Feel free to move along if you want.

My work has been making a big fitness push lately.  We have a wonderful gym facility, and have been recently been adding some group fitness courses, that people seem to enjoy.  I’ve taken advantage of all of these opportunities, and don’t take this benefit for granted. 

Anyway, we’re getting ready to start a new strength/mobility class, and we had an information session today held by the trainer that will be teaching the course.  I showed up, as did about 20ish other people, which is great!  The strange thing were the comments that I heard from some of my classmates directed at me and others. 

One person: *sigh* Oh no, you’re a runner.  You’re going to make me look bad.

Me: I do run sometimes, but I could really use some work on flexibility and strength training.

Another person: I can’t even lift myself.  I might as well drop out now if you and (other coworker that uses our gym) are in it.

There were a few others along these lines.  It bothered me.

You guys.  I run sometimes.  I am by no means a sleek, chiseled, competitive runner.  My 5K time is probably just slightly higher than your grandma’s.  Yes, you may have seen me in the gym.  Yes, I take part in the FREE yoga classes so generously offered here.  Yes, I want to take part in this opportunity because I want to be better.  I want to be healthier, I want to do things that will push me, and make my body stronger. 

Where does this culture of shaming people that actually try come from?  Why, when the class is advertised for people of all fitness levels, are you quitting before you even give it a shot?    What about everyone’s bodies and capabilities are different and there’s no right or wrong about it?