Well the counterpoint to that is, it shows that fat people *can* work out. I’ve heard so many overweight people say they’re scared to go to the gym or try to start running because they think only skinny people do and they’ll stick out like a sore thumb. They’re afraid they can’t do it and afraid of judgmental looks. I’m all for not glorifying obesity but at the same time, I don’t see a problem with helping overweight people feel like they can exercise too. I’d rather encourage them to at least get some exercise in than stay home on the couch. Maybe it’s a little indulgent but I think it’s not a bad thing all in all.
At the gym I go to I see a truly diverse group of people. Fat ones, skinny ones, young ones, old ones, all different races, everyone doing their own thing. The atmosphere is very non-judgemental, and that's a beautiful thing. Personally I'd much rather see a fat person working out than a fat person who just sits around getting fatter. I'm so sorry to hear that some are scared to go to the gym - they might be pleasantly surprised if they tried it.
Amen! I’ve always worked out and when I see what is obviously someone new to working out, I try to give them a word of encouragement or at least a smile. We need more people taking care of themselves, at any size, rather than fewer.
Yes the gyms I’ve gone to have all been like that too. Most people are actually extremely encouraging and supportive of those who want to start living a healthier lifestyle. I think a few unkind comments people may have heard in the past and their experiences from the culture at large make them expect or fear that kind of negative judgment. I think it’s hard enough to start and maintain an exercise program without worrying about that other stuff too! So I feel for them.
Agree about encouraging exercise. There are some ads that do that well. Others seem to imply that everyone is capable of doing even the most extreme exercises b/c being morbidly obese isn't limiting at all, that's just a bigoted stereotype. That's the element I have issues with.
That makes sense. A lot of basic yoga poses can be done by most people though. And people can also be flexible but not necessarily very fit. It would be silly to have them doing a pose like flying pigeon though because the weight would be a limiting factor.
Well, yes, you make a good point about exercise but do we have to see obese people in deodorant commercials, and Dove body wash and bladder leak panty commercials? They go out of their way to find overweight and racially-correct people! 🤣 ok rant over.
Eww, eew. . . Not over. I almost vomit when I see that DEI "Always" pad commercial. Shot from about knee-level, and it's all FUPA and cameltoe and I think one of the "models" is a guy!
I remember seeing a very large, morbidly obese woman trying to use one of those rowers machines years ago at a gym. She was huffing and puffing and barely able to breathe, sweating profusely and looked like she might die any second. But I thought, good for her. At least she is trying, and for that matter, trying more than I was :)
Yes! And I always think that it probably took much more of an effort for that person to even GET to the gym, mentally (not in their routine maybe and fears of people looking at them askance) so it’s even more laudable in my opinion!
Yes!! I love that! I only started running in my 40s so still remember being a newbie and not very good at it and I soooo appreciated the encouragement I got from other runners! I try to pay it back by giving the same encouragement!
Well the counterpoint to that is, it shows that fat people *can* work out. I’ve heard so many overweight people say they’re scared to go to the gym or try to start running because they think only skinny people do and they’ll stick out like a sore thumb. They’re afraid they can’t do it and afraid of judgmental looks. I’m all for not glorifying obesity but at the same time, I don’t see a problem with helping overweight people feel like they can exercise too. I’d rather encourage them to at least get some exercise in than stay home on the couch. Maybe it’s a little indulgent but I think it’s not a bad thing all in all.
At the gym I go to I see a truly diverse group of people. Fat ones, skinny ones, young ones, old ones, all different races, everyone doing their own thing. The atmosphere is very non-judgemental, and that's a beautiful thing. Personally I'd much rather see a fat person working out than a fat person who just sits around getting fatter. I'm so sorry to hear that some are scared to go to the gym - they might be pleasantly surprised if they tried it.
Amen! I’ve always worked out and when I see what is obviously someone new to working out, I try to give them a word of encouragement or at least a smile. We need more people taking care of themselves, at any size, rather than fewer.
Yes the gyms I’ve gone to have all been like that too. Most people are actually extremely encouraging and supportive of those who want to start living a healthier lifestyle. I think a few unkind comments people may have heard in the past and their experiences from the culture at large make them expect or fear that kind of negative judgment. I think it’s hard enough to start and maintain an exercise program without worrying about that other stuff too! So I feel for them.
Agree about encouraging exercise. There are some ads that do that well. Others seem to imply that everyone is capable of doing even the most extreme exercises b/c being morbidly obese isn't limiting at all, that's just a bigoted stereotype. That's the element I have issues with.
That makes sense. A lot of basic yoga poses can be done by most people though. And people can also be flexible but not necessarily very fit. It would be silly to have them doing a pose like flying pigeon though because the weight would be a limiting factor.
Well, yes, you make a good point about exercise but do we have to see obese people in deodorant commercials, and Dove body wash and bladder leak panty commercials? They go out of their way to find overweight and racially-correct people! 🤣 ok rant over.
Eww, eew. . . Not over. I almost vomit when I see that DEI "Always" pad commercial. Shot from about knee-level, and it's all FUPA and cameltoe and I think one of the "models" is a guy!
Ew!! 😂
Makes me especially glad I don’t have a TV because I have never seen this commercial (thank goodness!!) 😆
I remember seeing a very large, morbidly obese woman trying to use one of those rowers machines years ago at a gym. She was huffing and puffing and barely able to breathe, sweating profusely and looked like she might die any second. But I thought, good for her. At least she is trying, and for that matter, trying more than I was :)
Yes! And I always think that it probably took much more of an effort for that person to even GET to the gym, mentally (not in their routine maybe and fears of people looking at them askance) so it’s even more laudable in my opinion!
Exactly. I always try to throw out a "looking good!" to people I see on my run when it is obvious they are just starting their journey into fitness.
Yes!! I love that! I only started running in my 40s so still remember being a newbie and not very good at it and I soooo appreciated the encouragement I got from other runners! I try to pay it back by giving the same encouragement!