Going to the Gym for the First Time in 10+ Years

Hey everyone!

Now that I’ve gotten my eating habits on track and my morning blood sugar under control, it felt like time for the next big step—gulp—going to the gym and getting fit.

If your BMI is high (like mine), Kupat Cholim Leumit will actually cover two InShape gym classes a week for five months, as long as you attend consistently. This is a huge opportunity, and I knew I had to try. So… I signed up for a Zumba class. But getting there wasn’t as simple as it sounds.

My (Very Real) Struggles:

1. Where do I even find plus-size workout pants in Israel?

2. Am I seriously going to make a fool of myself in public?  

3. Wait… let me repeat that: Am I going to make a total fool of myself?!

Besides the technical issue of not owning leggings, I was also dealing with self-doubt.

– What if I couldn’t keep up?

– What if I was the only overweight person there?

– What if I didn’t get the moves and looked ridiculous?

My insecurities were loud. But I decided to challenge them.

The Mindset Shift

I started answering every fear with one powerful phrase:  

“So what?”

– So what if I don’t look like the others?

– So what if I mess up?

– So what if I’m not perfect?

This is a gift—free classes!—and I wasn’t going to waste it. I reminded myself:  

Progress, not perfection.

—

The First Class

I didn’t have proper workout clothes, so I wore PJ pants. I stood alone until the class started. But guess what?

– I wasn’t the only overweight person there.

– I caught on to the moves faster than I expected.

– And no one cared if I made mistakes—everyone was focused on themselves.

In Conclusion

As Nike says: “Just do it.”  

It’s worth it. I promise.  

Even if it feels awkward, even if you’re scared—especially if you’re scared—go anyway. You might surprise yourself like I did.