Intimidation

One of the first things Becky taught Nancy about working out was this: there is no such thing as a "men's" side of the gym and a "women's" side of the gym.  With very few exceptions, we can be found lifting weights alongside all the big-muscled guys.  Don't let yourself be intimidated by the fact that they are lifting weights that are heavier than a house while you are struggling to just bench press the bar with no weights added.  Stick with it and over time, you will not only improve but will also gradually become friends with a lot of those guys.  They can be among the most supportive people you will find on your path to fitness.

When Nancy first started lifting, there was a great big, tall, powerfully muscled guy who was usually at the gym at the same time she was.  Nancy is not easily intimidated, but he, frankly, looked a little scary.  This was further accentuated by the fact that he never cracked a smile, never said hello, never made eye contact.  He was totally focused on lifting massive amounts of weight.  Day after day, month after month, never any acknowledgment that other people were in the gym.

Meanwhile, Nancy was slowly losing weight and continuing to lift and incororate cardio workouts into her days.  One day while working her biceps, out of the corner of her eye she saw what she thought was a wall moving towards her, but no, it was that big scary guy.  What had she done?  She knew she wasn't using any weights he would be interested in.  Was she in his space?  Was he going to forcibly remove her from the "men's" side of the gym for her measly efforts at working out?

Coming right up to her, in a deep gruff voice, and again, without ever cracking a smile, he said, "How much weight have you lost?"  For a moment so surprised by the question that she couldn't answer, Nancy finally managed to say, "37 pounds."  He nodded, said, "Well, you look great.  Keep up the good work," turned, and went back to his workout.

No, they did not become lifelong friends after that.  He went back into his zone.  But the point is that sometimes support comes from unexpected sources.  Your family and friends are going to encourage you.  But it also means a lot to have it come from others who don't have to encourage you, but do it anyway.