in front of other people, and there's nothing wrong with deciding you'd rather work out at home. But, perhaps you'd like to take up swimming, or you really like elliptical machines, but can't afford to buy one. Or perhaps you'd like to sample a variety of different kind of fitness classes and would like an instructor to show you proper form. All of these things are easier to accomplish at a gym or community recreation center.

The main thing to keep in mind is that even thin and fit people can sometimes feel self-conscious about their bodies; this isn't exclusive to bigger people! Another thing to keep in mind is that most likely, nobody is looking at you. They are caught up in their fitness goals and don't have time to look around and critique other people's bodies.

If you are still concerned about this, even after trying to psych yourself up, try scouting out a few gyms and community recreation centers ahead of time, and you'll see that unless you're looking into a trendy gym in Hollywood, you're probably going to find people of all sizes, ages, and shapes. Keep in mind that generally speaking, community recreation centers and the local YMCA/YWCA tend to have a mix of older and younger people and people of all fitness levels, as opposed to smaller gyms with a body-building focus. For women, you might find that going to an all-women's gym like Curves or Contours will make you feel more comfortable.