Embarrassed to exercise

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Replies

  • LadyAmy20
    LadyAmy20 Posts: 137
    I'm not a gym person either. I'm not embarrased per se but do not feel like I work as hard as I can with people around. I get bored on a stairmaster and find it hard to stay motivated. I do my workouts exclusively at home to videos and have weights for my arm routine.

    I've found a few great videos at www.hulu.com, a free streaming site. They have lots of yoga and I'm diggin the 'Gaiam's Wake Up Workout The FIRM: Cardio' for a great routine without any props. Occasionally, I get tired of the same thing and do a search for something different.

    It's nice to have a free alternative to keep in shape!

    That's another reason I'm not sure about the gym - I prefer being outdoors really, and when I've got an actual bike I'm not sure that I see the point of getting bored and staring into space on a gym one. But I guess I'll have to try it out and see how it goes.

    Free is DEFINITELY a good thing, haha :)
  • Assassins_Angel
    Assassins_Angel Posts: 329
    i tend to do home dvd's like Zumba as im too chicken to do a class where i am as i am unfamiliar with the language!!
  • missnikkihasthepower
    missnikkihasthepower Posts: 1
    go for a bike ride! x
  • LadyAmy20
    LadyAmy20 Posts: 137
    My personal story with running didn't start out that good. When I first started, the neighborhood "mean kids" would shout things out to me that made me feel less than great. So you know what I did? I put in some headphones and kept running. Every other day. I'd wear baggy clothes to hide myself. And now, just a few months later, I'm almost done with C25K, and I'm out there running, wearing spandex.

    Everytime I felt judged or heard something derogatory about "fat girl running", I used it to fuel me. I was doing more than everyone sitting on the couch. I was changing my life. And now, I'm stronger, I'm healthier, I've lost a lot of inches, and there's not a thing in the world anyone can say to bring me down.

    Do this for you. When you've reached your goals, your feeling of pride will make it all worth it.

    Exactly, I think it's horrible how people laugh at "fat girls running" - surely it's better to run than to stay fat? Which is of course why I'm on here. Good for you for keeping going. And thank you for being an inspiration :)
  • Jezebel_Barbie
    Jezebel_Barbie Posts: 198 Member
    I was far too unfit when I started to even consider running! Just walking up my own damn stairs made me out of breath. So I walked. A lot. I used an exercise dvd at home, started just doing the warm up section then moved on to the low intensity section and finally the whole dvd.

    It's now just over 3 months and I've taken up netball once a week at a local sports centre, I've moved onto higher intensity workouts (which includes weights) and have just started running. I still suck at running! I still sweat like hell, go red and puffy and struggle with the lowest of low intensity running. But I feel more confident in my stamina and endurance to at least give it a go.

    Also: I've never faced anyone publicly saying anything to me. I might feel they're saying/thinking things but no one has actually said anything. A pair of headphones and a steely gaze straight ahead works wonders for blocking people out.
  • LadyAmy20
    LadyAmy20 Posts: 137
    If you feel really self conscious I would get a couple of workout dvds so that you can do them in the privacy of your own home, but make sure you get good ones! Jillian Michaels are good!

    But to be honest I think if you started going for a run outside I think you'd be surprised at how quick you would be come comfortable to do it. Also, I really don't think people pay that much attention to runners, they might glance just to check where you are if they are driving but then they are past you in all of about 2 seconds so they don't get the opportunity to see you for long anyway! If you have to run past people you'd soon be out of there way in not time at all. I would say if you feel like going for a run then just be brave and do it, once you've done it once you'll realise there's nothing to worry about and won't hesitate in keep doing it.

    Good luck in whatever you choose to do - but as long as you're doing something, that's better than nothing :wink:

    All of that is very true, thank you! :smile:
  • marie_cressman
    marie_cressman Posts: 980 Member
    My personal story with running didn't start out that good. When I first started, the neighborhood "mean kids" would shout things out to me that made me feel less than great. So you know what I did? I put in some headphones and kept running. Every other day. I'd wear baggy clothes to hide myself. And now, just a few months later, I'm almost done with C25K, and I'm out there running, wearing spandex.

    Everytime I felt judged or heard something derogatory about "fat girl running", I used it to fuel me. I was doing more than everyone sitting on the couch. I was changing my life. And now, I'm stronger, I'm healthier, I've lost a lot of inches, and there's not a thing in the world anyone can say to bring me down.

    Do this for you. When you've reached your goals, your feeling of pride will make it all worth it.

    ^^this.

    you're not doing this for anyone but yourself. your health is important. don't be embarrassed to workout. if it makes it easier, enlist a friend to go with if you really want to hit the gym or go for a run/jog/walk. word to the wise though, SOMETIMES friends bale on you if their goals are not the same. SO even if they don't go, make yourself accountable and go even if that means cranking up the tunes and trying to forget everyone around you.

    plus, most people don't think about it, but a lot of times when you hit the gym people appreciate the fact that someone who is essentially out of shape or overweight is trying. :)
  • LadyAmy20
    LadyAmy20 Posts: 137
    I never thought I would ever feel uncomfortable about anyone seeing me exercise, but then I got injured and put on 40 pounds. :huh:

    I used to feel totally at home in the gym, at running races, in the pool etc and all of a sudden I hated the thought. :sad: So I used that as an excuse to do nothing for a lot longer than I should have. At the end of the day, I didn't want to stay this fat and if I wanted to see the benefits I would quite simply have to get over myself.

    When I went back to spin I thought I looked like a hippo in lycra and felt such a fraud in my clippy shoes... like "all the gear - no idea"... But you know what...??? Nobody cares. Nobody looks. It's all in your head.

    Suck it up buttercup. :wink: :drinker:

    Oh wow I had the same thing when I was 15 - when I think about it, that's when I started gaining weight.

    I know it's all in my head but at the same time my head is telling me it isn't... now I sound like a schizo haha. I do think wiht me I have to get over the mental blocks first.

    Good luck to you too :tongue:
  • LadyAmy20
    LadyAmy20 Posts: 137
    Completely understand, and I still won't set foot in a gym. However, I've started running every second day and I've realised how little anyone cares about what I do! It's liberating. I have a lovely place to run near where I live and people just smile and say 'hi'. Also, what do you think when you see a jogger? I know I always think 'good on them', I never look at them negatively:)
    Very true :)
  • LadyAmy20
    LadyAmy20 Posts: 137
    My personal story with running didn't start out that good. When I first started, the neighborhood "mean kids" would shout things out to me that made me feel less than great. So you know what I did? I put in some headphones and kept running. Every other day. I'd wear baggy clothes to hide myself. And now, just a few months later, I'm almost done with C25K, and I'm out there running, wearing spandex.

    Everytime I felt judged or heard something derogatory about "fat girl running", I used it to fuel me. I was doing more than everyone sitting on the couch. I was changing my life. And now, I'm stronger, I'm healthier, I've lost a lot of inches, and there's not a thing in the world anyone can say to bring me down.

    Do this for you. When you've reached your goals, your feeling of pride will make it all worth it.

    ^^this.

    you're not doing this for anyone but yourself. your health is important. don't be embarrassed to workout. if it makes it easier, enlist a friend to go with if you really want to hit the gym or go for a run/jog/walk. word to the wise though, SOMETIMES friends bale on you if their goals are not the same. SO even if they don't go, make yourself accountable and go even if that means cranking up the tunes and trying to forget everyone around you.

    plus, most people don't think about it, but a lot of times when you hit the gym people appreciate the fact that someone who is essentially out of shape or overweight is trying. :)

    I have tried the friend thing before but it didn't work out - however this year may be different. When I have the money I do think I'll consider rejoining a gym now, I think my health is more important than my embarrassment!
  • JEMJAB17
    JEMJAB17 Posts: 1 Member
    Change your mind set and you see the results. Your focus is to get fit, if in the process you lose weight well all and good. If you want to get fit then go to the gym and concentrate on what you are there for to get fit. That is what everyone else there is doing :smile: . Getting fit.
    Stay blessed. :bigsmile:
  • Mizzy91
    Mizzy91 Posts: 63
    DVDS are a great way to start x
  • MrsM1ggins
    MrsM1ggins Posts: 724 Member
    Like you I didn't want anyone to see the fatty huffing and puffing her way round the neighbourhood so I started off exercising at home.

    Fortunately for me I've got a PS3 so I started with EA Sports Active 2 and worked my way through some of the programs on it. I also walked and walked and walked.

    Once I started to feel a bit fitter I decided to do the 30 day shred. Awesome workout and dirt cheap - abuot a fiver at Tesco or Amazon. After that I figured that running is a great exercise so I should try to do that - I started couch to 5K http://www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/c25k/Pages/couch-to-5k.aspx but still felt really self conscious so I only ran at night when it was dark while wearing dark clothing and a baseball cap - I was like a slow, fat ninja!

    Don't feel like you have to join a gym - it's not necessary. I don't like gym workouts / gym classes and don't think I'd have the motivation to go regularly if I joined one, so I use the council pool and I have a pay as you go membership for the council gym; I've been to the gym once since March, but I guess it'll be useful in the winter if we get another bad one.

    The most important thing is that you do *something*. Find what you enjoy and get out and do it. Or stay in and do it!
  • JoanneStone
    JoanneStone Posts: 135 Member
    Just do it!

    When I started running, I really though I looked stupid - but did it anyway.
    It didn't take me long to realise that most people who are out on the streets in the morning are exercising too, or are on their way somewhere. And they are usually quite self absorbed and don't really care what anyone else is doing!

    Now I'll usually smile and nod and say good morning when I pass someone, especially another runner. And if they are looking thin and cool and like it's easy, I'll just wish I could do that too. If they are looking red faced and sweaty and overweight, I think "hey, me too, aren't we the smart ones to be out here doing something about it!"

    Don't let other people put you off doing something that is good for you.

    THIS^^^^^^!
    Exactly how it was for me when I started running and how I feel now!
  • christinageo
    christinageo Posts: 2
    Do you have netflix? They have a variety of exercise videos there!
  • larkiedeek
    larkiedeek Posts: 203 Member
    Go for a walk. This burns cals.

    I lost most of my weight through diet anyway.

    Have you thought about an excersise bike? You can probably pick up a 2nd hand one easily!
  • successiswithinme
    successiswithinme Posts: 91 Member
    I live in an area that if you don't see people out running or walking theres something wrong.
    I am not a runner by any means but I try and when I want to run I just get out there and do it, I do notice other runners and they notice me but its only for a few seconds and then its over and I move on and pass the next person coming my way. I guess my point is that others will see us but very rarely will they remember us or think about us.....your doing it for you, not them. Enjoy the momet.
  • SlinkyNewMe
    SlinkyNewMe Posts: 213 Member
    I was like a slow, fat ninja!


    LOL! That is so funny!

    Also I was saying that I DO speak to people in Body Pump. In a class there are people of all shapes and sizes, but because everyone is doing the same thing, it feels less intimidating/competitive. So if anyone is a bit nervous about going into the gym - like the weights or cardio room, it might be worthwhile joining a few classes, find some friends in there, then go into the main gym!

    Good luck :drinker:
  • jsidel126
    jsidel126 Posts: 694 Member
    A while back when I wanted to get into running, I began by running around the block after dark. Didn't want anyone to see me panting. It didn't take long until I was comfortable running in daylight. Recently I have started to run again. I have been using the C25k program (available for smartphones and as a podcast) to get back into shape. Week one is mostly walking with a few one minute run intervals. Each week has longer run segments until you run for 30 min continously. Numerous people on this site use this program. Give it a try... :happy:
  • Alexstrasza
    Alexstrasza Posts: 619 Member
    Well you can do stuff at home. Look around the boards for results from doing things like 30DS and P90x or Insanity. Some of the results are crazy awesome.


    I was embarassed at first going to the gym. But I had to just tell myself to suck it up and get it over with. I'm not there for anyone but me. This is MY journey, no one elses.

    After I stopped being ebarassed I actually started to notice more and more people in my situation (over weight and trying to get healthy) and it made me feel better.
  • SmallMimi
    SmallMimi Posts: 541 Member
    As far as your upstairs jiggle problem - my sister has this same issue, also makes it uncomfortable to run or speed walk. She utilizes two sports bras, the first in the size she needs then she tops that with a second one slightly smaller. This has stopped most of her jiggle and big bounces. Like everyone else, DVD's and walking are the most inexpensive options, you can even find some of the workouts on YouTube.
  • Wendy7605
    Wendy7605 Posts: 2
    I am the same way and have never been able to get over it. I have always been extremely self conscious in my life. BUT.. I bought a bike and now bikeride every day. I still have to "hide", I make sure I have my helmut on and sunglasses, I feel no one will recognize me that way. lol! It's terrible to feel that way so I sympathize with you.. but I found something aerobic to do that I'm comfortable doing.. hope that helps!:smile:
  • 27missmarty
    27missmarty Posts: 4
    i bought a used treadmill off Craigslist and have been walking and walking and walking and walking! lol have done a little running/jogging too, but not much... i'll work up to that! i hear ya as far as going out! my problem is having young kids so its easier to do it at home! just as long as you're moving, you're doing good! good luck to you, you CAN do it!!!
  • auticus
    auticus Posts: 1,051 Member
    That was something I struggled with for a while, especially in the beginning. And I won't lie and say that people didn't say evil hateful things to me. What I will say is that your life is yours, not theirs. Put the headphones on and set the course of your ship to the correct one.
  • HauteP1nk
    HauteP1nk Posts: 2,139 Member
    You shouldnt' be embarrassed but if you are there are options that don't involve money or working out with others...
    Have you tried working out at home? There are tons of resources online for free workouts....

    Some great sites with FULL workouts that I use are listed in the article below:

    http://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/10-best-workout-videos-youtube
  • sunshine_gem
    sunshine_gem Posts: 390 Member
    Running when late is an option too actually. I'm most self conscious about my boobs - they're too big for running really, and the sports bra I've got doesn't really do the job properly! I can't afford a gym membership at the moment but I'm also jobhunting so hopefully that'll change soon.

    I have really big boobs too and I'm a student but the one thing you should really invest in is a really good sports bra. You can damage your boobs by tearing the connective tissue and ligaments through not having proper support. I'm not sure where you are in the world but this site gives you a lot of info about sports bras:

    http://www.movingcomfort.com/E/sportsbras-E,default,sc.html

    This site is also really good for the UK:

    http://www.lessbounce.com/

    Or alternatively just google sports bras and read some reviews. It's so important to have the proper support and totally worth the investment. I know exactly how you feel about the gym. For a student it's not always worth it so running, if you can, is definitely a good option. Just be kind to your ladies and they'll be kind to you! :-)
  • Ayirela
    Ayirela Posts: 204 Member
    I won't take myself to a gym yet either....

    Instead I bought an 8kg Competition Kettlebell, Zumba DVDs, a bike (that I don't use as it hurts my hiney still lol) and I got the turbo fire so I can change up and not get bored until I get into a bit of shape...I feel more comfortable in my work out clothes when at home rather than letting people see my fat :)

    Buy a few dvds/equipment for the home that you like and start there until you want to work your way to public facilities.
  • casperuk
    casperuk Posts: 195 Member
    Do you ever drive or walk along and see someone running and laugh and think "How ridiculous"

    No me neither.

    And neither does anyone else.

    No one will be looking at you, and if they do its so they can pause to let you go by.

    Get out there and show them your stuff :)

    Good luck
  • aunt_hbomb
    aunt_hbomb Posts: 204
    Don't worry about what other people think. You are doing this for yourself, not for them.
  • PJ64
    PJ64 Posts: 866 Member
    I was embarrassed to go back in the gym after being gone for years and getting fat, but you know what....THAT's what gyms are for :)

    I just wear my headphones and go to work and trust me, nobody is looking at judging and if they are, they're not worth knowing!

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