extreme embarrassment to swim or ride!

Featfabtastic
Featfabtastic Posts: 31
in Motivation and Support
Hey everyone, I'm new here. I've been gaining loads of wait over the last 12 months- like- 30kg! I got so embarrassed a few months ago that I couldn't go and ride my push bike (which is stupid right?!). I'm too ashamed to go swimming (my next favourite sport).

Please, does anyone have any tips, has anyone felt the same? How did you get over the shame and embarrassment?

Thanks:heart:

Replies

  • tarotlou
    tarotlou Posts: 47
    I couldn't ride my bike at the beginning of my journey and felt really embarrassed going swimming, I now wear those cossies with a skirt feel loads better although some people must think "why she wearing a dress to swim in lol" but my best excercise is walking I started off with half a mile now I do on average 5 miles a day trying to do at least one eight mile in the week. I put headphones on and listen to audiobooks or podcasts and its the best thing that has helped me.
  • Ainar
    Ainar Posts: 858 Member
    Same here when I first started. There isn't really much I can say... you just have to get over it and do it like I did. First few times will emberasing but after a while of doing it you just won't care anymore, you get used to it. So you will not feel emberased anymore. First steps are the hardest.
  • SpleenThief
    SpleenThief Posts: 293 Member
    There is that embarrassment that floats on the surface of our mind. When you get ready for your ride, grab on to that embarrassment and pull really hard so it sinks down into your gut. It will feel a bit acidic, that shame, smoldering there and it will burn a bit. Use that burning feeling to fuel your workout.
  • Mystyfied
    Mystyfied Posts: 18 Member
    Chin up....you have to start somewhere.....and at least you have now signed up to a complete lifestyle change...so walking is good..and yo get to go to nice laces....I started MFP in May,,,,bought a Fitbit and havent looked back and have gone from strength to strength.....you will find your niche......might take you a while to find whats gona work for you but be open minded and try lots of different things.....wot about an aerobic dvd or maybe dancing to some of your favourite cd's. Break your workouts into bite sized chunks then your not overfacing yourself and end up giving in....come on ..you can do this...keep logging and the support and encouragement will be there...good luck!
  • slim4health56
    slim4health56 Posts: 439 Member
    First, welcome!

    Second, oh you bet! Goes with the territory and it's not just reserved for cycling and swimming. For me, every time I look down and see my arms crossed over my bulging belly, I want to crawl into a hole and hide. ARG!:grumble: At that point, I can choose to escape to a pity party (with lots of great snacks, chocolate, and a liter of Coke), or I can get moving.

    Knowing there are LOTS and LOTS of good folks like you who feel the same things and fight the same battles helps, so just remember you're not alone. Too, I'm guessing that your greatest critic is you, so all you need to do to overcome those feelings is to do it anyway, despite how you might be feeling. Once you're up and moving, you'll feel much better and to heck with the rest!
  • Madame_Goldbricker
    Madame_Goldbricker Posts: 1,625 Member
    I recently started C25K & found I was walking a fair old distance to be away from anyone seeing me. However, once I realised people will still turn up in the middle of fricking nowhere?! I just ended up doing my thing & cottoned on that no one is really watching you. People are normally too busy doing their own thing to notice. As for the swimming I go a lot & same thing applies. If you feel worried about it you could wear a t-shirt over your costume. I've seen a few people do that in the pool, but honestly no one will be judging you :happy:
  • FarAway02
    FarAway02 Posts: 211
    I invested in a cheap second hand exercise machine (elliptical) and used that until I felt strong, fit and confident. Once I felt okay I started running outside...but I would go to the middle of a forest and take my dog with me initially. Now I run on the busy trail near my house... it's baby steps.

    You have to start somewhere...but in the same breath you have to push yourself out of your comfort zone.
  • Featfabtastic
    Featfabtastic Posts: 31
    Thanks Everyone for taking the time to share your thoughts and help me! I went for a ride on the weekend with a friend, and am over it. Exposure therapy!

    I will leave swimming for a couple of months- it's cold here- but will apply the same tactic. I now say in my head "This is life- this is IT- it's not a practice run". Combining that thought with "Worrying about what others think is what got me here- whose life is it?"

    :heart: :flowerforyou:
  • ShannonKN
    ShannonKN Posts: 152 Member
    Thanks Everyone for taking the time to share your thoughts and help me! I went for a ride on the weekend with a friend, and am over it. Exposure therapy!

    I will leave swimming for a couple of months- it's cold here- but will apply the same tactic. I now say in my head "This is life- this is IT- it's not a practice run". Combining that thought with "Worrying about what others think is what got me here- whose life is it?"

    :heart: :flowerforyou:

    Congrats!!!! Great job breaking through your fears. :bigsmile:

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