Embarrassed to exercise at home.
Sauleeh
Posts: 83 Member
Heya guys! First time poster. I am 18 years old, and I find it awkward to exercise at home. I almost finished the 30 day squat challenge and did some other leg and arm exercises. Those are fine for me. But I managed to get my hands on the insanity DVD which seems amazing, and the before and after pictures seem so inspiring. The problem is, I live with my sister who is overweight, her husband, and her two children. My bedroom happens to be on the second floor, and each time I jump, or even walk heavier, the whole house shakes and everybody can hear everything. The day before yesterday my sister was in work, so her husband was at home downstairs in the living room. I knew that he might hear but I did the Insanity fit test. i was starting it and doing the jumps or whatever. Later my nephew comes up and asks 'Umm... My dad was wondering..what are you doing?' and I felt awkward and told him I'm exercising. And he asked me if he can do it with me. So I said sure, but I just felt so shy that his dad is downstairs listening to me doing something. My sister also has a treadmill, I'd like to use it, but again I'm too shy. It is in the living room so everybody is always there. I am too shy to do it there. I take my walks which are around 2 miles each day. It takes me around 40minutes walking. But I want to do the insanity so bad, but that stupid floor is so thin you hear everything. I couldn't do much when they aren't home. Sisters husband is home a lot during the day as he works at night at the end of the week. I have no idea what to do. Running outside is out of the question as I'm too shy, and gyms here are too expensive and you have to already buy 6 month memberships which I can't afford.
Help!
Help!
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Replies
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A few ideas:
Does your house have a basement, where if you jump around it won't pound the floor?
Do you have a friend who might be an exercise buddy and you could watch the DVD at her/his house?
Do you go to church? Most churches will let you use their building for an activity if you're a member.0 -
Perhaps you could try and change your long walks to running? Maybe start a c25k program to get you started. That way you're outside not disturbing anyone and it is free.0
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Just get over it.
Put music in and go
Ain't nobody payin attention0 -
At the risk of sounding blunt as hell the simple fact is that if you want to do this you need to get over your issues with it and decide to do it.
Nobody here will be able to magic you a thicker floor or a soundproof bedroom.... you just have to decide if being fit and healthy is worth a bit of mental discomfort.
Personally I have an anxiety disorder which means that any situation I'm not too keen on makes me more nervous than your average person. The idea of running outside was positively panic attack inducing. I now run out on trails 3/4 times a week. I decided what I wanted and I worked towards that.
Initially I would run at ridiculous times in the middle of no where in order for people not to see me...I now run whenever I fancy, wherever I fancy.
If you want to achieve your goals you need to be prepared to push past your anxieties. In order to get anywhere you need to be determined to make the journey.0 -
This is going to "write" a bit harsh, but understand it's NOT meant that way... I see a whole list of excuses in this... You have justified yourself out of doing this......Almost.... Now to turn it around, my question is... How bad do you want this?? Get back to me, and see how shy you really are?? I am extremely self conscious about my workouts which is why I do most at home, ( With the blinds closed) I Believe in You!! #NoExcuses Let's go! (and friend me if you like) Lee0
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I used to be really shy when running outside etc. But the strange thing is our heads tell us people are watching but in fact they are probably just admiring the fact that you are trying! I think pushing yourself to run outside or just do insanity will do wonders for your confidence. After you have done It 2-3 times you will be feeling so much better already and its just keeps getting better. Gl
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wake up earlier than the family and workout? could you workout in the basement? I am not shy but i feel weird when my kids are eating breakfast watching me workout. Used to be okay when they were little, but they are teens now and yeah, it is weird.
Don't be shy about running or anything outside. Start by walking, do a couch to 5k program, i like the zombies run app. try some exercise classes. Join karate by the month, usually the first classes are free. at least go for a walk0 -
bump, because im in the same situation.
i just do it when everyone is out of the house, which is about 2-3 times a week.0 -
That's a tough mental block to come to. I could say don't be embarrassed, no one cares, let them hear you as long as you aren't disrupting them, etc. But it's not that easy, I know. And I grew up in a older home where if I so much as turned around in bed, you could hear it downstairs, so I get that. If they had a garage, that would be awesome! But if you only have a few places to work, finding a way around the shyness is key. Try having little motivational quotes that remind yourself not to be embarrassed. Then say them to yourself when you're not feeling 100% confident. Also remind yourself that if they see you working out, they might want to do the same. So you're the example. It's all about how you look at it. Don't look at it as "I don't want them to see me". Think of it as "I hope they get inspired by me". Don't think of it as "the treadmill is in front of everyone". Think of it as "I'm so glad I get to watch tv while this is getting used". And as with everything, it'll take time. With repetition, you'll get over this hurdle. I would just suggest pushing through as much as you can. If the problems come up, let them come up. But don't let your fear of the potential problems (which may not even happen) stop you from bettering yourself. You should be proud you're doing something good for yourself!0
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I don't think I'm making excuses as such, as when they went on a week long holiday to England, I was on the treadmill almost every day!) 0
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I have no space in my house and the only place I can do Insanity is either my living room or my dining room (if I move the table and chairs!).
-My family are always in and get up very early, I have two young sisters who get up early (naturally, and for school).
Because of this I have been waking up at 5.30am to fit my workout in before people get up and before work... if I don't do that I have to wait until gone 10pm to do it if I want to do it in private.
If not I do it in the dining room, which has no door and is open to the center of the house. -It took me a while to get over doing it in front of everyone, but I do now and I get on with it.
Like they said, you just have to get on with it if you really want it.
Also, the rooms in my house are pretty small.
I'm just going to leave this picture here to hopefully give you an idea of what I'm on about... some moves are embarrassing, sometimes people are in the way, but you just have to make the most of what you have.
[/url] 0 -
I understan anxiety issues, I have suffered with them my whole life. But the only thing that can make it change is YOU. I would talk to the family about it and work up a plan of sorts, maybe everyone could take shifts 'in' the living room and you can have you 1 hour shift do to you video. 1 hour is not a long time to ask people to do something in their own rooms or outside
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They are family, why not have a chat and ask them, If they are "normal" I am sure they will be pleased to help you, it might even encourage them to join in.
My family are the opposite all come round here use my gym, have a shower drink my Powerade and go home (kids :grumble: )
Good luck be brave and go for it0 -
Agree with all the great suggestions. I'd also add if your nephew is interested then get the kids involved too. I bet they'd consider it fun/dance time, & I'm sure dad would jump at the chance to clear out of the way for an hour or so if it means he'll get some free time.0
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One way to not feel foolish is to do it with someone. Ask your sister if she wants to do it with you. You said she's overweight... maybe she feels the same way. That she wants to get in better shape, but is embarrassed.
I used to feel really self-conscious about running outside, mostly because I didn't want anyone to see me "fail" (ie, stop running). Then when I started Couch to 5K, and realized that many people do interval training... how would anyone know the difference between me failing to run, and stopping on purpose? No one knows what my training plan is. They don't know if I just ran for 30 seconds or 30 minutes. Moreover... they don't care. They're not paying attention to me. I'm no more interesting to them than a dead woodchuck on the side of the road. :laugh:
I realized I completely lost those inhibitions when I was doing the Zombies Run 5K app, and one of the exercises included 15 seconds of skipping. Yeah, like "tra la la la la" skipping like a little girl. And when the narrator told me to skip, I skipped. In front of a construction site. I had my earbuds in, my sunglasses on, and I didn't pay any attention to whether or not they were paying any attention to me. And skipping is fun!
I also wanted to add that when I started exercising, I didn't have much weight to lose, just about 25 lbs. A lot of my friends and family had a lot more to lose, and some of them said things like, "Why are YOU trying to lose weight?" But once I started getting fitter, a good percentage of them followed my lead and jumped on the bandwagon. You might be the pied piper for your family!0 -
I'm a mother of a large family and I was the first one in my family to start exercising and I had to do it in the living room as there was no other place. I was also embarrassed at first. Then I started to get in shape and stopped being so embarrassed. Better yet, it was contagious. It took about a month before anyone joined me, but eventually they all joined me a bit. And now we're like a fitness-freak family now. Or is that, a freakin fit family?! Anyway, my point is, you might change lives, teaching by example.0
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Toughen up and get over it. There is no reason to be embarrassed. But even so, I'd much rather be embarrassed for exercising than because I was fat and unfit0
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I'm afraid you just have to go ahead and do it, I exercise in front of everyone here they soon get used to it and switch off, sometimes they join in,
when I first did shred the neighbours complained about the grunting lol (had to explain it was exercise :blushing: )
the more you do it the better your confidence will be and then youll c25k ing it around town,) Go Girl ! 0 -
Doing things that scare you just because they scare you and completing it gives you a huge rush of confidence. Go get it.0
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well I just wanted to say a few things.. First, I have anxiety disorder and I totally get this. I prefer exercising at home when no one is here. That's great during the school year but when the kids are out for the summer.. (and by kids I mean teenagers), they tend to bring their friends in and out at various times of the day/night and the only room I have enough room is the living room, which everyone has to go through! This is a real challenge. I also have a younger son who asked me to bike ride with him, so I began.. all 218 lbs of me (at the time), and I felt REALLY self-conscious. I ended up telling myself who cares if people stare this is fun! Until a week ago my son and I were out and a young man (teenager) drove by in a car laughing LOUDLY saying "look at the fat lady on the bike".. ugh, I was mortified like you wouldn't believe.. I am still humiliated over this.. I told myself at least I'm doing something and not sitting around.. but yeah, he was long gone.. my younger son didn't say anything but I'm just so embarrassed by this and haven't been on the bike since, it's a big fear of mine. But I lived through it.. so just do what you have to do, tell the family you are exercising .. and just do it. Good luck0
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Heya guys! A little update! I have just done the day 1 of the insanity! Didn't do it 100% fully as I was worn out at the end, but I'm happy you all are pushing me! I really need it!
xoxo0 -
Explain to the family what you're doing and make your nephew your workout buddy.0
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I understand what you mean, I don't like working out when my husband is home because I feel like I shake the whole house with my jumping jacks or burpees or whatever. My husband was doing p90x (he only did like two sessions) and even said that he didn't like how it was shaking the house and he is a very confident and pretty fit person. Maybe you just don't feel like being rude because you feel like it might disturb them. Either way, I recommend getting outside and walking/jogging until you feel comfortable to workout inside. Or wait until they go to work or something. If you are embarassed to jog outside, get something that tracks your time so you can compete with yourself, put headphones on and zone out (but pay attention to traffic lol)! Keep working on your fitness and TRACK your progress, if you stick with it soon you will feel more confident about you abilities and stuff like this won't matter! Just like when you are working out you are supposed to get out of your comfort zone in order to make progress, just like life in general imo.0
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If you are worried about making too much noise because you'll disturb others, that's understandable - but it doesn't sound like you have much choice. Your sis and husband should understand.
If you're worried that people will know you're exercising - just forget them/that! You'll get used to is, and so will they.
The fact that you really want to do Insanity is amazing - a great sign that you mean business. Looking forward to hearing good news from you!!0 -
You know, I think it's great that your nephew wants to exercise with you.
I think you should take that as encouragement and do it together.
I understand you completely. When I started working out, I would feel so self-conscious at gyms. I was so out of shape and I was always wondering what people were thinking.
But I did it anyway. At the gyms, I would do HIIT that included a lot of burpees, push ups, etc. I was definitely making a scene, and I was pushing myself to the limits because I wanted to change myself. There was nobody (even myself) who was going to slow me down.
I think this type of mentality works for anyone, and it will work for you.
As far as I can tell, all your family wants to know is what you're doing. That's not so bad! Exercising is good for you and you are brave and dedicated enough to start to change your life! And your nephew wants to join you! That's freaking awesome!
Don't hold yourself back. Being embarrassed happens. But what happens when you decide to be embarrassed and do it anyway is magic. You don't have t believe me, just try it
I say start doing insanity with your nephew. Just do it. And give yourself a pat on the back after each workout, too
Hope you're feeling good 0 -
Modify the jumps or find a program that doesn't have any.0
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Maybe you could start by telling your family up front that you are going to exercise and ask if they would like to join. That will help to ease some of the uneasiness of them 'finding out' what you're doing and you might be pleasantly surprised how supportive they could be. secondly, since your nephew wants to workout with you, you can also go for long walks instead of running, you can use apps like runtastic or runkeeper and link them to MFP so that your stats are automatically uploaded her. Thirdly, put your favorite music on and just dance, it may not seem like much but you'd be surprised how much calories you burn dancing. you may also want to find other kids in your class/school who would like to work out and form a support group with your peers. That will help with motivation and also helps with getting over that feeling of embarrassment. At the end of the day, the bottom line is that you do need to get over that initial shyness in order to reach your goal and unfortunately the only way to do that is by simply doing your workouts.0
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Grab a laptop & go outside I started off doing that cause I was embarrassed to do it while anyone was at home & could see me. 0
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Ok short and sweet
I felt the same, didn't want to exercise in front of my husband and my kids. YES I KNOW the man I made babies with I was shy to exercise in front of him.
The first time was uncomfortable, the 2nd time was uncomfortable, 3rd, 4th and 5th times were easier, now I stick that DVD in and don't give a rats behind who is watching me, or listening to me sound like I may die of a shortage of breath hehe I even made excuses not to try crossfit, finally made arrangements to go try that too.
YOU CAN DO THIS:flowerforyou: 0 -
I didn't write this and I can't remember where it came from but I saved it in my e-mail because it changed how I felt about how people saw me while I was out exercising. The gist of it is that the majority of people who see you exercising are wishing they had the push to do the same thing. Even though you see yourself as red in the face, fat sweaty girl huffing and puffing her way through a run, you are an inspiration to others to get up and change their own lives.
==============================
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.0
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