Embarrased..

2

Replies

  • zoeysasha37
    zoeysasha37 Posts: 7,088 Member
    I totally tripped over bench in the weights section of the gym today. I chose to ignore it though, didn't look around and hoped no one else noticed. I continued with my weights then cardio, but inside I totally wanted to laugh at myself.

    I've also tripped over a plate in the weight room and fell to the floor ! It made a loud crashing sound . guess what, nobody even probably noticed. These things happen everyday:)
  • AllanMisner
    AllanMisner Posts: 4,140 Member
    I crapped myself during a two mile race. Doesn’t get much worse than that. I just make sure I go before I push myself running or in the gym.
  • strozman
    strozman Posts: 2,622 Member
    You shouldn't worry too much about it all. I wear headphones. I'm kind of a freak so I do get stared at a decent amount, it used to really bother me. Now I revel in the stares
  • lloftus723
    lloftus723 Posts: 43 Member
    I crapped myself during a two mile race. Doesn’t get much worse than that. I just make sure I go before I push myself running or in the gym.

    :open_mouth: what did you do?
  • dufus12
    dufus12 Posts: 393 Member
    Agree with all the above, although I do admit that a couple of times when I've been in a particularly bad head space I have driven to a car park and run somewhere I am less likely to meet people I know!
    As for public embarrassment i have pretty much done it all - fallen over my own feet, walked into a lamp post, been chased by cows, vomited, panic attack, spilt my water so looks like i've wet myself and arrived at the gym in a hyperthermic state and ended up been put in their sauna (in my coat!) to thaw out! And yet i'm still allowed out in public, and perhaps more surprisingly into my gym! Stuff happens, to some of us more than most, but happens to everyone. And the thing is, even if you run like Pheobe, you are out there doing it, and that is whats important!

    STAR!!!! GOLD MEDAL? To vomit, be chased by cows and be shoved in the sauna??? That takes some beating....just hope just not all on one day, samthepanda........

  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    lloftus723 wrote: »
    I get what you are saying, but mine is more anxiety related. I can't go to the grocery store without a pep talk, and a racing heart. Something about being in public that gets to me. But knowing others could care less if I run on by is something I can remember while doing so.

    A big hug for you. <3 Anxiety is difficult. You're at least trying to work through it and that takes a lot of courage.
    Dragn77 wrote: »
    I saw a clip awhile back that was so true...we are the main character in the play that is our lives, to the people in our lives we are a supporting character, but to complete strangers, we are just the extras. So dont ever worry that some passerby has you as the main character in the play that is their life.

    Kinda takes the load off eh? :blush:

    I really, really love this. It's so true. I may even (OK, that's a lie, I know I will at some point) borrow this.
  • peachyfuzzle
    peachyfuzzle Posts: 1,122 Member
    lloftus723 wrote: »
    I crapped myself during a two mile race. Doesn’t get much worse than that. I just make sure I go before I push myself running or in the gym.

    :open_mouth: what did you do?

    Yes. Yes he did.
  • samthepanda
    samthepanda Posts: 569 Member
    lloftus723 wrote: »
    Chased by a cow?!? Hahaha how does that happen? Sorry I found that funny. I live in Iowa and have never experienced that. Now I will be on the lookout. I wish I had someone like you to workout with. Sounds like fun!

    It's seldom dull in my world! The cows are sometimes grazing by the river near where I run or cycle, and just occasionally get annoyed. More scary was when I was in a charity ride in rural Ireland with 4000 others and a farmer took his cows down the road we were on for milking - narrow road, sharp bend, lots of cyclists on wet road suddenly faced with 40 cows coming towards us! They were very freaked - and so was I! Race was held up for 10 mins while people herded them down the road!
    Keep smiling x
  • lloftus723
    lloftus723 Posts: 43 Member
    SueInAz wrote: »
    lloftus723 wrote: »
    I get what you are saying, but mine is more anxiety related. I can't go to the grocery store without a pep talk, and a racing heart. Something about being in public that gets to me. But knowing others could care less if I run on by is something I can remember while doing so.

    A big hug for you. <3 Anxiety is difficult. You're at least trying to work through it and that takes a lot of courage.
    Dragn77 wrote: »
    I saw a clip awhile back that was so true...we are the main character in the play that is our lives, to the people in our lives we are a supporting character, but to complete strangers, we are just the extras. So dont ever worry that some passerby has you as the main character in the play that is their life.

    Kinda takes the load off eh? :blush:

    I really, really love this. It's so true. I may even (OK, that's a lie, I know I will at some point) borrow this.


    Thank you I appreciate that. Its not fun but its something I definitely need to get over. I don't even know why I am like that. I am working on it though, and all of the comments give me something to think about when I start to worry.

    And I also love love that last part as well!!!

  • PinkyPan1
    PinkyPan1 Posts: 3,018 Member
    I channel my inner Phoebe and go to the park before most people are out of bed. I wear a ipod and I sing my heart out as I get my 5-6 miles in. I get to witness the sunrise every morning. Most mornings my son joins me but when he is away on business I go it alone. Our park is next to the fire station and is also part of our K9 units agility course. I feel safe out there.
  • dufus12
    dufus12 Posts: 393 Member
    SueInAz wrote: »
    lloftus723 wrote: »
    I get what you are saying, but mine is more anxiety related. I can't go to the grocery store without a pep talk, and a racing heart. Something about being in public that gets to me. But knowing others could care less if I run on by is something I can remember while doing so.

    A big hug for you. <3 Anxiety is difficult. You're at least trying to work through it and that takes a lot of courage.
    Dragn77 wrote: »
    I saw a clip awhile back that was so true...we are the main character in the play that is our lives, to the people in our lives we are a supporting character, but to complete strangers, we are just the extras. So dont ever worry that some passerby has you as the main character in the play that is their life.

    Kinda takes the load off eh? :blush:

    I really, really love this. It's so true. I may even (OK, that's a lie, I know I will at some point) borrow this.
    SueInAz wrote: »
    lloftus723 wrote: »
    I get what you are saying, but mine is more anxiety related. I can't go to the grocery store without a pep talk, and a racing heart. Something about being in public that gets to me. But knowing others could care less if I run on by is something I can remember while doing so.

    A big hug for you. <3 Anxiety is difficult. You're at least trying to work through it and that takes a lot of courage.
    Dragn77 wrote: »
    I saw a clip awhile back that was so true...we are the main character in the play that is our lives, to the people in our lives we are a supporting character, but to complete strangers, we are just the extras. So dont ever worry that some passerby has you as the main character in the play that is their life.

    Kinda takes the load off eh? :blush:

    I really, really love this. It's so true. I may even (OK, that's a lie, I know I will at some point) borrow this.


    Think we could all learn a lesson from this philosophy,,,,
  • carolynmo1969
    carolynmo1969 Posts: 120 Member
    edited April 2015
    I have the worst eyesight, but haven't had eye surgery and hate contact lenses. I take my glasses off to work out and can't see A THING. Once someone approached me at the gym and started talking to me, I had to squint and lean almost in her face to realize she was a co-worker. So, if you're a member of MY gym and it appears I'm looking at you, I can't actually SEE you.
  • TripleJ3
    TripleJ3 Posts: 945 Member
    I like to think I'm a person who doesn't care what others think.....but I probably care more than I'd like to admit. I feel this way at times, too.
    I care about what I think about me more. I think it's ridiculous for me to not do something because some person I don't even know may think a mean thing. And if they were to say it out loud to me, while that may sting, I'd think more of what kind of a sad miserable person would ever do that and feel more sympathy for them.
    Plus I feel if something really scares me, then I should do it. I'm not always 100% able to follow this every time, but most times these thoughts get me into a mindset to get out there and do it. I haven't regretted once.
  • Dragn77
    Dragn77 Posts: 810 Member
    edited April 2015
    SueInAz wrote: »
    lloftus723 wrote: »
    I get what you are saying, but mine is more anxiety related. I can't go to the grocery store without a pep talk, and a racing heart. Something about being in public that gets to me. But knowing others could care less if I run on by is something I can remember while doing so.

    A big hug for you. <3 Anxiety is difficult. You're at least trying to work through it and that takes a lot of courage.
    Dragn77 wrote: »
    I saw a clip awhile back that was so true...we are the main character in the play that is our lives, to the people in our lives we are a supporting character, but to complete strangers, we are just the extras. So dont ever worry that some passerby has you as the main character in the play that is their life.

    Kinda takes the load off eh? :blush:

    I really, really love this. It's so true. I may even (OK, that's a lie, I know I will at some point) borrow this.

    Definitely!!! Heres the clip I was talking about...Called The Science of Awkwardness. Posting about it here reminded me Ive been meaning to watch it with kiddo, and she said that it was really interesting and took a lot of it to heart.

    https://youtu.be/o268qbb_0BM

    lloftus723 wrote: »
    I get what you are saying, but mine is more anxiety related. I can't go to the grocery store without a pep talk, and a racing heart. Something about being in public that gets to me. But knowing others could care less if I run on by is something I can remember while doing so.

    I have an anxiety disorder, and can relate to the pep talk to go to the grocery store... heck, it once took me so long to check my mail that my mailman returned everything to sender in my box, and its *literally* right downstairs.

    Not sure if its the same, but my issue is I get to thinking too much. I think too much about all the possible things I could do wrong, say wrong, mess up etc etc... how people will look at me, react to me..its exhausting to be honest. I can talk myself out of anything. Even just to go spend time with friends Ive known nearly 10 years now, who I KNOW love and accept me, I end up cancelling on them a good 80% of the time..maybe more.

    What helps me out *a lot* is meditation...guided meditation specifically, it calms me down and keeps me from thinking and over-thinking things. I also make a conscious effort to think about what is happening *right now* not what might happen, or could happen...but right now. Nothing is happening...that is what is real. Whatever possibilities I could dream of have not happened, and probably wont ever happen. That helps to keep me centered.

    Im not 100%, but Im WAAAY better now than I used to be. Anyway, just offering up some coping techniques for anxiety that I hope helps somewhat!
  • Timshel_
    Timshel_ Posts: 22,834 Member
    lloftus723 wrote: »
    How do you get to the mindset of not caring what others think?

    I can't say I don't like to workout in public, but I PREFER to have no one around. I do a lot to make sure I run and exercise in places nobody goes. I especially like hiking away from crowds.

    Honestly though, I don't worry about it and don't care what others think. I work at a college, and I workout with all the athletes, and I am sure they have opinions about this 46 year old trying to do what I do. I just don't care.

  • lloftus723
    lloftus723 Posts: 43 Member
    ot sure if its the same, but my issue is I get to thinking too much. I think too much about all the possible things I could do wrong, say wrong, mess up etc etc... how people will look at me, react to me..its exhausting to be honest. I can talk myself out of anything. Even just to go spend time with friends Ive known nearly 10 years now, who I KNOW love and accept me, I end up cancelling on them a good 80% of the time..maybe more.

    To a T. And has gotten worse after having kids. If I am alone, its doing something embarassing, car accidents on my way to a location, I check my wallet about sixty times to make sure I have money or call my debit cards (nothing worse than having your card decline) running into someone, just on and in. With the kids its more hold their hands so no one steals them, dont touch anything, dont run across the road, dont break that, I am constantly worried about the what ifs and thinking way too much into things. lol its very exhausting and rediculous . And I feel terrible for my kids but thats why we dont go very many places. I sweat like a pig and just ugh. Like I said not sure what brought it on but it just seems to get worse. Maybe just breaking out and dealing with it, maybe with the "no one cares" on repeat I can get over it. What type of meditation do you do?
  • allaboutthecake
    allaboutthecake Posts: 1,535 Member
    Not to scare you off from the idiots we lovingly call our public, I've been chased by angry dogs, nearly crashed from dodging squirrels, numerous drivers nearly hitting me, flat tires, navigating strictly from gps in unknown terrain, & more......wear your sunblock & get out there. If you're at the gym, plug in your headset music, grab a towel, bring a water bottle & your set. :)
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    Being old helps. After a while, you just go for it. One of the great joys of being a mature woman. Other people just have to deal.

    Nearly everyone in the world is too much in to themselves to notice anyone else. Especially in the gym. The mirrors? To check out their form. Just think of it. A room full of people just like you. So be mindful and be generous with your compliments, and keep snark to yourself. After all, that's what you are hoping for.

    My now-hubby is a long-time gym hound, and we had a lot of dates there. Having him around for moral support was great. After a while I stopped caring what other people were doing other than remembering to wipe their equipment afterwards.

    For the odd duck that does say something nasty? Put them in a virtual box called, "Open, never."

    If your anxiety is getting out of control and interfering with your life, I heard that cognitive behavior therapy can really help.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    @Dragn77 that is such a cool quote. I'm keeping it.
  • MamaMollyT
    MamaMollyT Posts: 197 Member
    You get over it by doing it repeatedly. No easier way. That and just realizing most people are just going about their own day and not out to ridicule strangers.
  • dufus12
    dufus12 Posts: 393 Member
    TripleJ3 wrote: »
    I like to think I'm a person who doesn't care what others think.....but I probably care more than I'd like to admit. I feel this way at times, too.
    I care about what I think about me more. I think it's ridiculous for me to not do something because some person I don't even know may think a mean thing. And if they were to say it out loud to me, while that may sting, I'd think more of what kind of a sad miserable person would ever do that and feel more sympathy for them.
    Plus I feel if something really scares me, then I should do it. I'm not always 100% able to follow this every time, but most times these thoughts get me into a mindset to get out there and do it. I haven't regretted once.

    Like it!!
    Getting a few new mantras here - great thread! Basically, who gives a flying batsquirrel's *kitten* to whatever anyone else thinks; its you that is important. Do what you can do when you can do it.......

    Apt timing for me - I have been out of game for years, but soon hopefully able to do more and there is a gym nearby. It looks intimidating on the website,,,,,,of course!! All glorious toned blondes etc.....but hey, I will just ne the short fat extra in the background. Bit like Danny de Vito's sister.........
  • lloftus723
    lloftus723 Posts: 43 Member
    MamaMollyT wrote: »
    You get over it by doing it repeatedly. No easier way. That and just realizing most people are just going about their own day and not out to ridicule strangers.

    I agree. :)

  • Dragn77
    Dragn77 Posts: 810 Member
    edited April 2015
    lloftus723 wrote: »
    ot sure if its the same, but my issue is I get to thinking too much. I think too much about all the possible things I could do wrong, say wrong, mess up etc etc... how people will look at me, react to me..its exhausting to be honest. I can talk myself out of anything. Even just to go spend time with friends Ive known nearly 10 years now, who I KNOW love and accept me, I end up cancelling on them a good 80% of the time..maybe more.

    To a T. And has gotten worse after having kids. If I am alone, its doing something embarassing, car accidents on my way to a location, I check my wallet about sixty times to make sure I have money or call my debit cards (nothing worse than having your card decline) running into someone, just on and in. With the kids its more hold their hands so no one steals them, dont touch anything, dont run across the road, dont break that, I am constantly worried about the what ifs and thinking way too much into things. lol its very exhausting and rediculous . And I feel terrible for my kids but thats why we dont go very many places. I sweat like a pig and just ugh. Like I said not sure what brought it on but it just seems to get worse. Maybe just breaking out and dealing with it, maybe with the "no one cares" on repeat I can get over it. What type of meditation do you do?

    Wow..yeah, I feel you. Im thankful for kiddo, she is the only person in the world to know just how bad my anxiety can get, but shes super patient and so understanding. And to be honest, is a huge reason why Im as grounded as I manage to be, cause she will convince me to get out there, and I was really touched when a couple months ago, out of the blue she told me how proud she was of me for not missing any work....I still think of that when I want to take a day off, too inspiring :)

    Anyway, yeah just look up guided meditation on youtube.. I find it way better than any others, because it tells you to paint a picture in your mind, of what to see and feel and smell etc...and I get so focused on that, that I stop thinking of anything else. I found that the music, waves crashing, wind chimes all that did nothing for me, cause my mind would steady be running at 100%.

    And I wont not mention therapy. Its how I even found out that I have a disorder, was able to put a name to it, and they taught me a ton of coping skills to help me get through the worst moments. They put me on a couple different meds too, buuuut...the idea that I was so bad off I needed meds made me so stressed and even more anxious that after a few months I opted to get off of them. Meditation FTW honestly.
  • lloftus723
    lloftus723 Posts: 43 Member
    Thank you! I will check that out. And yes I am not too keen on medication. Not bashing those that feel the meed for it, or those that it helps, but me personally I do not want to become medically dependent. Thanks for all of your kind words!
  • LeeAnn254
    LeeAnn254 Posts: 35 Member
    techgal128 wrote: »
    Wear headphones. It's a little hard to focus on what people think of you when you are listening to music.

    Oh, and I was at a class and worked out with a fat hole in my pants the entire time. Only reason I noticed is when I looked behind me and saw my reflection on a mirrored wall. Not sure how people I scarred in the process.

    Lol omg made me day.
  • Shanairah1991
    Shanairah1991 Posts: 152 Member
    I'm just so proud of myself that I don't care what people think! Okay it's not really that easy haha. I go to a women's only gym because the thought of a man staring at me while I'm all sweaty and making stupid faces when I lift really makes me uncomfortable. Sure women look too but it's just... different. I don't know.

    Embarrassing story. Well, I love the stairmaster. My favorite machine but I have tripped countless times. Not to the point of falling off but sometimes I dont step high enough, banging my toes on the next step and having to do a super jump to get myself up and steady again. I don't know if anyone notices but I feel very embarrassed when it happens. My heart rate also peaks, scary *kitten*.
  • rachaelz12
    rachaelz12 Posts: 10 Member
    The reason I like to run is because, even on my worst days, it's inherently true that no one can be better at running-as-me than me. Also, I've noticed that almost without exception, runners are great to each other about running. I was coming up a really steep hill last year on a trail I run regularly and I didn't walk and a guy passed me going the other way and yelled, "Great job!" I yelled back, "Thanks!" and he yelled, "We're both awesome today!" and went on his way. I do a lot of 5K's and nobody is ever bitchy about the form, speed, weight, or appearance of anyone else. If they notice you, they do it with kindness. Otherwise, they're wrapped up in their own thing. You are the only person who can be the best you at anything. Shuffle, sweat, huff, whatever it is you do -- nobody's watching, and if they are, they're not thinking anything you need to worry about. If they're thinking something positive, they might even say it to you! It's the same as the mirror. No one cares about what you look like in the mirror even half as much as you do!
  • srcurran
    srcurran Posts: 208 Member
    The older you get the less you let that kind of stuff bother you.
  • nestornieves23
    nestornieves23 Posts: 1 Member
    I had the same issue starting. I had a minor fear of working out in public. I started working out at home. Did insanity for 9 weeks. Lost about 35 pounds and once i could actually run for longer than 10 minutes wihout dying, i felt better about running outside or going to the gym. Just have to start somewhere. Even if its inside your own home at first
  • Emilia777
    Emilia777 Posts: 978 Member
    edited April 2015
    lloftus723 wrote: »
    get how you're feeling but, honestly, think about the last time you saw someone running in your neighborhood or at the park. What did you think? Did you really notice them? What were your thoughts upon seeing them? Were they negative or more than a passing thought?

    Honestly, when I see someone else running, I usually think either (1) dang, I hope I’ll get that fit, or (2) good for this person, working out when it’s probably hard as heck. I lost about 45 lbs and running was hell when I first started: both because I wanted to stop and because I worried what people thought about me. The way I see it, anyone worth their salt will respect another person who is making efforts to get healthier.

    More recently, as I got into weight training, I was *terrified* of going into the lifting room. It’s usually full of dudes, most of them jocks, and I worried a lot about what they’ll think of me, with my low starting weights and obvious inexperience. Nowadays I realize that either they don’t care or they think I’m badass :tongue:. You gotta keep a positive self-image, and never forget that people who would think less of you for working out are just completely not even worth caring about. Plus, most people either don’t notice or have a positive reaction. Most people aren’t meanies! :smile: