Embarrassed to get fit?

Not sure if I'm the only one with this problem so I thought I'd ask.. Long story short, I am sort of embarrassed for people to see me attempting to get fit. I live in a small town of 2,000 people, so everybody knows everybody. And everybody knows everybody's business. And for some reason, when I am out in public for a walk or a jog, I pray and hope that nobody I know will see me. Why? I'm not exactly sure. Anybody with similar feelings?

I live in a really big city so being unseen isn't actually a problem for me, however I do fully understand your situation. I've had friends offer to come the gym with me and always make my excuses. I get quite embarressed at my personal level of fitness so wouldn't want anyone to see me turning purple when I'm trying to catch my breath on the treadmill!!

I feel the same too, but I cannot explain why. I push myself by thinking that I am doing something positive and that everyone should be inspired by what I'm doing.

Stick with it, walk, jog, lose weight, get fit and just maybe you'll inspire some of those other 1,999 people in your town to do the same.

Dread seeing someone from church at the gym but it happens so rarely I just do it anyway!! Understand what you mean though!!

I had the exact same problem ! I would never tell people I was trying to lose weight.
I think in my head, to actually vocalise my goals at the start of my weight loss, would have been admitting there was a problem, that there was something wrong me. It was also because I never really believed that I would accomplish any of my weight loss goals and to admit my intentions would bring scorn upon me.

I've realised since then, 99% of people will be positive, screw the other 1%, Go for a jog and wear the sweat proudly, suffer the small indignation now, then reap the rewards in the future.

I felt exactly the same as you, Daniel, when I started back in September. I live in a very small village, in a close-knit community, but only told a couple of friends who I knew would be supportive what I was doing. Fortunately, there are footpaths round the fields around the village, so I'd take the dog for a walk/run there, but even then I was very nervous about seeing people. The good thing is that if you stick with it, your fitness will improve quicker than you think. Three months ago, I could barely run for 60 seconds; now I can do 30 mins. Back then I felt almost like a fraud - pretending to be a runner, when I knew inside I really wasn't one. Now I can hold my head up high, knowing that I'm doing this for me, and it's working. And you know what, quite a few people have said that they've seen me out running - and although it was embarrassing for me at first when they said it, not one person has said anything negative or teasing, but everyone has been positive, encouraging, and even (occasionally) admiring!

So, go for it. Hold your head up high. You can do this.

When trying to get fit you deserve nothing but the utmost respect. Anybody who doesn't give that to you doesn't matter. In my experience, people are EXTREMELY supportive. Maybe you'll inspire somebody else who feels just like you?

Well if it really bothers you, get up early to exercise when nobody's out or later at night. Is it because you are scared you try but don't succeed? You just need a little more confidence in yourself.
Just get out there and do it, really. You are setting a good example that way too. Nobody is going to judge, and if they do, stuff them.

in the case of a couple of "old dears" telling me I need to stop dieting because i've lost too much....

I get that at work... "Don't lose any more weight or you'll look gaunt!"

My reply is "Well, there's a first time for everything!" :laugh:

Do you exercise nakkid?

Otherwise, no.

My laugh for the day......tks

I know exactly where you're coming from.

I feel more comfortable at the gym where everyone is in the same situation and usually concentrating on their own workout rather than in a public situation where I'm running and other people are out with their friends etc.

I work out at home more than anything, especially at this time of year when it's dark and the weather is usually bad. I've bought a lot of workout DVDs from charity shops very cheaply (it's worth checking out freecycle etc. too), and I also do some good workouts on my Wii (I prefer EA Active because it's more intense than things like Wii Fit which are more of a game than a workout).

People get it, your friends will always support you. Get fit and then give them something to talk about. Think about your health.

That's a shame Dan...and I can definitely empathize with your slight feelings of insecurity. When I first started out in the gym I was a skinny 130lb runt and I was very self conscious. I couldn't chest press the weight women were curling beside me...I felt demoralized. But after awhile, and I know this sounds cliche, you just stop caring what about other people think and focus on improving yourself for yourself. You'll be motivated by your own progress...Just remember you get what you put in. When you've reached that point where you doubt you'll be able to complete that rep...It's those extra couple count the most.

Not sure if I'm the only one with this problem so I thought I'd ask.. Long story short, I am sort of embarrassed for people to see me attempting to get fit. I live in a small town of 2,000 people, so everybody knows everybody. And everybody knows everybody's business. And for some reason, when I am out in public for a walk or a jog, I pray and hope that nobody I know will see me. Why? I'm not exactly sure. Anybody with similar feelings?

You are your own worst enemy, you are so consumed in what others are thinking about you that you deprave yourself from enjoying life. Trust me a few years back I walked into the gym and I looked at the beasts working out and thought to myself soon enough I will be within their ranks, 3 years later I am proud to say I walk among them. It's time to make those dreams a reality buddy so go out and do it...