How to overcome the embarassment of working out in public?

daterminedfatburnerX

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sadiebear2

Hi there. I actually walk at night for 40 minutes, but I wonder too, wat other people to becuase when the snow comes, I wont be outdoors, and dont know if I will feel yuckky at the gym =(
Hopefully by than I will have lost enough to FEEL better.
If I did not have this same issure, I would say not to worry. you are libing YOU life ♥
Also, when Im walking and somebody sees meI remind myselfthat in 10-15 minutes they will have forgotten about me

trudi27

when im driving down the road and see someone running i just think why cant that be me? so ive just downloaded c25k and will start on monday, im gunna buy a cap to try and hide my red face lol

danifo0811

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

this

ashleen7

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

Totally agree with this, when I see anyone of any age, weight or fitness level out moving their *kitten* I think good on you and would never judge them or think they're wasting their time. We all have to start somewhere, you just don't wake up one day fit and healthy.

skatardrummer

When I see overweight people and elderly people out running, I think of how inspirational and proud I am of them. I can't be the only one Imagine that everyone is rooting you on. If anyone is petty enough to cat-call at you or tease you, thank them for their encouragement with a smile, and remember that people like that aren't worth knowing anyway. They're probably more insecure about themselves in general than you are about working out in public.

Louiyen

You should not worry too much. It puts a smile on my face when i see overweight people running because they're out there to make a difference in their lives. I use to feel the same when i was out of shape but i grew out of it. Overtime, as you work out and begin to shape up, your confidence will skyrocket. You'll be running shirtless every chance you get. Well, at least i'm guilty of that. haha GL

newmein2013

Bump for later

deagh93

My own insecurity stands from being laughed at in the past. (Derogatory comments yelled at by an immature jerkwad in a passing truck, actually.)

Took me a long time to get over that and figure out that he was indeed a jerkwad and I didn't give a rat's *ss what he thought. I'm about to do the C25K program myself, and I'm actually looking forward to getting out there. I figure people fall into three categories.

1. So wrapped up in their own stuff they will barely notice me. (most of them)
2. Notice me and think "Good on her for getting out there."
3. Notice me and laugh at me.

1. and 2. are fine by me, and as for 3? Well, they're jack*sses and karma will come bite them in the butt one day, so that's fine by me, too.

gsmithnp

For some reason, this thread made me think of the episode of "Friends" where Rachel and Phoebe were going running in the park. There's Rachel, all pretty in her little outfit and jogging like everyone else, and then Phoebe takes off running, arms and legs flailing in all directions like they've come unhinged from her body and yelling like a banshee. Of course everyone around stared at her, and Rachel asks her why she runs that way. Phoebe responds "because it's more fun." Rachel stops and thinks for a moment, then takes off yelling and flailing away too!!

Point being, exercise should be enjoyable and to heck with what anyone else thinks about how you look!!

mom2dms

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!!!

This is awesome! I hope and pray that someone actually says these things to someone who is in this situation. I hope I have the opportunity to say these things to someone some day...it would have made my day when I was starting out!

WTBSE

I DID IT!!!
WoohHoo!!
My 1st run of C25K done, outside in front of passing cars, mums pushing kids in strollers etc...i blinking did it!!!

skatardrummer

I DID IT!!!
WoohHoo!!
My 1st run of C25K done, outside in front of passing cars, mums pushing kids in strollers etc...i blinking did it!!!

Woohoo! Awesome job!

You are one of those people I'm proud of. I've never stopped anyone to tell them so, but I really am more proud of all the people I see who are not yet built like a runner, because they are struggling and working the hardest. People that build anything from nothing rather than the people who are born with something natural have a greater appreciation for what they've achieved.

I've talked about this with my fiance. He's been skinny since he dropped from his mother's womb. He eats whatever he likes and doesn't work out. He doesn't loose his muscle tone ever. He was never able to understand what we go through until he gained a whopping 10 pounds and watched how hard I have to watch every calorie I take in. He's bothered by his 10 lbs, and while part of me says, "I wish mine was only 10 lbs," part of me rejoices because he knows now and understands what it feels like to struggle with weight, and he's more understanding.

Most people are not like him in America. Most people don't have a natural ability to maintain their weight. The runners are cheering you on, and the people who were too scared to try are envious of you. Maybe you will inspire others to be like you too.

Jesi0725

My immature answer...even if you are red-faced, sweaty, and gasping for breath, you probably have what it takes to flip them the bird. :devil:

My mature answer...it gets easier. I've found that looking people in the eye as I pass them is a really good way to start learning the faces of my neighbors. Next time I see them, it might be in the grocery store or at my daughter's school, and then I can start up a conversation with them. Who knows? The person I smiled at today (through the sweat and the panting and the gritted teeth) might be the person who starts the C25K program tomorrow. If you are out on the street running, you are a runner. Be proud!