Embarrassed to exercise

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Replies

  • ChristineS_51
    ChristineS_51 Posts: 872 Member
    When I started I was embarassed and unfit, so I started walking around my backyard. (It's a small backyard)! First I did 5 laps, then 10, and then 15 etc etc. I did it first thing in the morning before I even had anything to eat, and that seemed to kick my metabolism into gear. That was just after Christmas when I started with MFP to actually do something about my weight. I tried to do it quicker and quick, even jogged sometimes.

    Once I got to losing weight, and feeling better I strated going for longer walks around the neighbourhood, using the Wii, etc. Sadly I injured my knee on one of my walks so am only just coming good. So be careful, don't injure yourself! Wear supportive shoes and maintain good posture.

    Anything at all you do is going to move your body - it doesn't have to be a gym. Jogging on the spot, going up and down stairs if you have stairs - anything will get those big muscles (thighs etc) moving and you will be on your way. Good luck
  • FlyEaglesGuy
    FlyEaglesGuy Posts: 436 Member
    When I first started lifting I felt this way. But after the first few times I just put my iPod on blast and pay more attention to the music than the people. Now I feel almost like I'm In the gym all alone.

    Trust me you people are always going to be around, just focuse on you. Hey they might be thinking they like what they see :drinker:
  • tally05
    tally05 Posts: 1 Member
    You know what...wen i go the gym and see someone whos overweight in there i think...good on them for making the effort to get healthy. I never think anything bad. The more they are red and sweaty the more respect I have for them for trying. Nobody thinks something negative about people who are trying. Plus people in the gym have their own workouts to do they dont care about anyone else in there. Everyone has to start somewhere dont they xx
  • soontobesam
    soontobesam Posts: 714 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 is perfect. I felt the same way when I started running, avoiding eye contact ESPECIALLY with runners but now I know I've put in the work and deserve to hold my head and give the passing nod and smile.

    This is one of the strangers situations in life. SOME people are super judgmental about overweight people working out but then they make nasty comments about overweight people being lazy and NOT working out so its a double edged sword.

    No matter what - just keep getting out there and remember that this is something you are doing for YOU.
  • gjulie
    gjulie Posts: 391
    I felt the same about running,I started at 20 secs and worked my way to 4 minutes,now I would guess Im a fair bit older than you are so I was totally mortified! Start walking thats what I do when I cant afford the gym everybody does it so no one will take any notice of you!:smile:
  • stephanie_pephanie
    stephanie_pephanie Posts: 24
    I so know what you mean! I was the same 6 months ago. Now I am one of "those" runners who can run for over an hour and make it look... well... perhaps not easy, but I'm not struggling to run 100 m like I used to. I see overweight people running I want to hug them and tell them not to be embarrassed because I was in their shoes once. They are inspirational because it reminds me how far I have come. Keep at it, in a surprisingly short time you will have improved and will feel better I promise!

    One thing I did was to just dress in street clothes and go for a really long walk. You're still moving and nobody needs to know you're exercising.

    Good luck - keep it up, it is worth every minute of discomfort and it DOES get easier, even fun! Don't lose heart when you have a bad run because that just means a good one must surely follow. :smile:
  • veggiesaurus15
    veggiesaurus15 Posts: 152 Member
    I felt embarrassed and nervous when I first joined the gym. I've lost over 50 pounds and I still feel nervous about jogging in public. The truth is, anyone can gain weight and anyone can lose it. The fact that you are working towards your goal is a great accomplishment, and please don't let your nervousness or embarrassment get in the way of the healthy body you CAN achieve! Best of luck! :)
  • FrugalMomsRock75
    FrugalMomsRock75 Posts: 698 Member
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004S2YN5O/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=A2BGGMJNPKSPEN


    Someone talked about that the other day. For only 11 dollars, you can get some variety and a workout that is compared (I don't know how accurately) to P90X.

    Also, I am a huge lover of the Biggest Loser Boot Camp with Bob Harper. <3 it. You can customize every workout with warm up, level 1, level 2, level 3, and cool down. In any order, skip what you want, etc. Love it.

    http://www.amazon.com/The-Biggest-Loser-Workout-Boot/dp/B001GP5TLS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=A2BGGMJNPKSPEN&qid=1340884889&s=generic&sr=1-1

    Add one more video, and you've got a lot of workouts for a really reasonable price and free shipping (free shipping at 25.00). :)

    I go a ladies only gym, so that helps me be more comfortable. I also do a lot of workouts at home.
  • marsoe
    marsoe Posts: 18 Member
    I know exactly how this feels.

    I used to do the late night walks as well (often 3-4am), but they can be hard to get motivated about, and always being up that late is not at all good for you. I found that the insomnia was a product of my lifestyle, not just an isolated thing.

    There's plenty of bodyweight stuff you can do in your own bedroom (like http://www.youtube.com/user/yogatic/videos and http://www.doyogawithme.com ), or harder stuff like http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/12/09/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle/ . Find a hill and climb it, or discover a forest or a park.

    If you prefer being alone, relish it. Noone knows yourself like you do, and often you're the best company. You can switch off everyone else if you have to, and you can be the only person in a crowded gym if you want to, but these things take practice.
  • bert16
    bert16 Posts: 726 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

    ^^^ Exactly this!!!! No one will be looking at you and thinking anything other than "good for her!". Get yourself a good sports bra (I'm a 34DD runner and am a big fan of Moving Comfort's Fiona bra) and get yourself out there!!! Happy running. :flowerforyou:
  • ChristineS_51
    ChristineS_51 Posts: 872 Member
    lacroyx
    Sure there's probably people pointing and laughing at me but I can't see or hear them over the sound of how awesome I am.
    :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: LOVE IT Great attitude!!
  • primalchaos
    primalchaos Posts: 135 Member
    Is anyone else embarrassed to actually start going to the gym/running in public? I am happy swimming but at the moment I'm somewhere without a pool nearby, so that's not an option. I don't feel comfortable with exercising in public but I'm not sure what to do otherwise.
    Also, swimming/joining a gym = spending money, which, as a student, I definitely don't have much of to spare!!
    Are other people in the same situation? Or does anyone have any tips for me?
    Thanks!

    I used to feel uncomfortable at the gym or at running events until I just did it. Yes, there are more athletic people and try as I might, I'll never get close to a 14:00 5k. I am faster than I was though. Keep it about you, focus on your effort, and take pride that you are doing all the footwork that will make the changes you want.
  • frando
    frando Posts: 583 Member
    youtube has a selection of work out videos that are great to try out, even better you have a really wide choice available to yourself. I've not got alot of money myself so I joined my gym with an off peak membership so I go during the quiet periods (weekdays from about 9am -4pm) and it was £20 compared to the on peak of £30 or any time £45 :D and some gyms, at least in my area, have a 'women's' only section.
  • curvymomo3
    curvymomo3 Posts: 253 Member
    Truthfully, I just shove my earbuds into my ears crank up the music and do my thing... I am embarressed too but I do it anyway, expecially free weights because there are tons of big men doing them too. Its what I gotta do to get to my goal yo!
  • FrugalMomsRock75
    FrugalMomsRock75 Posts: 698 Member
    Sure there's probably people pointing and laughing at me but I can't see or hear them over the sound of how awesome I am.


    I'm pretty sure I get looks while out on my morning walk/jogs too. Fairly certain I look like a pudgy kid awkwardly chasing the ice cream truck. But I don't care. Someday, I hope to be more graceful... lol In the meantime, they better stay out of my way, because I'm probably just as vicious as the pudgy kid who gets passed up by the ice cream man!


    I have to admit that sometimes I do see this girl running and think, "what in the hell is she thinking?!" Not because she's running, though... but because she's quite overweight and wearing super short shorts rolled down below her belly bulge and a sports bra. While her tummy is just jiggling all over the place. It kind of skeeves me out a little bit. I am super jiggly too (I've had five babies), but that's why I wrap my tummy up inside of my pants and shirt.
  • NannersBalletLegs
    NannersBalletLegs Posts: 207 Member
    I would skip the gym with its exorbitant fees, rigid contracts, and insecurity-inducing environ. I only use the gym at my university for the pool or for when it's ridiculously cold outside. I prefer going on long walks or bike riding on some nearby forest trails. Also, there are a lot of resistance and strength-training exercises that you can do at home as well...pushups and sit-ups/crunches for example. You could get a workout video and use that. There are so many things you can do without subjecting yourself to "gym culture." Good luck! :)
  • Katie1951
    Katie1951 Posts: 312 Member
    Walking is a valid exercise. It doesn't cost anything. Everybody walks somewhere.
  • Nillia2
    Nillia2 Posts: 36 Member
    I was and kinda still am. And joining a gym and buying dvds were a definite no no. So i went on youtube! Loads of exercises there that I could do in my little space, and i lost weight! so dont let the public stop you, do it in your home until you get comfortable will really pay off. Start by doing a lot of aerobic exercises...dats what I did and my breasts even look smaller :)
  • Loves418
    Loves418 Posts: 330 Member
    This is how I feel about the gym. If you have nothing better to do with your time and the money you spent to join the gym to stare at me then you are a fool. Those people are money wasters and if they have that much to waste they should give it to me so I can get a personal trainer.
    Seriously I put on my music and tune out the world. I can jog an entire song now on a speed of 4.00. Doesn't seem like much but to me it is a great accomplishment especially since I also suffer from a heel spur and I really shouldn't jog at all. JUST do it!
  • jamaljohar
    jamaljohar Posts: 55
    Is anyone else embarrassed to actually start going to the gym/running in public? I am happy swimming but at the moment I'm somewhere without a pool nearby, so that's not an option. I don't feel comfortable with exercising in public but I'm not sure what to do otherwise.
    Also, swimming/joining a gym = spending money, which, as a student, I definitely don't have much of to spare!!
    Are other people in the same situation? Or does anyone have any tips for me?
    Thanks!
    i was over 300lbs when i started at the gym, i could barely keep a 3.5 pace on the treadmill without stopping every 2-3 mins, i couldnt lift more than 125lbs on the bench press, I WAS SOO EMBARRASSED working out especially since i felt like everyone else was so much stronger faster and fitter than i was, and it was hard in the beginning, but after a lil while i realized nobody in that place could care any less about me. they were so in tuned to getting themselves stronger faster, they didnt care about what i was doing,

    DONT OVER THINK IT! YOUR DOING IT FOR YOU AND NOONE ELSE, AND NOTHING IS GOING TO CHANGE UNLESS YOU CHANGE IT!
  • ChanniVincent
    ChanniVincent Posts: 188
    I exercise to cheap workout dvds at home. I lift weights at home, I do yoga at home, I was & stair climb at home. I don't go out much. I use to walk outside. Listening to music while I exercise (in front of people) helped me.
  • Elif84
    Elif84 Posts: 287 Member
    I used to be embarassed until I realized, I won't get to where I want if I worry about what other people think.
  • Ironman2be
    Ironman2be Posts: 140 Member
    I was in your situation when i first started... i still hate going to the gym..that's just the anxiety in me i guess..but anywho..When i started i weighed around 335 lbs. I couldnt run at all, my knees would blow.....what i did was go for a walk on the walking/running/biking trail around my house...started off walking until i felt comfortable jogging. I'd jog while no one was around then when i saw someone i'd walk..or keep going :) Now i'm down a hundred lbs and i run.

    Those people are there for the same reasons you are..to get in shape. Any MATURE person that sees you exercising wouldn't negatively judge you, they know that you are trying, and doing something to better yourself!!

    It would be much different if you were at a restaurant sitting in a bar eating wings and drinking the biggest beer they have all afternoon.

    Get out there and screw what others think!
  • FrugalMomsRock75
    FrugalMomsRock75 Posts: 698 Member
    i was over 300lbs when i started at the gym, i could barely keep a 3.5 pace on the treadmill without stopping every 2-3 mins, i couldnt lift more than 125lbs on the bench press, I WAS SOO EMBARRASSED working out especially since i felt like everyone else was so much stronger faster and fitter than i was, and it was hard in the beginning, but after a lil while i realized nobody in that place could care any less about me. they were so in tuned to getting themselves stronger faster, they didnt care about what i was doing,

    DONT OVER THINK IT! YOUR DOING IT FOR YOU AND NOONE ELSE, AND NOTHING IS GOING TO CHANGE UNLESS YOU CHANGE IT!

    Good God, I hope there's lots of people who can't lift 125+ on the bench press. I just got to 85 and was proud of myself. rofl
  • Cindyclough1
    Cindyclough1 Posts: 1
    You, or anyone else, cannot control the thoughts of other people. The people who would even be worth your time caring about their thoughts are cheering you on! Healthy - physically, emotionally, and spiritually - people want only the best for you & will probably be thinking, "Good for her!", "I'm glad she's out here moving.", "Way to go!", etc... And perhaps some people will be inspired by you! Don't allow your perception of others' thoughts to keep you stuck in your embarrassment. It won't be long until you realize that bert16 and ChristineS_51 are right! Now GO and ENJOY!
  • manderson27
    manderson27 Posts: 3,510 Member
    It is all about taking the first step. Once you have done something a few times you find that it was no where near as bad as you thought it was going to be.

    1. The gym - Everyone there to get fitter and stronger and you will find a variety of ages, shapes and sizes use it.
    2. Running in public- most people only notice a stranger for 30 seconds then they move on with their own business so who cares.
    3. Excercise classes - If you try your best and be friendly you will fit in and soon instead of being the newbie you will be an old hand
    4. Home excersising - Is great if you have the discipline (I find I give up quicker at home just because I can) but it does work well for a lot of people.

    Do try and overcome your embarassment as you wil be the one to benefit in the long run.

    Good luck
  • monalirog
    monalirog Posts: 9
    At one point or another, at one time or another everyone has had this challenge. I just join the LA Fitness last month and I was embarrassed about using weights and, I hated how I looked in the clothes I was wearing.
    Remember no one is really looking at you or talking under their breath when you are exercising.

    Everybody just wants to improve their health and fitness.
  • ctooch99
    ctooch99 Posts: 459 Member
    P 90 X

    I will never go to a gym again. Has changed my life.
  • jlmoses91
    jlmoses91 Posts: 87 Member
    Well if you are a student in college most colleges have free gym admissions to their workout facilities. Also you have to understand that when people go to the gym and work out they are focused on themselves and not on you. Unless I'm working out with someone else I don't even notice that other people are in the gym so you don't need to worry about people staing at you unless you are wearing all spandex that barely covers anything. My friend was also nervous about working out I from of other people so I bought her sweaty bands, she likes glitter and they have these cool metallic bright colored headbands, it makes her feel good so she's not so self conscious to work out.
  • jlmoses91
    jlmoses91 Posts: 87 Member
    Before I worked out when I saw people running outside I always thought wow I wish I was that healthy no matter how skinny they are.

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