Too self-conscious to exercise?

whiteviolett
whiteviolett Posts: 30
edited November 2024 in Motivation and Support
I've been meaning to start up cycling as my exercise this week but I feel too self-conscious to do it, especially as my route is going up a hill right by a road so people will be able to see me struggle up it. Plus I don't have any of the proper equipment, I just have my regular bike and a helmet so I'm worried I'll look weird. What should I do?

Replies

  • itsuki
    itsuki Posts: 520 Member
    There are plenty of exercise programs that can be done in your own living room with nothing but a couple of weights if you'd rather not go outside. Check out some DVDs to see if there are any you like!

    Also, even if you're struggling to get up that hill on your bike, you're still doing better than those who decided not to get off the couch and try. So what if people see you struggle - before you know it, you'll be cruising up that hill with ease!

    As for cycling equipment, I wasn't aware that you needed anything other than a helmet. So you should be all set! :)
  • jody664
    jody664 Posts: 397 Member
    At some point, you just have to get over your self-conciousness. For the last 2 sessions with my personal trainer he has had me flipping a tractor tire, jump in, jump out, flip again. I'm sure look hilarious. But it's working! And it's actually kind of fun!

    I'm sure anyone seeing you struggle up the hill is inspired by it. I wouldn't give it a second thought. Enjoy your ride.
  • mamamc03
    mamamc03 Posts: 1,067 Member
    I just walked a 10k this weekend....I was an hour behind the person in front of me and the timing staff had to wait that long...I got cheers and congrats all the way! People will be rude, dont get me wrong, but you have to love yourself and just get out there and do it. People ride bikes all the time. My hubby goes out and rides with his helmet....its the safe thing to do. So quit making excuses and get out there!! :)
  • _HeathBar_
    _HeathBar_ Posts: 902 Member
    It doesn't matter what people think. You probably won't see or talk to them ever again so who cares!
  • StarkLark
    StarkLark Posts: 476 Member
    I used to feel like way a bit myself when I first started out at the gym or walking in a public space. I would worry about what people would think when they saw the fat guy trying to do "skinny person" activities.

    But I sucked it up and pushed down any fears I had and went one day. Then I went the next day too. Pretty soon I no longer cared what people would think about me because I was making progress and starting to feel like I belonged.

    So my advice to you is to just get out there and do it! The first day is always the hardest... stick with it and cycling will become easier and more natural feeling. If the hill near your house it too hard on your old bike then just walk it up!
    Plus I don't have any of the proper equipment, I just have my regular bike and a helmet so I'm worried I'll look weird.

    Since you are just starting, THIS IS the proper equipment! First concentrate on getting out there and building some stamina, THEN worry about getting a nice ($$) piece of equipment.

    Congrats on your goal of starting an exercise program!
  • Weighinginwithmy02
    Weighinginwithmy02 Posts: 369 Member
    What would you think if you saw a person stuggling to get up the hill on a bike? I'm sure you've seen it before...chances are... you can't remember a) if and when you saw somebody doing it b) if you felt anything negative about that person. What does that mean??? other people probably won't remember if they see you strugglig to get up the hill and if they do, they probably won't feel or think anything negative about you.

    When I first started jogging I had the same thing though. I was self conscious about what people would say or think as I was lumbering by, all 301 pounds of me. I was so worried that when I would see a person on my path I would stop jogging and start walking. Within a few weeks I stopped stopping and just carried on. I became more confidant in myself. I realized that my actions weren't about anybody else but me. I needed this in my life more than they needed a pleasant view.

    Just do it. You may surprise yourself.
  • whiteviolett
    whiteviolett Posts: 30
    You're right, I'm just going to do it and try not to worry about what other people think. Thanks everyone for the support! x
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