Do you ever feel embarassed being seen exercising? (home,gym

MoonIite
MoonIite Posts: 341 Member
edited September 28 in Fitness and Exercise
My mom just walked in while I was doing Turbo Jam and I'm so embarrassed. There was only 10 minutes left in the workout and I couldn't continue because of the embarrassment. I don't know why I feel insecure about working out. I'm not doing anything wrong, but I can't get past the feeling that they're judging me.
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Replies

  • SommerJo
    SommerJo Posts: 258 Member
    I am totally with you -- the treadmill isn't so bad but the only one I let be in the room with me when I'm doing a workout is my 3 year old.
  • dodd319
    dodd319 Posts: 228
    I used to get embarassed if someone walked in, but now not so much. I usually make the kids go outside but that's only because I know they will get in my way.

    Good luck!
  • I am the same way, doing the treadmill or bike at the gym is fine but anything else I feel like an idiot. Don't worry you are not alone :-)
  • Yes!!!
    That is why I either run around town late at night or early in the morning if I have to. If not, I find trails to run so less people see me.

    And I just feel foolish doing pilates, so I usually do it when everyone's not home haha
  • kr3851
    kr3851 Posts: 994 Member
    Absolutely! I'm at a gym... so weirdos off the street can come in and watch me if they want!

    But then I remember why I'm there. And I'm hoping that one day someone from the gym comes up to me and compliments me on my loss.. they see me every day breathing heavily and sweating over the machines. The hard work's gotta pay off sometime...

    It's probably better that I don't know these people because I really don't care what they think of me. I don't know how I'd react if someone I actually knew came in though...
  • Jorra
    Jorra Posts: 3,338 Member
    I always hated doing a workout tape when my roommate was around, especially when there were moves that looked stupid!
  • ladybg81
    ladybg81 Posts: 1,553 Member
    I'm like that though I am trying to get better. I used to get SO embarrassed when my husband walked in but now, not as much. I think it's because there is not as much fat flying around. :embarassed:
  • Behavior_Modification
    Behavior_Modification Posts: 24,482 Member
    You're not alone. It's okay.
  • musica814
    musica814 Posts: 301 Member
    I used to be really embarrassed to let my husband see me on the elliptical, but I got over it. I realized that he isn't judging me, if anything he just does cat calls or something lol. Now I do my 30 Day Shred dvd while he's sitting in the same room. It's liberating to not care :smile:
  • zombiesama
    zombiesama Posts: 755 Member
    I used to care when I started running, for like the first few times. Now I don't give a damn lol. Just know what you are doing is good, don't be embarrassed.
  • SweetTooth68
    SweetTooth68 Posts: 169 Member
    Ugh - totally! Can't bear husband or kids to 'catch' me - it's why I prefer things that don't seem to be exercise - swimming, trampoline, walking.....I think with me it's some weird thing about if i admit I NEED to exercise, I must be admitting I am in terrible shape? I don't know it's really weird!
  • Not only do I get embarrassed with others watching...shoot, I get embarrassed by myself! There is nothing attractive about me doing Zumba.
  • bcatgray
    bcatgray Posts: 41
    Yes! I am sooooo the same. Hubby is working out with me and he HATES going to our apartment gym. He wants to do our exercise outside. I just can't do it. I have come up with so many excuses to not go outside and exercise. I thought I was the only one. LOL
  • k2d4p
    k2d4p Posts: 441 Member
    I usually just go all out and laugh at myself if I feel I look silly. I have really gotten into Dance Central on the Kinnect. I know I look like a complete idiot, but it is so much fun. I am very comfortable laughing at myself.
  • CatseyeHardcast
    CatseyeHardcast Posts: 224 Member
    You have no reason to be. Be proud of what your doing and the goal you are working towards. If people are judging you they are probably thinking "good for them".
  • jezzi4ever
    jezzi4ever Posts: 100
    Totally with you--to rationalize the situation I always think "when I'm exercising, am I judging other people?" And for me, the answer is no--so I guess I have to take that into perspective. Hopefully, the majority of people are either super proud/jealous of you for being awesome and working hard, or not even noticing you. But yah, you're not alone!!
  • Elzecat
    Elzecat Posts: 2,916 Member
    But then I remember why I'm there. And I'm hoping that one day someone from the gym comes up to me and compliments me on my loss.. they see me every day breathing heavily and sweating over the machines. The hard work's gotta pay off sometime...

    I think that's exactly what you have to do. Remember that this is about YOU...getting healthy. It doesn't matter what other people think. The first month I was getting back into exercise, I worked out at home or in the fitness center at my apartment complex because I was too embarassed to go to my gym, as I hadn't been there in a year...but eventually I went back to the gym, and focused on what I needed to do. Now, I get people coming up and commenting on my weight loss, or (LOL) asking me how to do something on the equipment...I guess I look like I know what I'm doing now...

    I've even graduated to running outside IN FRONT OF THE WORLD...that's been the hardest thing for me to do!!!
  • Playvet
    Playvet Posts: 6
    When I was younger I use to go to a gym, which is fine except I was the youngest girl there. I felt really self-conscious and I only went on a treadmill. Now that I feel better about myself though, I can walk or run around town and just wave to everyone I see. You just have to say "I am showing off my good looks for the world to see!" That's all it takes :smile:
  • Azlan9055
    Azlan9055 Posts: 5
    I do feel weird in a gym sometimes when I'm working out and other people can see me, but when I'm at home, I feel much more comfortable. I do a hip hop dance workout that I absolutely love, so it makes me feel kinda cool to do it. LOL!!! Don't worry about what others think, especially your family. They love you and probably are scared to do it themselves!! Maybe you should ask her to join you next time. My husband rolls his eyes when he's walked in on me doing it before, but he's supportive and usually doesn't bother me; he just thinks its weird. LOL! But I feel good doing the exercise, so that's all that matters, and the end results will be worth any discomfort you may feel right now. Best of luck! :)
  • LilChickPea
    LilChickPea Posts: 122 Member
    A long time ago when I wanted to lose weight in college, I couldn't pull myself to go into the gym. However, I read this article about going to the gym and that no one else is paying attention to you, they are concerned with their own workout. Ever since reading that I could care less about who is looking. I'm proud that I'm there doing what I need to do to make myself healthier and stronger.

    If anyone says anything, you could look at them and say, "Well I don't see you doing anything. Why don't you try it with me."
    I bet your mom is really proud of you for working out and you should not be embarrassed!!
  • suzooz
    suzooz Posts: 720 Member
    Absolutely! This is why I work out at home. I even get embarassed when the dog catches me!

    And I can totally relate to the Zumba thing. When the Wii Zumba "trainer" called out "lookin' good" the first time I was Zumba'ing, I laughed and said, "I'm sure it's not!"
  • Elzecat
    Elzecat Posts: 2,916 Member
    Totally with you--to rationalize the situation I always think "when I'm exercising, am I judging other people?" And for me, the answer is no--so I guess I have to take that into perspective. Hopefully, the majority of people are either super proud/jealous of you for being awesome and working hard, or not even noticing you. But yah, you're not alone!!

    I don't pay alot of attention to other people at the gym but...when I see someone who is less fit, working out at the gym, if I think about it at all, I think "wow! good for them for working on getting healthy!"

    There's one woman in particular who is working out with one of the trainers...I just want to go up and tell her how impressed I am by how hard she works...but I don't want to embarass her. I usually just nod and smile when I see her.
  • colosimoc
    colosimoc Posts: 1 Member
    No way!!! You're doing something good for yourself and that's an amazing thing. I used to be embarrassed, but then I thought about it - I should be more embarrassed buying/eating bad food. The way I look at it - I'm doing something good for myself and I'll never be this size again!!!
    Keep up the good work.........and don't stop exercising.
  • ladyluck4210
    ladyluck4210 Posts: 107 Member
    A couple weeks ago my brother was visiting from out of town. I had him sleep in my room and I took the couch so I could get up and work out before he woke up. He woke up kinda early and sat on the couch and watched me for a minute. I asked him to leave. He asked why and I just told him he didn't need to see me jiggling. He told me to stop being self conscious about it and that I should be proud that I'm actually doing something. He said it's more than what most people do, and those that judge you are either self conscious about themselves or they are jealous that you have the guts to do it and they don't.

    This was coming from a brother that is in the military and in excellent shape. It was the first time in a long time that my brother seemed proud of me. That is one of the things that keeps me motivated.

    If people are going to judge me than it's their own fault. I'm hopefully going to be joining a gym here soon and just need to remember that I'm there for me, not anyone else. My journey is mine, not theirs.
  • I used to feel the same way.
    I've resolved to just keep going with my workout when someone walks in. It always felt like the person would be thinking "You? Work out? Why, it's not like you're going anywhere." That would be the most embarrassing part.
    However, now that I've made progress, I realized that those words were coming from my own insecurities, which I have mostly overcome.
    So just remember, you have every right to work out. And the next time someone walks in, think of when that exact person will compliment you on your progress and your commitment to this transformation. That will make it all worthwhile. :smile:
  • areittinger
    areittinger Posts: 69 Member
    I was in cleveland oh one time using a treadmill a hotel gym early in the morning, and i was the only over weight person in the gym. All the treadmills were taken and a guy came up to me and asked if he could use my machine because i was the only one walking. only time i was kind of embarrassed....
  • mommyoftwins05
    mommyoftwins05 Posts: 645 Member
    I feel the same way.. It doesn't bother me too much when I do the wii fit.. but when I do the 30DS shred.. I agree with the person above about my fat moving around.. I think thats why I don't like people watching me... but even if they are out here I still force myself to do it each morning..
  • jalapenos
    jalapenos Posts: 345 Member
    I would rather have people around me when I work out. That way they can help me up when I am sprawled out on the floor, hyperventilating or call 911 for me! :laugh: So what if they see you, do they laugh?? they might but I laugh when my stomach keeps moving after I stop doing jumping jacks. lol The point is~ so what!! You are doing this for you, who cares what they think. You are getting healthier while they do whatever it is that they do. Who knows, after seeing you get healthier, they might just join in. Don't stop what your doing because other people might see you. At the end of the day, they have done what they wanted to do, and you should to. Do your thang!!! <<bootyshake>>
  • iamsam20
    iamsam20 Posts: 1
    I HATE anyone to see me exercise unless its a close friend. Im going to be getting gym membership at Anytimefittness just for the fact i can go in at 2 am and workout with out anyone seeing me..I feel its unladylike to sweet lol how ever I NEED to be doing a lot more sweating lol
  • redneckbettie
    redneckbettie Posts: 20 Member
    I was taking a Zumba class and I really enjoyed it, then when I moved the new gym i go to has mirrors aroung the entire room on the walls. I cant make myself go anymore because I hate watching myself work out..lol
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