Afraid to be seen working out..

mellybelly08
mellybelly08 Posts: 27
in Fitness and Exercise
All I want to do is attempt to go for a run outside. If it's not me worried about people I know seeing me, its me worrying about myself looking stupid trying to run and workout in public... I shouldn't worry about what people think but I do.. It gets me so nervous and anxious.
What do I do... >.<
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Replies

  • scarlettsky7
    scarlettsky7 Posts: 128 Member
    wear sunglasses, makeup, comfortable gym clothes, pop in your headphones, and dont think about it---just do it! no excuses :) everybody needs exercise and has to start somewhere. often people think they have to get in shape to be seen at the gym or outside, but *kitten* the world if anyone has a problem with your healthy running habits!!
  • MrsAgi
    MrsAgi Posts: 338 Member
    you could try going out in the middle of the night;)
  • mellybelly08
    mellybelly08 Posts: 27
    Maybe I'll try early morning... I used to walk when it was dark out but I don't think i can anymore never know what kind of creepers are lurking... even if I am in a good area lol!
    Thanks guys... I guess I just need a little push!
  • VeroBerry
    VeroBerry Posts: 15 Member
    Honestly, when I see someone outside jogging, I'm think to myself: Darnit! I need to get in my workout too! lol So it pretty much inspires me to work out.
  • mamamudbug
    mamamudbug Posts: 572 Member
    Check the rules to your local high school track. You might be able to run there. Not many people show up at ours.
  • minnie_monroe
    minnie_monroe Posts: 56
    or you could just workout at home if that is such a big deal for you :) do some cardio program or sth :)
  • dvisser1
    dvisser1 Posts: 788 Member
    Put your headphones on, crank up the tunes, and go workout.

    Seriously, I have been on both sides of this. I have been the super fit guy running 5-6 miles at a go. I've also been the very fat guy out trying to run 1/2 a mile looking like I was about to have a heart attack, every bit of me jiggling and shaking. Almost everyone I have ever run into that was working out will respect you for getting out there and doing it, no matter what shape you're in.
  • beckylawrence70
    beckylawrence70 Posts: 752 Member
    Hell, put the sunglasses and headphones on and just do it, you're doing something good for you, who cares what other people think, what would they think anyway, that this person is working out and trying to be healthy??
  • cmthorsness
    cmthorsness Posts: 83 Member
    Honestly, when I see someone outside jogging, I'm think to myself: Darnit! I need to get in my workout too! lol So it pretty much inspires me to work out.



    Yes This!!!
  • fuck3you4LL
    fuck3you4LL Posts: 25
    it did happened to me months ago, but now I dont care.
    I just put my ipod on and focus on my walk. I know my busty chests moving up and down, and some people steal glances at them and maybe making fun of me...but hey I dont care.
  • EnchantedEvening
    EnchantedEvening Posts: 671 Member
    I know it's hard. I workout at home because I'm self-conscious, but I really would love to try running someday. There's a small track at the elementary school just around the corner, but I'm so afraid of being seen (plus I have no idea how many laps = one mile since it's smaller than a regulation track).

    I need to get courage, just like you. I keep thinking about buying a treadmill just to avoid being seen, but then I realize it's silly to spend that kind of money just because I'm a chicken. :)
  • nene01pop
    nene01pop Posts: 80 Member
    I understand the urge and need to be outside, and I hate to have people look at me, or so I think they are looking at me. Running is definitely not an option but even walking... I have found a park that not a lot of people go so perhaps I will brave it... refreshing to know there are other people who think the same.
  • cadillacfrank
    cadillacfrank Posts: 68 Member
    you gotta do whatever you're comfortable doing because if you feel weird or self-conscious, you won't be as inclined to keep doing it... at least that's the way I see it.

    I'm the same way. Haven't gotten a gym membership and I don't go out jogging/running because of the perception of "what's a fat guy doing here?" I do agree with everyone else, though, that you should, at least, give it a try. I couldn't get past the weird feeling, so I've found other ways to get my workouts in and as my ticker shows, something's working :)
  • 152dbs
    152dbs Posts: 116 Member
    id rather be seen running instead of someone seeing me jumping an imaginary rope like in 30DS. i feel like a total fool doing it.
  • anarod0513
    anarod0513 Posts: 119
    I feel the same way you do, but once I do it and finish I feel accomplished!!!
  • Natihilator
    Natihilator Posts: 1,778 Member
    Run with headphones in, baseball hat and sunglasses, tune the world out.

    Run at night (but in well-lit areas, stay off the road and wear reflective gear!)

    You probably will look silly, I think most people do when running.

    But you will also look like someone who is working to improve their health and fitness, and that is never a bad look. Good luck!
  • Awake_Alive
    Awake_Alive Posts: 261 Member
    This is what keeps people fat...fear. There is only one way to get past it, and that is to face it head on. Just go do it, use the anxiety to fuel your workout and keep your head up high (figuratively). One day becomes two...two becomes a week, and pretty soon, you have no more anxiety...and a lot less weight on your body!!!

    YOU CAN DO IT!!!! YOU DESERVE TO BE ABLE TO MOVE YOUR BODY WHEN AND HOW YOU LIKE!!!! TAKE NO *kitten* FROM ANYONE!!! You are fierce and alive...and you want to move. Go do it!!!
  • DollyMiel
    DollyMiel Posts: 377 Member
    I know what you mean, but really, just try and remember that everyone's probably too focused on doing their own thing to pay attention to you. If you think you'll be fumbling around, try starting with a heavy walk rather than rushing into a full-blown run.

    If you're REALLY nervous about it, get some workout DVDs or look online for them (they are everywhere) and stay inside to get your workout. That's what I prefer doing; my neighborhood isn't really the safest to walk in.
  • tempestrising
    tempestrising Posts: 41
    Hi...don't worry..the anxiety will lessen...& not be so important as time goes by.
    When I got started , I would walk in my local park...there would be times it would be busy w/ other walkers & runners.
    Then hardly anyone at all. I try to appreciate the beautiful landscape surrounding me &
    enjoy the music on my playlists. Hopefully you'll see that everybody is trying to achieve
    similar goals. Good Luck to you.
  • Brandicaloriecountess
    Brandicaloriecountess Posts: 2,126 Member
    In my head I look sexy when I jazzercise, look hot when I run and look hardcore when I am at boot camp.

    In the real world I look freaking awkward but it's part of my charm so I own that ship ;) and don't care who watches lol.
  • Littlesmile
    Littlesmile Posts: 99 Member
    Ok Honestly , when i had started running i was running in dark so that no one can see me.
    but still my residential complex guys deliberately use to hangout there to watch a FAT RAG SACK running.
    initially i use to freak out and headed back to home..
    but my hubby told me that the biggest worry will always be that WHAT PEOPLE WILL SAY... Get Past This..
    keeping this in mind, i kept on running , and soon the guys got bored out of my persistent running and they gave up...
    and i continue running..

    now when slowly i am switching to morning runs, people cum and tells me that i inspire them to get out and do some workout...

    so just start ... and dont give up... no matter what.... u r running for U.... and No One Else should matter...
  • michellekicks
    michellekicks Posts: 3,624 Member
    And read this...
    http://flintland.blogspot.ca/2012/05/hey-fat-girl.html

    Every runner started somewhere.
  • mellybelly08
    mellybelly08 Posts: 27
    You guys are awesome!! Every single post made me feel a lot better about this! Although I'll still need to push myself out that front door I'm going to try it out tomorrow.. and keep all of what you guys said in my mind and try not to focus on anyone else.
    Thanks so much!! xox
  • suiteblooms
    suiteblooms Posts: 100
    I can't seem to make myself work out outdoors - mostly because it is too hot or cold or windy or my allergies... my excuses are endless - so I run at the gym BUT if you are working out outside, know that most of the people that will glance in your direction will look at you with admiration - I know I would. Still feel like hiding? Try choosing residential neighborhoods with quiet streets. Stay off main routes that lots of people drive on, make a great playlist for your ipod, get lost in the beat of the music & hold your head high. :smile:
  • DawnEH612
    DawnEH612 Posts: 574 Member
    And read this...
    http://flintland.blogspot.ca/2012/05/hey-fat-girl.html

    Every runner started somewhere.

    That "hey fat girl" blog is AWESOME and inspirational....I had read it before and was trying to find it to post here. I am glad you had the link. It belongs on this site for sure!
  • mellybelly08
    mellybelly08 Posts: 27
    Loved the link. thanks
  • Awake_Alive
    Awake_Alive Posts: 261 Member
    And....just so you know, I ran a 5k in October that merged at the end with the people that were finishing their 10K. I was so anxious about what they would say or how they would feel, but when it finally came time, I had SO MANY people running by me saying "keep it up! You're doing great!" or some version of that. When I finally crossed the finish line, it was with my head held high...because of all the skinny runners I was worried about when I first started. :)
  • giggles7706
    giggles7706 Posts: 1,491 Member
    I had this same problem and to some extent still do. I get nervous when I first start but after you get started it really does go away! I just turn on my music and zone out and just go! And after you do it enough times, I really do believe it gets easier. I still have that lingering fear and nervousness but it's nothing compared to when I first started. :smile:
  • jimothyjenkins
    jimothyjenkins Posts: 2
    go early in the morning while no one is up.
    or go late at night.
    soon you will feel comfortable and realize that people don't mind you working out. or you may love the alone time and keep your early morning runs.


    get an ipod so u can focus on the music and yourself
  • anels449
    anels449 Posts: 3,187 Member
    you could try going out in the middle of the night;)

    Actually, yes! Night jogging is how I started jogging until I was comfortable with people seeing me exercise. Not only is it cooler out, the stars are out! Just make sure you're in a safe neighborhood that you can jog at night. Good luck and have fun!

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