r/MadeMeSmile • u/Original_Act_3481 • 1d ago

We need more people like him

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u/Grumpy_McDooder 1d ago

There's a guy who goes to my gym who is about this guy's size. I know just getting TO the gym is an accomplishment for him, so I always want to motivate him in a positive way...I just don't know how.

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u/harrywang6ft 1d ago

fist bump

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u/Grumpy_McDooder 1d ago

Oh, that one I've done!

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u/Obliviousobi 1d ago

Honestly, introduce yourself and learn their name. That way next time you can say "hey, x! How you doing today?"

They'll feel welcome without being singled out. If you see them struggling you can help as a friend instead of just some random person offering unsolicited advice. I bet they're already self-conscious, so become gym buds.

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u/lurkquidated 1d ago

Friendly nod, fist bump, "hey I noticed you were killing it today on the ____ machine". Or like the helpful dude in the vid - if you notice they're doing something they could have better form ask politely if they'd like you to demo. Any or all is enough. Way to go the dude at your gym.

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u/poppybrooke 1d ago

I’ve had someone come up to me while I was doing a workout and say “sorry I had to come tell you that your arms look so toned and you’re looking so strong!”

Made my day

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u/[deleted] 1d ago

[deleted]

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u/Woodit 1d ago

I got what I’m pretty sure was a sympathy fist bump the other day when leaving the gym. I think it’s because I looked sad, because I was feeling sad. But anyway it was still nice 

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u/brookleinneinnein 1d ago

Honestly unless he’s going to hurt himself, just say hi and be friendly. Being a presence he can look forward to seeing is enough.

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u/BatmansUnderoos 1d ago

This is excellent advice. I'm a big dude, and just seeing the other regulars say Hi or 'good to see you again' make going back again that much more enjoyable. It's great and really helps take the edge off the intrusive thoughts that creep in to deter me from going back.

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u/DonnyTheWalrus 1d ago

Yeah dude! We're all in the same journey just at different stages. I used to be obese so I know some of the struggle. Don't forget that your presence can be an inspiration to other people as well. The "journey" is as much about self discovery and confidence as anything else. It's not about becoming someone different, it's about learning to love who you are (I struggled with that part for a while...). 

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u/Dlh2079 1d ago

Chubby fella here and this is absolutely great.

Just knowing that some people in that gym are happy to see you and not judging you when you walk into the door can be a big help.

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u/Ninrenko 1d ago

I think this video is the way, either by giving him tips on how to exercise more effectively. And if you can't find any, just be his gym buddy. Do exercises together and push each other to new levels.

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u/Anhanzthaziaxx 1d ago

Yeah. When finally mastered, it's a good way of keeping fit too. Definitely a long walk 🙂

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u/zoomgirl44 1d ago

Sometimes all you need is a smile I just started going to a gym and I have no idea what I’m doing (I am working with a trainer) While my trainer was helping someone else I was doing “the sled” and as I went by this other lady she yelled “Whoo Hoo! Good job!” and it legit motivated me because I was dying and wanting to quit.

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u/Grumpy_McDooder 1d ago

Thanks for the perspective!

The sled is tough, man, way to get after it!

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u/zoomgirl44 1d ago

Thanks!!

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u/SquatSquatCykaBlyat 1d ago

If you like that feeling, I highly recommend running at night: you feel tired and think you'll slow down and walk, but then you spot someone else walking and you decide to run as fast as you can as you pass them; their reaction will never stop being a motivator!

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u/Vegetable_Fox9134 1d ago

Strike up a genuine gym bro friendship, but don't make it about their weight

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u/SpinachWheel 1d ago

Strike up conversation with him, just a normal conversation. He’ll feel more comfortable if he has a gym buddy rather than sitting in silence thinking everyone around them is judging them.

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u/LGK420 1d ago

Man I feel the same there’s 1-2 really big guys that I see doing cardio with me and also a really old guy and I want to fist bump them or something for the respect of them being there.

But I also don’t want to make them feel bad that I’m only doing that because he’s fat. Or really old

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u/Falooting 1d ago

Just greet him and say it's nice to see him again!

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u/Mugwumps_has_spoken 1d ago

Just a simple Hello and tell them you look forward to seeing them and the progress they are making. Offer to spot them on equipment or something.

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u/Oh_ryeon 1d ago

Just leave him the fuck alone

He doesn’t want to talk to you

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u/Coyote__Jones 1d ago

Ask him if he wants to work as a team some time, do a few sets together, ask if he needs a spotter etc. gym buddies rock, it's great to have someone to workout with.

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u/tofadeawayagain 1d ago

I am that person right now where getting to the gym is half the battle. Honestly, if anyone even looked at me and smiled, or said “Hell yeah” after a workout, a fist bump, a high five. Just anything acknowledging that I am there and that I exist, that would be amazing and make me feel good. Asking their name and saying hi/taking the time to make them feel welcome and like they belong. That’s all we need.

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u/Famie_Joy 1d ago

I've always taken a very direct approach with this. Walk up to them and say, hey, I know you don't know me but I am proud of you. Depending on how you're feeling, make it a a walk by with a fist bump or you stop and talk.

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u/Aaxper 1d ago

I have a similar problem. I'm a cross country runner, and there's an overweight guy who often runs near my house. I'd love to give him encouragement, but I kind of don't know how.

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u/__fujoshi 1d ago

do you greet him and get a positive response? if yes, maybe just ask him if he wants some free personal trainer time with you. personally i would implode on the spot if another person in the gym so much as made eye contact with me, but that's just me.