I cried at bootcamp today

You can do it. Dont worry about them and what they can do... This is you.. You got this! You can & you will! Dont be discouraged!!!

Jennalee85251, the OP is already at the point of crying. Why not encourage her to take a class that is more appropriate for her current fitness level instead of suggesting that she stay with something that is making her miserable?

Telling someone that's new to exercising to start with boot camp is just like telling someone that's new to running to enter a marathon!

Dont quit!! You can do this. And believe me it will get easier. When I first started my bootcamp I could barely make it through the warmup without dying!! I tried not to breath hard b/c no one else was and I was embarrassed. But I realized that everyone is at a different level and you know what it is what it is (I hate that saying) right now and you can only go up from here!! Keep your head up!!! I believe in you!!

Carakit, Taking less intense fitness classes until she gets her strength up is NOT quitting! It is going about things in a sensible, reasonable way.

I've been going to boot camp class for about 6 months now, and while the coaches were great about helping people that were not very fit make modifications, none of them stayed for more than a few weeks because they felt totally out of place.

It's a much better approach to find a fitness class you really enjoy where some people are ahead of you and some people are behind you in fitness level, and work your way up from there.

THAT is the best way to keep working towards your goals without getting discouraged and feeling miserable!

I started bootcamp with a bunch of 40 year old moms 6 weeks ago, when I was laid off. They have all been doing it for a year, so I try not to compare myself, but I absolutely am so out of shape and am embarrassed that I cried today. I know how to modify the workout to my level and I am ok with that, but during the first 5 minutes I want to run out the door because I am out of breath and the lactic acid is burning my thighs already! My friend drives me, so I am thankfully stuck. I think I eat well enough, sleep enough, drink enough etc. Will it ever get easier? Sometimes I feel like I am just not ever going to be THAT person who finally can make it through without having to stop. I have always been a little chubby, so I NEED cardio, and I NEED someone to drag me because I come up with a million excuses. Is there anyone out there who one day said 'Hey, this isn't so bad after all?' How do I stay motivated? I want it to be a way of life for me.

don't give up and don't quit! the worst thing you can do is compare yourself to others that have been doing bootcamp for a lot longer than you. first of all A BIG CONGRATULATIONS on joining bootcamp - i've never done it. my cardio is running and let me tell you every time i start out i think UGH!!!!! but after the first mile i think well i did one i'll do another and so on. i started in 2011 and june 1st i ran my first half marathon. does it get easier some days yes and other days nope (yesterday i ran 2 miles and didn't think i could do THAT). will you feel AWESOME and AMAZING after you finish your workout HELL YES!

give yourself time you'll get there. each day you go reflect back on what you did, what you just accomplished and be proud of yourself. also if you decide bootcamp isn't right for you give yourself permission to try something different.

Do what you can with what you have.
I know the feeling, I've been there. Heck, I still feel the same way sometimes. You just have to remember that you should never compare yourself to someone else. Each time you workout, compete with yourself only. Try to beat your time, increase the mileage, your number of reps, the weight you are lifting. And even if there is no increase for a while, it is okay. Slow progress is still progress. Never forget that you are still lapping everyone sitting on the couch.
I am very proud of you. You are capable of so much more than you think you can.

What if you found a workout that you loved?

What if you found a workout that you loved?

It would be SO much easier to stick with a workout that you love!

I know your friend that brings you to boot camp means well, but as much as I enjoy doing boot camp, I wouldn't even think of dragging a friend that is new to exercising into such an intense exercise class!

If the gym your friends is driving you to doesn't have any less intense exercise classes during the time she is there, how about getting some exercise DVDs and trying them at home? That way, you won't have to compare yourself to others when you are exercising. Many public libraries now offer exercise DVDs, so you can try them and see if they're what you want before you spend any money on them. Also, you can check for inexpensive exercise DVDs at yard sales.

Also, many YMCAs offer deeply discounted or free memberships to people that are having financial difficulties. So you might want to check into that.

But whatever you decide, good luck!

I agree take baby steps and everytime u get passed that one move to the next one. I once lost 150 pounds but i had the stomach (by pass done ) and it was the Hardest thing to do the weight came off fast Because i kept pushing myself to walk ... when i first started i couldn't even walk 3 mins with out giving up.... but each day I would walk just one more min. and so fourth... until i was walking 3 miles every morning and then i walked 3 more miles at night.. Now after 10 yrs. i have put on 60 of my 150 i lost and stopped walking altogether i am now begining to start over its tuff for me i have a bad Knee but i am not gonna let that stop me i will push to do what i can.. so chin up ! good luck if me at 50 can do this YOU CAN too. Good Luck..

Everyone starts off somewhere. The fact that you attempted bootcamp puts you ahead of those who choose not to do anything. Keep it up!

I went to a zumba class and I'm not lying, I was the only one who didnt know what the heck to do. The instructor gave no cues, and everyone knew the whole doggone routine. I looked like a bumbling idiot. I put myself all the way in the back in a corner, away from the class, and did what I could. In other words, my message to them was, I can't keep up with you but I paid and I'm gonna do something. Of course I didn't go back, I picked something that I was able to do, build up to that high intensity. I did a zumba class yesterday. Took me 34 days of conditioning my body. They say anyone can do zumba, but not when the instructor is a maniac and doesnt take in consideration beginners in her class. It was like I was in the middle of that TV series "FAME". So I sure hope you can feel better about that boot camp, get over in a corner on your own girl and work that body best you can.

That gym should offer beginner's boot camp for people that are new to that kind of a workout so they won't feel so discouraged or overwhelmed.

My gym does that, and it's a great starting place for people that are new to exercising or doing boot camp style workouts.

I know how you feel. I had to work up my stamina and endurance on the elliptical and treadmill before I could do a class like that. Even then I couldn't keep up for the longest time, but it eventually happens.

Hang in there because it WILL happen for you.