How to Overcome Shame/Embarrassment at the Gym?

tattitude
on 1/3/17 10:08 pm

I have a paid membership to my local YMCA for going on 3 months now.  They have a pool and a weight room as well as other areas for exercise classes, walking, tennis, volleyball... basically all kinds of physical exercise.    My doctor won't clear me to do Zumba or work out with weights at this time, so I am limited to using the pool to do walking, swimming laps and/or water aerobics group classes.  

My problem is this.... I am completely ashamed, embarrassed and disgusted at the thought of putting on a swim suit.  I don't want to see that much of me revealed, so I am quite sure strangers will be repulsed by it as well.  I am pre-op so starting an exercise program now can only improve my surgical outcomes later and instill new healthy habits to replace the old "fatness" habit of doing nothing.

Did anyone else encounter this issue and how did you get past it?  I really hate paying for a service that I have yet to use.  

 Ticker 87883

Height:  5' 8"  Initial Consultation:  10/6/2015  HW:  286.5   CW:  277

One Bad Beach
on 1/4/17 11:01 am
RNY on 11/28/16

I can understand being self-conscious, but putting that aside could be one of your first NSV's.  My bathing suit is a two-piece tank top style with shorts.  Maybe finding something like that would help.  

You could also arrive early in the mornings or late at night, so maybe it wouldn't be so busy.  If you wanted to do an aerobics class, arrive a few minutes early, leave a cover-up close to where you will exit the pool and cover up as soon as you get out.  

There are a lot of ugly people in the world, but there are also a lot of people who will give you Kudos (even in their minds) for even trying.

Good luck! 

"Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me." --Carol Burnett

RNY 11/28/2016

HW 285 - SW 244

Gwen M.
on 1/4/17 2:35 pm
VSG on 03/13/14

Maybe a swim dress with swim shorts would help you feel more covered and less exposed?  

Ultimately, no one at the gym will be looking at you because they're all too concerned that YOU'RE looking at THEM :)  

VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)

Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170

TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)

catwoman7
on 1/4/17 3:15 pm
RNY on 06/03/15

there are some really big people in my water aerobics classes.  I used to be one of them - and I weighed over 300 lbs at the time.   I never felt like the lone ranger at all.   If you're really worried about it, go in the morning (if you can).  Most of the people in morning water aerobics classes are seniors.  They don't care. But then neither did the ones in my evening classes, because a lot of them are really large.  

RNY 06/03/15 by Michael Garren (Madison, WI)

HW: 373 SW: 316 GW: 150 LW: 138 CW: 163

catwoman7
on 1/4/17 3:17 pm
RNY on 06/03/15

P.S.  I wore shorts over my swimsuit when I was really heavy.  But it was just my self-consciousness.  I doubt anyone cared.

RNY 06/03/15 by Michael Garren (Madison, WI)

HW: 373 SW: 316 GW: 150 LW: 138 CW: 163

catwoman7
on 1/4/17 3:18 pm
RNY on 06/03/15

maybe go observe a class sometime?  Even just for five or ten minutes?  Seriously, a lot of people who take water aerobics at my YMCA are really heavy.  

RNY 06/03/15 by Michael Garren (Madison, WI)

HW: 373 SW: 316 GW: 150 LW: 138 CW: 163

Insert Fitness
on 1/5/17 9:44 am

I go to the Y, and My swimsuit is a skirt style one piece. As others said, you have options for more coverage and to strategically place towels and coverups.

But seriously, the only way to get over it is just to do it. I can tell you no one cares what you look like (they don't) or that it doesn't matter what we wear in or out of the pool. You can't camouflage obesity. Fear and shame aren't rational. You just have to find a way to power through it. After the first time, it will get easier. 

In addition to the pool, are you able to use the treadmill or recumbent bikes? My Y also has gentle yoga you might be able to get cleared for.

you know you're doing the right things to improve your health. Don't let your assumptions about other people derail that.

RNY Sept 8, 2016

M1:23, M2 :18, M3 :11, M4 :19, M5: 13, M6: 12, M7: 17, M8: 11, M9: 11.5, M10: 13, M11: 10, M12: 10 M13 : 7.6, M14: 6.9, M15: 6.7

Instagram:InsertFitness

Dundreggen
on 1/5/17 11:31 am - Canada

Own it.  You are making strides to better yourself.  People for the most part will impressed with you for being there.  I was reading on a workout type site and one guy was talking about a HUGE dude who was running on a treadmill.  Huge dude threw up all over the treadmill.  But was back a few days later running again. All the talk was about amazing respect and 'balls' of the dude working out AND not giving up. I can't imagine anything more disgusting that vomit on a treadmill lol.  But the response was good not bad.

So own it and go for it!  I get it bugs you but most people won't care, at least not in a bad way.

Referral TWH: Sept 2015 Orientation: Nov 2015 Social Worker: Jan 2016 Nurse practitioner: Feb 2016 Nutrition (group): Mar 2016 Nutritionist: May 2016 Psych: May 2016 Meeting with Surgeon: July 2016 Surgery!: Nov 2016

So far 80 pounds lost!

Bonroxie19
on 1/5/17 8:48 pm

i have to be honest, people who go to the gym are going to work out.  they could care less what you are wearing or look like.  that is what you need to keep repeating to yourself.  Think about it, you are at the gym not like the 75 % of people sitting on their couch at home.  Be proud, keep your head up it will all get easier with time.

 

here is to a healthy and happy 2017

Bonnie RNY 2/11/15 by Dr. Takahaski

5'3" SW 230 pounds, GW per Dr. Takahaski 150 pounds, CW 132 pounds (10/1/17)

BMI 19% Bod Pod test 1/29/17 13.1 mile half marathon, 1 hour 59 mins (8/21/2017)



tattitude
on 1/6/17 6:11 am

I appreciate your suggestions and support.  I already feel better just blurting it out.   I will be checking into observing a class or two that I am interested in.  I will also be working on "owning it".   Thanks to all those commenting and I so appreciate having this site for support.

 Ticker 87883

Height:  5' 8"  Initial Consultation:  10/6/2015  HW:  286.5   CW:  277

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