When I see overweight people running...

TeraJo

I am overweight and I am also doing the C25K program at my gym on the treadmill. Everytime I go for my run sequence I feel incredibly proud of myself for doing it. I am freaking DOING IT. I started the C25K before at the same gym and was able to do a slow jog at 4.2MPH and now that I have started it again I am going at 5.5MPH and walking at 3.5MPH. This is such a huge step for me and honestly I could care less what others think there.
Also, I will say that occasionally I will get someone who comes up to me after my work out and tell me that they saw me really working hard and to keep going. That was awesome to hear and definitely motivated me to go again. So if you see someone and you are inspired by them. Tell them. You could make their day, week, and even inspire them to keep going.

criscricket

I am about to start week 2 of Couch to 5k and I like to do my walk/jogs in a secluded area with not too many people looking at me. I mean, I know its something that I am going to get over with progress, but now I prefer not too many extra eyes. The park that I go to has a lot of people who park their cars without getting out. Awkward.

Anyway, these people dont keep me from doing my workout, never said anything. And I am down with the idea of ignoring them and working out just for myself, but to be real, this is what is on my mind, soooooooo I'm curious what YOU think (if anything) when you see somone overweight working out/running, and how you feel if you are the one working out/running???

Off to my run, but shall return!!

When I first began running years ago. I also used to think everyone was looking at me and was very self-conscious. I almost stopped running because of my negative thoughts. I believe for me what worked was just doing it over and over, helped me get rid of that negative thinking. You should only care and be focusing about what one person is thinking and that person is YOU! :-))))) It doesn't matter what other people think, and even if they do have a negative thought you cant hear it and most of the time you'll never see them again, and if you DO see them again, they will most likely be thinking, YOU GO GIRL! your out here running again!!! I hope this helps you. :-)

RandomMiranda

I think, good for them (and me, for that matter).

LilRedRooster

I don't particularly care what other people are doing with themselves in public, so it's not on my mental radar. So I honestly don't think anything of an overweight person running, because I don't notice.

nrvo

I think it's awesome and motivational

BobbyDaniel

I think:
1. They are AWESOME! and Kudos to them!
2. That was me not too long ago!
3. I hope I can some how encourage them to keep going!

Beastette

I think, "Oh, another runner. We are of the same tribe." Then I make eye contact and give "the nod".

FitLink

I am about to start week 2 of Couch to 5k and I like to do my walk/jogs in a secluded area with not too many people looking at me. I mean, I know its something that I am going to get over with progress, but now I prefer not too many extra eyes. The park that I go to has a lot of people who park their cars without getting out. Awkward.

Anyway, these people dont keep me from doing my workout, never said anything. And I am down with the idea of ignoring them and working out just for myself, but to be real, this is what is on my mind, soooooooo I'm curious what YOU think (if anything) when you see somone overweight working out/running, and how you feel if you are the one working out/running???

Off to my run, but shall return!!

I think it needs to eventually be that you don't care what they think or even say. Like most people who posed in reply, most people IRL will think it's great. A few people will have negative things to say, but so what? If you can't ignore them, how about replying, "I may be fat, but I can get fit. You can't fix stupid!"?

1546mel

If I see someone overweight running, I think a couple of things:

1. Good for them! That's awesome.
2. I know it's got to be harder for them than it is for me, so if they can do it, I can do it. When I see people working on goals bigger than mine, I find it inspirational. I should suck it up! If they can get out there and do it, so can I.

I'm not in the overweight category, but I'm sure someone somewhere judges me when I work out anyway. Maybe my form is poor. Maybe they don't think I'm working hard enough. Blah blah blah. But I hope I'm inspiring some people, too.

(Honestly, usually I don't even really notice. But if I think anything, it's the above.)

i totally agree! You are working out cause you need to lose weight, and everyone else that wants to comment or stare can kiss my large hind end! A favorite pic of mine quotes "even if you are running slow, you are lapping everyone on the couch!"

Darkskinned88

I am overweight and I find running really hard (shin splints plus burning out very very quickly), I've a way to go to build myself up and hopefully wind up liking it.

So when I see someone my size running it makes me think
a) they're great
b) go them!
c) I should be doing that.
If I see someone bigger than me running, I think they are AWESOME.

Basically I agree with pretty much everyone here and....be proud you're doing what so many others won't or cant!

Agreed....Wu Shin Splints aint nothin to f wit

Rae6503

I always things "good for them". I might even get a little teary eyed...

jpsgrl

I think I should be out there joining them!

GoreWhore72

I get discouraged running, but have to remember when I was an athlete I had great form, and I can be that person again.

Tybalt71

I think wow they are faster then me

futuresize8

I am about to start week 2 of Couch to 5k and I like to do my walk/jogs in a secluded area with not too many people looking at me. I mean, I know its something that I am going to get over with progress, but now I prefer not too many extra eyes. The park that I go to has a lot of people who park their cars without getting out. Awkward.

Anyway, these people dont keep me from doing my workout, never said anything. And I am down with the idea of ignoring them and working out just for myself, but to be real, this is what is on my mind, soooooooo I'm curious what YOU think (if anything) when you see somone overweight working out/running, and how you feel if you are the one working out/running???

Off to my run, but shall return!!

Darling, I am not comfortable with you - or anyone - running in a secluded area. For your safety. Please be careful out there!

littlebuddy84

I started running about a month ago, I always wanted to try it but I thought i was too big to try it. Im 210lbs now. So anyway one night i went out for a walk but ended up running some of the way as there was no other people around. That's a month ago now im still trying to learn how to run, mostly at night tho as im still a bit paranoid.

fittyfittybumbum

When I see overweight people running/working out I'm get extremely proud of them, like buy something for them proud because they are not taking the easy way out by use of surgeries and those damn diet pills. Their determination to show that weight who's boss speaks volumes to their character.

sovannac

I always think, good for them! They're losing more calories than me, just sitting on the couch!

CoryIda

When I see overweight people running, walking, swimming, or doing ANYTHING to get their bodies healthy, I want to shout at them how proud and excited I am, and tell them about my story to encourage them, and just give them a big hug.

Seriously. I *love* seeing people be active, especially when it's so difficult (and exercise when you are very heavy is definitely challenging).

papa3x

how could any HUMAN being not think anything but good thoughts?

TeslaJoule

To the person who was worried about jiggling and people judging you for it, I say this: Jiggling is just your fat crying. If you're not jiggling, you're not running hard enough...and that goes for anyone, overweight or otherwise. Honesty, I don't judge people getting their jiggle on. When I'm feeling self-conscious, I tell myself, "Make that fat cry!!" :sad:

yoovie

I agree with everyone else, BUT you are asking this question on a fitness site. How many people do you think are here that would say anything other than what's been said?

"Fat people running disgusts me!" Uh, I am a fat person who tries to run....

I'm just saying. You'd have to solicit the opinions of those who are not fitness-oriented to get a full, honest picture of the landscape of thought on the matter.

And who gives a **** about what those lazy voyeurs think anyway right?

monharri

I think it's great! I'm no skinny-minny but I run like an Olympian (just joking). Running is so much fun for me that I pretty much tune everyone out. That's when I'm in the zone. And I'm losing more and more weight as my endurance gets stronger and I can go longer distances.

No matter what size you are, you will only reap the benefits of running. I know I have!

chrischinchilla

...I think to myself, "Good for you. I hope you'll keep it up!"

Of course, it's superfluous to care about what other people think as you're exercising. The only time you should care is if someone comes up in the gym and says, "Hey, your form could use some work..." and then proceeds to teach you proper form. Other than that, most people don't really care. Judging from my own thoughts, the only thing I typically think is, "Will this person be here tomorrow, or is he/she just here today and by tomorrow they've given up?" I can usually tell--whether in the gym or out on the road--by how hard they're working. They are two types of overweight people--overweight and working, or fat and lazy. "Fat and lazy" shuffle, then walk. Or they sit at the weight machine doing absolutely nothing for longer than they actually workout. Lifting weights for 30 seconds and then resting for three minutes is NOT working out. And I HATE when people sit on a machine while they rest! That is the most absolutely disgusting thing a person, fit or otherwise, can do in a gym, to SIT on a machine and rest. Get the hell up, and STAND near it, until you're ready for your next set. Arrrgh. Anyway, the "overweight and working" type, however, struggle and sweat like everyone else in the gym...and that's what it's about. If you're putting forth all your effort, then you're part of the brotherhood, no matter WHAT your weight is. If you give it your all, and show up again the next day, and the next, and the next--if you're out on the sidewalks running and walking, pushing as much as you can, and I see you again tomorrow on my drive, and the next day, and the next, then no matter what your weight is, you'll be the person that other people driving by will look at and, if they're fit, think, "Yes! Look at the motivator go! THAT'S some commitment!" or, if they're NOT fit, think, "Damn...that person's been out every day this week. I REALLY need to follow his/her example and start getting my butt in shape." Either way, if you really care what people think, I promise you they'll think well of you IF you give your all EVERY DAY! Good luck!

Tybalt71

I still think wow they are so much faster then me

dbanks80

They motivate me! I admire them for getting out there and doing what they have to do to and not being self concious about it!

amymeenieminymo

I personally think good for them, if they're extremely over weight it must be very hard for them, not to mention admiring their courage and strength to run in front of a bunch of people.

However...if you're concerned about people thinking negatively, I doubt you're going to get your answer from a bunch of people on a website who also work out and are trying to lose weight and get healthy. Of course we're going to think it's great. The people that would likely think negatively are lazy hypocrites or punk kids that like to think bad of everyone.

But even if there are people thinking negatively about you....you're not out there for them, you're out there for you. And know that anyone willing to sit there and make fun of or think ill of someone working out, no matter their size, is obviously a person not to happy with themselves if they have to think badly about someone trying to better themselves.....so rather than worry about feeling embarrased, you should feel sorry for them.

SunKissed86

When I see ANYONE running I think.. Good for them!! and I wish!! I used to run and now I can't outright run for more than 5 minutes without gasping for my inhaler... so more power to you at any size!! :flowerforyou:

b757

Honestly, I usually don't see that. I have really only seen fit and lean people running lately, well, before the weather got so cold. But I think, honestly, far be it from me to judge someone on their size for any reason, and good for them because I wish I could run. I am overweight myself and cannot run more than a minute or so without aggravating shin splints, bursitis and asthma. I am stuck walking it out for now. So I envy anyone of any size that can run. I can understand though why you are so hesitant to do so in the park you mentioned. If I saw people sitting outside a park in a car and just hanging out, especially men, I would definitely be leery of that. Especially as a woman, that would creep me out. Stay safe and good luck with your running.

_Christine_

I tried riding a bike again so I could do something with my oldest. I borrowed a friend's (smart enough to test before buying) and I only did it once. I told my husband I felt like my butt was eating the bicycle seat. (It's okay to laugh here... I snorted.) Anyway, there's a big difference when I see someone else bike. I want to yell, 'Well done!' I don't want to startle them so I refrain, but I do smile. I hope one day to have the confidence to do things without worrying about others.
So well done!