Discussions

I'm looking for some plus sized fitness options, besides Curves. I know logically, most people don't care if they see me working out in any gym, but that doesn't help me get out of my head. I'm self-conscious and just don't want to bounce around others who aren't as 'bounce-able'. I'm just looking for other gyms or places that have specific "plus sized" classes or times. I need to change my lifestyle and if I have to face going to a regular gym with all the fit people... Well, I won't make any change then. Please spare me the "get over it" and just answer my question or move on. Thank you.

The pool is suppose to open sometime in May. I went to the Aqua Fit classes there and there were many plus sized gals. Once you're in the water, exercising becomes much easier and is gentle on your joints. In the water, no one really sees your body anyway. I love it - something to consider - even if you sat in the gallery upstairs and just watched a class to see if it might work for you. Good luck.

great if there was a plus size gym I do understand what you are saying .

I dont know about other options but if you need a workout partner. I need a change too and would love to meet a new friend to do it with at a gym.

Sadly there are not any options that would specially address plus size. I believe that while a gym that is for plus size only would be great, it would be discrimination. Aqua fit is a great option. I think the Y has it. There is a wide range of sizes that attend, however for the most part it is mainly females (or has been anytime I have attended.) maybe acquiring a piece or two of equipment could be an option as well. I lost 80 lbs with just a stationary bike ($100 from Walmart), hand weights, and walking outside. I live outside of Brandon so I just walk gravel roads, but I hear Brandon has great walking and hiking paths. You could also hire a personal trainer that would develop exercise plans that don't take place in a gym.

I'm plus sized and found both of these classes were able to be modified to all fitness level and body types.  
You can pm me or text 204-730-0233 if you want more info.  

Empower Boxing has Cardio kickboxing. Mostly women go and a few men, all ages all sizes. I have been going for 2 years and have seen alot of people lose a lot of weight at their own pace and it's alot of fun! Look it up online or they do have facebook page too! The club is on 10th street downtown.

They have an all women's room.. I found this to be a bit more comfortable instead of having men and women in the same area.

I have never personally done Beach Body but a lot of my friends do and they love it so much. There's lots of variety, you can do it in the comfort of home and the community you build is really fantastic.  
 
However, my own experience is that going to the gym with all the "fit people" is a little intimidating at first, but the more you go and the harder you work the more open they will be to encourage you and you will eventually have a community there as well. Getting a personal trainer, if you can afford it, is an incredible experience because often you work out in a private room and the staff get to know you and that makes it more comfortable for me.  
 
I remember the tiny girl at the front desk of a gym I once worked at was remarking on my progress and told me she herself had dropped 90 pounds, so you really never know the journey the "fit people" have had to go through themselves. I hope you find something that works for you!

scandal said "I'm looking for some plus sized fitness options, besides Curves. I know logically, most people don't care if they see me working out in any gym, but that doesn't help me get out of my head. I'm self-conscious and just don't want to bounce around others who aren't as 'bounce-able'. I'm just looking for other gyms or places that have specific "plus sized" classes or times. I need to change my lifestyle and if I have to face going to a regular gym with all the fit people... Well, I won't make any change then. Please spare me the "get over it" and just answer my question or move on. Thank you. "

I use anytime fitness and the members are all shapes and sizes and no one judges there! I was extremely heavy when I started and everyone was a great help and support there! I go 5 times a week if you want a workout buddy!

would that help you if you gather some people (1 to 2 or more) so that you are not alone and join a gym that has a gymnasium room and workout there.  
For example the YMCA has a gymnasium room that is not in plain view of all members or people. You can use some gym equipment or bring your device to use for your preferred dvd. You could ask the Y when that room is available.  
Just a thought

I work out in the comfort of my own home and this is another option, although you need to be disciplined to do it. DVD's are plentiful, inexpensive and there is also YouTube for many options with fitness. The walking track at the BU Healthy living centre is also another way to get walking.  
 
I loved a certain gym and the machines it had to offer, but I didn't love the price and hours that were limiting to my personal schedule.  
 
Good luck in whatever direction you choose. Just moving whatever way possible is a positive direction.  
 
Edited by Kellye, 2016-02-17 11:08:27

I second the ladies only room at fitness quest. It has its own change room and you need not even go in or through the coed section at all. I have yet to step out myself. :p There are a wide variety of shapes and ages. The gym also offers classes too at no extra cost and free parking.

Thanks to everyone that's chipped in with advice so far.  
Pertaining to a couple of posts that had to be removed, would respectfully ask that folks that are in the business of offering this service please not post self recommends complete with contact info et all. The hope is that this kind of thread contains neutral conversation. We do have some excellent advertising options available through the site that I'm always happy to chat about.  
Thanks for your understanding and cooperation!

something about going to a gym with fit people all around you that makes people nervous. As a male, when I was going to FQ for training, I looked around and was always second guessing why I would punish myself with all these ripped guys (and tiny little girls). It was very intimidating and disheartening, that was until I said that to my trainer and he laughed. His exact words were, "if these guys even looked at you most of them would have the utmost respect for you coming in to change your life around. It's the people that come in and do nothing they don't respect no matter what size". It was at that point where I looked up with a new set of eyes, and realized everyone in there is imperfect and the majority of them would help and encourage anyone.  
Due to work I travel lots and go to many different gyms on the road and yes I still get intimidated at every gym I go to, but I put my ear phones in, put my head down and focus on myself. I remind myself I am here for myself and to be healthy for my family (so I can torture them for a long time) and if someone wants to look down on me for not being as ripped as them or still overweight have at it! We all weren't born with perfect body genes and most of the ones looking down are the ones standing there talking more then sweating. I try to find out when the gym is least busy and try to make that work (right now I go at 4:30am so I can be alone with no interruptions and focus only on myself).  
Don't worry about looking bad, go for yourself and pound it out and know you are doing this for your health! Go hard and in a few months you will look back with all your new gym friends and laugh about creating a thread and will help the next heavier nervous person. It's contagious but very fun, there's lots of offers to help on this thread and I will tell you when I was at FQ there was all different shapes and sizes as with any gym (even Golds Gym in BC when I lived there was the same).

I also recommend Fitness Quest. The ladies only section is great. You see woman of all shapes, ages and sizes in there. Everyone I have met and spoken to has been supportive and encouraging. I am not a small girl myself and I never feel judged by the other members. I would suggest looking into a personal trainer to get your own personalized routine (and meal plan). They can help you set and meet individualized goals. I would highly recommend Melissa.  
Definitely give it a try. We are all on our own fitness journeys and many, like you, are only at the beginning.

I recommend anytime fitness. I'm a little chunky but feel at ease there. They have instructors during the day (which is to bad since I can only go early mornings). They also have lots of other classes you can take part in. If you're up for an early morning work out pal I'd be happy to go with you. Might make it so I go more often then I have been too. It would he a win win for us both lol

I too am a plus sized gal!! I have just started going to the women's only facility at Fitness Quest. I was so anxious as I went there a few years ago, but went once to the big area and felt awful and never went back.  
 
The ladies part is great, has all the essentials and I have never had an issue with crowdedness. I have also started going with a friend who knows what she is doing and that helps a lot!! Once I knew what I was doing, I feel more confident.  
 
I hope you find something that works for you.

Thank you Adam for moderating this thread and to everyone's input. I know my issue is exactly that... MY issue. I know most of it is all in my head. Your stories are encouraging and inspiring. I have hope for me. I'm also seeing a counsellor to help with my body perceptions of myself. I've seen the boxing thing on FB before and it looks interesting. I've always wanted to try a martial art too, but think I should loose some weight first. I've never even heard of some of these gyms, but as a BU student I know I can access the HLC as the fee was built into my tuition. I just can't bring myself to going with the people I have to look at everyday. If anyone has any other info or ideas or their own stories, I welcome them. Reading them all really is helping me. I even popped in my Zumba Wii game yesterday at home to do that for a bit after reading all of these wonderful stories. Thank you all.

Good luck Scandal.  
Even if we do not know ebrandon people it feels good to chat our thoughts/concerns that seats on our mind. If a gym doesn't work for you you can always try other ones. You could ask a trial day.  
Take care

There are great You Tube channels with tons of free workouts for any fitness level. I have worked out at home for years and it costs next to nothing - a pair of shoes, a set of hand weights. I also sometimes buy DVD's for about $7 each but right now I am loving all the free youtube workouts.  
 
You can do a google search for best channels for your fitness level first and then choose based on time you have to workout or types of workouts you enjoy best.  
Regular exercise is way easier to keep up with when you are comfortable working out and doing something you like or at least don't hate. Best of luck to you!

Sometimes you need to come out of your comfort zone to improve and impover yourself. Look at things from different angle and you will see things that you have not seen before. Tell yourself that you want to show same those people that you are intimated by, that you are improving yourself. Do exactly what you are afraid of and after few try you will see that it will be so easy to go around them and work out at the same room with them. Compete with them silently instead of keeping yourself away from them. Go where they are, and tell yourself you want to be one of them. You will compete and try harder this way. If you excercise with people who are same as you, you will not try as hard.  
I know it is hard to accept but think about that. Also think about very good facility and all classes that you can access at healthy living centre for free and you are missing them, just beacuse of some tiny people!  
I am kind of tiny and I really encourage you to go, do not afraid, beacuse they will help you and encourage you, majority of them for sure and ignore the rest.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Edited by Deb1, 2016-02-18 20:28:44