Numerous times I, like many others, have tried to take the necessary steps to get into shape for the sake of my health. Although there are many reasons why a person may or may not succeed (including, but not limited to, a lack of self-control or real desire), one major contributor tends to determine this. It is whether or not they feel comfortable in their gym. No, I’m not talking about extra fans or newer equipment, I’m talking about how well other members of the gym make us thick people feel.

It seems quite interesting that society expects to see sick people in hospitals, sinners in churches, but not overweight people in gyms. Rather, it is more appropriate to see ripped, buff, muscle-tee wearing individuals instead.

Does this mean fit people should not be allowed to workout in gyms? Of course not! In fact, your physical success is what many of us strive for! Just let us (those that have a little extra) feel accepted in an environment that is already daunting to us.

This internalized conversation evolved after a recent trip to the gym. Given my full-figuredness, I have found ways to modify some workouts until I build enough strength to do them properly. After a while, I started noticing the stares. Giving my obvious onlookers the benefit of the doubt, I’m sure they were probably just wanting to “correct” my workout, not question why I was there. However, even in that brief minute of staring, I discovered many suppressed insecurities start to rise up. Many of which told me I wasn’t welcome.

To combat this negative interaction that causes many of us plus-sized beauties to abandon the gym altogether, two things need to take place.

1. We, as the fat community, need to get over it.

If your life experience has been anything like mine, you’ve gotten a lot of stares in the past. However, if you’re looking into going to the gym or are currently making that amazing step toward a healthier life, get over the stares. Use it as motivation to keep going and show them what real hard work looks like.

2. Those, in the non-fat community, need to accept us.

When you see someone that looks out of place in your gym, welcome them. Smile. Do something other than stare. Doing simple acts like this would mean the world to someone feeling insecure about being in the gym for the first time. We just want what you want, to improve ourselves.

Although neither of these is an overnight fix to the ongoing stigma, they are steps in the right direction. Easy steps at that!

To those who have been discouraged at the gym in the past and are nervous to go back, I say to you, do it.