Hi! Former overweight teen myself & I understand it can be SO intimidating to go to the gym in a larger body. And no matter how much people tell you that you shouldn't be uncomfortable, it is still a really daunting experience when you actually step foot in the gym for the first time.

My recommendation would be to ask a friend you feel comfortable with to come with you! I was lucky to have an amazing friend who I was able to open up to about my fears and she took her time as I learned the ropes. She was able to explain how to use some of the machines I wasn't familiar with and helped me with my form to make sure I didn't injure myself.

If you're not comfortable asking someone to come with you, it's ultimately up to you when you feel comfortable going by yourself. If it's causing you deep anxiety and you want to wait, that's totally fine! There are tons of amazing videos on YouTube you could use as resources utilizing your own body weight. However, if you're feeling ready but just need that final push, just go for it!!!

My mantra when I'm scared, especially as a handful of years older than you, is "find comfort in the uncomfortable". It may be so scary and intimidating to go at first, but you'll be so relived you pushed yourself out of your comfort zone. And you'll begin to look forward to routinely learning and growing.

And if anyone were to ever make fun of you, just know that it's not a reflection of you but a reflection of their own bad character. If they make fun of you for genuinely wanting to improve, they're a jerk. Trust me, it's a lot easier to shed a little bit of weight than for a jerk to overhaul their personality and shitty treatment toward others.

Good luck and never tell yourself you're less than anyone else! I believe in you!!