attitudes

[muppet]

I was watching the local news with a friend the other day. They were having a special segment on walking. They showed a woman, who was over-weight -- my friend, ( a guy) said -- 'doesn't look like it's doing her any good!' This really ticked my off. I hate this attitude! I remember another friend saying she would never take an exercise class at the YMCA, or go swimming there, because she knows too many men who sit there, and check everyone out. Making snotty comments, like the one I heard. Snickering and saying things like ' she better work a little harder', or 'bet she goes to the Dairy Queen after this!'
No wonder women-only gyms are popular! But I sometimes think women can be just as bad too.
I don't go to a gym, and have never taken an exercise class. I suppose this might be part of the reason why. Seems like you're already supposed to be fit, before you do it, and the gym is a place for guys to check out the eye-candy.
I told this guy to shut up. I told him that she was just starting, and she was trying. Why would you make fun, and belittle someone who is trying? Is it because so many diet and exercise programs end up in failure, that people think it's ok to be mean like that?
Do you think TBL has people who enjoy watching it, just for the opportunity to make fun of others? Some people can't feel good about themselves, unless they can put down someone else. I wouldn't think this show would be that entertaining for them. But I wonder...
What amazes me about this site, is that there doesn't seem to be any 'trolls'. I don't think there has ever been anyone on, posting bizarre, cruel things. We've been lucky! I hope it continues.

[Missy]

That is so mean. I agree with everything you said. I have been a member of a gym for about 3yrs now and I absolutely love it there. It's a Mademoiselle/Premiere Fitness Gym. The Mademoiselle side is for women only and Premier is co-ed. I always go on the co-ed side because I love working out with my bf and my trainer is over there. There are people of all shapes and sizes that attend the gym and I have never once heard anyone say anything rude to someone else. I am really glad for this. I figure everyone is there for the same thing...to get in shape, so there's no use worrying about others. I used to be so self-concious when I started...but now I don't care if people are looking at me.

I'm sure I'd be upset if someone made a comment to me though..I'd probably just tell them to mind their own business.

[amandads]

This is the reason I chose a small private college gym. I always felt uncomfortable in the big gyms were everyone is fit and trim. So far the college students and other members have been very supportive of my husband and myself.

[Trying4Thin]

Um just out of curiosity (I am not trying to be rude but...) Egads, I just quoted Simon Cowell!!

Why are you friends with somebody like that??? I think you were right to put him in his place. Afterall; everyone has to start from somewhere. Last I checked, nobody could do one cardio session and drop all their excess weight. If that were possible; obesity would no longer be a world epidemic. On the rare occasion that I get a rude comment I dont just let it slide anymore. Even if it comes from somebody that I love. Is your "friend" at a healthy weight?

I am going to quit while I am still taking the high road. I am not above stooping to a lower level if I feel somebody is being treated unfairly.

I agree about feeling uncomfortable in coed gyms. Men gawk and women can be catty. That is why I dont lift there anymore. As far as the treadmill goes; I put on my Ipod and try to act like I am the only one there. When my chest was bigger; I used to get looked at a lot and it made me feel like a circus freak show act. Now I get looked at still; but I am hoping that it is because I am getting checked out or admired for what it is that I am doing.

~Carrie

[mifsit]

On Saturday at the gym there was a huge (and I mean HUGE) woman who did about 30 mins on one of the exercise bikes. I felt pity and also admiration for her. Pity that she was so big but admiration for doing something about it. You could see people were staring at her but she just got on with it. I'm afraid the gym I go to has a lot of the bitchy and posing types (men and women) but whatever. Thats their problem

[helena]

I was a member at the local gym on my first posting to germany, it was a nice little gym, i used to go mostly on a morning because that is when all the mums went there was no bitchiness at all, it was great!! however it was a different story on an evening, it was full of the posers lifting the weights and the barbie doll look a likes!!!
I did one class one day called body combat, one of my favourite classes!! when this big body builder strolled in to join the cl**** you could tell straight away what he was like when he walked in, he took the look at me stance, and looked everyone up and down while he was at it!!
Well he joined the class thinking he was going to find it a piece of cake with all us mums!!! well i tell you something he could not keep up at all, it was hilarious!!! I kicked his butt big time!!! and do you know what? i think he looked at us all differently then!!! either that or he was mortified he got his butt kicked by a bunch of mums!!!! GIRL POWER!!!!!!!!

[mifsit]

Originally Posted by helena

GIRL POWER!!!!!!!!

I think I'll nickname you Army Spice, if thats ok

[muppet]

Army Spice -- I like that for Helena. As long as it doesn't bring back the Spice Girls! lol
To address a few comments -- my friend isn't a jerk. He's not mean-spirited in any way. He just made an off-the-cuff remark, that was very insensitive. And he made it around the wrong person! I have heard many people make comments such as these. To me, it's the same as making fun of someone in physical therapy, recovering from an injury or stroke. You don't make fun of people who are trying to heal.
But being over weight has always been fair game. It's ok to make fun of, because it's their own fault anyway! To be fair, my friend doesn't have this attitude. He just said something stupid, without thinking. I have done it -- I dare say we all do it. I'm big on forgiving, so I don't hold little things like this against someone.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of jerks out there. Both men and women. And there's not a thing we can do to change them. I know it's hard, but I hope no one lets these morons stop them. It just makes me mad. Everyone should be able to do their own thing, and feel comfortable doing it. Not like they are on display.

[Patty_Ann]

I think it takes a brave person who is overweight to go to a gym or workout in front of others. Beginning my weight loss journey I felt embarassed if someone drove by me while I walked outdoors - I was even embarassed to workout in front of my husband and children...I wondered what my neighbors thought when they saw me circling the track 4 times in one setting. Now...I feel differently. When I see an overweight person walking or doing something to better their health I swell up with PRIDE! I know that what I am doing is bettering myself and if others are bothered by it then they should be the ones working out in private.

I can remember when I worked out @ Curves a couple years ago - I looked at the other women as they worked out and I was amazed at some of them. I never looked at them in a disgusted way - it was pure admiration. I hope others who are overweight and feel embarassed to workout see and admire me for my bravery.

[muppet]

I'm sure they do Patty Ann.
We can't worry about what other people think, or what they might be saying. Easier said than done, I'm afraid. I used to walk at night, I think because I felt invisible.
But, I'm getting better... getting BRAVER all the time. This site helps a lot. It really helps to know that other people encounter the same things I do, and how you all have dealt with it.