Rude comments made by others at the gym about modifying exercise

Wow, that is weird & unkind! I wonder if it's just 1 person or if your fitness facility has a super competitive vibe?

I think I would first of all speak to the instructor of both classes and ask them to make an announcement before class that everyone is working at their own level and that the instructor is aware of modifications which are being made for various health reasons.

Depending on how you feel about sharing your story you could just disclose it. I personally do and have no problems telling perfect strangers about it. I have told many people about being in treatment, being after treatment etc I don't do it to make anyone feel bad but more of a PSA about getting checked, following up on symptoms and a 'this is what a cancer patient looks like' thing - dispelling some of the myths.

You could wear a tshirt or tank with some logo and just point to it.

Or if you don't want to disclose you could be more generic and say "I have a medically supervised program and I have to follow it". People might ask if you were injured and you can just say yeah, sort of and change the topic.

Or you could say "I'm not sure how this is any of your business?" and smile.

good for you for getting back on the fitness track quickly & don't let the crazies keep you away from sweating

I'm with L8Blmr. I would smile so sweetly and say yes it's a shame I can't do these workouts as well as they can but I'm so grateful to be back working out at all after my cancer diagnosis and treatment. And then I'd walk away.

I would tell them to mind their own business. Or maybe use a bit of Carl Roger’s psychology on them. “I see that you are feeling very annoyed that I didn’t do the downward dog today.”

Wow, those ladies really need to learn to mind their own business!

Sorry you had to encounter such people. The course instructor should have a word with them.

I'm with L8Blmr and edj3. Be polite, soft-spoken and hit them between the eyes with a simple statement of the facts.

It doesn't seem fair that you should have to alter your schedule because members at your gym are snarky and can't mind their own business. I am in total agreement with L8BMlr and Edj. When I first returned to upper body workouts, I wondered if the people who used the weight machines after me were secretly judging me when they saw where I had left the pin in the weight stack. It never dawned on me, however, that someone would be so rude as to say something out loud.

When I have participated in any group classes at my gym, the instructor always demonstrates modified poses in case there is anyone in the group who may need them and in my spin class, the instructor always gives recommended gear and rpm settings, but reminds everyone it is "our own" workout and to feel free to make it as such. And everyone seems to pretty much mind their own business.

You are paying as much for your membership as the others are. Gyms are places where not only those who are physically fit continue to increase or maintain their level of fitness, but they are also places where those who are rehabbing injuries, recovering from surgeries, and fighting illness go to become stronger, to manage side effects, to recover flexibility and range of motion, and to have guidance from trainers to ensure proper form.

I would have no qualms about letting those judgmental women know that you are recovering from treatments for cancer and remind them that since you aren't teammates in organized athletics, the amount of work you put in to your training is of no concern or consequence to them. And, for that matter, just because someone is moving faster or lifting heavier than someone else, doesn't necessarily mean they are working harder. For someone recovering from surgery to the chest, lifting ten pounds could take much more work than it would for someone else lifting 50. And for the woman who said she should get the same workout you do.....I'd have a hard time not asking her if she'd also like the same illness and treatments that make it necessary for me to have that workout.

As a high school teacher, I am always reminding my female students how important it is that as young women they support, encourage, and lift each other up and not be judgmental and critical of each other because they never know what challenges someone else is dealing with. Those women at your gym obviously never had such a lesson. Hopefully it's not too late for them to learn it.

Time to throw cown the "cancer" card and try to put nosy busy bodies in their place. After my initial cancer I got nothing but accolades when I got strong again, from those who knew me. I'm not one to speak out to jerks, mostly I just walk away. But I frequently wish I was the type to put people like that in their place. Now I have MBC (30% of "survivors" do, just no one mentions that little statistic) and frequently get the "inquisition" about not doing my former activities from ignorant people I've just met. Like "oh, I ski after knee replacement, get a good doctor and they can fix you up". The best feeling is when you can trap someone like that at a crowded party and drone on about failed treatment plans, intolerable side effects, filling out your "5 Wishes" for last days, etc, then say "oh, I need another drink" and walk away. Then leave party and cry for another 3 days. I got stronger & healthier after completing initial cancer treatment than I had ever been in my life and had 11 years of adventures, hiking, climbing, skiing, camping. So get back to the gym, then on to real fun.

I am obese, have lymphedema in my left arm, have two total reverse shoulder replacements and had breast cancer twice with mastectomy and reconstruction. I go to Planet Fitness. I know they are national but I am lucky to have one within 10 minute drive to my house. They advertise that they are a no judgement zone. Sometimes I feel like I don’t fit in with others who can out do me on all the equipment, but no one has ever been rude to me, nor has anyone ever stared at me or given me the impression that they even notice my lack of athleticism. Everyone just does their own thing. It really does feel like a no judgement gym.

Mavericksmom:

When I first started going to the gym as an obese young adult, my first day there I was worried about being judged negatively. I had a little speech prepared in my mind that if anyone should be at a gym, it should be me. I never had to give that speech. No one made any negative comments to me. However a people did give me words of encouragement when the weight started coming off. Some people there were regulars and never seemed to drop any weight but it could be that wasn't their goal. The important thing is, they still worked out regularly.

I've started back at the gym recently...a different one, and I'm very limited. It's a lot of trial and error and modified exercises and I know some people there probably think I'm a gym novice or shouldn't be there but I'm not concerned. They will get a lesson in the effects of breast cancer and it's treatment if they bother me.

I have thought about trying PF...I need somewhere....where I can get on an exercise bike for just a few minutes to see what it does to my knees. I have such awful weak tendons or something. But I am back to 30 minutes of Leslie sansone DVDs (well, the slower ones), so that is a victory!!

gb2115: Leslie Sansone!! I thought I was the only one that still used these. I love to walk outdoors, but with windchill factors below -40C at times, Leslie becomes my best friend. Lo

Wow,,what nerve. I'm generally not confrontational but if that happened to me, I'd have let loose a bit lol. I used to go to LA Fitness for a few years..now I go to Planet Fitness. Go in and get it done. Think the purple theme of PF makes you want to just get it in, do it and leave lol.

Don't let anyones neg comments on something they know nothing about what's going on, turn you off from going. If you feel more comfortable, find somewhere else but in the meantime go, you are doing it for you.

blah333, any good instructor will be able to help you modify your exercises to suit your physical needs. You don't need to tell them anything you don't want to. "I'm recovering from an illness" is specific enough, with some outline of where you think your restrictions will be. At my gym, people keep to themselves. (I don't attend classes but work out by myself, so perhaps it's somewhat different in group instruction spaces.) The very few people I have talked to about my health have been very supportive and encouraging. It probably helps that my gym is attached to a physical therapy clinic, and there is a very wide range of ages and abilities represented all day, every day.