Embarrassed to exercise
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I didn't read anything past the 1st page so don't attack me, MFP!
There's no shame in going out and exercising. When I go to the gym, the only time I ever look at someone in a negative light would be for one of the following reasons:
a) They look ridiculous -- I was at the gym yesterday and I saw a gentleman walk around and take all of the 45 lbs. plates in the entire gym to put it on the leg press machine... to the point where the plates wouldn't actually fit anymore so he stacked plates on plates (I should've taken a picture). Keep in mind, this fellow was much more lankier than I (I've been at this for quite some time)
b) They are doing something that could potentially hurt themselves or, worse, another person -- kettlebell snatches with a dumbbell is a poor alternative.
c) They clearly come to the gym to creep on other people -- too many stories, won't bother with it.
When I see people who are heavier, or whatever it is they may be, I look at them with a much better attitude. I'm sure you'll hear it many times over but I'll just reiterate the point again... You could be at home chowing down on a bag of Doritos, watching Dr. Oz, trying to discover the easy way out or you could just take it back to basics and work the hard way through a healthier and fit lifestyle.
Basically what I'm getting at is: Don't be embarrassed of anything, trying is far more commendable than just giving up and making excuses.0 -
I guess the way to do it is to do stuff alone at home at first til you feel happier with how fit you are and then get more public with it. Good luck!
Do not worry about what anyone says or anyone thinks. This should be all about you. Start slow, walking pick up the pace once there get in a gym and knock it out the box. I am 50 years old, I was 207lbs and 5'5 bad knees when I started. I am now 170 and do the gym daily with my best friends son it motivates me and gets him out of the house.
Someone told me the hardest part was getting in the gym, from there it's all easy. I believe it.0 -
Go to the YMCA, That's what I do! Your all there for the same reason!! for me as a student it costs 15 a month!0
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I love Leslie Sansone's walking DVDs! When I first started I weighed over 300 pounds and was embarrassed to just go out in public...never mind exercising. I got one of her DVDs and started from there.
You are worth it and you can do it!! :flowerforyou:0 -
I used to be... but then I thought. I am out here, I am DOING it... which is way more than what most people do.. SO, Just do it.. AND i've found that most people at the gym are there to do their own thing and aren't concerned with anyone else.0
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I was when I first started out, but I just kept telling myself..."It is either now or never." I can continue on this horrible path or I can take today and start a healthy on. It takes time, but surrounding yourself with positive people will HELP BIG TIME:)0
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I'm on school break, but up until mid-May I worked out at my school's gym. I had to share it with a bunch of skinny track girls and super-fit softball team members...but I told myself I helped pay for the gym and equipment out of my tuition, so I had every right to use it too. I went into the cardio room with my jaw set and my music pumped up...and no one gave me any ****, even though I'm a very overweight middle-aged mom hoofing it on the treadmill or doing a pilates workout in the aerobics room.
I'm kinda ashamed it took me this long to get to this point, but I've decided that I will do whatever I need to do to be healthy, everyone else be damned!
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Is anyone else embarrassed to actually start going to the gym/running in public? I am happy swimming but at the moment I'm somewhere without a pool nearby, so that's not an option. I don't feel comfortable with exercising in public but I'm not sure what to do otherwise.
Also, swimming/joining a gym = spending money, which, as a student, I definitely don't have much of to spare!!
Are other people in the same situation? Or does anyone have any tips for me?
Thanks!
Aw, sorry you are feeling this way. Let me tell you, I've recently picked up jogging (6 weeks ago) and for the first time I ran on a treadmill Tuesday night and was able to see myself in the mirror... I LOOKED REDICULOUS, but you know what? You are lapping everyone on the couch! It doesn't matter what you look like when you are exercising, what matters is that you are doing it :-) Don't worry!!! xo0 -
I understand 100%, I started the C25K 9 weeks ago and I would only run at night. Now that I don't look sounds like a dying cow trying to run I don't mind doing it when theres a chance people might see me. It's actually kind of nice when I see someone I know because not only do they encourage me it then is accountability, because I don;t wnat to see that persone in a few months and them think to themself "wow the running thing didn't work".0
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As someone that has been going to a gym for almost 30 years, I can say you shouldn't be embarrassed about starting out. The people that have been going know how difficult it is to exercise and and have the utmost respect for anyone that is trying to improve their health - regardless of what type of shape you are in. Don't let the meatheads that are there throwing weights around discourage you!
You also don't need an expensive gym to improve your health. Take advantage of what God has provided...go for a walk, a run, row a canoe, ride a bike, eat an apple or an orange...etc.0 -
Running when late is an option too actually. I'm most self conscious about my boobs - they're too big for running really, and the sports bra I've got doesn't really do the job properly!
I have the same problem. I work around it by wearing a REALLY supportive sports bra (and buy new ones as soon as they start wearing out- don't wait!) and then I wear an exercise fitted tank top over it, which is built to "support" without a bra as well, but would really only work for a A cup on it's own. The combo keeps the girls from getting out of control, and more importantly, it isn't PAINFUL.0 -
I used to be. I was worried what others thought of seeing a 400+ lbs man out there exercising. I only worked out late at night, went to the gym super early to avoid people seeing me. I am near sighted and I wear contacts most of the time. I remember when I was in my 400's, I was in a rush to get to the gym to avoid people. I popped in my contacts without washing my hands first. They burned my eyes soon as I got there. I took them out and had to do my routine super slow since I could not see at all. People started trickling in and I got nervous. I then laughed. I couldn't see them I felt stupid worrying all this time.
Since then I stopped caring what others think or say. My health is more important. I even been going to a Zumba class at my YMCA for a while now. 1 guy in a class of 20-30 women. I suck at it but I have fun and most important of all, it burns calories. Sure there's probably people pointing and laughing at me but I can't see or hear them over the sound of how awesome I am.
Don't worry if you are the only guy there. We love to see a guy in class!
I think I need to get over that barrier of caring about what other people think of me. You're right, health is far more important. I've heard that zumba is meant to be really fun, I might look into joining a class once I have enough £££! I doubt there's people laughing at you, like others have said here, everyone who does exercise is doing so for the same sorts of reasons.
I got to Zumba and I love it!
Let me know if you find a good sports bra. I don't run for the same reason:)0 -
As long as your hygiene is on point don't worry about the other stuff just focus on the change.0
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You know, it gets better with normal routines. Think about this, how often do you see somebody exercising and think,, " what an idiot, they look dumb"? I personaly am thinking, " good for them, keep it up."
Just get out there, or in there, and make it happen. Friends and neighbors will secretly be impressed, and you may end up motivating someone else to do the same.
Good luck!
Quick addition: Try looking into P90X or Insanity form Team Beachbody. I have done both of these programs and they are outstanding. You can do these in the pprivacy of your own home in about an hour a day for 60-90 days, get ripped, and wear your confidence around for all to see through the rest of your life.0 -
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So I used to have the same fear, and it actually started when I was a super fit, inshape swimmer, it started because I sweat...a lot. Like me and a 600 pound man could probably go neck and neck over who sweats the most. For example, in zumba class yesterday I was drenched, through my shirt, dripping down my face, etc. the girls around me looked like they just walked out of a magazine add, but whatever, I just don't care anymore.
What finally got me over my fear was me realizing that when I drive around and look at people running, or I'm at the gym and a person is working hard (and isn't obnoxious and trying to peacock all over the gym) I don't look at them and go "wow look how stupid or fat or whatever that person is" instead, I say "wow look at that person working out, they're really working hard, good for them getting out and running, OMG I could never run outside right now, its 6:30am, way to go" No one thinks anything negative about you, and honestly if they are going to, its not worth it to even talk to them or take anything they say seriously, because they are probably said person peacocking around the gym like the big douche bag they are.
As far as being a student - does your campus have a gym? Thats a GREAT way to workout and its included in your student fees, or your apartment complex? The other option is if there is a planet fitness nearby, its literally only $10 a month to join and they're open 24 hours. If those aren't options theres a ton of workout videos you can get, most of jillian michaels are in the $10-15 range and they will kick your butt.0 -
There are a lot of free workout videos around the Internet - all you'd really need would be a bit of floor space.0
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Yeah, this summed up my long essay into a couple short sentences. I second this completely.You know, it gets better with normal routines. Think about this, how often do you see somebody exercising and think,, " what an idiot, they look dumb"? I personaly am thinking, " good for them, keep it up."
Just get out there, or in there, and make it happen. Friends and neighbors will secretly be impressed, and you may end up motivating someone else to do the same.
Good luck!0 -
i see more out of shape people running and biking in my neighborhood than in shape people.
get over it and exercise.0 -
Do not feel embarrassed to go to a gym! Remember, everyone there shares the same goal! I love my gym and, honestly, when I see someone heavier working out, in my head, I'm thinking, "you go, girl!" And am proud of a complete stranger! It's motivation for me to keep going, because if they have the motivation, then why shouldn't I? Some people amaze me because they have much more stamina than I do! I'm not sure if you think people will judge you, but trust me, it's all about YOU! One of my instructor said, if it's not jiggling, it's not gonna go anywhere! Lol! Another said, it's not sweat, it's the fat melting! Idk what to say to make you understand that no one at the gym judges, if they thought they were perfect, THEY WOULDN'T BE THERE EITHER!
Couldn't have said it better!!! Im the same way, if I see someone heavier, im proud of them for wanting to take the time out and get healthy. If they can do it then i have no excuse. Everyone is there for the same thing and that is to get healthy and remain healthy. I used to be embarrassed to go because I thought people were judging but they really are in there just doing their own thing.0 -
I had to tell you I LOVED this post! I was the same when I started running. I thought I was too fat, I was too slow, I looked stupid and people were going to laugh at me but after two marathons, five halfs, four 25k's and more than I can count smaller races...who's laughing now :laugh: Last year I bought my first true road bike and kind of had much the same thought, that cyclists would judge me or something because my bike didn't cost thousands of dollars but then I said who cares! Now whether I'm running or biking I always say hi to the other runners/cyclists and am just happy to see people out there getting exercise If people want to judge me because my bike didn't cost as much as my car or because I'm not running a six minute mile than let them, it in no way stops me from doing what I love to do!Just do it!
When I started running, I really though I looked stupid - but did it anyway.
It didn't take me long to realise that most people who are out on the streets in the morning are exercising too, or are on their way somewhere. And they are usually quite self absorbed and don't really care what anyone else is doing!
Now I'll usually smile and nod and say good morning when I pass someone, especially another runner. And if they are looking thin and cool and like it's easy, I'll just wish I could do that too. If they are looking red faced and sweaty and overweight, I think "hey, me too, aren't we the smart ones to be out here doing something about it!"
Don't let other people put you off doing something that is good for you.0 -
Many of us can relate to feeling awkward, I feel worse in a dressing room than I do running in public , so I'll go for that run.0 -
go to a thrift store and look for some videos!! or tape Gilad Bodies in Motion on discovery fitness channel on TV.. he's on at 6 am.. 2 different programs.. I like to do his program because he does give you a good workout....0
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No money and embarrassed to work out in public? Exercise DVDs are your best bet, but you'll need a library card. Your local library should have a decent assortment of DVDs to try completely for free.0
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Or youtube has a ton, that's where I get mine.No money and embarrassed to work out in public? Exercise DVDs are your best bet, but you'll need a library card. Your local library should have a decent assortment of DVDs to try completely for free.0 -
Hi...
Honestly, no one is judging you. People go to the gym for a reason, so please get over it, you have nothing to feel embarrassed about. Once you get a job do make it a point to join a gym, it is really motivating when you workout amongst others. You can make friends and they will motivate you to reach your goals.
Meanwhile, you don't even need to invest in a fitness DVD (unless you want to), you have everything you need online. Decide on how many days you plan on working out and for how long (45 mins -1hour is more than enough). Once you've decided that, go to bodybuilding.com (click on supersite) and/or bodyrock.tv, and search for exercises you can do at home. Bodybuilding.com has all the necessary info you will never require like articles, videos, etc. Bodyrock.tv focuses on home workouts (there are videos that you can follow). Moreover you can also search on youtube for workout videos, there are plenty.
Lastly, for cardio, you can always run outdoors, but if you are concern about your breasts (or if its raining or snowing), then you can always run in your building IF there are stairs. I do that on the days I don't go the gym. Running up and down that stairs is tiring and will help you burn off calories.
I hope this helps, and well this goes without saying, but watch what you eat since it all boils down to calorie intake.
Good Luck !!!
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I have a friend that comes to my house and we do walking exercises in my living room. I am also embarrassed to go to a gym. Find a buddy to do home DVD's with or we use the Comcast on demand Kendra Kimmerley or Leslie Sansone walking videos are fun, short and give you a nice work out. If you lived in Jacksonville I would be happy to let you join us!! Good luck!0
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I was nervous to start jogging, especially as i knew I wouldnt last more than a few seconds! BUT I just went when it got dark, just around the block and before i knew it, I could run for a few minutes, then a few more! then I started going at weekends and if I saw anyone, I would use that as a goal to push myself to keep running until I got past them, even if i thought my legs were going to fall off.. and how you have to think of it is that yes you may be all hot and sweaty and red but the people you see are not caring about that, its THEM who are feeling bad because they are thinking 'that should be meee' - think of that..
but yeah I cant face the gym.. now that is scary
I TOTALLY agree! I felt like an *kitten* at first running in public, but then I thought, who cares! If anyone has anything to say about it, they won't when I'm done! At least I am out there doing it, and actually, yes, having those people see me running, though I do keep to lower traffic areas, or walking paths where most people are at least working out, gave me motivation to go further!0 -
Seriously, I know you may feel self conscious at the gym, but just give it a try! Everyone feels self conscious but nobody is looking. I have just started working out with a trainer and he has me doing all these weights while balancing on the stabilizer balls. I cannot tell you how many times I've fallen/ rolled off and ended up on my face (I keep trying to convince him that I have a balance problem but he's not buying it ha ha). He just shakes his head. And my gym is CROWDED but I don't care. I feel so clumsy and goofy but who cares--I'm working to get in better shape. I promise you that when I see people who I know are beginners, I feel such admiration for them. I know how hard it is to get in there and do it! You'll be happy you did!0
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You can do it!!!!0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45wkl9Rs-MI&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PLA0011183D24F0321
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