How to overcome the embarassment of working out in public?
Replies
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I think you're kidding yourself if you think people are going to take notice of you working out. We're too self absorbed. We have too many things on our mind. Heck, most are too busy talking or texting on their phones to even notice.
And for those who do notice you, quite honestly they're wishing they had the guts to get out and do something for their health.
People of all fitness levels exercise outside. I've never met a discouraging runner or walker.0 -
Yeah, I don't think there's much for it except to just suck it up and become temporarily self involved. It's about you. Who are these other people to you that you give a flying crudscone? Nobody. Their opinion matters 0%.
Ever see any one looking just think "I give exactly 0 f*cks about what is going on in your head. 0"0 -
II would be more embarassed sitting at home unfit than out exercising(regardless of the level/stage I am at)
Don;t worry, everyone i see out exercising, regardless speed, fitness level etc, I always think " fair play to you out getting exercise"
Just go for it
EXACTLY!!!!!!0 -
I go out at 5am. In a few weeks, I've only seen someone else out there once or twice!0
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I used to have the same fear, I stuck with the treadmill and elliptical because I wasn't sure about anything else. One day a VERY fit (totally hot) guy was running on the treadmill next to me, so I of course got off of mine and tried to do some weights...He then followed me over there and showed me what to and what I wanted to focus on first. I haven't been so stressed since!! He was super sweet to take time to show this fat chick what to do! lol0
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No way around it... Put on music turn it up loud and go for it.. People are rude and I used to worry about other people until I learned to turn my music up.. I have had people call me names out the window but so what... I live in a busy town and I can't stop others being *kitten* holes...0
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Honestly, no matter how out of shape someone is and I see them exercise I think to myself "good for you!". Just be confident, stick with it and take pride in what your are accomplishing. You don't need to worry about anyone because there is absolutely nothing embarrassing about exercise!
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Hi guys.
I am just wondering if any of you have felt embarassment when working out outside, whether running or anything else?
if so, what have you done to overcome it? Is it just a case of ignoring other peoples looks (because, lets face it, people do look for a variety of reasons)?
I am starting the C25K and am worried aboutdoing in in public.
Try going later on at night. I find there are lots of people there hiding out from the day time crowd.
The above was my immature answer...
Below is my mature answer...
You walk into that gym with your head held high. You walk yourself out there AND you work out til you're sweating buckets on the floor. AND... when you're taking your breaks, you totally stare at the hot people AND think naughty things with a creepy smile on your face. Then you get back to your workout AND you remember that if you keep going to that stupid gym AND you work through that embarassment, you will be just as hot as all those hotties you've been staring at! Badda boom, badda bing.0 -
Keep your head up and run on.
I still get bouts of complete insecurity, especially when working out with/around pretty people, but I'll never be where they are if I let it hold me back.0 -
There are more people that would cheer you on than tear you down. And those that would tear you down have their own insecurities. Just do your thing and forget about others.0
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I totally agree!!! WOW!!!0
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Read this post:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/693455-hey-fat-girl?hl=hey+fat+girl#posts-10154048
Don't let ANYTHING stop you!0 -
I'll tell you what a gym fanatic told me. People (men and women) are at the gym to work out. They're not there to judge. Everyone is there for the same reasons, getting in shape, improving their bodies, endurace, level of fitness... overall health. The number one question I had to ask myself was: Why the hell do I care what others think?!? I'm here for me!
So if you can remember that people aren't there to look at you (you're not under the spotlight), if they do notice you their opinion doesn't matter YOURS does and smile the WHOLE time your working out. For some weird reason it makes you happy about what you're doing. You're giving your body what it needs. Health! Why does it matter what it looks like now? It's going to look and feel AMAZING after!0 -
you know, I really dislike running, yet I am more motivated/inspired by those much more out of shape than me, than the marathon runner speeding past me.0
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I guarantee you no one cares if you are fat and working out (if they think anything at all it will be positive because you are improving yourself). Its in your head.0
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love your self more and you want care what others think.. When you are sick and down will the same one you are shame to work out in front of be there to help you..
And let them see you ...you never know who you are uplifting to get off the couch and start to work out..
Put you music on and ZONE out and focus then no one else will either matter.0 -
I never really overcame any of my fear. But my fear came from a bunch of itty bitty skinny girls laughing at me while I was on the elliptical. I was pretty big compared to them, so I lost my confidence.
I did, however, find that I could put in earphones and listen to my music. Then I couldn't hear the snooty girls laughing at me. I also would pick a spot on the wall and stare at it. That way, if people were looking at me, I wouldn't notice. People are going to say what they want and do what they want, but that doesn't mean you have to pay them any mind.
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Just get out there and do it!
The first day I did C25K outside, I felt like everyone would be watching me too but they weren't. I felt a little awkward but it worked out and veryone I encountered was friendly and some were even supportive!
I kept telling myself that I was doing it for ME, no one else, and that I didn't care what they thought. I've been fine ever since I went out on that first day. I still tell myself that now when I venture out on my bike with my hot pink helmet, side mirror, basket, etc. haha.
You can do it! Just remember it's for YOU. How does that saying go? Any moment you're moving, you're not sitting on the couch? (like most everyone else) Something like that. lol
Good luck!0 -
Aww, you guys are so helpful!
Thanks so much for all the advice, i have truly taken it on board, and will be putting my iPod on and running around the local lake not caring what ANYONE thinks!0 -
I took my daughter with me a few times to keep my mind off the people watching. Maybe you could find a running partner. I am in to the c25k for about 5-6 weeks now and feel much more confident...don't let anyone stop you from being fit n happy:)0
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Love this!We need a "LIKE" button for fantastic posts like this one:http://flintland.blogspot.ca/2012/05/hey-fat-girl.html
This link was posted in the "Motivation" forum (I think it's been doing the rounds by email as well). I'll try quoting it here - not sure it will work...Hey, Fat Girl.
Yes, you. The one feigning to not see me when we cross paths on the running track. The one not even wearing sports gear, breathing heavy. You’re slow, you breathe hard and your efforts at moving forward make you cringe.
You cling shyly to the furthest corridor, sometimes making larger loops on the gravel ring by the track just so you’re not on it. You sweat so much that your hair is all wet. You rarely stay for more than 20 minutes at a time, and you look exhausted when you leave to go back home. You never talk to anyone. I’ve got something I’d like to say to you.
You are awesome.
If you’d look me in the eye only for an instant, you would notice the reverence and respect I have for you. The adventure you have started is tremendous; it leads to a better health, to renewed confidence and to a brand new kind of freedom. The gifts you will receive from running will far exceed the gigantic effort it takes you to show up here, to face your fears and to bravely set yourself in motion, in front of others.
You have already begun your transformation. You no longer accept this physical state of numbness and passivity. You have taken a difficult decision, but one that holds so much promise. Every hard breath you take is actually a tad easier than the one before, and every step is ever so slightly lighter. Each push forward leaves the former person you were in your wake, creating room for an improved version, one that is stronger, healthier and forward-looking, one who knows that anything is possible.
You’re a hero to me. And, if you’d take off the blaring headphones and put your head up for more than a second or two, you would notice that the other runners you cross, the ones that probably make you feel so inadequate, stare in awe at your determination. They, of all people, know best where you are coming from. They heard the resolutions of so many others, who vowed to pick up running and improve their health, “starting next week”. Yet, it is YOU who runs alongside, who digs from deep inside to find the strength to come here, and to come back again.
You are a runner, and no one can take that away from you. You are relentlessly moving forward. You are stronger than even you think, and you are about to be amazed by what you can do. One day, very soon, maybe tomorrow, you’ll step outside and marvel at your capabilities. You will not believe your own body, you will realize that you can do this. And a new horizon will open up for you. You are a true inspiration.
I bow to you.
- Flint0 -
Hi guys.
I am just wondering if any of you have felt embarassment when working out outside, whether running or anything else?
if so, what have you done to overcome it? Is it just a case of ignoring other peoples looks (because, lets face it, people do look for a variety of reasons)?
I am starting the C25K and am worried aboutdoing in in public.
No I don't feel embarrassed. Everyone has their own *kitten* going on in life. Just because I can't see it doesn't mean it's not there. Keep your eye on the prize instead.0 -
2 words...MP3 Player. I was intimidated first day at the gym. I go to a bodybuilding gym, not to many girls go there (the girls that do stick to endless hours of jogging on the treadmill) and all the guys are huge bodybuilders. I was the only person who was following a routine written down on a piece of paper and writing down what weight was used, I figured everyone was staring at me. I stuck my ear buds in, kept my head down, did my workout and left.
Yes I was right, people do look at me but whenever they do, they always approach me when I'm resting between sets or when I'm stretching to either compliment my form, correct my form, ask a question,or show me how to make whatever exercise I'm doing harder. I find the more musclar and bigger guys (the most intimadating guys to a new gym member) are the friendliest guys in the place who are always willing to give a spot, help adjust a piece of equipment or give tips.
So put your ear buds in, crank the tunes and ignore the looks. If they're looking it'll be out of respect that you're in there trying and busting your butt or they're waiting for you to be done so they can talk to you.0 -
http://flintland.blogspot.ca/2012/05/hey-fat-girl.html
This link was posted in the "Motivation" forum (I think it's been doing the rounds by email as well). I'll try quoting it here - not sure it will work...Hey, Fat Girl.
Yes, you. The one feigning to not see me when we cross paths on the running track. The one not even wearing sports gear, breathing heavy. You’re slow, you breathe hard and your efforts at moving forward make you cringe.
You cling shyly to the furthest corridor, sometimes making larger loops on the gravel ring by the track just so you’re not on it. You sweat so much that your hair is all wet. You rarely stay for more than 20 minutes at a time, and you look exhausted when you leave to go back home. You never talk to anyone. I’ve got something I’d like to say to you.
You are awesome.
If you’d look me in the eye only for an instant, you would notice the reverence and respect I have for you. The adventure you have started is tremendous; it leads to a better health, to renewed confidence and to a brand new kind of freedom. The gifts you will receive from running will far exceed the gigantic effort it takes you to show up here, to face your fears and to bravely set yourself in motion, in front of others.
You have already begun your transformation. You no longer accept this physical state of numbness and passivity. You have taken a difficult decision, but one that holds so much promise. Every hard breath you take is actually a tad easier than the one before, and every step is ever so slightly lighter. Each push forward leaves the former person you were in your wake, creating room for an improved version, one that is stronger, healthier and forward-looking, one who knows that anything is possible.
You’re a hero to me. And, if you’d take off the blaring headphones and put your head up for more than a second or two, you would notice that the other runners you cross, the ones that probably make you feel so inadequate, stare in awe at your determination. They, of all people, know best where you are coming from. They heard the resolutions of so many others, who vowed to pick up running and improve their health, “starting next week”. Yet, it is YOU who runs alongside, who digs from deep inside to find the strength to come here, and to come back again.
You are a runner, and no one can take that away from you. You are relentlessly moving forward. You are stronger than even you think, and you are about to be amazed by what you can do. One day, very soon, maybe tomorrow, you’ll step outside and marvel at your capabilities. You will not believe your own body, you will realize that you can do this. And a new horizon will open up for you. You are a true inspiration.
I bow to you.
- Flint
Love this!!!0 -
Well, I ahve been chubby all my live long days and working out in public is something I enjoy. Rather it's out walking or waddling or doing a class at the gym. I just enjoy movement. and I love how it makes me feel. I am over 200 pounds and yes I still love it. I have about a 100 pounds to lose and I am hopeful that my enjoyment of movement will help!!0
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Hi guys.
I am just wondering if any of you have felt embarassment when working out outside, whether running or anything else?
if so, what have you done to overcome it? Is it just a case of ignoring other peoples looks (because, lets face it, people do look for a variety of reasons)?
I am starting the C25K and am worried aboutdoing in in public.
I can totally relate to how you're feeling. When I first started, I simply didn't look anywhere other than where I was going because I didn't want to see anyone I knew and then would have to wave or smile (Which there was no way that was happening at first!) But then I realized that I was doing something to change my health and should be proud of it...I still don't really look around much, but it's better.
Keep going...C25K is a great program! It will get better and easier!0 -
I did all my C25K runs at home on my treadmill starting in late Feb. I was terrified of running outside and what people might think when they saw me. Here's a couple of things to think about:
No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everyone on the couch.
"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run." ~ John Bingham
My first run outside was May 12th, and afterwards I felt so good! I felt like I had finally accomplished something. I ran my first 5K July 14th. I am now training for a Half Marathon in Oct. to walk/run it. I alternate walking and running days. And even on days where I think my runs aren't so good, I feel good afterwards.
Don't worry what others think - I admire runners, regardless of speed or size.0 -
Try going later on at night. I find there are lots of people there hiding out from the day time crowd.
The above was my immature answer...
Below is my mature answer...
You walk into that gym with your head held high. You walk yourself out there AND you work out til you're sweating buckets on the floor. AND... when you're taking your breaks, you totally stare at the hot people AND think naughty things with a creepy smile on your face. Then you get back to your workout AND you remember that if you keep going to that stupid gym AND you work through that embarassment, you will be just as hot as all those hotties you've been staring at! Badda boom, badda bing.
Yep, I totally could've written this myself! And no matter what size the person I always admire everyone that works out in the gym or outside. The more you do it the more comfortable you'll feel.0 -
THis article might help you on a psychological scale: The Spotlight Effect - http://www.psychologytoday.com/print/975150
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At my age I've learned that it's better to just not give a f*** about what other people are thinking. I'm the one out there trying to better myself. If someone out there decides to look at me and make fun of me to their friends, then THEY are the toolbag. Not me.
I'm the one trying to get myself healthier and thus becoming a better person.
They should follow in my footsteps and work on becoming less of a toolbag.
Luckily for me, I have it easier than them - my problem is solved with exercise.0
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