How to get over being embarrassed working out in public?

I find that a gym buddy helps.

People at the gym won't pay attention to you. But to help you get over your fear, go at a time when the gym is nearly empty (call and ask the desk person for best times). Go at that time for a while until you are comfortable, then gradually change your time (based on how crowded the gym is) until you are going at your optimum time.

Take it slow, best of luck.

Agree with everyone above about the gym--there are all sizes and shapes working out. As for the track, and people driving by, can you go to a wooded area or park where there is less traffic?

The first few times I went to the gym I went with someone. I wanted to stick to my program though (mostly weight lifting) and my buddy with theirs (mostly cardio).
I realized we were coming in together, but then doing our own thing. So one day I decided to go on my own and nothing bad happened! I had a good time and didn't feel guilty about staying there too long.
I've been addicted ever since

So many different shapes and sizes at my gym. Just try, repeat and eventually you won’t give a damn.

Do you have a dog? My local tracks allow dogs as long as they are leashed and you clean up after them. I don't know if this is the case with yours, but if it is, consider taking your dog or maybe borrow a friend's dog or a dog from the local shelter. They LOVE when people volunteer to take dogs for walks, and the dogs love it too! Its nice for them to get out of a kennel and stretch their legs. My angle with this is, when I am driving, if I notice a dog, all of my attention is on the dog. I don't notice the person with the dog.
Taking my own dogs running has helped me get over the fear of being seen in public because I am able to tell myself that people are staring at my adorable dogs, not at me. When I first started running, I was only able to go at like 2 am when there were absolutely no people and no cars. Now, I've moved up to a point where I literally don't care when I run or who sees me.

As for the gym, just remember that we are all there for the same purpose. To become better, healthier versions of ourselves. In my experience, other gym goers are some of the most supportive and encouraging people out there.

I use home workouts, could that be an option for you? 😊

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cmriverside wrote: »

But it's not high school gym.

I live on a biking/walking trail and I can tell you that when I look out and see anyone on the trail, it is an inspiration to me, never a time to be judging. Especially the larger sized people - my thoughts are, "Go, you!!"...Maybe I need to get my rear end off the chair, myself!

Get out there. You'll be so glad you did.

This is so true. One of my favorite things about running regularly at the same park at the same time of day is getting to see the same people over and over and watch their journeys. Right now there is an adult mother/daughter pair who are both very large women, but growing smaller every day! When I first started noticing them, walking was hard and slow, and now they walk briskly! It’s such a delight to see them improving their fitness together.

If you are uncomfortable about exercising at your current size in public, remember: you never know who you might be inspiring! There may be someone too embarrassed to be exercising in public who says “If she can do it, so can I.”

Honestly just doing it and getting through your anxiety is the only thing you can do. I see changing my health as part of facing my fears. The gym intimidated me and my first goal was just walking in the door and going in the locker room. I stuck around but couldn't figure out some of the machines. I signed up for a free appointment with a trainer and it helped a lot to have a plan. I was definitely nervous for awhile but no one pays attention to me aside of a nod or smile. It's not recommended but I do my cardio first, it burns off my stress and anxiety. I second going at off-hours to get started if you can. Having great playlists helps a lot too. I'm still feeling a little out-of-place when it comes to straying from my workout bench in the free weight area but I just started working through that. Walking outside gets easier too.

I put my ear buds in and go for it. Gym or local trail. I'm getting fit for me. You just got to stop caring what everyone else sees when they see you. Start caring more about yourself, your why, your goal and keep focus on that. Nothing else matters.

deputy_randolph wrote: »

Today, I fell at the gym while doing pull thrus...so not only was I doing a weird butt exercise...I tipped over, hit the floor, and made a huge banging sound when the plates fell on the machine.

I mean you are welcome to think of this when you start to feel embarrased. It was pretty comical.

I regularly fart loudly deadlifting. Also wee a bit.

I don't usually work out in public because I prefer to work in the comfort of my own home, but I wouldn't mind doing it if I had to. People have seen me, fat and all, every time I stepped outside. People don't magically gain vision when I start working out, they see me when I work out in public just like they see me when I'm grocery shopping. Both grocery shopping and being at the gym are just people doing their thing at the appropriate place for that thing.

What made your high school gym experience intimidating? Maybe if you start there it will help you understand why you're having this issue and what can be done to make it easier. Mental blocks can be stubborn and hard to reason with, especially if you're trying to handle them on the surface. Maybe understanding the root of it will help make things easier.