Thunder Thighs, Part 2 - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

cookie monster · 07-28-2002, 11:26 PM

Hello everyone,

I'm now starting to go to the gym on the treadmill. I do about 2hr per visit. This is mainly to improve my fitness & health (and ... lose some weight ...).

However, I cannot help but wonder: do other gym users stare at me or are they busy training?

1) 'cos I'm not exactly supermodel skinny; I've "thunder thighs" (one close friend has even described it as chicken drumsticks).

2) I'm more or less happy with the rest of my body though.

3) I'm not dressed in the latest fitness gear; just plain T-shirt, dark shorts & running shoes.

Anyone feeling the same way too? Or is there any advice for me please? Thank you very much. :=)

someguyinhis20s · 07-29-2002, 10:07 AM

Feeling self-conscious of how you look is one reason I hated going to a gym. But what I realized is that most of it was in my mind. If people were staring at me, it's because they were waiting for me to finish up so they could use the equipment I was on. Most people who go to the gym are too busy with their own workouts to stare at others. Plus, people at the gym are used to seeing people of all kinds of shapes and sizes. Another thing I hated about the gym is that you'd see these people who were in great shape or looked like they were on steroids and it just makes you feel more self-conscious. I work out at home now cause it's less distracting. I wouldn't worry about how you look or dress. Chances are there are others in the gym who look and dress like you too. Just focus on your workout and know that the people you see there are strangers and you won't see them outside the gym, so who cares what they think of you or your body.

I think 2 hours on a treadmill is excessive. The thing I've learned about running is that if you do a lot, your body eventually becomes more efficient at it and burns less calories. If you can, try to add weight training to your routine.

N2Deep · 07-29-2002, 10:29 AM

I use to go to the local gym and I couldn't tell you anything that anybody wore -well unless it was a bit skimpy

lol. Anyway if someone is watching you then maybe they like what they see - that should make you feel good about yourself. If others are taking the time to go to the gym then I think they are there to workout. Don't worry so much about what others think about you and what cloths you are wearing. Working out is also not about what cloths your wearing but how much effort you put into it.
I also think that 2hrs is too much time on the treadmill- mix it up a bit and work in some weights- don't worry you won't bulk up unless you really hit the weights hard and long. Look at all those guys in there lifting the heavy weights day after day and still aren't too bulky.

cookie monster · 08-01-2002, 08:02 AM

Hello,

Thank U, thank u. I'm happy to know tat I'm not weird in feeling this way.

1) If 2 hours is a wee bit too much, wat is the ideal time on treadmills?

2) I'm still a newbie in gyms, never did weights before. So, how heavy the weights should I use? How about using 500ml water bottles when at home?

I just wish that sooner or later, I could have a supermodel-like figure. ;P

someguyinhis20s · 08-01-2002, 08:54 AM

For the treadmill or any cardio, 30-45 minutes is a good range. If you can do cardio first thing in the morning, that would help burn off the fat. But if you're like most people, you probably can't spare more than 30 minutes.

As for weights, since you're new to it, start out light. It's important to develop proper form before trying a lot of weight. It also depends what your goals are. Generally, they say if you want to build muscle, do few reps at high weight and if you want to tone, do lots of reps at low weight. I don't know how true this is, but you need to figure out how much weight you can safely handle. Pick a weight where you can do 8-12 reps. If you can do more, increase the weight and if you can't do 8, decrease the weight.

Don't worry about trying to look like a supermodel. They look unattractive and unhealthy.