Taking the plunge...

I've been wanting to do some group exercise classes - some cardio things and circuit training. I've been too embarassed to do it because I'm pretty sure i'm the biggest person at my gym that i've seen.

I'm going to go give it a try. I might die of embarassment if I can't keep up or have to leave early, but I've decided it's worth the try.

No reason to be embaressed. Most are there focusing on themselves.

 Girl, you go for it.  Last time I was at the gym (I took some personal training there on a promotion last year), there were people of all sizes at the gym.  Most people are there to work out and don't care what anyone else is doing.  The ones that are there to "look good" and see the competition are NOT worth your spit.  I bet you'll find a lot of encouragement from everyone.  Keep your head up and be proud of yourself.  I'm proud of you for taking this next step.  You'll do great.  Just be sure to bring plenty of water with you and take breaks to drink it so you don't dehydrate.

Have fun!
Jan

Way to go! Its great to try new things, you might like it!

Go for it.  I'm kinda of like you and get embarassed easily, but I've decided that I'm invisible at the gym.  I do what I can and if there are things I can't do in a class I modify and do the best I can.  Then, I go home and practice and practice that particular move until I get it down.  I have gotten in much better shape because of this and can now participate in some of the classes that I used to have to "rest" a lot in because I couldn't do a particular move.

My husband always tells me that more people will respect me for trying than think negatively about me.  That pushes me to try and keep up as well.  Like other posters have said, most people are in there for the same reason as you, to be healthy.  Don't give up on your fitness.

The last thing I notice at the gym is what people look like.  I'm too busy focusing on my own work out. 

Best wishes and have fun!!!

good for you... at the gym i totally respect folks that are trying to better themselves and are stepping out of their comfort zones.  i've been at my gym long enough that i can notice real results in some regulars over months/years, i don't know them at all, but i feel very proud for them.  and i've made some friends that noticed that very change in me over time.

I just got back from the gym the only thing I noticed was there was no treadmill away from the speakers available! I felt the same way initally but every day I got familar with the place it got easier.

no need to be embarassed, if anything be proud, proud ofthe fact that you are doing something to improve your life and making an investment in your health.  I am with the others when I say that most people are focused on themselves and don't notice.  Yeah you ae going to have some knuckleheads there thatthink they are king ****s and the chics that are there to show there stuff, but they are the minority.

I go to the same gym as Bill but am fairly new to it and we have people of all shapes and sizes there.  We have the people that do Tris along with the guys that are just starting and I have just as much respect for the big guys just starting as I do for anyone, probably more so.  I know we have one guy that is probably close to 4 bills that uses the family locker room where you have privacy.  I see him doing group cardio classes and then doing it on his own.  I can't count the times I have wanted to go introduce myself and tell him what an awesome job I think he is doing.

We are all self concious at first when it comes to a new activity, hell it was keeping me out of the pool. But once you bite the bullet and just do your thing people will look at you smile and give you the nod.  Sometimes this is all it takes to go a bit farther or a bit faster, well that and having Bill at your gym almost ever morning .

Once you get started and in a routine your body will crave it and you will find that your days will be better on the das youhit the gym.

Great decision now go rock it!

Alison - the hardest part of working out at the gym will be to walk in the front door.  Once you muster the courage for that, you will find that size and looks don't matter.  You will get respect and kudos just for being there.  Whatever, class you choose - introduce yourself to the instructor, let him/her know this is your first class and just have fun and be proud that you have already beaten the hard part (getting in the door)

Go you!