Another hurdle to exercise: embarrassment

Around the country, some mainstream gyms are making an effort to help overweight exercisers feel more comfortable. For example, some offer fitness classes with slower music and simpler choreography that allow bigger bodies to move more easily and safely, with less risk of joint injury. Others employ personal trainers with education on the biomechanics of plus-size people. And places like Curves were built for those who aren't model perfect.

Is the gym 'size-friendly'?
If you're anxious about going to a health club or other fitness facility, experts recommend the following steps to ease embarrassment:

• Do some research in advance to find out if a gym is a good fit for you. If you're overweight, for instance, call and ask the front desk if the facility is "size-friendly," advises Rice. If it is, it will have, for example, weight limits posted on the machines and a staff with experience working with overweight clients, and there will be just a short distance between the dressing room and the pool. If the front desk has no idea what "size-friendly" means, look elsewhere.
• Before you take a class or lesson, observe one first to see if you would be comfortable doing it and to become familiar with what's involved.
• Consider a smaller setting. Big health clubs just aren't the answer for many people, at least not initially, Durkin says. An alternative is to choose a smaller gym or studio and sign up for six to 12 sessions with a trainer who can show you the ropes and design a tailored fitness program.
• Skip the gym altogether. Work out at a home gym or outside, where fewer people can gawk. Housle says the Duke program encourages clients who dislike gyms to try walking or recreational activities such as tennis or golf. There still may be an element of embarrassment but it's probably not as big of an issue. "We encourage people to assess what it is that they like to do that gets them out and moving," he says.
• Pair up with a buddy for moral support and motivation.
• Focus on the task at hand. Wherever you work out — and whatever your hang-ups about doing so might be — try to ignore what other exercisers think or do and focus on how important physical activity is to your health, says Housle. "We reinforce the idea that you're just comparing yourself to yourself," he says.

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