I was never a "jock" and was very self-conscious about the 55 lbs I had packed on, as well as the fact that I wasn't very muscular so didn't have a lot of strength. Finally, some various medical things over the years have left their marks on my body as well. So, I was pretty fearful the night I went and met with the membership advisor and the assistant head of PT. and frankly, more so the first morning I showed up for the weight loss group.

Maybe, perhaps even probably, not all facilities are like the one I joined, but mine is not what I expected. A tremendous diversity of people of all ages, races, occupations, and most of all all different levels of fitness, some very obese people who have made a decision to change, and everyone is very friendly, accepting, and supportive.

This mindset hinders them, because ALL eyes are not upon them.

Too many minds. Don't mind the person on the next machine, or the guy going to get water, or the staff at the counter, or anyone else.

They care a lot about where you want to go, and they all help and support. I've had some of those very buffed guts with the six pack abs come up to me and tell me that I was inspiring, because of the weight loss, and also because I stuck with it and I put in the time and effort. Everyone has been great. When I joined, I had doubts, was afraid I night be there three or four times and slink away with my tail between my legs - it only took a few weeks to realize joining was probably one of the best decisions of my entire life. I look forward to going there every single time. And I have no intention of ever going back to the mess that I was before I joined. I'm really picking up steam on running, started swimming lessons, and when it starts up in January I WILL be in the beginning tri class.