Hi. My name is Angie and I am definately new I have never been the one to restrict myself from anything that looks yummy and I haven't been exercising as much as I should be. I have known about this site for a while because my sister is on here and lost weight but I never thought of coming on here myself. I don't go to the gym because I am afraid of what others will see but at the beginning of the year I plan to start going often. I hope to find what works for me and my schedule and lose some poundage in the process.
Thanx

Welcome bigmommy1,

I'm new too and in a similar situation.

The idea of walking into a gym and being surrounded by people who are in a lot better shape than I am fills me with woe. I'm trying not to let that stop me though. For now I'm figuring out different ways to exercise without having to worry about what I look like from behind when I'm on a stair master. So far I feel like I'm making progress by exercising at home (aerobics and free weights) and going for walks.

I hope that helps. Do you have any ideas for places and ways to exercise that don't involve a gym?

I'll be happy to help put your minds at ease - most gyms are not like that. I belong to a very large gym full of people, most of which are overweight. And I'll bet that many of the fittest really had to work to get there.

And I am a people watcher, and for the past 2 years I've 'looked' for injustice. The uber-fit ones that one would think may be intimidating are only interested in their own bodies. By exercising and trying to get in shape, you have made yourself one of 'them'. Everyone is welcome, everyone has a common goal. If anything, you'll motivate other overweight people by being there also.

I was worried once, too. I thought I'd throw up before I made it in the door for a tour! If I hadn't done it, it would have been a huge mistake for me.

Good luck, and be brave.