Feeling embarrassed when working out

I hate having anyone look at me when I work out, so I joined a 24 hour gym so I can go at all hours of the night when it's all-but deserted and can be by my lonesome not looking at anyone.

I felt the same I wanted to run on the road rather then the treadmill for the last 6 weeks but I couldn't bring myself to do it until last weekend, and by the end of the 40 mins I didn't know what I was worried about. Because I went first thing in the morning I saw maybe 5 cars and I did pass prob 6 people who were walking, but they were all friendly and said hello.

So my suggestion is try walking at a time with less people about it may alleviate some of your worries. Or as my best friend always tells me what do you think when you see someone walking or running? Your probably think hey I should be doing that or good on them for getting out there, how often do you go omg look at them?

Do you ever get really embarrassed when you work out?
- Yes, when I do certain exercises

I was getting ready to walk and looking at my fat shadow made me pretty sad.
- Focus on your breath, your surroundings, your pace. Looking at your shadow is the last thing you need to do! (Literally & metaphorically. Eyes AHEAD!)

Then while walking; breathing heavy with a red and sweaty face, someone honks their horn at me. I will tell you it made me feel an inch tall.
- That will have been some idiot. Remind yourself that anyone who does that, is an idiot.

All those negative hurtful thoughts filled my head.
- This kind of thing happens fast, and yeah, it's hard to control when it starts, sometimes. I say, shake it off. (Just literally this time!) Push HARDER. Run or jog for a minute. Make a sound. If you've got your headphones on, turn up your music. Drown out or shake off those thoughts. (The other way -- changing your beliefs -- is important, I'm talking short short term. Look into getting some help, maybe, if this happens a lot.)

It made me want to just stop walking and go home. I pushed that aside and just kept walking but it's hard.
- THIS IS FANTASTIC!!! It's hard, for sure, but you did it! Do that again!

When I'm doing something difficult and almost feel like giving up, this is what I say (seriously, I say it out loud). "Don't cave. Caving is not an option." Because, I used to cave a lot. And one day, I realized, that I don't want to be the kind of person who caves. I want to be a fighter. So, when a challenge comes up, I try to take it as often as possible. And I can see things are better because of it.

I am hoping that over time they will get better once I start seeing results but until then I'm trying to find positive motivation to keep going.
- You're right, they will get better!

Positive motivation: this is really individual. Why are you doing this? Lock into those reasons.

Also. What other times in your life have you felt really strong and powerful? Even if they're not fitness related? When you're feeling weak, think of those times, and remember that you can be strong.

This is one of the main reasons I workout at home and I'm here... I get enough grief from my husband...don't need it from anyone else! Stay here and we'll be your support... Keep moving that is what is important!

At least you are out there & lapping everyone who is sitting on the couch or driving by!

I have music on when I walk so I never know if someone is honking at me. Don't always take it as a negative - they could have been honking in support, unless it was followed by the person yelling out horrible things...You don't know why they honked, maybe they knew you or thought they knew you.

It is hard to feel confident. I get depressed when I catch my glimpse in the mirrors at the mall. Good luck. I hope you continue doing what you are doing & end up happy with yourself soon :flowerforyou:

Feel NO SHAME for working out!!!!

Indeed, the honking horns could be people CHEERING YOU ON! Really.

I am morbidly obese, but work out at a famous, serious gym. Honestly, I've had a number of people encourage me and say kind things and no one has ever been rude.

Even if someone IS rude to me, I'll take it with a grain of salt because I AM WORKING OUT, not hiding at home looking at TV, playing video games, or stuffing my face. I am doing something positive for myself. I am taking control of my life in a healthy way. If someone doesn't like watching my red faced, sweaty self labor away building muscle and burning calories, it is truly THEIR PROBLEM. Much like church is where sinners go to learn how to live a better life, the gym is where I go to learn how to build a better body.

Don't get me wrong, my ego can be pretty fragile at times, and words do wound, but this is something I know.

Hang in there. Don't think about the way you look when working out, think about the way you'll look and feel once you're at a healthy weight.

You go girl!

anyone who feels embarrassed or self-conscious running or working out at all really, should read this. you may need a Kleenex.

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

We have all been there with feeling insecure about working out in front of others regardless of what size you are. From my experience, most people are too busy doing their own thing to worry about you. And even if they did - Who Cares?! You are doing the most wonderful thing for yourself and getting healthy! Once you get used to it and start feeling and seeing the amazing things that start happening to your body and mind you won't care anymore either. Don't give up. We are all working out next to you and cheering you on.