New to the site and embarrassed to even try

lilbit71

Please keep trying! You never know if someone else is in the gym for the first time EVER and they may see you and say well, if they can do it, so can I! You never know when you are someone's inspiration. It's like Weight Watchers, people keep coming back long after they reach goal, not just for them, but to show the new person that they CAN reach their goals because others before them have and keep doing it daily. So please, help me to keep coming back...help me to realize that I am not alone in this battle, that other people feel gross and sweaty and feel like I do too! Help me to know that WE CAN DO THIS!!!

stephlpirozek

You should be proud that ur trying... think of it this way, even if you walk slow you are still doing laps around people who are just sitting on the couch... everyones got to start somewhere I know you can do it

supermodelchic

Aww shoot don't worry about what you think others might be thinking, kick *kitten* in your workout , buy yourself a pretty top to workout in and I think sweat is sexy , it is the fountain of youth!!!:flowerforyou:

kats1957

Start small, say just walking, and record what you eat in the diary! That was the biggest eye-opener for me...how many actual calories I ate in a day. I also have Achilles tendonitis in one heel, and I've lost only 9 pounds and I have hardly even noticed it in the last 5 or so days! Once you start to lose weight, even a little, the feet/knees, etc will feel better! You can do it!

ddky

Sweating is a good thing. It gets toxins out of your body. Don't let that stop you. Even if you only walk up and down the hallway of your house or apartment to start with. Weight loss is mostly about the diet. You can exercise more as the weight comes off. Just make up your mind to do it. I wish you all the best in your journey to a better you. Good luck.

msjames1999

Don't let it get you down. You can do this!!

winsorsmom

I keep one saying in my head, "I would rather sweat like a pig at the gym, so that I can look like a fox when I put my bathing suit on!" I am still far from my goal, but darn it, I crank the treadmill on an incline of 9 (sometimes 12), at a pace of 4mph for 60 minutes (yes I hold on with that high of an incline) and I go at it... I don't care who is staring at me or what they are thinking... Screw them this is my journey not theirs and to be honest with you everyone else in the gym really could care less what anyone else is doing.

When I first joined my gym, I use to go in a 3am when no one was there and kick *kitten* on the elliptical and try any new exercises that I didn't want to try in front of people, that's when it clicked that no one cares what I am doing and vice versa, everyone is in it to get healthy and be fit!!

Good luck and just be yourself.

Pamm8577

I too have Achilles tendinitis, High Arches, Plantar Fascistic and yes it is a challenge, Its Painful, The best thing I found was to keep massaging it best you can Every day and to put your feet in a bucket of ice water to reduce inflammation but the best thing before you go exercising other then doing stretches is to tape up your ankle with athletic tape or heck I have used duck tape before lol, it really helps with the pain. Be sure and do stretches on your ankles, you can pull up you tube and they have some great videos that show you how. Taping has been the best for me. Good Luck and Don't Give up,

tomoswilding

Cycling is the answer. I'm big, I'm heavy, and whilst I have a good frame of muscle, (especially in my legs,) I'm the same - hate being stared at by steroid-heads in the gym, embarrassed to be on the running machine next to the incredibly hot girl in the lycra, (plus I can't run to save my life!)

However, I'm a beast on the stationary cycle, (and on a road bike,) and I'm pretty good on the stationary rower too. From a social point of view, spin class is a great workout where EVERYONE is sweaty and red by the end, so I fit right in!

I think it's about finding exercise that suits you, both in how comfortable you feel doing it and how accessible it is to you. Despite how you feel there is something out there for you that you will enjoy.

sandy_gee

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWR :flowerforyou:

zoober

First, nobody is looking at you. Everybody is worried about people looking at them. Remember this.

Second, who cares what you look like when you work out? The people who matter don't care. The people who care don't matter.

And for goodness sake, keep it up. In 6 months, you won't even remember this stretch. :glasses:

CashierCantin

Oh hon. Please don't think anyone is looking at you and judging. If anything they are looking at you and saying "Atta girl!".

Go to the gym for YOU. No one else. Who cares if you sweat.....its the one place you're allowed to! My gosh...I get on some machines next to guys who I swear never heard of antiperspirant LOL I just nonchalantly move to another machine away from them if it bothers me..but I know he is getting a good workout!!!

Everyone had to start somewhere. No one here ever went into the gym already fit and toned. We were all the newbies at one point.

The people at my gym are all friendly. I don't even look at anyone when I work out..I watch TV or just focus on what I am doing. When someone talks to me I have to ask them to repeat because I'm so zoned out.

One day at a time....thats all it takes. You can DO THIS! You're the only one holding yourself back!!!

elainecroft

Sweating just means you are working really hard. When I was in 7th grade, I was the sweatiest girl on my volleyball team. All of the other girls who were good at volleyball were running around doing their thing and looking pretty and I was always jealous because I wasn't very good and was overweight and sweaty. Until one day my coach yelled at everybody for goofing off, and to this day I remember her pointing at me and saying - "Look at this girl! She's not the best player on the team, but its clear to me that she is trying her hardest, and the rest of you aren't."

This was embarrassing to be called out, but it taught me a good lesson - it's important to get out there and try your hardest, and even if you aren't as good as everyone else that is ok. I think that moment made me a better person.

I applaud you and everyone (and me!) who is getting out there and doing their thing and taking on challenges and working their *kitten* off - literally!

Pixi_Rex

When I work out I look like I am about to die. My face is red, I am sweaty, I probably smell like a moose but honestly its a good feeling.

Start slow - go for a walk in your neighborhood, I walk through the park in my neighborhood with my dog, its a big park and then to double back home its about 1.9km. If you can swim, do swimming - you wont even know you are really sweating and trust me no one is looking at you if you are in a lane swim. I am over 200 pounds and lane swim in the morning with the older folks and they are wonderful people.

Really though find something you like, even if its just modifying things like yoga (I modify some poses because I can't do them ) home work out DVDS work too - then you only sweat in the privacy of your own home.

I know its scary but I promise you that eventually the fear goes away, put some head phones on ignore the room and go to your happy place.

frosty73

SWEAT... feels icky, but it is great! Your body, when burning FAT, converts it to water and energy. So sweat is literally your fat cells shrinking! Try to find something you can feel comfortable with; maybe a Wii workout at home?

And I will also say from experience-- if people in the gym are looking at you, it's admiration that you are there and working it. It does take a lot of guts (no pun intended) to get out there and sweat! I know it's silly but I feel proud of the very large people who are working out, because they are trying to improve themselves.

dlionsmane

Swimming or you can also buy a weighted water belt that you can use in a pool to walk in the water. It helps you keep upright while you walk along the pool floor or 'walk' without touching the bottom. You can also tether yourself to the side of a pool with the weighted belt on and 'walk' in place. It's about moving - If you are too embarrassed to do it in public - do it at home - walk in place in your living room. Do NOT give up is the key! Think about how good you will look when you've been doing it for a while. Just 3 months ago I was wearing size 16 pants and I couldn't fathom wearing the clothes that were in my goal bucket! But this week I have more than half of those clothes back in my closet and I am wearing them (size 12) everyday!
Good luck!

Lulufifi1994

I havn't read all of the previous posts so I'm sure I'm just repeating what everyone else has said. But I'm going to say it anyway.

Feel free to start at home if you like, though classes are really good to make sure you have proper technique, or a personal trainer if you can afford one. However - if you do go to the gym most people will just not take any notice of you other than to register that you're using x bit of equipment so they'll use y bit of equipment until you're done. If anyone does look at you I can guarentee they'll be thinking "Yes she's big but she is completely kick *kitten* for coming here and trying to lose weight and improve her fitness." What inspired me to join my gym and get my a**e in gear was seeing people bigger than me jogging or going into the gym.

Don't feel embarrased, feel amazing. Sweat is a badge of honour for me.

CarolElaine25

One thing I've noticed as I've continued along my journey: when I'm amongst a large group of others who are also working out, no one really is looking at anyone else.

I've recently started the Zombies, Run 5K training. I do most of my training at the Rose Bowl (there's a 5K track that surrounds the Rose Bowl and neighboring properties). When I first went there, I was a bit intimidated because I knew it was a popular workout spot in the area and I was sure people were going to look at me.

I was right about the first part: it is a popular workout area for runners. walkers and bicyclists. But, aside from an occasional smile of acknowledgement, no one really paid much attention to me (except to make sure we didn't get in each other's way). Because we're all there for one thing: to get our active on.

The other great thing is that there is such a wide variety of people there, of all sizes and fitness levels. I realized that my concerns were not founded. Now I love to go there.

Start out by working out in your home, if that's where you feel most comfortable. But realize that, once you decide to get out there in public, you'll be just fine.

ETA: I'm no beauty when I work out. Sweaty, frizzy haired, flushed cheeks - I won't be winning any beauty pageants. But you better believe that all of those women who you think are ridiculously pretty when they work out hard also think they look horrendous. We are always our worst critics.

ShannonKirton

Don't feel embarrassed. Everyone has to start somewhere and for us mere mortals it is always at the bottom of the ladder. Just keep thinking to yourself that you're doing 100 times better than staying home and sitting on the couch. If you keep at it, eat right and exercise correctly, you'll start seeing a difference very soon. I felt much the same way that you do, but I've come so far since then and I proud of myself for trying. To this day, I still leave the gym looking like I've just walked out of a swimming pool. It's an honor to look that way. And when you're walking out, all sweaty and well worked out, take a quick look around. Everyone else is sweaty too and they didn't get to look they way they do now, by not being sweaty or staying home. Don't worry about everyone else, just try to concentrate on yourself. I don't study people in my gym, so chances are they aren't studying you.

Head down, concentrate, and keep going at it for a better you. Don't let anyone stop you!

about_time_4_change

I have been in the same boat as you, but I reached a point where I realized people aren't judging me like I think they are. As of last week, I get out and run every single day now with my dog. At first I felt self concious that people would laugh at me, but now I just don't care. Not one person has commented, laughed, or done anything of the sort to my face and I have actually had some people smile and say hi as they are also running or walking. I look at it as being a good healthy role model to my children and the feeling afterwards is amazing.
I walk a lot, dance with my kids, do yard work, clean. It doesn't matter what you do, dear. Just move your body and it will add up. At home dvd's are awesome and they may give you that bost of self confidence to be able to go to group classes. Just know you will not be judged like you think. In fact, you will see it is the total opposite.

Feel free to add me and by the way....YOU CAN DO THIS!!!


You are smart
You are kind
You are important
You are beautiful
You are loved

Qarol

Try being an adult figure skater, overweight, who sweats in the cold rink (I'm talking, steam rises from my wet hair)...I might be the only one who sweats in the rink. And little girls asking me why I'm so sweaty. Even other adults and coaches, complaining about how cold it is, then seeing me and saying, "wow, you sure are working hard, aren't ya?" Yea, that's fun. :grumble:

I get it, though. That self consciousness. I have no magic words. You've just got to not let it stand in the way of what you really want. It may not be believable, but it'll get easier. The longer you do it. Maybe not ever easy. But easiER.

AlsDonkBoxSquat

When I work out I look gross and sweaty and I am so afraid to have people stare at me. My tummy prevents me from yoga poses and other things I would like to do. The feel of my own body jumping around bothers me. My feet problems and Achilles tendinitis make even walking a challenge. It's discouraging.

Embrace it and get over it. You will never get all the way out of "I'm feeling bouncy" or "I just can't get my x out of the way enough to do y" but you will, over time, feel less bouncy and have less of x to get in the way of y. No one is staring at you and if they are they're either thinking "you go girl, with your bad self" or something the opposite of that which deserves a punch to the taint. Will people say things directly to you? Maybe, but that has nothing to do with you, that's just because some people are *kitten*, kharma will take care of them, you just take care of yourself.

As far as sweating . . . no matter what I do I sweat like a *kitten* in church, it's just the way I'm made. I wear a tennis sweat band on my head and carry a towel . . . the reason gyms hand those tiny towels to you when you walk in the door is because that's what you're supposed to do there, sweat and wipe.

AlsDonkBoxSquat

Try being an adult figure skater, overweight, who sweats in the cold rink (I'm talking, steam rises from my wet hair)...I might be the only one who sweats in the rink. And little girls asking me why I'm so sweaty. Even other adults and coaches, complaining about how cold it is, then seeing me and saying, "wow, you sure are working hard, aren't ya?" Yea, that's fun. :grumble:

I get it, though. That self consciousness. I have no magic words. You've just got to not let it stand in the way of what you really want. It may not be believable, but it'll get easier. The longer you do it. Maybe not ever easy. But easiER.

I think sweat is hot . . . both literally and figuratively.

cindybowcut

One of my favorite quotes is "If you look pretty after working out, you aren't doing it right." I am a hot, sweaty mess when I finish working out. But that gives me a sense of accomplishment. I don't care if people stare at me, I am there for me and nobody else. Keep going and you will see the results.

larsensue

have you tried swimming or water aerobics? you don't look like you are sweating and the water doesn't let you feel the flab move too much..... I love it!!!

Julzanne72

You need to get past that, if you don't you aren't going to be able to move forward. The only way you are going to succeed is to believe in yourself and if you keep going all of these things you say embarrass you will become non existent, if you don't keep going they are always going to be there and you will never change:) You have the ability to do this, believe in you, that you are worth the effort!!:happy:

woodwardtm

Just try to remember that if you are trying and sweating you are one step further towards your goal than the person just sitting on the couch! People will respect you more for making the effort.
As far as not being able to walk due to pain...If you can afford to go to a running store and get fitted for shoes, that will help you tremendously. It is worth the investment in yourself.

ThinLizzie0802

I sweat a ton! I work out at a personal training studio with 6 extremely good looking fit trainers. I do jumping jacks and my shirt comes up and my boobs flop around, but they love their job and love that I'm willing to work hard to change my body. There is no shame in the awkwardness that is exercise. It is truly a badge of honor showing that you are willing to work to make yourself healthier. Do not let the possibility of looking a little silly get you down. I fall over and get stuck on equipment but god do I feel good knowing I put in the effort. Your self esteem will go way up once you start to feel the accomplishment that is taking control of your body!

rachseby

I felt this way for a lot of years. Now I'm mad at myself because I know that I really hindered keeping myself in shape. Don't worry about it--like others have said, if you're not sweating you're not getting a good workout! (Maybe except for really lucky people who don't sweat much naturally )

jennifermlake

It's hard - it really is. But remember - everyone is on their own different fitness journey and we are all in different places along the path. But EVERYONE started at the same place - the beginning. At some point, every single person in that gym, on the track, in yoga, etc. was there for the first time. Trying something new or different is always hard - but we do it so we can grow and improve and be better.

The more you stick with it, the better it will get. And honestly, at some point, the journey itself (into fitness) starts changing my mind and your perspective. Even without weight loss, just getting moving will start to give you a better overall perception (and likely a more realistic view) of yourself. You absolutely can do this!

I would also recommend keeping a diary or a log of whatever it is you do. Swimming, walking, elliptical, etc. - Set realistic goals to start. Maybe it's just 5 minutes. But log the time and write down how you feel, what's in your mind. Do it every time and maybe every week or every two weeks or so add just one more minute what you are doing. After a month - 1) you will be going longer with your cardio and 2) looking back you'll see just how far you've come. It can be pretty powerful.

Best of luck to you!