To self conscious to exercise?
 

I love to run, I know that sounds silly, what kind of 320 pounds woman loves to run? I have no idea why it makes me feel so great, it just does. Well I'm to self conscious to run the block in my neighborhood, to heavy to use a treadmill, to self conscious to use the public track. What do I do? I was thinking of running back and forth across my backyard, but I have such I small yard I'd have to make 500 trips. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks!

As Nike says, Just Do It.

Trite I know but when I first started going to the gym in 2004, I was probably more self conscious than you. I thought everyone would be laughing at the fat woman on the treadmill. But you know what - nobody paid any attention to me. They were too busy woking on them. And when I would see someone my size come in, I would cheer for them in my mind and keep doing what I was doing.

Know that you may run into some people who have nothing better to do with their lives than to say or do somthing obnoxious but do they really matter? I think not. A few weeks ago, I was thinking about getting one of these as my personalized license plate.

Do You
or
B U

Give it a shot. After all, you did say it makes you feel great right.

Nothing silly about loving to run!

The vast majority of people who see you won't even consciously take note of you; most people are wrapped up in their own thoughts. Each person is the stars in his/her own mental movies, and strangers are just extras as far as most folks are concerned. :)

Those who do notice you are probably thinking something like "cute shoes" or "that reminds me, I really should take a walk after lunch" or "more power to her." I see fellow walkers (I'm not in good enough shape to run, unlike you) as compatriots--people with a common interest to whom I say hello when I walk by, not people to judge or be judged by. I'm pretty sure most of the people I see feel the same.

When I do feel self-conscious about walking, I think of the chubby strutting "haters gonna hate" kid from the animated gif. :D It sounds totally stupid, but...yeah. I am that kid. Haters gonna hate, but it won't stop me from strutting. (If you don't know the gif I mean, just Google "haters gonna hate" gif and he'll pop right up. :) )

You know, I felt kind of strange walking into Zumba class at 300lbs - especially when everyone else seemed so fit and in shape. But I just ignored the voices talking in my head and did it, and once I did it a couple of times I got over it.

I believe you would be an inspiration to many people. Sad, isn't it? The same people that would have something negative to say about you running would be the first to look at someone overweight and ask 'why won't you diet and exercise?' We are all trying to promote longevity and quality of life. With that in mind, people with negative opinions don't matter. I hope one day to be able to run, but I worry about my aging knees...lol. Look forward to reading and update. Best of luck!

I know exactly what you mean. I live in an apartment complex that has a small gym room... I hate going in when there are people in there and I regularly try to go when I know there probably won't be anyone there. I can't stand the thought of someone looking at me while I'm trying to work out. I can't stay focused when I think someone is watching me.

I am going to chime and say just do it. You're great for running I'm more into swimming (which I love) and getting into a pool in a swim suit stopped me from doing it for a while, but I just did it. I got the occasion curious look and then people stopped caring. I think it is was more about oh someone new walked in than anything else.

I say put on your headphones and go do what makes you happy. Remember you are whats important. I also think most people will be impressed and inspired that you're out there doing your thing.

Weird story...There is a show about kids at fat camp there is one girl who was 500 lbs and was down to 300 something when the show ended. At one point she did crunches as part of her exercise program. I have been kind of avoiding doing them because I thought I was too fat, whats the point, Im too heavy....and so on.

After I saw her I got my behind down on the floor and did my ab work.

My point here is you never know what people will think and it probably is way more positive than you think. I was reading something that said family and friends are harder on us than stranger, but someone else mentioned no we are probably the hardest on ourselves more than anyone else.

Anyway all this to say, GO HAVE FUN DOING WHAT MAKE YOU HAPPY:hug: :carrot:

Is this a treadmill you own or at a gym? I've only used ones at a gym and the limit was over 400.

AmandaMamma, the treadmill is my own, its pretty much a dinosaur, according to the manual the weight limit is 250.

I wish I had some good advice for you but I'm sorta in the same boat as you!

Deep down, I know *most* people could care less about a 5'7 312 lb girl running down the street but the fact that even one person might be nasty is what holds me back.

One thing that I have started doing here lately is going out for a jog with my dog & my trusty pepper spray after I get home from work. It's nice and dark with just enough overhead street light so I can see the sidewalk so I don't feel nearly as self-conscious as I do during the day. I never go out later than 6:30 or 7:00 though - the traffic dies down after that time and I don't like being out there ALL alone even if I do have the dog.

Good luck!

Maybe you could try working out at the YMCA. I started going toward the end of September, and I've never had a problem with anyone staring. I think it's a little less intimidating than other gyms because there is such a variety of people who go there. I was 378 pounds when I started working out at the gym. I put it off so long because I was afraid of going by myself and of people looking at me. Everyone is really just focused on working out. I also thought I'd be intimidated by all the tiny girls, but I really don't see many. Mostly real-sized women. I find the girls who are there wearing full make-up with the pants that say "knockout" etc. on the butt kind of funny. I was terrified too when I saw how many buff guys were there working out, but they spend all their time checking themselves out in the mirrors! Bonus... it's hilarious to watch them strut around like peacocks looking at themselves. The fat chick at the gym is NOT the most embarrassing thing you'll see. Just focus on how good it makes you feel. Since I was too embarrassed, I wasted six months trying to workout at home. Don't get me wrong; any exercise is good, but I was amazed at how great it feels after I get done busting my butt with good exercise equipment and weights. Don't let this hold you back! Being overweight has the benefit of making us strong women. You can handle this! :D

Hmm. That stinks.

I thought of you today when I went to the rec center to work out. I've always been too scared to try jogging on the treadmill. That I couldn't do it or I'd lose my balance and fall. But today I did it. I tried it and I did some jogging intervals. You trying to face your fear inspired me to face mine and give it a whirl. :hug: maybe you can try soon too.

I am right there with the YMCA. I really like mine. If you dont have one I would try a soccer field at least I did. When there are no games most people gravitate towards trails, sidewalks, toys,or picnic tables. I live about a block away from my ex and I am deathly afraid of him seeing me. I know we should all face our fears but trying to lose weight and get healthy are enough. I dont want to think people are judging me either.

I feel the same way! We've been going to the gym for nearly 2 months now and I was thinking I'd like to start running on a treadmill when we go. (It's kind of weird. . . walking works and gets my heart rate up, but I almost feel like running would be easier? I don't know how to explain it.) I haven't tried it yet because I'm seriously worried about how loud I'll be when I'm running - I feel like when you're my size, your feet tend to klomp (for lack of a better explanation) down and opposed to being graceful. I'd also like to try an elliptical but I don't think I could do it for that long and I feel like people would look and thing, "typical" when I get off right away because I'm dying. Anyway, I know how you feel!!!

Natural: you might really like the elliptical. To me it feels sort of like a supported run. No clomping!

I was wondering about that. . . I used to do elliptical when I was in high school and it felt really choppy to me. My husband tried it and said that he thinks we are too tall for it or our legs are too long for it because he has the same problem I do. It doesn't feel like my legs are gliding, rather it feels like they are choppily moving back and forth. This could very possibly just be because I have no grace, and that I have no coordination! hehe

It could be the machine. There are two different kinds at my rec center and one is horrid. The length of the "arms" you stand on is short. So they go in a choppy circle to me. The one I use is really a long machine and the things you step on move in a better way for me. It also has the moving things on top that you hang on to.

Do what you love without appologies, if you are capable then do it. At a gym most people will be focused in on themselves. Just dress comfy, bring your music, and just focus on enjoying yourself while getting excercise.

It was intimidating going to my first few step aerobics classes but I love it now. I can't do everything they do but I keep at it. Keep moving and... it works for me. :)

Don't let what you THINK other people are thinking stop you from doing something you love.

try strapping skates on your feet when you are 320 lbs. i started doing roller derby about 5 months ago. its the best decision i ever made. most people dont suck and are more worried about what they are doing than what you are doing. and if someone really feels the need to comment, feel sorry for them that thier life would be that small that they could be so cruel. its your life. dont let anyone get in the way of what you want to do. i feel like i would be a runner if i didnt have all this extra weight, and even when im skating im the slowest person. but im doing it. im out there, every week doing everything i can. and everyone on my team cheers me on. it keeps me going.

I just want to say that I am totally inspired by Princess... skating. I can't even begin to imagine myself skating. If we could only all have your confidence!

I'm going to give another shout out for YMCA. I've belonged to fancy, expensive gyms and I was always the largest person there. It made me feel terribly self-conscious, but I never feel that way at the Y. Of course, some people have assumed that my thin, fit hubby is my trainer, but for the most part everyone's doing their own thing. And there's all types of people at the Y, from serious body builders, to big girls and boys like me, to senior citizens getting their walking in. I love it there and I don't ever feel out of place. I was almost 300 pounds when I started going there, and the machines are built to withstand lots more weight than that.

Good luck to you! And remember, no matter what people think you are making a change. Those who can't or won't support you will never change and aren't worthy of your concern!

I started walking/jogging/running (in spurts) outside a couple weeks ago and I love it. I have a route around my apartment complex and I usually go when it's dark and cold (I hate cold but I get warmed up quick!). Nobody bothers me and I just do what I do. Don't let fear of what other people think stop you. :hug:

I say if you feel great when you run. Then you should just go for it. Trust me people aren't looking at you as much as you think. I am heavier than you and I love to run. I didn't do it for a very long time because I was afraid. But once I started running the only feedback I received was positive. You need to do what make you happy!

i agree with everyone here...just pop some earphones in with your favorite music and RUN RUN RUN!!!! i went today for the very first time EVER to a ZUMBA class. i have a gf in florida who has gone on and on about it for 4 months...as i watched her lose 88 pounds i never got moving....until today!

i won't lie...when i walked in, EVERYONE LOOKED...and i felt like turning around and RUNNING out. but i didn't. i somehow managed to advert my eyes from everyone and get to the back corner. i stood and watched for the first 15 mins. thinking, omg...i can't do this...its so fast, they all know the steps and i don't and i am soooooooooo fat and honestly, no one was even half as heavy as i am...they were all mostly tiny, one medium, and one man (i was impressed as he was older than me and never missed a beat)

there was one young girl who was in the back, and she said oh come on, try....if i can do it you can do it....and i was like, no thank you, i'll just watch. another song ended...and then another...and soon i was feeling REGRET that i wasn't even trying. everyone was laughing and hollering and making it look SOOOO easy!! still i refused ot budge form my corner. a few more songs and another lady approached me and said, come on, we all had to start someplace...some of us have been coming for 2 years now, and she herself has lost 50 pounds zumba'ing...still i thanked her kindly but couldn't get the nerve to do it.

then...another song...i noticed i was having a hard time standing still...i wanted to move...I WANTED TO DANCE!! i love music and i love dancing...why was i letting a little fat get in my way...ok a LOT of fat...but so what??? this is a new year, and a new me!!!

so i tried a few steps...i was off beat....missed over half the moves...felt like a dancing whale....i could feel my face beet red...and not from the work out, i was embarrassed....but then something happened, and i don't know why, how, or exactly when...but at one point, i started laughing...and suddenly i came to the realization that me...this large very round, bouncy, jiggly, fat chic was ZUMBA'ing with the rest of them and i have to say i can't ever remember feeling so LIBERATED!!!! it was the best feeling. i didn't finish the entire hour long class. whew...but i did managed to do several songs. i slowly left...before the class was over, smiling as i went out the door, feeling like a new woman....and as i was going out the door i heard several ladies shouting....hey....you did great...please come back....we just love to have fun!! i just waved over my head...back to them...because i didn't want them to see my tears of joy! i WILL be back for more zumba!!

so i say to you....GO RUN....and liberate yourself....you will never regret it!!!! and like someone else said, you have no idea how YOUR RUNNING might inspire many others...who are depending on YOU to have the courage to make that first step, so they can run too!!

please keep us posted as i can't wait to hear how you felt running and running and running!!! run smiling!! run with your head held high!! RUN PROUD!! JUST RUN!

I have nothing but 100% agreement with everything everyone has said here...if running is what makes you feel really great, then do it, and the rest of the world can just kiss off! Look at it this way...1. Someone who is out there feeling just like you might see you and think "if she can do it, I can too!"
and 2. If you just get out there and get started, it won't be long before you're NOT a 320-lb. runner. But that won't change until you make it happen!

One of my best friends weighed 321 lbs when she started running a few months ago. She just did her most recent 5k this morning, and has lost 60 lbs! So you've got nothing but benefits ahead for you...best of luck! Let us know how it goes!!

i lost weight running too. i didnt even intend to??? i started walking about 10 min. i was working out of town all the time and eating out. i said if i don't do something, i'm gonna be alot bigger:((( so i started walking after dinner, just the 10 min, then up hills, then jogging some and walking. i eventually worked up the time and distance and kept it up for a good while. however, i did a pretty good injury to my back:((( i wasn't even wearing running shoes. so, run, but definitely get proper running shoes. and, running is hard on your insides. your core muscles need to be really strong to hold everything in place when you are doing something like running. i learned the hard way. when you get an injury, you can't do the things that will make your body lose weight easier, so be verryyy careful.

I definitely know that feeling - not about running because I'm not sure I could run if a serial killer were after me - but just about exercising in general. But. slap on the headphones, crank up the music and go for it! Seriously. If you can run and that's what makes you happy then go for it girl!

I just wanted to chime in here. I know what you mean about being self-conscious. I was, too. Still am somewhat. But I made myself get out there and do it. And a couple of days ago, two women stopped me on my way out of the gym. They said they had seen me working out for the past couple of months and they were really impressed with how far I've come and that they wanted me to know that I'm an inspiration to them. That really made my day. Made my week, really. And you never know. Once you start, someone may be looking at you and be impressed with your efforts.

I don't mind walking in public, but that's about it... Exercise is a very personal thing for me and I am embarrassed by the idea of doing it in public. I also enjoy jogging, but I tend to just do it in-place with my Wii Fit.

honestly, you have to just do it. it doesnt matter what other people are thinking. first off, who cares if they stare or judge. you are making yourself healthy, you are living your life for you, not other people.. chances are they arent even watching anyway, but you have to just get off your *** and do it. how long are you going to put youself aside because of what you think someone may or not be thinking about you. you never know who you could be inspiring by getting yourself out there.

also, if anyone is so inclined, skating is an AMAZING full body work out (an no, you're not too fat to do it.) a lot of derby leagues have "fit not hit" classes or similar fitness classes. i can really feel the changes in my body. we also have a low impact workout dvd called the roller derby workout which does a full body tone with yoga and plyometrics. if anyone is interested in more info let me know. i would love to help you get hooked up with skating. its the best decision i have ever made. because even when im haging my hardest day, i have 70 cheerleaders. the HARDEST thing i had to learn was how to get up off the ground. GET UP OFF THE GROUND. how freaking silly is that. you cant get your fat *** UP OFF THE GROUND. but i did it. and now in doing it with correct form and everything. and every week my coaches would take as long as i needed to get off the damn ground.

sorry that i go on and on and on about derby, i just love it so much.

I have to say the YMCA is the best place to go in my opinion. I went to 24/HR fitness because for awhile I had weird hours and it felt so.. fake? I mean it wasn't but the people there felt like barbies and I felt out of place. I signed up at the YMCA with my mother and we've been going on and off ( More lately ). The YMCA has everything 24/hr fitness had all the machines but the people there are -REAL- bigger girls like you and I and I can honestly say I got the best workout there because I just dont pay attention. Also if you like swimming the YMCA ( Not sure if they do where you're from.. ) has swim Aerobics . I weighed 260 at one point.. went for a summer and lost 20 pounds! I wasnt even really dieting and ontop of it I dropped almost 2 pant sizes. I got a great workout and It felt like nothing because I was in the nice cool water and you dont notice the sweat haha.

Most other people at the gym will thing everyone else is looking at them too. :) If they look, it doesn't matter at the end of the day. Even a snarky comment doesn't matter. You're doing this for yourself and no one else.

I walk "loops" in my yard. I figured out my distance with a pedometer, and do what I can.

If you don't have a pedometer, you can carry a handful of pennies in your pocket, and move one penny to the other pocket every time you complete once around. That'll help you know how you're improving.

I do this in the winter too, as long as I can keep my "loop" shoveled out.