An Open Letter to the Woman at the Gym
To the woman at my gym:
I’ve been watching you ever since you first came to the gym last Fall. You looked so terrified, so insecure, and after your first session with the trainer, you looked ready to cry. But you came back, again and again, and each time it got a little bit easier. I’m incredibly proud of you. Because as hard as it is for the rest of us to get our butts to the gym, I know that it’s even harder when you’re obese.
It doesn’t help to tell you that you’re not alone. The CDC estimates that about one-third of the U.S. population is in the same boat as you are. But there’s a difference between you and them: you’re doing something about it.
I’ve overheard you talking with your trainer. I know that you have no expectations of being supermodel skinny, but that you’re making the effort because you want to be healthier, feel better and live longer. You’re reducing your risk factors for heart disease. You’ve already reduced your cholesterol level more than 50 points, your blood pressure is finally in the healthy range, and while your BMI isn’t where you want it to be, you’re getting closer every day. And while I know that you were probably starting out at something close to 400 pounds, and have a long way left to go, I want you to know that someone sees how far you’ve already come.
I’m particularly inspired by you because my own mother fought a lifelong battle with obesity. She wouldn’t have set foot in a gym because she would have been embarrassed to be seen in her workout clothes. It would have been easy for you to feel the same way, following her path of fitness walking before dawn when no one could see. But my time as an owner of a Pilates and yoga studio taught me the value of exercising with someone, for variety, interest and when all else fails, guilt.
The holidays came and went, and you kept working hard. You didn’t fall off the wagon after everyone else’s New Year’s resolutions had been forgotten. I know that it hasn’t been easy for you, but I want to tell you that your efforts have not gone unnoticed. You look great. You look happy. And I’m very happy for you.
Keep up the good work. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.
– TallGirl
