To be embarrassed to go to exercise classes because of my size

[survivalmode]

I'm a size 20 and woefully out of shape. I had a baby four months ago and haven't really moved since. My core has completely gone to shit. I am so stiff when I wake up in the morning that I find it hard to wipe after I've used the loo. I'm embarrassed by this.

I want to play with my kids on the floor and be able to get back up again without having to go on all fours and heave myself up. I want to be able to walk down the stairs alternately in the morning instead of shuffling down one step at a time. I want to be able to feel like I've wiped my arse properly.

Yoga appeals, not because I see it as an easy option, but because I feel like a lot of my weakness is in my core. I also suffer from anxiety and think that my breathing could be greatly improved.

But I'm too embarrassed to book a class. For the first few months I'm not even sure I'd be able to hold the most simple poses. I feel very awkward about my gut/upper arms dangling all over the place. In my head I picture the class being full of size 8 women with perky high ponytails. And it terrifies me.

AIBU to feel this way? (Also, if you're about to suggest that I eat less please spare yourself the trouble, I know this needs work too)

Wholeheartedly agree with what's been said before. Just bite the bullet and go for it. You won't regret it. I'm in my mid 60's and started yoga and pilates when I retired. I joined my local leisure centre and can go to as many (or few) classes as I like. In my classes I think I look great then I catch sight of myself in a side mirror and I look like an egg on legs. Albeit a fairly fit egg! There are all shapes and sizes and ages in my classes and nobody cares what you look like. I'm sure that's the case in most places. Please don't worry, you'll be fine. Good luck.

For anyone who can’t face or afford a gym have a look at Les Mills On Demand. It’s about £10 a month and is superb value for money. You have access to absolutely loads of the workouts including combat, step, attack, pump, balance, barre, CX, Grit, sh’bam and of you’ve got a spin bike at home RPM and sprint. There’s also a very good Facebook group where lots of people from all over the world post their workouts. It’s very motivating.

I'm another big lady who exercises, and I love it. I'm not good at any of my classes, but I'm a lot better than I used to be.

Please do give it a try.

A nice bonus for me is that I've made loads of mates at my classes (although this took time) and that makes the whole thing much more fun.

Please do it. Another vote for pilates here but if Yoga ticks your boxes do that.In 6 weeks you could be back doing all the things you want to do, you might still be a size 20, you might not but you'll feel massively better. Is there anyone who'd go with you?

I am a size 20 and would like to offer another perspective- I'm always the fattest in classes and I struggle with the exercises so feel really uncomfortable. It's not enjoyable at all - it's humiliating not being able to do a push up and everyone else is there doing it with ease.

However out on the gym floor nobody bats an eyelid, and I made lots of progress quickly using weights and low-impact cardio like the cross trainer.

Later on I'll go back to classes but thought I'd just offer my experience :)

Hello I'm am exactly the same as you!
Size 20 baby is 5 months. I've finally signed up to yoga and I start Thursday night. A proper yoga class won't give other participants time to look at you. It's about well being and you're supposed to leave all your issues at the door so everyone should be focussing inwards! Bite the bullet and be brave - good luck

We have a guy who has just joined our crossfit gym who is 32 stone. His enthusiasm, determination and pride in himself for going to the classes is inspiring and when he posts on our closed group about his progress I’m really pleased for him and looking forward to seeing him achieve his goals.

But I also reiterate what everyone else says about everyone focusing on their own work out. Most people are decent and if anyone were to be negative toward you then it’s them that should be embarrassed.

I'm a teacher and teach lots of different types of classes. Honestly, no one will bat an eye lid, everyone's too busy with themselves! Try Pilates.

Thanks all. I've just emailed a local Pilates tutor to try and arrange a few 1-1 sessions before taking the plunge into group classes.