Post by musicman2786 on Feb 9, 2014 15:59:08 GMT -5
So, a quick disclaimer: I am no expert in airsoft. I’ve played only a handful of games, but I am an expert in something else: being fat.
I’m not ashamed to admit it. I’m 5’11”, 325 lbs (last I checked, but probably less now). I remember when I was first looking around these pages and thinking, “I wonder if I’m too fat for this game?” The answer, come to find out, is a resounding “No!” If you want to get some exercise and like the idea of shooting people with plastic bb’s, then I would highly recommend this sport. Before I started playing, I remember trying to look up videos on YouTube and even in this forum to see if I was too fat and out of shape to play airsoft, and I only found one video on this topic (Diles46 video on Big Soft: Airsoft for the Fat Ass www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHIEg8MbhAA) . After watching that, I decided to get a gun (AGM M14 FMG and other acronyms I’m sure), and headed out to an event down in Indiana (Blast Camp, if you get the chance, go to it. Awesome field and nice refs.). Had so much fun, I decided to go to my local field in town (Kalamazoo Airsoft). So in order to help some of you lurkers who, like me, were wondering if you should play because you’re fat, I say yes. But there are a few things you should keep in mind. Also, I’m sure some of this will work for any new players as well.
Remember, you are bigger, probably because you are sedentary. If you feel it’s necessary, talk to a doc to make sure you don’t have cardio issues. But assuming that you are cleared to play, remember that there is a lot of running (in our case walking with a bounce to our step), standing, shooting, crouching, and other stuff called “exercise”. I used to play a little paintball and was in marching band when I was in high school, but the college years and master’s program really took a toll on my fat ass because I used it too much. The first time you go, I would recommend giving yourself parameters to make sure you don’t get too hurt. For example, my first game I decided I wasn’t going to run, to help protect my knees. I tagged along with a group that I met there (I went to the event “stag” as you kiddies like to call it) and told them up front that I’m not going to run. Of course, most of that group ran and I didn’t. But there was somebody in that group who hated running too. So we sauntered up to the front lines and there was no problem. Nobody will judge you if you decide not to run. After a while of warming up though, I think you’ll realize that you can run, or at least mildly jog, even within your first time playing. Also, even though the game is fast pace, if you go slower, you can see areas a little bit longer, so there’s more of a chance to shoot somebody or get shot. Either way, that’s part of the fun of the game.
(Side note: bb’s might hurt, but not compared to paintball. If you’re really concerned, you shouldn’t be. It doesn’t hurt that bad. Just have some form of eye and face protection and gloves. The rest of your body can easily take the small snaps. Maybe the fat hurts a little bit more than normal, but I don’t know. I need to turn skinny to find out.)
You will be sore after your first game. Also, you will be out of breath throughout. People will understand though. And I think this also goes for anybody who is doing any cardio exercise for the first time. It sucks, but it’s completely worth it. Take those times to hold the “back perimeter” and catch your breath. You will be more help to people if you can breathe. But no matter what you do, your joints will probably be sore, so I would suggest taking Ibuprofen or Aspirin before and/or after the game (I’m not a doctor, so take that last piece of advice with a grain of salt). If things get too sore or you get too out of breathe, take breaks or call it a day. After a while, you’ll be playing for the entire time. Also, bring some healthy-ish foods (I use chewy granola bars) and water. Lots of water. You will sweat and sweat. You’ll probably start getting a headache if you don’t take care of your hydration and food. Drink at least once between each break, but I won’t have to tell you that. For bigger events, get a camel pack so you can have at least a liter or two. Remember, water.
Gear can be a pain. If you go onto websites asking will it fit me, a lot of times, people will say no and lose weight in some negative or unhelpful way, especially if one of the main reasons that you’re playing is so you can lose some weight. Just go on knowing that those people probably have low self esteem on their own and move on. For eye protection, no matter what I use, I always fog up (because none of the fields that I play on allow mesh, so any suggestions might be nice. Especially, if there are some goggles out there that can fit around my gigantic head and maybe even glasses), but I think that’s a universal problem. I recommend a chest rig over any form of vest, but I also own a 3x Condor/OE TECH Crossdraw Tactical Vest, but it is still a little tight, but it does prevent any pain that may occur when a bb hits you (especially in the fat, which may only be a problem for me). But my suggestion is Amazon for your gear. I got a good set of 3x BDU and a few tactical shirts that can fit me quite well. Also, know that some tactical shirts are bigger than what they say they are, or they expect guys who are 3x to have biceps the size of a ‘roided up body builder. Just make sure your eye-pro is properly ANSI rated and stuff. Just because your fat, doesn’t mean you can’t look awesome. I have a great contractor look that one of these days I’ll get up here. But this is all somewhat expensive, so if you are less well off, you can mostly rent gear and wear clothing that’s more earth tones. Blue jeans and a black or green shirt work very well and won’t break the bank. You won’t really stick out either (in terms of silhouette or social standing).
Most importantly, have fun! This is ultimately a sport where people make-believe shooting guns at each other, which should not be taken way too seriously (I know what I said may draw some fire, but it is a game. Be competitive, but don’t be a dick.). Nobody will care if your 400 lbs or 100 lbs. Find something on the field that will make you happy. I personally like lending suppressing fire and keeping an eye on all of my teammates back. Some of you will find out that while yes, you are bigger; you can sprint and help push the front lines. But no matter what, have fun. And take some Ibuprofen. It helps.
Sorry if it’s a little hodgepodge in style, but I hope this will help bring more people to the inclusive sport of airsoft. Let me know if there are any other things that I missed.
Keep singing and shooting,
Musicman
I’m not ashamed to admit it. I’m 5’11”, 325 lbs (last I checked, but probably less now). I remember when I was first looking around these pages and thinking, “I wonder if I’m too fat for this game?” The answer, come to find out, is a resounding “No!” If you want to get some exercise and like the idea of shooting people with plastic bb’s, then I would highly recommend this sport. Before I started playing, I remember trying to look up videos on YouTube and even in this forum to see if I was too fat and out of shape to play airsoft, and I only found one video on this topic (Diles46 video on Big Soft: Airsoft for the Fat Ass www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHIEg8MbhAA) . After watching that, I decided to get a gun (AGM M14 FMG and other acronyms I’m sure), and headed out to an event down in Indiana (Blast Camp, if you get the chance, go to it. Awesome field and nice refs.). Had so much fun, I decided to go to my local field in town (Kalamazoo Airsoft). So in order to help some of you lurkers who, like me, were wondering if you should play because you’re fat, I say yes. But there are a few things you should keep in mind. Also, I’m sure some of this will work for any new players as well.
Remember, you are bigger, probably because you are sedentary. If you feel it’s necessary, talk to a doc to make sure you don’t have cardio issues. But assuming that you are cleared to play, remember that there is a lot of running (in our case walking with a bounce to our step), standing, shooting, crouching, and other stuff called “exercise”. I used to play a little paintball and was in marching band when I was in high school, but the college years and master’s program really took a toll on my fat ass because I used it too much. The first time you go, I would recommend giving yourself parameters to make sure you don’t get too hurt. For example, my first game I decided I wasn’t going to run, to help protect my knees. I tagged along with a group that I met there (I went to the event “stag” as you kiddies like to call it) and told them up front that I’m not going to run. Of course, most of that group ran and I didn’t. But there was somebody in that group who hated running too. So we sauntered up to the front lines and there was no problem. Nobody will judge you if you decide not to run. After a while of warming up though, I think you’ll realize that you can run, or at least mildly jog, even within your first time playing. Also, even though the game is fast pace, if you go slower, you can see areas a little bit longer, so there’s more of a chance to shoot somebody or get shot. Either way, that’s part of the fun of the game.
(Side note: bb’s might hurt, but not compared to paintball. If you’re really concerned, you shouldn’t be. It doesn’t hurt that bad. Just have some form of eye and face protection and gloves. The rest of your body can easily take the small snaps. Maybe the fat hurts a little bit more than normal, but I don’t know. I need to turn skinny to find out.)
You will be sore after your first game. Also, you will be out of breath throughout. People will understand though. And I think this also goes for anybody who is doing any cardio exercise for the first time. It sucks, but it’s completely worth it. Take those times to hold the “back perimeter” and catch your breath. You will be more help to people if you can breathe. But no matter what you do, your joints will probably be sore, so I would suggest taking Ibuprofen or Aspirin before and/or after the game (I’m not a doctor, so take that last piece of advice with a grain of salt). If things get too sore or you get too out of breathe, take breaks or call it a day. After a while, you’ll be playing for the entire time. Also, bring some healthy-ish foods (I use chewy granola bars) and water. Lots of water. You will sweat and sweat. You’ll probably start getting a headache if you don’t take care of your hydration and food. Drink at least once between each break, but I won’t have to tell you that. For bigger events, get a camel pack so you can have at least a liter or two. Remember, water.
Gear can be a pain. If you go onto websites asking will it fit me, a lot of times, people will say no and lose weight in some negative or unhelpful way, especially if one of the main reasons that you’re playing is so you can lose some weight. Just go on knowing that those people probably have low self esteem on their own and move on. For eye protection, no matter what I use, I always fog up (because none of the fields that I play on allow mesh, so any suggestions might be nice. Especially, if there are some goggles out there that can fit around my gigantic head and maybe even glasses), but I think that’s a universal problem. I recommend a chest rig over any form of vest, but I also own a 3x Condor/OE TECH Crossdraw Tactical Vest, but it is still a little tight, but it does prevent any pain that may occur when a bb hits you (especially in the fat, which may only be a problem for me). But my suggestion is Amazon for your gear. I got a good set of 3x BDU and a few tactical shirts that can fit me quite well. Also, know that some tactical shirts are bigger than what they say they are, or they expect guys who are 3x to have biceps the size of a ‘roided up body builder. Just make sure your eye-pro is properly ANSI rated and stuff. Just because your fat, doesn’t mean you can’t look awesome. I have a great contractor look that one of these days I’ll get up here. But this is all somewhat expensive, so if you are less well off, you can mostly rent gear and wear clothing that’s more earth tones. Blue jeans and a black or green shirt work very well and won’t break the bank. You won’t really stick out either (in terms of silhouette or social standing).
Most importantly, have fun! This is ultimately a sport where people make-believe shooting guns at each other, which should not be taken way too seriously (I know what I said may draw some fire, but it is a game. Be competitive, but don’t be a dick.). Nobody will care if your 400 lbs or 100 lbs. Find something on the field that will make you happy. I personally like lending suppressing fire and keeping an eye on all of my teammates back. Some of you will find out that while yes, you are bigger; you can sprint and help push the front lines. But no matter what, have fun. And take some Ibuprofen. It helps.
Sorry if it’s a little hodgepodge in style, but I hope this will help bring more people to the inclusive sport of airsoft. Let me know if there are any other things that I missed.
Keep singing and shooting,
Musicman
