I was just wondering if anybody else had put off trying a new exercise class/ piece of equipment because they felt they were too big?

I have been really trying to be outgoing in the gym and try a lot of classes. I have been the largest girl in all of the classes I have taken thus far but I make it all the way through them. I have even started to really enjoy step.

My problem is that I want to try Zumba and I want to start running. I just worry that I will either look incredibly silly or hurt my self trying.

I am especially worried about the running. Has anybody started running at 250 lbs+ ?

i can't atest to running at that weight but i can say this.. who cares what others think?? you are there to get in shape for YOU!! don't feel like your too big to do anything, just do it and enjoy it!

I start running at about 220, but that's just me. Do whatever the **** you want, girl! And zumba.....YES! You will love it. I do it!

Running at 250 is completely doable. I highly recommend having good shoes, a really supportive bra, and don't run on the sidewalk.

Couchto5k is a really good beginning running program. If you can't do the 60 seconds at start, start with 30 seconds then move up to 60. I am at 250 and I'm starting couchto5k again. I had a baby two months ago but before I got pregnant I had worked myself up to 5k. A low 5k, but I was running.

I havent taken Zumba at a gym. The DVD was difficult for me. Not because of size but just general lack of coordination. I'm going to keep trying though. It looks like it would be really fun.

I'm usually one of the largest women in the class, if not THE largest.

I don't care. I can't care.... not caring about myself is kind of how I got to be overweight. I have to put myself first and for me, going to classes is what guarantees that I have a good workout.

I'm terrible about motivating myself to do exercise on my own.

I didn't go to a class until I had lost a lot. I start a Body Vive class that was low impact at 230. I started to Spin at 220. I still can't run. At about 200 I tried to run and the shin splints were too bad. I will try again at about 180. I felt the shin splints could be weight related. I did Body Combat at 200 and really liked it.

Alot of women like Zumba.

I know I can't jump too much as I am 38K and my boobs hurt too much to do boobs hurt too much. For cardio I spin, elliptical and treadmill mostly.

Years ago, when I weighed 350, I did step classes. I've done lots of classes at over 300 lbs. I say go for it.

I have. Several of my co-workers go to a Zumba class after work and they love it. I tried it with them and I was the biggest person there. Maybe no one else noticed, but I did and right or wrong I was embrassed. It was intense, but a lot of fun. I would probably try it again if I had some one besides my "perfect" co-workers to go with.

I am doing the C25K at home on my treadmill. I am really slow and still working on week 1, but I'm trying. When I'm on my treadmill, I picture myself fit and at a 5K race with one of those little number stickers on my tummy and the only thing big about me is my smile.

I went to Spin @ 200. I started running about 185. Stretch very well and take it slowly. Don't over do it. That is never a good idea. Also, I found it really helpful to find all sorts of ways to get more activity in. If I got to carpool 20 minutes early, I would park and go for a walk. I would park far from stores--hardly novel I know. I would even do old school exercises during commercial breaks during shows I was watching. All these things really add up too. Also, I have gotten on bounce houses with my kids at birthday parties.

Thank you for all of your responses! You guys are great!

I think I am going to suck it up and go try a Zumba class tomorrow morning. They are usually so filled that I couldn't stand out that much. At least that's what I am telling myself.

As far as the running, I think may try to lose a little more before trying.

The last Zumba class I went to probably had 5 or 6 women 200+ pounds. One of them had been doing it a while and she was the one the instructor asked to come to the class to illustrate how low we were supposed to be going in the dips.

Let's just say that girl could get down lol

Also the co-lead in the class had lost a couple of hundred pounds while attending the class. She had even had a full body lift done.

It will probably depend on the makeup of the class, but in the class I went to, the heavier girls knew what they were doing and the 'Barbie' doll girls were obviously the newbies. lol

I have never sweated so much in an exercise class before . . . I really am looking forward to going back.

The Couch to 2K site Cool Running, has a message string for beginners called 200lb +. You really should come over and read it. I just posted for the first time yesterday. I weigh 210. There are people there who weigh, or did when they started, 300. It has men and women, some who've been running a long time and are now doing multiple marathons, and beginners like me.

It is an amazing place. Reading the back posts really gives me hope.

(I hope this isn't considered recruiting for another site. Not my intention. But if you read those people's stories you will be encouraged.)

I do not think you are too big for certain classes. I understand how you feel, though, because I feel I like I am too heavy for some workouts still. I am going to my first exercise class today! I have never been to one. I hope it is not too hard, it says all fitness levels are welcome.

I hope you get the courage to do any classes you might enjoy.

I'm like you in the fact that I don't want to be the only "big girl" there, but as others would say (and I do agree) WHO CARES!!! Know one can make you feel better except you!! Just Do It!! The more you procrastinate, the more it won't get done ... I know.

I'm finally coming out of the shadows and going for it at school. They have a free gym for me to use and exercise classes that I could have been taking advantage of for years ... but now, my last 5 months there I've decided to make a change and go for it!

So yeah, you might be the biggest one there, but just think. In the future, if another big girl shows up, you can go over and be her friend!!

Have fun!!

Oh yeah, and C25K is AWESOME!! I've never liked running, but I love how I feel when I step off that treadmill after completing another day!! Matter of fact, I'm going to try W2D1 today!!

Although I don't do classes, I started the Zumba DVD's when I was 300 pounds. The advantage I had was having taken tap, jazz, and modern dancing classes from elementary school through college, so the rhythm and moves weren't too much of a problem (except the hips, that was pretty new to me). I did feel like I was going to die of a stroke, though! Now, at over 250, I rock the Zumba DVD's and can do all the moves no problem.

I also have been running (although not fast and not far) for the last 30 pounds at least. I now am running for 5 minutes and walking for 2 in intervals to try to build my time up. So yes, it can be done!