reflection on my gym experience

Well, I too joined a gym (sort of). My doc actually gives a presciption for physical therapy to all his patients, especially those that start at over 300 lbs. So, insurance is paying for it, at least for awhile. His reasoning is that he wants his patients to build up and strengthen the core muscles before just going anywhere and possibly getting hurt. Anyway, Monday was my 2nd trip there and I was concerned 'cause even though it's in a different section than the main gym, there are still a bunch of folks that come up there to use the weights and stuff cause it's quieter and less crowded than the main gym downstairs. Well as I was doing my 10 minutes on the bike, I was thinking how boring it was. So I started to people watch - well actually - I was watching all these muscle bound guys and some gals. Today, there was only one other person up there, and I realized how boring the bike is without those hard bodies around. I never thought I'd say this, but I kinda liked having them there. Gives me something to look at and think about. And they aren't giving me looks like I expected. I guess seeing someone my size using the equipment is much better to them than seeing someone my size eating an ice cream cone at the local Baskin Robbins. Today, the one guy that was there actually smiled at me and said hello. AMAZING - I'm not completely invisible anymore! mgm -57 (official 3 month post-op weight loss)

Marla, I'm betting that your new confidence and attitude make you more approachable. Congratulations on becoming visible! Connie

I, too, was afraid of who the folks at the gym would be. There is a subset of immensely fit physiques and then there are also a lot of people who are clearly pushing middle age or upper middle age and trying to achieve better health. At my gym at least, this makes for a nice atmosphere. It's a little intimidating that Jerry Rice shows up occasionally in the weight room. He looks so perfect that it's hard to believe. He's also very nice, though everyone clearly feels they should slink on home by comparison, even the really fit people I was referring to. I mean, who is at that level? I haven't seen prejudice from these people -- it may help that this gym is in no way a dating venue -- and have had some really nice coaching. I just was able to get rid of my old work out clothes (the last of my pre-surgery clothes that I am wearing) and splurged on some from www.junonia.com. Imagine my surprise that I'm the smallest size they make now and will soon have to go to a regular store for workout clothes. That seemed like an impossible dream 3 months ago -- that I would fit into cute little workout clothes. I still don't like to show my arms, for some reason that part of my body loses the slowest. It is odd to become visible again, isn't it? Cheers, Gano