Anyone else feel humiliated working out?

I feel embarassed working out at the gym and find that the only machines I use are the cardio ones, cos I dont want to look like an idiot using the resistance machines. Stupid I know, cos we all need to start somewhere and even the fittest of people started off the same.

I won't say I feel humiliated exactly. Sometimes I feel a little conspicuous, though. Ultimately, though, you're there for you, not other people. Not only that, but you're doing better than the people who aren't taking advantage of that perk at all.

Sometimes it helps to remind myself that those people who are in awesome shape may have been doing what they're doing for decades now. I'll get there.

At least you're doing something for yourself, which is better than doing nothing. Think of all the other work colleagues who are at home stuffing themselves with crap whilst watching telly. You can only get fitter and stronger - no going backwards. Don't feel humiliated; enjoy the feeling of getting that little bit better each time you do this. It's like Couch to 5K. On week 2 back in March, I had to run 90 seconds and I thought I would never recover..lol. (and i was surrounded by fit runners!) I ran my first 5K on Sunday without walking or stopping.

I do feel that way, and I struggle with it every time I go to the gym.

I try to remember that my own thought process, when seeing anyone working out who (seemingly) is at the beginning of their weight-loss journey, is a positive reaction. I really do think to myself, "good for you!" This helps me feel less "in the spotlight"

You shouldn't feel humiliated at all; me personally, I have respect for anyone who is in the gym making the effort to better themselves. Besides, other peoples opinions of yourself don't matter, it's about how you feel about yourself. I'm done sounding like a hippie now...

It's more humbling than anything else for me. I work out early in the morning and this is apprently the time for the really fit guys to come in. My gym is small as well, so when I have to put small amounts on the bar to focus on form there's no way to hide it. :-/

I just keep thinking that they're not making fun of me in their minds, they're thinking "good for him!". I could be wrong tho...lol

Being one of the "fit" guys in the gym, whenever I see someone who is not fit, standing around looking at equipment with a puzzled look on their face, I always offer to help, give them some advice on form or what equipment to use, etc.. People are always willing to help with advice, just avoid the headphone wearing types....clearly in their own world gettin' work done.

ps..don't try to compete!...work at your own pace, and set goals to progress towards..

I walked into a gym for the first time at age 56! I have lost 26 lbs in 6 months, the journey is about your health forget everybody else. If I didn't start I would never have taken the weight off . When I started I was so embarrassed I couldn't do the elliptical machine for more than 5 minutes, I resolved to improve, forget that the 100 lb adorable girl next to me was cranking it out twice as fast and 3 times longer than me, just do what YOU need to do..good luck

I can totally relate! I used to refuse to work out if there were witnesses around. As I got into better shape, I don't mind as much if people are around, but I still get a little weird about it from time to time.

I think I am almost past my fear though. I just signed up for a softball team at work and the team was really supportive of those of us that are inexperienced.

If you coworkers have half a heart in their souls, they will not judge you for struggling during your workout. If anything, they will be proud of you for exercising. In fact, sometimes a bit of a struggle can indicate that your workout is effective! If you didn't take in a deep breath, turn red in the face, or break out into a sweat, you probably didn't push your boundaries anyway.

So, go get 'em!

If you're really that scared to take advantage of the benefits at work, at least work out at home. You can always ask the trainer to design a workout for you that you can do at home all by your lonesome.