General Gym Observations
11-23-2011
, 08:32 PM
11-23-2011
, 09:37 PM
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I have an observation about an observation. 
I was watching "Biggest Loser" the other day (a crazy show where people shed tears of shame over losing "only" eight pounds in a week...I understand that it's a contest and that there is disappointment about not winning, but shame over eight pounds lost?). A contestant said she tried a commercial gym and felt that everyone was staring at her as if she was unwelcome at the place. She said she knew this because, as the regulars were fit, that was obviously the standard by which everyone is judged.
I've been training in commercial gym for a long time and have not once heard one person say anyone did not belong in the gym because of fitness level, yet I keep hearing about this phenomenon. They never report that gym members said a single impolite word to them, either. Rather, they say they feel they got funny looks, which caused them to feel embarrassment and hurt their feelings.
I tend to think this is caused by preconceptions many may have toward the attitudes of gym regulars.
Regardless, it is odd that this comes up so often, yet there is seemingly no evidence behind it. I personally think it's a misconception, but what do you all think?
I was watching "Biggest Loser" the other day (a crazy show where people shed tears of shame over losing "only" eight pounds in a week...I understand that it's a contest and that there is disappointment about not winning, but shame over eight pounds lost?). A contestant said she tried a commercial gym and felt that everyone was staring at her as if she was unwelcome at the place. She said she knew this because, as the regulars were fit, that was obviously the standard by which everyone is judged.
I've been training in commercial gym for a long time and have not once heard one person say anyone did not belong in the gym because of fitness level, yet I keep hearing about this phenomenon. They never report that gym members said a single impolite word to them, either. Rather, they say they feel they got funny looks, which caused them to feel embarrassment and hurt their feelings.
I tend to think this is caused by preconceptions many may have toward the attitudes of gym regulars.
Regardless, it is odd that this comes up so often, yet there is seemingly no evidence behind it. I personally think it's a misconception, but what do you all think?
Most people at the gym I go to seem really nice, but if you think someone who is obese doesn't get looks at the gym, maybe you're just not paying attention. It's often subtle, but I can understand where the really obese people are coming from even if I was never THAT obese. Thankfully, I never really caught anyone giving me those types of looks, but I was still pretty self-conscious about my weight.
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Pretty common feeling among gym noobs. Myself included. I was just scared of looking like an idiot at first, not any body image issues.
I don't think most people notice or care what others are doing or how they look. I'm sure there are people who make fun of fatties though.
I don't think most people notice or care what others are doing or how they look. I'm sure there are people who make fun of fatties though.
Yup.
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IMO a lot of the time the hyper self conciousness and lack of self esteem that goes along with being out of shape or even just a female in a male dominated environment, makes people see and experience things that aren't there. My GF was like this for example, she didn't want to go to the free weights area because she was sure men were looking at her and laughing. After going a few times and forcing her she realised she was being silly and that people don't care.
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Also, re noobs being self conscious...
I have finally convinced a mate to start lifting... Actually, he tried one other time and quit after one session... This time he has made two sessions...
Aaaanyway. He is so self conscious that he won't lift in a public gym and will only lift in my home gym... And this is coming from a 29 year old male... A very small 29 year old male... but still.
I have finally convinced a mate to start lifting... Actually, he tried one other time and quit after one session... This time he has made two sessions...
Aaaanyway. He is so self conscious that he won't lift in a public gym and will only lift in my home gym... And this is coming from a 29 year old male... A very small 29 year old male... but still.
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Ten years ago when i first wanted to get in shape i was too embarassed at how weak i was to even go to the gym. Hell a set of curls with a 10lb dumbbell was all i could do. I was just skin and bones back then, 5'11 and 125lbs. It wasnt until after 3-4 months of stuffing my face to get to 145lbs did i feel i wouldnt be too weak to go to the gym.
B. at McDonalds
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We judge people all of the time. It's not an inherently negative thing to do. We need to do it to assess our surroundings the people we interact with. Some people overdo it and treat others negatively as a result of those judgements. I think that's the "judgmental" part of a character flaw that people usually refer to.
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on the topic of being judged and gym noobs, anyone find any particularly good ways to get extremely overweight people into the gym ? there are a couple friends and relatives i'd love to get started in it, but it's really hard to ever bring up since they're (rightfully) sensitive about the subject matter
i'm guessing dieting at home before hitting the gym is the only real option, since they'll feel more motivated and confident after dropping 10-20 pounds even if they're still really big
i'm guessing dieting at home before hitting the gym is the only real option, since they'll feel more motivated and confident after dropping 10-20 pounds even if they're still really big
11-24-2011
, 04:47 AM
11-24-2011
, 05:43 AM
11-24-2011
, 01:14 PM
11-24-2011
, 03:55 PM
11-25-2011
, 12:14 AM
Quote:
I was working out with a friend once and ripped my boxers at the bottom of a squat. At the time it felt like my friend smacked my ass at the bottom of my squat so i racked the weight and yelled at him. He was really confused and it wasn't until like 5 minutes later that I realized that my boxers were pretty much torn in half.
edit: I then told him what happened and of course finished the workout w/o caring.
I've ripped ~4 pairs of boxers before and each time I thought it sounded really loud. But no one seemed to notice unless i tell them what just happened.
edit: I then told him what happened and of course finished the workout w/o caring.
I've ripped ~4 pairs of boxers before and each time I thought it sounded really loud. But no one seemed to notice unless i tell them what just happened.
Spoiler:
11-25-2011
, 01:03 AM
+1
and best boxers just in general, those bitches dont move
and best boxers just in general, those bitches dont move