Thursday 13 December 2012

Getting Bullied At The Gym.


SUMMER’S STORY

One quiet evening a few weeks ago, I was going through some articles that I had written. I re-read one of the pieces a few times and wondered if I should post it on my blog. I decided against it, switched gears, and began searching the internet. After clicking a few random links, something caught my attention. "HAVE FAITH." For some time, my eyes were glued to the screen. By the time I looked away, I had decided to write the owner of the company whose website I had come across. It was time to share the article that I never had the nerve to post. 

Here is my story about getting bullied at the gym and what kept me going:

I’ve been going to the gym for years. When I started out, I was the chubby girl who had no clue what she was doing. I wore a men’s shirt and baggy pants because I was embarrassed and didn’t want the ‘fit’ girls to notice me. I kept at it; over time and with help, I lost weight and my body changed. I wasn't at the point where I felt good, though.



Like every human, I have ups and downs in life. Earlier this year I hit a low that was a result of a significant change in my life; I was struggling but I continued to work out. Some mornings it was everything I could do to get up early and go to the gym. It was around this time that I started noticing something different at the gym. I was getting looked at when I walked in. I’d smile but they would look away without smiling back. One day I saw a personal trainer pointing at me and when she looked back at her client they laughed. This kind of thing was happening regularly. One day another member pushed me as I walked into the shower. I was discouraged and felt like quitting. But I still wanted to be fit, to have a flatter stomach more definition, and more toning all around. These things don't magically happen.

During this phase, I had to pack up my place to prepare for a move; it was a stressful time. When I went to the gym one morning, I got scowled at by two girls who were in the entrance, chatting. After my workout, I went to my job and told my co-workers I wasn't going to work out anymore. The next morning I prayed. Some people ask God to for a nicer body or ask Him to make them lose weight but don’t want to do anything about it themselves; they think these are is a reasonable requests. I thought about what I wanted to ask God to do. I asked Him to give me motivation to wake up every morning and make it to the gym. I prayed that I would have motivation to eat well, go out of my comfort zone, and make things happen so I could reach my goals.

Starting the next morning, I got up when my alarm went off and was at I was at the gym at 5:55am -before it even opened. That was in May (2012) and I have been doing it ever since. Shortly after I started, a woman approached me in the heart of my work out to tell me that she had been watching me and I deserved to have the nicest abs ever because of how hard I was working. That made my day! I went through my whole routine with her and I still see her doing it; it makes me happy every time!

Robin from Yeshua Apparel was kind enough to send me the HAVE FAITH shirt that I couldn't stop thinking about. I often see silly shirts with meaningless print on them so when I started going through her website I felt inspired again.

http://www.yeshuaapparel.com

Thank you Robin, I appreciate you and what you stand for!

10 comments:

  1. I'm proud of you, Summer, but most of all, I'm just happy that you feel better about yourself. Mom

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    1. So sweet. I am also being bullied at my local gym by one of the owners who has her clan also making my life hell. :-(

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  2. Awesome story and testimonial! God does incredible things for those of us who have faith! You are an inspiration to so many of us who get lazy or complacent. You should send your story in to Women's Health Magazine. You're THE TRUTH!
    God Bless

    @BeatsByP

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  3. Adult bullying is alive and well. So many people think bullying is something that happens to children and teenagers but it happens to adults as well.
    I believe that adults that are bullies feel threatened by the victim. I've been bullied as an adult and I KNOW that the person doing it felt threatened by me. I'm thinking those women are feeling threatened by you for some reason, and you should feel good you didn't let them pressure you into quitting!

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  4. I first saw you in instagram and since then you are quite an inspiration to me. Keep up posting pics and continue writing motivational stuff about fitness or weight loss etc.
    I love the part where you prayed and kindly asked for endurance and courage. While reading that part i could feel how humble you are that is why i think you deserve what you have accomplished. Will always be looking forward to reading your posts :)

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  5. Thank you for this blog. :) it's inspiring. You're one of those i follow to motivateme to workout. I just do my workout at home. :)

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  6. I get bullied at the gym all the time by other adults ...they stand and speak just far enough but just close enough so you can hear them....they do the pointing , assuming, laughing , and teaming up with others for a nasty chitty chat. It's even happened to me when the gym supervisor was there and he shyly agreed with them and and joined in to a lesser degree.....
    I find women the worst all ages I have had it from....
    KEEP TRAINING know that you must be pretty powerful to make people stop and chat about you...pay no mind stay focused and in time you will p[rove them wrong and make them feel sheepish for how foolish they are....anyone who takes the time to judge another in the gym isnt working out hard enough....You are BE-YOU-TIFUL

    LOVE

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  7. Next time when a bully looks at you like that just say to them "YOU DON'T HAVE TO LOOK AT ME IN A DISGUSTING WAY". That will get his/her face red!!

    You are beautiful!

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  9. I admire and applaud you for brushing off the negativity of the bullies and finding your own motivation to keep pushing on. We shouldn't let negativity keep us from enjoying and having fun while working out! Besides, we go to the gym for ourselves, not anyone else! Your determination is inspiring and motivating.

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