What do you think it’s like being the fattest person in the gym?
It sucks. I know.
When my son was 1 1/2 years old, I desperately wanted to lose weight. I screwed up the courage to join a gym and set out to make myself healthy. I would show up, put my baby in child care, and go try and figure out how to use the machines. This gym was full of muscled guys showing off to each other, and thin women in full makeup working out with their perfect hair as they chatted. They didn’t sweat, they glistened. I felt like a second class citizen. I was a fat lady, and I was different. No one ever asked me if I needed help,or even acknowledge me. I would stand and wait to ask a question, and no one seemed to be available to help me. I never joined a class, as I wasn’t invited. I would still show up. I tried, despite the snickering as I walked past and the looks that they didn’t know I could see in the mirrors. But the morning I overheard a trainer and a client talking about me in the locker room broke my heart and confidence. “You’d better work hard and give it your all, or you’ll end up like the BLOB in purple” (insert laughs here).Purple was my favorite color. It made me happy. I wore it often. I ran past them, grabbed my baby, and left the gym. I never went back. I stopped wearing purple.
I tried to lose weight on my own for a while. My oncologist recommended that I lose weight to keep cancer at bay. I did Weight Watchers, South Beach, exercise tapes at home. I would always lose a few pounds, but gain it back. I didn’t have the support I needed. My husband always supported me, but I needed more. I knew I needed to exercise more. I just didn’t know what I needed to do to succeed. I was embarrassed and afraid to ask for help.
It took me nearly 8 years later to come up with the determination that I needed to get serious about losing weight. I had been thinking about a program I had heard about at a new local gym, Phys-Ed. They were offering an 8 week program that sounded like it would get me started on my way to getting healthy again. I screwed up my courage and signed up.
The first time I walked into Phys-Ed to work out, I was scared to death. My heart was racing, my palms were sweaty, and I thought I was going to throw up. I practically ignored the woman at the counter as I got on the treadmill and worked out for 30 minutes. I looked around the gym as I walked. No one really paid attention to me as I sweated away. I left for the day, feeling pretty proud of myself.
The next day, the woman at the desk said hello and encouraged me to ask for help if I needed it. She reminded me that anyone in a Phys-Ed shirt would be happy to help. She was so right. From that moment on, the staff at Phys-Ed has worked at helping me make this journey to becoming healthy. What makes them different? The gym is full of brand new equipment. It’s spotless. They offer something like 49 classes a week, and a monthly program of into classes and all kind of cool classes to lean things. But their most important asset: PEOPLE.
I honestly feel that the staff at Phys-Ed care about the members. They are so supportive. Whenever I’m dragging, someone walks by to encourage me. When I lost my first 5 pounds, every person I passed congratulated me. From the first hello, to the “see you tomorrow, right?” on my way out, they show they are committed to making their gym a place that is safe, comfortable, and encouraging.
My personal trainer, Jamie Bennett, is one of the reasons I can’t imagine going anywhere else. Jamie acknowledged my fears, and then set me up to succeed. She challenges me, she encourages me, and she pushed me (holy CROW am I sore after working out with her!) I’m not just a client to her. She makes me feel like she’s my friend. When I was having an off day, she asked me to come back another day. ( I was glad I did) She encouraged me to try Spin class.. I also tried Yoga, and Zumba.
She helps me face my fears. One of my biggest fears was the Weight Floor. The free weight floor is the main floor of the gym. It’s visible to anyone in the gym. I often watch people working out there and wonder how in the heck they can do half the stuff they do. Jamie had me working on those weight machine- she had me doing crunches on the mats, and eventually I was so hot and sweaty and working that I stopped caring about what other people see. She made me realize that what people saw was not a fat person struggling on the floor, but a person with value, and worth and that was working hard at getting fit and healthy.
Phys-Ed is everything that a gym needed to be to make me have faith in myself again. The environment couldn’t be more supportive and encouraging. That kind of environment encourages a supportive membership. I’ve been helped many times by other people working out beside me. I’ve never felt a bit uncomfortable in the gym. The staff simply would not allow any kind of bullying. I tried to figure out what the difference between my first gym, and Phys-Ed was. It’s pretty easy to see. Phys-Ed is committed to helping people meet their goals. They keep their gym in tip-top shape and provide training to their staff to keep them knowledgeable in the latest in fitness. (I have to admit a teeny bit of smugness at how sore Jamie was after attending a weekend Zumba training). But most of all, they provide compassion and encouragement to whomever needs it. They promise to HELP you get to where you need to be, and then they do it. If only every gym would model themselves after Phys-Ed, there would so any more healthy people around!
I love going to the gym now. I love how accomplished I feel, how proud I am of myself for trying hard and committing to myself. I’m proud of myself for facing my gym fears and finding one that is a perfect fit for me.In fact. I think I’m going to go out and get a new gym outfit. In purple.
I couldn’t have said it better.
I will “second” everything you wrote.
It is all so true. I felt the same way when I first started going to Phys-Ed. I had been going to a program that well…they were all older then me.
I feel right at home at Phys-Ed and tell everyone who will listen to me!
I did not know Jamie had been sore after a Zumba trainer…hee hee hee. God I hope she doesn’t read this.
Thanks, Tammy. I HEART phys-ed too!
And I’ll bet Jamie read this. She’s gonna get us in Tuesday.
CRAP.
Wendy, I love reading your blog! I have to agree with you, finding the right gym is very important, but finding the right gym with the right people that encourages you is PERFECT! Keep up the good work Wendy! PS…A quick glance at your profile picture, you looked just like your Aunt Terry!
Thanks, Mary! My Aunt Terry was a special woman! How did you know her?
I’m so excited to have found the perfect gym… !
Oh wait til Tues! I bet Jamie did read this.
. I feel so lucky and am grateful everyday to work in the industry I do. You get to make a real difference in people’s live. It is trainers such as Jamie and the rest of my team that know that and never take it for granted. They all love what they do and I am so glad you feel the way you do about Phys-Ed. We take tremendous comfort in knowing we have created a non intimidating, helpful and motivational environment. Thanks Wendy!
I so want to give 8-years-ago-you a giant hug! I am so glad that you found Phys-Ed and that they are so awesome! It sounds like a truly great facility and I wish there were more like it.
Dear Lord. I HATE hearing stories like the one that had you leaving the gym in tears, especially since I know it’s not a unique situation. It happens all the time. That is what I refer to as “elite” fitness types and they are worse than anything. The gym you are at now has it right. They actually care about people and want to help you. I love that you shared this. XXOO
I agree with you on how crappy it can seem when you’re not already model perfect when you go the gym. Im a nasty sweaty mess when I leave the gym, I don’t have perfect hair and makeup either. But I’ve learned to ignore the genetically thin people, and try to feel accomplished in the fact that I am working for mine and I deserve it
I’m so glad that even though it took all those years that you found your way back. I’m a big girl that works at a gym, and I’m always working my hardest to be inclusive, learn names, remember facts, encourage, invite, and engage. The hardest thing in the world can be walking into a gym and working out.
And I totally hope you finally reclaimed purple.
I am so sorry to read your story about the first gym. People can be so horrible! It is wonderful that you found a place that you feel comfortable and love to go to. It definitely makes a huge difference! I am going to start following your blog, and feel free to read mine if you would like: http://mykidsmyhusbandandi.blogspot.com
Angela
You’re gym sounds awesome! I’m glad you found a great gym that you are excited to go to and to tell people about, that helps so much!
It is wonderful that you found a great gym where you feel comfortable and the people care. You are doing amazing and look fantastic!
Great post! I’ve been in that situation myself and I’m glad you found the support you need to power through.
thats awesome i like reading about your gym experience, i wish there was a gym near me but im out in the country and all the gyms are in the next town over which is hard to get to in the winter
That is awesome that you found a gym and trainer that you love so much. I would love to join a gym again, but it gives me anxiety just thinking about it. I joined a gym shortly after I had my daughter 5+ years ago, and stopped going within a few weeks. It was so intimidating to see all these in-shape people. I had no idea what I was doing, and no one was ever around to help. It was discouraging, and I quickly gave up. You have inspired me to check out some of my local gyms again, and hopefully I will find one that sounds as welcoming as Phys-Ed!
And you should DEFINITELY get a new purple gym outfit
Thanks! I love my gym, and I have a brand new purple workout outfit!
I absolutely loooove purple and am guaranteed to be wearing some on Wednesday too! So happy you found your tribe. That’s awesome