Discouraged from working out in public.
merlinfan5
Posts: 9
I was just wondering, do any of you ever get discouraged from working out because of your body? I know, it seems like a circular argument, but sometimes putting on a tight work out bra and pants that show my love handles makes me feel like crap.
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I tend to push myself harder when I work out in public. I probably come off looking like a bi*** at the gym because I don't look/talk to anyone. I just zone out with my head phones on and get what I need to do done. I know I'm one of the bigger people there but oh well.0
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When I had a gym membership I hated going when they were busy. I was always really discouraged from doing anything with free weights because there were always a bunch of super muscle guys using them and mirrors EVERYWHERE.
I would always wear baggy sweats and a baggy shirt.0 -
Perhaps buy some looser workout clothes? Only way you're going to get rid of those love handles is by moving more and eating less. Plus youll start feeling so much better about yourself once you get moving0
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Personally I dislike the gym intensely anyway, so being bored does make me feel more self conscious. It's probably not helped by all the posturing during rest intervals that people are doing
It's something I don't feel when I run or cycle. It seems that regardless of your ability you're part of a wider club. Cyuclists always acknowledge one another on the road or trail, similarly most runners are the same, everything from full on jazz hands to eye contact and miniscule nod.0 -
And this is the way to do it. Only places I socialize at are at the hot tub or the sauna. Anywhere else, I will ignore everyone around me and do my thing.I tend to push myself harder when I work out in public. I probably come off looking like a bi*** at the gym because I don't look/talk to anyone. I just zone out with my head phones on and get what I need to do done. I know I'm one of the bigger people there but oh well.0 -
I applaud anyone trying hard. No matter what they look like.0
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Many of the people you are worried about were probably in the same shape as you, or worse. They just started a few months ahead of you. If they are really bulked up, and stop, they will be like those guys at your class reunions that peaked in high school and are now bald and fat. They were doing it for the wrong reasons, then stopped when it didn't suit them.
There is a guy that I have worked with for years. About 10 years ago, he was in amazing shape. Competitive body builder. He has since had back and neck problems, become a grandfather (not that grandfathers cannot be in great shape) and has not been able to workout like he did. He is now smaller than I am, had to go on a diet a while back to lose 20 lbs so he could lose the small belly he had going on. He is a really good guy, and always was.
You are only seeing these people in the present. You don't know what state they came from, and where they will end up. Just go do your thing, and get to where you want to be.0 -
I run mornings when the sun is coming up. Hardly anybody out there. I just like that time of day, because I just won't some solitary time. I Don't wear anything too form fitting either, but that's not my thing anyhow. Do what works for you and don't worry about others.0
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I applaud anyone trying hard. No matter what they look like.
This!0 -
The kind of gym you go to (if you go to a gym) also makes a difference. I was lucky enough to find one near home, not too big, and with a lot of "regular" people as clients.0
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I used to be incredibly self conscious about working out in public, especially at the gym. However, the more often I go, the easier it gets -- and I've gotten quite a few nods of encouragement from others that have spurred me on and made me work that much harder!
The only way to get over the fear is to just go and do it. If you get into what you're doing it's easy to zone out and ignore everyone around you and just focus on your own workout.0 -
I feel the same with pushing myself harder and there are moments where I'm self-conscious but it goes away and I just concentrate and know that everyone there knows you're there to be better. ALSO, the socializing thing, occasionally there's slight interaction, had a hot guy help me out with my form for a certain exercise but most people aren't there to talk to strangers. I have a friend come with me to the gym pretty often and we have fun and talk sometimes and motivate each other. Yes when I'm alone it takes less time but I think having a gym buddy is great and adds fun though I keep saying laughing and lifting don't go together at which my friend rebutted that I was getting abs done at the same time. Ha0
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When I first started going to the gym, I was a size 10. So I wasn't big, but somewhat self-conscious, b/c I didn't know what I was really doing...and it SEEMED like everyone else already knew what they were doing.
I've been going to the gym for 2 years now (down to a size 4). I've moved from just sticking with the cardio machines to using weights. If you saw me, you would probably assume that I hadn't started out self-conscious, b/c it SEEMS like I know what I am doing now. I still consider myself a beginner though, b/c I know I have more to learn.
There are so many people of all different shapes and sizes at my gym. No one is judging; and if they are, that's their problem.0 -
Yes, it is a very common feeling and extremely irrational. It is something I really have to work on.0
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Over time my ideas have changed. I used to have respect for those people in the gym that looked like they lived there.. big muscles, slender waists, etc. I was wrong. My respect is now with those people who actually have things to work on, who are making a real effort to improve and bust their tails off to better themselves. There may be people in the gym that look at "imperfect" people with derision - use that as your motivation to push harder and become who and how you want to be You have my respect for sticking it out.. 0
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I was in good shape back in 09, then I stopped and gained a beer belly. I started going back to the gym in December and was embarrassed to say the least. After a week, I noticed there are two types of people there. Those that have been going for a long time and those just starting out like me. The point here, everyone's gotta start some time and in a matter of a month you will know how to use everything and be in a comfort zone. And don't be ashamed to ask those people that work there, that's their job to show you how everything works.
One thing that worked for me was to face the wall during my warm up and medicine ball routine. It's all about you!0 -
I have been struggling with "gym fear" myself. I used to be in amazing shape and was even a cycle instructor at the gym...fast forward 100lbs later and, I am so nervous about stepping back in there. Mostly for fear of what my old coworkers would say or think. But, everyone's posts on here reminded me of something I used to tell people when I worked at the gym and people were to nervous to take a spin class...most people at the gym are so focused on themselves that they don't even notice the people around them. That's why there are so many mirrors so you can look at yourself.0
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I think you need to read this:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1182631--it-s-all-about-you-boo-boo0 -
I figure that anyone judging me for working out and not looking like a supermodel is probably a tool, so their opinion doesn't matter to me.
The reality, though, is that you are not under a microscope. People are too busy doing their own thing to pay attention to you very closely. :glasses:0 -
Eh just but you butt; I respect the people in the gym who are really pushing themselves not matter what they look like. I respect people who try. Other opinions aren't even worth worrying about.0
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Nope. Easier said than done, but just focus on your workout, after all it's what you're there for.0
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Sometimes I compare myself to others in the gym and think that I need to work harder. However, remember everyone has a different battle and that you are just fine for who you are. Try using your body for inspiration of what you want to achieve!0
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I totally zone out and forget there are other people around me.0
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So...throw on something baggy? There's no rule stating that workout clothes have to be skintight?0
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Yes for many years. I just reflect on the thought that I'm there like most other people to achieve my fitness goals and that I'm doing good by being there with love handles or not. You could be anywhere else doing nothing about it but you're not.0
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I wear men's adidas workout pants because they conform to my apple shaped body much nicer than women's fitness outfits. Wear what's comfortable for you.0
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I wouldn't say discouraged but I do get self conscious. Being the only girl in the weight room as well as currently being challenged by the 12.5lb dumbbells (my muscles are huge, I know :smokin: ) can be quite humbling. But then I remind myself that my goals are my own and that's all that matters. I won't let nerves get in the way of having a bombshell body:)0
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You know, i used to. It prevented me from doing a lot of stuff I wanted to try. Something happened when I hit 35, and at my highest weight, where I just didn't care. I think my rebellious nature came out, or something. I just got this attitude of "If you don't like don't look at it". I must have been channeling repressed anger or something lol. So I just started going, no loose T shirts for me, they made me too hot. Yoga pants and cami's and tank tops. , People did pay attention to me and they did look. But the reaction I got wasn't judgement or scorn. Becoming a regular at the gym made me a part of some club of high fives and encouragement. People next to me on the treadmill cheered me on when I made it to ten minutes, then fifteen. People commented when I moved from 5lbs to ten. And it was the people at the gym who noticed first when this morbidly obese woman lost her first ten and 15 lbs, not an easy thing to tell on a big person. Who knew? The regular gym rats are my own personal cheer team now, the same people I was so afraid to even make eye contact with when I started. Don't let how you look scare you away. Every place has a douche or two, but the regular exercise community is hardcore protective and encouraging of people genuinely trying to get in shape and just starting out when they see you are committed. You'll make friends.0
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