Nine Ways to Avoid Fat Shaming Others at the Gym

We see fat shaming everywhere, from news articles that display images of "headless fatties" to medical professionals that reject overweight patients to an organization called Overweight Haters Ltd. that distributes derogatory cards to those they perceive to be too large. (Yeah, it really did occur.)

Then there are the subtle slights that individuals who are bigger must put up with, such as the look of contempt, the teasing, and the absence of fashionable clothing for plus sizes. Shaming individuals for their weight doesn't "inspire" them to lose weight, according to research, and may even have the opposite impact. It is harsh, depressing, and it doesn't help.

Any type of humiliation is not acceptable to us. And where should there unquestionably be no passing judgment? a gym. However, many women stay away from the gym out of concern that they won't fit in or out of a desire to avoid ridicule.

We asked readers to share the remarks they've heard from other gym-goers that have made them feel less than terrific in order to help make the gym a safe area for every body.

You're so motivating,

Although it seems to be a compliment—who doesn't want to inspire others?

The underlying assumption is that the individual is acting in a peculiar or superhuman manner. And neither should be exercising while being overweight. Even worse is when this comment is followed by a "reason" that emphasizes the person's physical attributes. three instances Emily Erikson, 34, of Seattle, WA, Fernanda Espinosa, 22, of New York, NY, and Jessie Ford, 31, all of Denver, CO, gave us the following reasons for working out: "Because you don't care that everyone is staring at you" (are they? ), "because you keep coming every day even though you aren't losing weight" (maybe losing weight isn't the goal! ), or "because you remind me why I need to work Up. Now.).

I'm worried about becoming just like you.

No one wants to be used as a cautionary tale. I'm frightened of looking like you, no offense, said a college-aged female who approached Burnsville, Minnesota, resident Nova Larson, 38, while she was exercising weights. That is insulting, to put it mildly. And just nasty.

"Nobody wants to watch it, ugh! Don't wear it, please."

For a girl of any size, activewear may be challenging to manage. If you expose too much flesh or wear loose t-shirts, you can be labeled a slut. However, bigger women must deal with much higher demands. Ame' Karoly, 26, from Hattiesburg, Massachusetts, claims, "I was encouraged to wear less exposing gym attire since my size freaked others off. Leah Kinney, 32, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, adds that she was instructed to put away her beloved body-hugging capris by a stranger at the gym since only thin minnies can wear spandex. Well, workout clothes are tight for a purpose, right? Kinney asserts. The main line is that everyone should be allowed to exercise in whatever they feel most comfortable wearing without being concerned about snarky remarks. (Spoiler alert: Take a look at these Sportswear Brands That Make Plus-Size Clothing Right.)

What about this new diet?

Unsolicited diet advice is never a good idea, but for larger women who may or may not be attempting to reduce weight, it is especially offensive. In any case, you have no right to know what they consume. Karoly claims, "I've had unwelcome diet plans and fitness advice thrown in my face so many times that I lost count," adding that things have grown so bad that she sometimes have panic attacks simply from entering the gym.

Work off that belly, butt, thighs, and other fat!

It is disrespectful and ineffective to criticize someone else for their faults. After a particularly taxing session, a spin instructor allegedly said to Kris Olson, 47, from Cleveland, Ohio, "See you tomorrow so you can get rid of that big ass." In addition to the fact that she like the way she looks, thank you very much, not everyone wants to appear like a Victoria's Secret model. And we should utilize fitness to highlight everyone's strengths rather than advising women to use exercise to address their "problem areas"!

"I think you should definitely start off by using the treadmill to walk."

Yes, larger women can walk. They also engage in pretty much every other kind of exercise you can think of, including kickboxing, Zumba, CrossFit, powerlifting, running, yoga, and more. Her fastpitch team's main player, Larson, notes that size is a benefit in her sport. (Learn why a different lady claims that she is "200 pounds and fitter than ever.")

I completely understand how you feel; I have body shame.

Being called fat is bad. Shaming a woman for any reason based on her looks is also unacceptable. "I can understand when friends gripe about remarks because they are slim, but the fact is that being small is what is seen attractive, and you can't ignore the privilege that goes along with that. People may look at you with jealousy, but you don't experience the same level of hatred that we do, every day "26-year-old New Yorker Laura Aronson says. On both sides, there is a genuine conflict. Try just listening to someone else's emotions rather than comparing your struggles to theirs.

"Whale." "Fatty." "Hideous." a burden on society

We were dismayed to learn how many women, including these, had genuinely endured sexism at the gym—occasionally to their faces, but more often in the form of murmured remarks or overheard discussions. Toree Auguston, 32, of Princeton, Minnesota, recalls how several gym goers "jokingly" said to her, "You seem fine from a distance but you're far from excellent," adding that the remark still makes her want to weep. Ine Quimby, 31, of Newburyport, Massachusetts, recalls a group of kids calling out to her, "Keep jogging, fat bitch, going to have to run for a year to get rid of those thighs!" This mean-girl conduct is very flawed. (Pointing while laughing, gazing, or speaking loudly are all not acceptable.)