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Would the weight-lifting bros laugh?
Amanda Bailey / Getty Images
Would the Lycra-clad cardio babes applaud me for trying to improve my figure?
Would the regulars watch me on theelliptical machine, judging the ways a fat body jiggles and sways?
At 5'9" and 280 pounds, I am big and broad and undeniably visible.
Like a lot of fat people, I am told on a regular basis that I should exercise more.
During my gym visit, no overt harassment actually occurred.
No one made fun of my outfit.
At least on this occasion, the gym felt fairly free of public humiliation.
Thats not to say, though, that the experience was a smooth one.
Below, larger-bodied gym-goers have shared some words of solidarity and advice to make it easier.
Find a fat-positive fitness space.
I honestly had to dissociate from the intense discomfort and push through.
I just kept doing it, even when it was uncomfortable.
Its made exercise so much safer and more enjoyable.
(There are also a fewvirtual optionsso it doesnt matter where you are located.)
Plan out the exercises you want to do and the equipment you want to use.
I think the thing that helped the most washaving a planof what I was doing.
Also, listening to something with my headphones on was a massive help.
It was great to focus me and drown out the noise of other people.
I also recommend taking a sip of water to calm the nerves.
Ive always felt hesitant at the gym or working out anywhere in public.
I think its a hangover from P.E.
Its what makes me feel more comfortable.
I also follow people my size online who work out.
I loveBethany Rutter,ScotteeofAfter the Tone Podcast, andManLikeSophiaon Instagram.
Just mute them.Emma C.
4.
Give yourself time to develop a routine that makes you feel confident.
There have definitely been times when I have felt uncomfortable in fitness spaces.
When I first tookbarre, I really felt out of place.
Everyone was fairly thin and white.
Being in a bigger body and as a Black woman, I felt like I really stood out.
I thinktimemade me more comfortable in these spaces.
In barre, I just felt more comfortable with the actual workout so I worried less about standing out.
Remember you are allowed to take up space!
One thing that helped me wascreating a routinethat made the whole process feel more streamlined.
you’re able to get into a groove and flow through your movement at your own pace.
Lauren Leavell, NASM-certified personal trainer
5.
Use gear and wear clothing that helps you feel comfortable and centered.
I wear headphones so that I can tune out the energy, sounds, and space around me.
Then I do a clothing check.
I wear clothing and shoes that actually fit my body and make me feel comfortable.
I loveSuperFit Herobecause they offer sizes L7XL.
If I know my clothes fit, its one less thing to worry about.
Do I feel strong?
Am I moving in a way that honors my bodys mobility today?
Then I ask, Is this song doing it for me?
Movement should have elements of pleasure and joy, so pick music that makes you happy!
Finally, remember to move because youwantto and challenge the idea that youhaveto move because you are fat.
Anna Chapman
6.
Spend some time getting to know a space before committing to it.
and getting acclimated with the space has proven to be very helpful.
As with anything, things feel safer and more welcoming if we do not plunge into them headfirst.
Beatriz Cesar Loureiro
7.
Think of the gym as me time, and try going solo.
I generally have not felt hesitant when attending the gym.
This is mostly because I have attended the same one for over five years.
The attendees have become like family.
However, dancing is where my heart lies with keeping fit.
Your body is constantly being judged, and other gym-goers might assume that you are not capable.
To feel confident at the gym, I wear clothing that I feel sexy and comfortable in.
I also push myself to attend the gym alone.
Its important to find your rhythm and place of happiness.
I find talking while exercising slows me down, so I would rather work out alone.
Teni Pascal
8.
Remember you have a right to be there, just like anyone else.
The first time I joined the gym I was 19 and in university.
I decided to join up by myself when I was 27 on a whim on my commute home.
Id had a bad day at work and mymental healthwas giving me a hard time.
A few people looked embarrassed and I felt quite flustered.
Over time, I realized that I was allowed to be there.
At the end of the day, nobody cares more about your fitness journey than you.
Amelia C.
9.
Use modifications to help build confidence.
can breed a lot of discomfort.
Time has been the biggest help.
Being vocal about what I can and cant do, both to others and myself, is also crucial.
Its about movement, not competition.
As a cis woman, Ive also found that women-only spaces in gyms feel safer for me.
Check out virtual classes before trying them IRL.
Melissa Sweetapple
11.
Try out community fitness spaces besides gyms.
I knew how to navigate these spaces, so that part wasnt daunting.
Despite taking time away, I jumped back in like nothing had changed.
Except upon that return, I found out everything I thought I knew had changed.
Not the movements or equipment, but my body and the way people treated me.
Eventually I realized that I didnt have to go to the gym to punish myself for being fat.
I could be there to improve my endurance and strength.
I held onto that conviction as I sought out spaces where I felt comfortable.
I used the buddy system by going with a friend and I steered away from gym chains.
Sara Molcan
12.
Consider why and how you actually want to move.
When I first started going to gyms, I was around 21 and self-conscious.
I started out going with friends, which helped massively.
Going with people I felt safe with meant I wasnt alone.
They taught me that the gym could mean whatever I wanted it to, not anyone elses definition.
I think people should explorewhythey want to move, though.
For me, Ive discovered that we all have seasons and needs at different times.
See more from SELFs Future of Fitness package here.
