Embarrased..

lloftus723
lloftus723 Posts: 43 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I hate hate working out in public. Even something as simple as running outside (even though I don't, I feel like I look like Pheobie off of Friends). How do you get to the mindset of not caring what others think?

Also, if anyone has a terribly embarrassing story about public work outs I would love to hear. May make me feel better. :D
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Replies

  • Unknown
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  • jenncornelsen
    jenncornelsen Posts: 969 Member
    i feel ya. i honestly run at night just so i see less people. but i live in a small town and everyone u pass wants to chat.
  • techgal128
    techgal128 Posts: 719 Member
    Wear headphones. It's a little hard to focus on what people think of you when you are listening to music.

    Oh, and I was at a class and worked out with a fat hole in my pants the entire time. Only reason I noticed is when I looked behind me and saw my reflection on a mirrored wall. Not sure how people I scarred in the process.
  • onehappypickle
    onehappypickle Posts: 74 Member
    Don't worry about impressing anyone else - your workout is for you. If you have a worry about people maybe making fun of you, just shrug it off - you keep working out, you're going to look fabulous, and they're going to be left feeling jealous of you. Try to learn not to give a crap what others think of you; it truly only matters what YOU think of you.
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    I get how you're feeling but, honestly, think about the last time you saw someone running in your neighborhood or at the park. What did you think? Did you really notice them? What were your thoughts upon seeing them? Were they negative or more than a passing thought?

    Most people don't really pay that much attention to what other people are doing. Besides, if they don't know you what does what they think matter anyway?

    I run all of the time in my neighborhood. The only comments I've gotten in 4 years of doing it are "You're making me look bad" and "Boy, you're fast" (I'm not, trust me!). Other than that it's waves from people driving by.

    This is all you and what's going on inside your head. You can choose to let your fears and insecurities rule you or you can do the things you really want to do. It's your choice. And I don't think embarrassing stories will really help. They'll just give you more things to think about going wrong for you. :grin:
  • glevinso
    glevinso Posts: 1,895 Member
    On the other side of things... I see people all the time out running with perhaps funky gaits or whatever. I can honestly say I never thought anything of it other than "gee I wish I was out running too". Or if I am out running or riding, I don't think anything at all because I am too busy concentrating on my own workout.

    Therefore - don't worry about it. Just go out and run. :)
  • lloftus723
    lloftus723 Posts: 43 Member
    get how you're feeling but, honestly, think about the last time you saw someone running in your neighborhood or at the park. What did you think? Did you really notice them? What were your thoughts upon seeing them? Were they negative or more than a passing thought?

    Good point. I guess I don't really notice! Thanks!
  • tulips_and_tea
    tulips_and_tea Posts: 5,741 Member
    It's just like anything else: the more you do it the more comfortable you will become. Most of us felt the same way when starting out or just dislike being in public period. But, just focus on yourself, mind your own business and everyone else will do the same.
  • jsobole
    jsobole Posts: 139 Member
    I work at a University and I'm often surrounded by tight bodied 20-somethings at our Rec Center. There's no magic way to improve self esteem, just go out and do your thing! Like others have said, it's more in your head than anything else! I can guarantee most people aren't pay you any attention.
  • glevinso
    glevinso Posts: 1,895 Member
    The last time I actually noticed someone, as in actually looked at them while I was running past, was because the woman was wearing a "Blerch" shirt, to which I had to call out a compliment.

    I see people running in all kinds of ways and never once do I give more than even a glance at it. If anything I am just happy people are out enjoying the nice weather and getting exercise. Maybe I am a minority but if I am out running it is because I have a workout to accomplish. Other people are just kinda there, and I only pay attention to them enough so that I don't run into them :)

  • englishmermaid
    englishmermaid Posts: 114 Member
    SueInAz wrote: »
    I get how you're feeling but, honestly, think about the last time you saw someone running in your neighborhood or at the park. What did you think? Did you really notice them? What were your thoughts upon seeing them? Were they negative or more than a passing thought?

    Most people don't really pay that much attention to what other people are doing. Besides, if they don't know you what does what they think matter anyway?

    I run all of the time in my neighborhood. The only comments I've gotten in 4 years of doing it are "You're making me look bad" and "Boy, you're fast" (I'm not, trust me!). Other than that it's waves from people driving by.

    This is all you and what's going on inside your head. You can choose to let your fears and insecurities rule you or you can do the things you really want to do. It's your choice. And I don't think embarrassing stories will really help. They'll just give you more things to think about going wrong for you. :grin:

    That's a really good point, I see them often but never pay them any mind, couldn't tell you the color of their hair, their size, what they're wearing or anything lol, yet I've always felt the same way as OP
  • dufus12
    dufus12 Posts: 393 Member
    I once said much the same thing to a friend and his response was, ' What makes you think you are so important?'. meaning why was I being so egotistical to think that me jogging along would draw such interest to others who were just getting on with their own daily business.....
    When I see someone jogging/running, whatever their shape, I think, ' Good for them, they doing well more than me'......so nothing negative, just an accolade really.
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    jsobole wrote: »
    I work at a University and I'm often surrounded by tight bodied 20-somethings at our Rec Center. There's no magic way to improve self esteem, just go out and do your thing! Like others have said, it's more in your head than anything else! I can guarantee most people aren't pay you any attention.

    Exact same here (work at a university/gym is univ. rec center.) Considering that I am literally twice as old as the majority of my fellow gym-goers and then half as old as the next largest group (6 a.m. senior citizen crew) I assume that nobody is paying me any attention at all. I'm really not interesting enough for anybody to get a memorable impression of me while I exercise.

    When I see people out running, I don't give them any more thought than when I see a squirrel in the yard or a car driving by. It's really not a big deal.
  • peachyfuzzle
    peachyfuzzle Posts: 1,122 Member
    lloftus723 wrote: »
    get how you're feeling but, honestly, think about the last time you saw someone running in your neighborhood or at the park. What did you think? Did you really notice them? What were your thoughts upon seeing them? Were they negative or more than a passing thought?

    Good point. I guess I don't really notice! Thanks!

    If I'm at the gym, I don't notice anything that anyone else is doing... well, other than checking out a can, or two...

    If I'm just out, and about in the world, I will think "Awesome for that person. Get it, person... whomever you are."
  • samthepanda
    samthepanda Posts: 569 Member
    Agree with all the above, although I do admit that a couple of times when I've been in a particularly bad head space I have driven to a car park and run somewhere I am less likely to meet people I know!
    As for public embarrassment i have pretty much done it all - fallen over my own feet, walked into a lamp post, been chased by cows, vomited, panic attack, spilt my water so looks like i've wet myself and arrived at the gym in a hyperthermic state and ended up been put in their sauna (in my coat!) to thaw out! And yet i'm still allowed out in public, and perhaps more surprisingly into my gym! Stuff happens, to some of us more than most, but happens to everyone. And the thing is, even if you run like Pheobe, you are out there doing it, and that is whats important!
  • tjcalley
    tjcalley Posts: 163 Member
    I took a yoga class this weekend for the first time and got stuck and rolled over off my mat...no one noticed except the friend I went with :)
  • lloftus723
    lloftus723 Posts: 43 Member
    Chased by a cow?!? Hahaha how does that happen? Sorry I found that funny. I live in Iowa and have never experienced that. Now I will be on the lookout. I wish I had someone like you to workout with. Sounds like fun!

  • vanishingkat4269
    vanishingkat4269 Posts: 1 Member
    I go early in the A. M. when it's quiet and empty. I also wear headphones and listen to my fave music, no one bothers the person lip syncing
  • onehappypickle
    onehappypickle Posts: 74 Member
    vanishingkat4269 wrote: »
    I also wear headphones and listen to my fave music, no one bothers the person lip syncing

    THIS. That's me, too.
  • getalife9353
    getalife9353 Posts: 100 Member
    I only notice other cyclist, walkers/runners if they appear to be having a problem. A cyclist with a flat tire or mechanical break, I stop and offer assistance. I came upon a runner once that had twisted her angle, I helped her get to a road and stayed with her until someone she called arrived. The only other time I really notice other people out exercising is if they are with a dog that is not under control and they interfere with me. That does annoy me.
  • miissalexandria
    miissalexandria Posts: 430 Member
    I totally tripped over bench in the weights section of the gym today. I chose to ignore it though, didn't look around and hoped no one else noticed. I continued with my weights then cardio, but inside I totally wanted to laugh at myself.
  • englishmermaid
    englishmermaid Posts: 114 Member
    onehappypickle wrote: »
    vanishingkat4269 wrote: »
    I also wear headphones and listen to my fave music, no one bothers the person lip syncing

    THIS. That's me, too.

    I almost started singing out loud when I first started, too much karaoke previously I suppose lol
  • VanderTuig1976
    VanderTuig1976 Posts: 145 Member
    Unfortunately, unless you choose to work out in the privacy of your own home, you're just going to have to get over the feeling. Believe me, I know exactly how you feel. I run around my neighborhood and workout in the gym.

    At the gym, I notice people noticing me, lol! I catch their eyes in the mirrors but I just shrug it off because it's something every gym goer does. While it bugs me, I try to tell myself that they're looking because I'm either motivating them or they have nothing better to do.

    I totally looked at another chick in the weight room today as she was busting out her lateral raises - man, was I impressed with her strength and speed! So, all that to say, most times people look because they are admiring you and your dedication to fitness or because you are committing some gym faux pas not because you look funny.
  • Roxiegirl2008
    Roxiegirl2008 Posts: 756 Member
    I don't think about it except that "wow I wish I could run right now as well!" I don't really pay any mind to anyone when I am working out and chances are no one is paying me any mind either.
  • lloftus723
    lloftus723 Posts: 43 Member
    Thanks guys (and gals). Knowing how others think makes me feel a little better. I appreciate the help. :)
  • ValkyriesCharge
    ValkyriesCharge Posts: 11 Member
    I won't even use the treadmill at the gym because my running is so loud! LOL! What am I doing wrong? I just stick to the elliptical.
  • mwyvr
    mwyvr Posts: 1,883 Member
    onehappypickle wrote: »
    Don't worry [...] your workout is for you.

    ^ This.

    While this might not be true for the OP's case, in my own once-upon-a-time I succumbed to this fear / concern/ embarrassment and let it stop me from getting on with getting right. Of course there's nothing to it, it's just another **excuse**.

    I'm guilty of this but no longer will I buy my own b.s. excuses.

    Besides, no one worth a damn thinks about the person running past them except to either mentally cheer them on, or wish they were doing it too.
  • zoeysasha37
    zoeysasha37 Posts: 7,088 Member
    I got dizzy once ( I didn't know it at the time but was actually having an adverse reaction to a pre workout drink ) so anyway my trainer told me to keep jogging on the treadmill even after I mentioned that I was dizzy. So I went on for another minute but then knew I had to stop, no matter what he said . so I hit the emergency stop button and flew off the treadmill in front of everyone in the packed gym.
    Guess what, not many people even noticed or cared. They are there doing their own thing so aren't worried about what others are doing..
    The same applies for outdoor workouts. People are way too wrapped up with their own lives and issues to even notice you running.

    I was embarrassed then but quickly realized a few things, 1 listen to my body always
    2 get a new trainer ( lol )
    3 and people aren't really paying attention to what I'm doing they could care less!! So there's no reason to ever be ashamed or embarrassed about working out.

    Everyone started some where and nobody is perfect
  • lloftus723
    lloftus723 Posts: 43 Member
    I get what you are saying, but mine is more anxiety related. I can't go to the grocery store without a pep talk, and a racing heart. Something about being in public that gets to me. But knowing others could care less if I run on by is something I can remember while doing so.
  • Dragn77
    Dragn77 Posts: 810 Member
    When I see someout out running, I dont notice them any more than I would someone walking their dog or pulling out of their driveway...just, people noise.

    BUT If I notice someone who is our running or even doing a walk and they look like they're struggling, I do notice... cause I start thinking of how they are out there getting it done even though they are having a hard time at it, and Im inspired to get my butt in gear. My thought goes straight to how I need to get through the hard part too instead of finding excuses not to.

    Which sort of come back around to...when you think people are judging you...they arent...they are too busy thinking of themselves. I saw a clip awhile back that was so true...we are the main character in the play that is our lives, to the people in our lives we are a supporting character, but to complete strangers, we are just the extras. So dont ever worry that some passerby has you as the main character in the play that is their life.

    Kinda takes the load off eh? :blush:

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