Embarrassed to get fit?

I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. If people look at you just keep walking. Sometimes whether you know it or not people may find you inspirational or they may be proud of you.

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.

It's like I wrote this myself. Even now it is physically obvious to people I've been dieting, I hate talking about it. Except on mfp of course

I can understand the mind set here but I'm actually embarrased of the opposite of not being fit. It's embarassing to take pictures and do things while being fat and unsigthly. For me that is motivation to keep trucking and moving. Eventually you will build enough steam to not care about anyone who isn't on the positive note.

Accept yourself where you're at now and be very proud that you want to improve on that! Many others in your community wish that they had the strength and will power to do what your doing so Walk Tall! :flowerforyou:

I live in a small community approx 1200 people. I know exactly what you mean, add to the fact I have lived here forever. THe county I live in everybody seems to know everybody. I decided that I just give a rat's *kitten* anymore. THis is for me, not them. I'm not doing it to impress or to get compliments from them. I am doing this for me, to feel better, to control my MS without meds, to be the mom my kids need, and to look at myself and not want to vomit.
You have to decide if it's more painful to be unfit and unhealthy then it is to get out and move despite what other people in your community say or think.
Good luck!

I have had those feelings before. But really, you've got to ignore them and keep going! Now when I see someone exercising who is larger, I smile and think "good for them!". If you get rude remarks, just ignore them; you are doing something to improve yourself!

I felt like that for a long time. I only just recently decided to do the 30-day shred. I never wanted to work out at home where my partner could watch. But I decided to swallow my pride and do it anyway, now she is doing it WITH me. I also have a gym membership at a co-ed gym. Before, I would only go to an all female gym. After a while, you just stop caring so much about what others think. I rather them see me trying to get fit, than see me sitting on my fat *kitten* and thinking I'm lazy.

I can totally relate! And then I read this....someone posted it on MFP a while back...and I cried...lol. But seriously I have learned how people truly think. And I am no longer the fat girl!

http://flintland.blogspot.com/2012/05/hey-fat-girl.html

You could always say you're "picking up cans."

Im also from a small town. And I can safely assume I am more overweight than the original poster.

I think this is a big issue for a lot of people. I feel the same. I think one issue I have, is people want to stop and chit chat with you when you see them. They think it is rude if you are in a hurry. I am at the point now I don't care about people seeing me on my walks. However, if it is bothering you that much and you can't shake the thought - walk late at night or early in morning.

Is there a gym in your small town?

The gym was SUPER scary to me, but one day I got the courage and walked in. The giant beast of a man who ran the gym (huge fit dude, Muay Thai expert etc...) instantly had my guard up but he ended up being a huge help, and we are friends to this day.

I really believe there is no way your first gym experience could be worse than mine. The jacked dude I mentioned from before was walking me through a sample program - and I was struggling on seated military press...the machine kind (so even easier) and I could barely finish my third set...with NO weight. I was mortified...

BUT

No one noticed. The trainer did but he was only encouraging.

I kept up with the weight training and made lots of solid friends in the gym. People there were motivating, they were helpful and I never had any issues with people talking **** (at least in earshot).

If you do go the gym route - just make sure you learn some of the "unspoken etiquette". Because, as I learned, even being the giant fat guy at the gym is better than being the fit guy doing curls in the squat rack

First off! great job on your decision to get fit anyways!!!

Second... I figure, what better place for an overweight person to be at then the gym... or outside working out.

Honestly I don't generally 'run' anyways unless it's on an elliptical... but if you have gym access, you are more likely to encounter supportive people at the gym than if you just work out outside... I've never had anyone be anything but encouraging at the gym while I'm obviously out of shape, but trying to get in shape... particularly if you go early morning or late night... Right after work you run int the jerks more... or running outside... some people will always be douche nozzles even to people who are thin and in shape.

Best of luck!

Lol Well I'm glad I'm not alone in this! I'm really not anymore, but when I was first starting out I certainly was.

The thing is that everyone, even perfect strangers, has been wonderful and supportive. It gets weird sometimes because people come up and ask me if I've had surgery or have cancer or stuff liked that and it gets pretty awkward. You just gotta laugh it off and not let it stop you.

Now, I'm not a member of a gym but I listen to a podcast where one of the dudes is a weightlifter and he addressed this subject by saying that the gym is the last place you should worry about people judging your body because everyone there is too busy judging and obsessing over their own bodies :P

I didnt read all the posts here, but.. Im embarrassed to jog on the treadmill at the gym. I can do the track no problem. But I dont want to get on that treadmill and hear it maybe squeak as I jog. Im a heavier set girl and I dont want people to think "O look at the fat chick running/jiggling on the treadmill" .. I know its all in my head, but I know how you feel

Always try to imagine people saying, "wow, that guy/girl is so impressive. I'm just in awe of her/him. There they go again! I wish I were more like him/her."

Because someone is bound to be saying it about you if they're saying anything.

You are not alone. I think its hard to have people see you trying to change. Stick with it and use it as motivation. If half the town notices you trying make sure the whole town notices you succeeding.