Mental Block re: exercising in public

[Emyly]

Okay. . . . I'm about 100 lbs over what society think is my "ideal weight", and about 80 lbs over my long term weight loss goal.

Due to my body shape and some serious self esteem issues relating to it, I am self conscious about working out in public. The university has a nice fitness center that I can use free of charge, but I am so self conscioius about going in and being surrounded by 120 lb undergrads who look good working out. . . the ones that make you wonder WHY they are working out.

Bowling doesn't bother me, for some reason. Probably because people look less at the bowler and more at the travel of the ball (I hope). I don't really want to walk on a treadmill and it is a bit cold for walking outside. Working out with a fitness tape is not an option due to my living situation.

Argh.

[CenTexLabs]

I like my gym because there is a Womens Only area. Maybe that is an option to check into. Is there a walking track around? What about just going for 15 or 20 minute intervals during breaks?

[Labs4life]

My wife is overweight and goes to the gym regularly. She is around slim people, heavy people, short people, tall people etc. Do you know how many people in your gym used to weigh more than they do now? Lots!

My wife and daughter take yoga together too. Yoga is very tough for most people,add some extra weight and it's even tougher.

No need to be self conscious. Those who frequent the gym ( my gym anyways) don't judge the size and shape of others. Hell we have some bodybuilders who can't see past the mirror! ;D ;D ;D ;D

[Dani]

I had the same mental block. But I sucked it up and went...and I was soooooo wrong. People are just trying to be healthy, and usually don't give a rats butt who is there.

[CenTexLabs]

True Dani. My nose is usually so far in the TV or in the weight that I am lifting I don't see who's around me. Except, however, when the nice eye-candy buff guy with a tank top on comes walking by to grab a weight........ ;D

[Linda1]

When I was going to the gym, I found that the people were very supportive. Many had started out like me, unsure of how and what to do, and over weight. I tried different times of the day, and found that mid afternoon the place was pretty empty. Early morning and evening was busy. Go and check the place out. Remember you are doing this for yourself.

[BillieIsMyKid]

I am about 60-70 pounds overweight depending on how ambitious I end up being and how I look once I get down closer to losing that much weight.

I have hideous issues with working out in public. I hate sweating in front of other people. My mom sweats a LOT when she's dancing or working in the sun or whatnot and I've heard other people make comments about it and I'm so freaked out that I'm going to get the same kind of comments that I don't even want to sweat at all. Not to mention the whole body image issue.

The only place I didn't feel that kind of problem was at Curves. I know people have varying degrees of success with Curves but it might be a place to start Emyly. Once you get to the point where you feel you've lost enough weight that working out is easier and you need a change you could go to the gym or you can supplement Curves with some other stuff too.

I don't know when your university center is open but if you go right when it opens I'm betting you'll have the place to yourself. That may be your best (read: cheapest) bet.

[CenTexLabs]

Hey Leah, the gym is a place that sweat is allowed. LOL. I sweat a TON, and my trainer gets a kick out of it. That means that I am working hard.

[BillieIsMyKid]

Hey Leah, the gym is a place that sweat is allowed. LOL. I sweat a TON, and my trainer gets a kick out of it. That means that I am working hard.

Yeah I know. Mental block. My mom says sweat is a way to get toxins out of her body so she's the most toxin free person she knows. ;D

I don't sweat as much as I used to but still, I just can't stand it. I'm hoping that my friends are still going to give us their free weight set so I can work out in my basement and not have to worry about this little issue I have.

[CenTexLabs]

Hey Leah, the gym is a place that sweat is allowed. LOL. I sweat a TON, and my trainer gets a kick out of it. That means that I am working hard.

Yeah I know. Mental block. My mom says sweat is a way to get toxins out of her body so she's the most toxin free person she knows. ;D

I don't sweat as much as I used to but still, I just can't stand it. I'm hoping that my friends are still going to give us their free weight set so I can work out in my basement and not have to worry about this little issue I have.

You still need cardio hunny.