I feel silly on a treadmill

ncgatorfan

I know how you feel. Before I lost weight, I could feel everything on my body jiggle and always wondered, what are the people behind me thinking about my butt?

Well, I decided to tell myself every day that I have every right to be there and this is MY workout. That forced me to focus only on my run and think about all the money I was spending on the membership. I had to get my money's worth! Eventually, I didn't give a flip about anyone anymore! Start with walk, progress to walk/run intervals and before you know it, you'll be running and feeling confident!

Don't let what others think about you stop you from fulfilling your goals and dreams. It's time to put that aside and do it something for you! You're unstoppable. You can do it!

PlunderBunneh

These replies have been really great. Thank you so much for catering to my low self esteem. I'm loading music up on my phone right now, and I'll bring that with me.
Again, thank you. This site is so amazing, you are all so amazing.

changeisgood55

Everyone at the gym is there for the same reason. Those gorgeously fit women...who says they didn't start attending the gym at the same stage as you? If you do catch them looking at you like "Do you even know what you're doing?" just smile and ask them if they've got any tips for you. They'll be flattered that you think they know more than you, or else they'll smile shyly and never look at you again ^_^ It's what I always did in the equipment room at school and I always got one response or the other...usually followed by the teacher telling me to just get on with it mind...but no one ever said anything negative back. And I was NOT popular at school :P

This is what I was going to say....how do you know what these people looked like before they started at the gym. They maybe looking at you because they've been there before too and am happy you're taking the steps to a healthier life. Don't worry about others. Just worry about you.

ansonrinesmith

In a recent poll, the #1 reason for people not going to the gym was: "They weren't in good enough shape/didn't feel good about their body". This is the #1 reason TO go to the gym.

I can state that I would never look down on anyone of any size doing something to get healthy. What I do internally criticize are the way people put into their body, and they wonder why they are overweight.

You will be judged more in your daily routine of shopping and eating out, than you will by going the gym!

fridayjustleft04

Why not just run on a track or around your neighborhood when no one's out? That's what I did at first. I only went to the track when it was empty, but now I don't care.

SLaw4215

Um, eff everybody else and what they think. You are ON the treadmill, and you are WORKING HARD for what you want, and the only way you're going to make progress is if you keep getting back on over and over and have the determination to keep going. Other people may be intimidating, but after a few months, you're going to be one of the fit people working out, too. Don't worry about them, worry about you and your successes!!!

what SHE said!!!!
Put your head set on and get to stepping...then jogging...then running... YOU can do it because you have ALL of us here to cheer you on.

SvelteSoon

You know it's funny but we always think that other people care what we look like. :-) They don't. I have a coworker who is a marathon runner. We were at a conference together and I ran into her in the early a.m. down in the gym. I said hi and then went about my C25K workout (which if you haven't heard of - it's a good way to try to build up to running). I was so embarrassed but I just kept doing my thing. Later that day I talked to her about it and she said besides saying hello, she didn't really notice me or anyone else down there. She had to get in 15 miles, ran for over two hours and was in her own zone. Everyone is working on their own thing. Really. :happy:

Kristy144

There will always be someone hotter, thinner and more in shape, who cares if you get stares or people say something? That's their problem! You can't guarantee what others will do, but only what you will do. Get your butt there, work out, stay focused and pretty soon you'll be that thin person running on a treadmill! You can do it! Sorry if I sound harsh, I do not mean to come across that way you just can't live your life worried about what others will think, its not worth it!

thebunnies

start with power walking, running for one minute every 4 minutes. everyone is at the gym to improve their fitness.. we all have different starting points, don't feel discouraged.

marquesajen

Many people that look fit and great on their treadmills were once not so fit. If anyone heckles you, they're not worth the space. If I saw you I'd congratulate you on sticking it out and would run next to you. If you have a magazine or headphones, make your own little world at your treadmill. It's all about YOU!

fhfreedom

Some people just people watch A woman much smaller than me was watching me on my workout and when she was finished she came up to me and told me that I was doing an awesome job and look so determined and she was jealous of my workout! My jaw dropped! You never know who you might inspire! Keep it up!

alise_lmx

I also want to add that next time you feel self-conscious on the treadmill, just think of all of your mfp buddies cheering you on! You can do it

DancinSMartiPants

Wear spandex to minimize the jiggle and then run baby, run! Seriously. Nobody is watching you. If they are it's because they're not important enough to be occupied.

d2footballJRC

I was really really worried about this as well. I have had a lot of people say stuff like hello, and welcoming me to the gym. It's been a very positive experience as I am by far the largest guy there. I had one chick get kinda snippy and snotty, but even then it wasn't a big deal. Most of the people tell me how glad they are to see me when I come in. It's been a much more positive experience then I expected it to be.