too embarassed......

eclecticwingtips

I am too embarassed to join a gym... or even go for walks outside. right now im getting exercise walking around my house.

its stupid I dont feel like people are looking at me normally. but I feel like if I was in exercise gear they would all be laughing at the very fat girl

StormieL

I'm sorry you feel that way. Maybe you could start doing walks outside in just normal clothes, some jeans or whatever. Then you don't look so conspicuous. Or possibly some exercise DVDs. I personally don't really have time to go to the gym so I do them. I have to say though when I was going to the gym I found people really nice. I'm a big girl and hate feeling so obvious in my work out clothes..and don't even get me started on the smacking sound the fat makes when I do things like jumping jacks. At the end of the day though you just have to think...you're doing this for you and whatever ignorant people may think or have to say doesn't really matter.

Good Luck

LJV1031

Just go for it. There will be those who may judge you, but prove them wrong, by showing you can do this. There will also be those that you inspire & impress, especially when you start showing results. Good luck. :flowerforyou: :drinker:

halfsizeheather

just go for a long walk in your everyday clothes, thats what i did and the weight started to fall off. then workup to the gym.

look at the exercise database and type in walk 2mph etc and see how many cals you'd burn. it really motivates me to get out there even in the cold.


(If you still feel uncomfortable go when it starts to get darker, just go in a safe area).

brookepenni

Dont be silly! Everyone is at the gym for exactly the same reason - to lose weight, get healthy and earn the beer/pizza/burger they want to enjoy later.

Just remember - you dont know where they are in their race. Some are like you, just starting out - and some were in your position the time 3, 6 or 12 months ago.

I joined a gym in May last year at 30+kgs overweight. I wore the baggiest, most unflattering gym gear I could find - anything to cover up. The gym (and mfp) has helped me lose 25kgs and now I meet so many people who saw me back then and congratulate me on my progress so far.

You can do it! Perhaps call one and go in for a trial. The ladies gyms (fernwood and curves) are a really safe and supportive place for women - no men!

kitkat1981

Don't be embarrassed That's really sad How about you just go for a walk in your regular clothes? People probably aren't staring as much as you're thinking xxx

colesmumcolette

I am 10 stone overweight and felt exactly the same.....got 2 the gym and NOT A SINGLE PERSON looked at 'ME'...too interested in doing their own workout xx

halfsizeheather

p.s i haven't joined a gym. i do exercise DVDs and games.

margo36

Don't be. I used to go to the gym when I was really heavy. I used wear a baggy T Shirt and a pair of leggings. Most people in the gym were impressed that I was making the effort to do something about my weight. Start by seeing a Trainer and they will give you an exercise programme to get you started. After a while I got loads comments about how well I was doing. So go for it :flowerforyou:

bsalis76

Probably want to work on your base health first, with walking outside and basic aerobics at home.

Don't be afraid to go outside!
Never really cared much what people think of me myself.

gigglepiggle

I have just spent 30mins bouncing about to Wii Zumba in my front room, I'd never go to a class because I'd be the one jiggling about out of time and getting all hot and sweaty in the process. I feel a bit daft even on my own at home but it's a good workout and I feel better for doing it

mdailey93

I know how this feels! It's so hard to take the first step, but here is something I can almost guarantee; people at the gym are focused! Most of the time, they are so busy with their workout, they aren't paying attention to anything else. Now, there are always going to be some jerks (especially if you live in a big city, or go to a really big gym), but you can't let them bother you. A lot of the thin or fit people at the gym started out something like us!

If the gym still sounds intimidating, then walking outside shouldn't be bad at all! I don't think that anyone is going to be looking at someone taking a walk and make fun of them. If you have a dog, that is a good way to get outside.

Whatever you do, I recommend you get an Ipod/mp3 player and put your headphones in and forget about the world, if you let strangers dictate when and where you exercise, it's going to be very hard to reach your goals!

Good luck! I really really hope you figure out something!

glittermouse

I am too embarassed to join a gym... or even go for walks outside. right now im getting exercise walking around my house.

its stupid I dont feel like people are looking at me normally. but I feel like if I was in exercise gear they would all be laughing at the very fat girl

I can sympathize. I feel the same way.

I use some DVDs so I can workout at home. (And don't forget there are TONS of free videos on Youtube and exerciseTV and BodyRock, so you don't have to go and buy something just yet.) One of my favorites is a DVD that you walk in your home. It's Leslie Sansone, check her out.

Other than that, I do feel more comfortable if I'm walking outside, but if I'm still dressed like I'm coming home from work ( I wear jeans, t-shirts, etc to work), so it's not obvious I'm out to get exercise. I do things like walk home from work (I'm only a mile away), walk to and from the grocery store, take stairs instead of elevator and so on.

To be completely honest, for my first month on MyFitnessPal, all I did was jog in place in my bedroom. I plugged in my mp3 player, cranked the volume and just went for it. And I saw results. I sometimes venture out for some running (it's rare), but it's always at night. I feel more secure that way . . . :-/

Don't be discouraged. There is a way.

lyndom01

I suggest you search youtube exercise routines - there are a lot on there and follow them from the comfort of your own home - or get a fitness DVD.

GeorgieT23

Hey, i was exactly the same to begin with
i thought,, who wants to see me at 18.5 stone
Attempting to jog without collapsing after 5 minutes
lol but after the first time of gettin out there,
i felt so good about jogging for the first time (as a form
of exercise) that i didn't care as much next time round
its a good feeling once you get goin. Get your music in your
ears and pretend your the only one there!
Good luck! X

taem

When I was at my heaviest, this is when I joined MFP, I walked everyday. Everyday, these few kids at the basketball courts would look at me funny and even tried to get me to stop walking. They wanted to race me.

Anyways, I am now much skinner and I saw this one huge man walking in the mornings. When I see that man, I see myself and I want to tell him that he is doing a great job by talking the first steps, but I don't need to tell him that, he knows it.

Don't worry about others, if you put yourself down, you will never overcome your issues whether it be physical or emotional. Know that you are the only one that can change your life. It's great to have support, but no one is going to exercise and eat right for you, only you are.

Give yourself time and love yourself again.

Good luck.

TourThePast

I am too embarassed to join a gym... or even go for walks outside. right now im getting exercise walking around my house.

its stupid I dont feel like people are looking at me normally. but I feel like if I was in exercise gear they would all be laughing at the very fat girl

If you feel self conscious in exercise gear, just get yourself some good supportive walking shoes and get out and go for a walk. You don't need to do anything special, just get moving.

Maybe that will give you the confidence to go to a gym. But really, people are there to do their own workout, if anything they'll just think "good for you" - I was only a few pounds off obese when I joined, nobody stared at me or made me feel embarrassed.

Well done for even thinking about it, no rush, just start walking outside (maybe take the long way round to the shops?) and you'll see what a difference it makes to you - mentally as well as physically.

If you want inspiration check this out - if he can do it after not leaving his house for two years, you can

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/452150-9-lbs-way-from-losing-300-lbs-b4-and-after-today-pics

FoxxC

Or this could be your motivation.................I used to walk the neighborhood FAT so to speak. Turn your music up loud so you won't hear or think the comments from others. Neighbors started to see me and they would say "I should be with you" or "You sure are determined". After a 50 lb loss I started stopping cars and ppl would say "wow you did it" or "you look good" or "are you the same girl that .............." I would just shake my head and keep on walking. You can do this and when you see where you were then you know where you are going.

MikesMuffin

I agree with everyone else. I have started walking and just continue it after walking my daughter to school, normal clothes (especially in this weather....you should have seen me this morning wrapped up against the cold!) Also, why not stick some loud feel good music on and dance like no-one is watching? Good exercise and boy does it make you feel happy! :bigsmile: Good luck, you will get there......oh, and if you haven't already why not have a look on the motivational/success stories thread.... that gave me such a boost!

eclecticwingtips

thanks guys I appreciate the encouragement. I am very big. 140kgs right now. really if I am honeat with myself I cant walk for more than 10 minutes at a time right now with a lot of ba ck pain and getting out of breath.

I think this is a big part of it. while I have always been the large girl I was reasonably fit for my size before my sleep apnea got very bad a few years ago (still undiagnosed then) and I stopped moving became depressed and ate...a LOT...

I am glad I am doing this and im not going to stop. I want to go to a gym or something but right now the very thought is just O.o

sandislim

I felt the same way and I still do. You'd think after losing nearly 3 stone I'd be out there jogging but no. Still extremely self conscious. Maybe one day - at least exercise works wherever you are

nenamartinez

Don't let small-minded idiots control the way you feel about yourself or your body. It's your body, your business, and your right to be wherever the hell you want with it.

If they don't like it, they can take themselves elsewhere.

xginanax

Why dont you bring the gym to your house? i brought my cross trainer from this site like ebay for 80 dollers.. way cheaper.. and i usually do 30 mins to 1 on it while watching my favourite t.v :_)

calvert6183

Dont feel that way. You are an amazing person and dont let anyone keep you from doing what you want. If anyone makes fun of someone, they are only doing that because they are insecure and dont feel comfortable with their body. Just know, you are never alone, you have us all for support and we believe in you. If anyone does say or do anything disrespectful, u let me know and ill beat them up.

Rozlynmac

My Mum told me of a friend of hers who felt the same about going out to exercise. What she did was go out in her work clothes, but with trainers on then walked fast/jogged a little with her work shoes in her hand. She said it made her feel like she looked like she was just late/running for the bus and helped her to keep going until she felt comfortable in exercise gear.

When I started running, I used to take the dog to the beach - it was winter and snowing and so I wore so many layers of clothes I looked like the Michelin man (in wellies too) I must have looked like a lunatic but me and the dog had fun and it gave me that wee bit extra fitness that helped me get going in less clothing as the weather warmed up.

Go for it. More people will appreciate you making the effort (if they even realise) than will judge you. And any idiot that judges isn't worth the time of day - you're already a better person than they are!

borgi77

Just go for it. There will be those who may judge you, but prove them wrong, by showing you can do this. There will also be those that you inspire & impress, especially when you start showing results. Good luck. :flowerforyou: :drinker:

I agree with this post, their will also be bigger people than you at the gym We all have to start somewhere. Maybe try and get a friend to go with you that might make it easier. I use to not go gym and think I was too fat to go but the more you go the better you will feel.

eclecticwingtips

Dont feel that way. You are an amazing person and dont let anyone keep you from doing what you want. If anyone makes fun of someone, they are only doing that because they are insecure and dont feel comfortable with their body. Just know, you are never alone, you have us all for support and we believe in you. If anyone does say or do anything disrespectful, u let me know and ill beat them up.

hahaha you made me laugh thanks!

misslucha

In my experience, whilst it might be scary.. I don't believe I have ever ONCE judged someone who's been big for going to the gym. What kind of person would you be to judge someone for wanting to better themselves? I know it's easier said than done, but the gym is one of those places where I can guarantee you, everyone is more concerned with their own workout and themselves than to even pay attention to what other people are doing!

Get your baggy clothes out (which is what I am doing at the moment also... none of my clothes are tight) and start small. Even if it IS walking for 10 minutes at a time. And before you know it, you'll improve and be able to go longer and further each time. Baby steps!

All the best of luck to you.

RogerF765

I do my workouts at home. You would be amazed at how good of a workout you can get with your own bodyweight and some dumbbells. Don't let feeling embarassed stop you from achieving your goals. I have lost 40 lbs. Total20 since I started using MFP and have done all of it at home and by going for walks. I have belonged to Gyms before and had a hard time keeping up with a plan because it was hard find time to get to the gym. Just remember that you can do this and there's a lot of other people in the same boat as you. Good Luck.

em9371

dont worry what others will think of you or let them stop you doing what you want to do, i have been running outdoors / gone to the gym @ 250lbs which is not a pretty sight and nobody has ever bothered me, if they dont like to look at me, i couldnt really give a *kitten*!!
most people in the gym are too interested in their own workouts to even notice other people, nobody will be thinking 'she is too fat to come to the gym', if anything they would think 'she might be fat but good for her for working out'!!!
if its really that bad, try getting a workout dvd or something for home, or go for walks when there is not many people around

Jennieam

I take my dog for a walk every day. On weekdays, we leave the house by 5.45 and get back just over half an hour later. Before joining MFP, he tended to get only 20 minutes in the mornings. It crept up to 25 minutes, and then 30 and now 35 minutes (much longer on the weekends).

Because we go early, we don't see many other people out walking. It is lovely going for a walk in the mornings - a great start to the day.

Apart from working in my house & garden (which I must admit involves a lot of digging/weeding), walking is the only exercise I've taken since joining MFP 4.5 months ago. In that time I've lost about 15 kg (33 lbs), and gone down in inches too.

So there is no need to go to a gym to lose weight and improve fitness. Even people who are much fitter than I, manage to do their exercise at home.