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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To use the outdoor exercise equipment?

41 replies

Wildling · 02/05/2019 12:55

I've just discovered a park near my house that has tons of exercise equipment in it. There's also a play area right next to it which means my 8 year old can play while I exercise.

It's amazing!

But while I was exercising people were actually stopping and staring at me. Dog walkers, kids, just full on staring for a little bit before moving on. No one else used the equipment while I was there. I felt like I was doing something wrong!

I wasn't going hardcore or making tons of noise or anything like that.

I am overweight (down 6 stone so far with another 6 to go) and diet alone isn't cutting it right now. I want to add in more exercise other than walking and this park just seems great for that.

I feel really nervous about going again but I really want to! It's totally fine/normal to use the outdoor gyms, right?! That's what they're there for. Does anyone else use them?

OP posts:
Loughers · 02/05/2019 12:57

Yes!

They're probably just admiring you for making the effort!

Well done!

IsYourGoogleBroken · 02/05/2019 12:58

No one looks in our local park, it's a legacy of the Olympics and Get Fit forLondon. Lots of people use it.

AssangesCat · 02/05/2019 12:59

Go for it. I see people using them round my way. And well done on your weight loss.

GG20 · 02/05/2019 13:06

Go for it! I see plenty of people using the ones near me (and have used it myself). Who knows, those people staring might not have known how to use the equipment and were looking to get some tips - you might inspire them to have a go!

Disfordarkchocolate · 02/05/2019 13:08

Ignore anyone starting, I'd love some near me.

We holidayed in Copenhagen last year and saw the equipment near our flat in use a lot.

ILikeyourHairyHands · 02/05/2019 13:08

I always use the equipment at the parks when I'm there with the DCs, it's good fun!

Go for it OP!

gorgeousgeorgian · 02/05/2019 13:08

Are you sire they were staring?
Probably thinking they should get on with working out themselves - ours is always in use and nobody looks

MerlinsScarf · 02/05/2019 13:08

Oh no! How awkward. I sometimes use our local one, it's on a popular jogging/running route though and quite a few people use it on their circuit. So you've got at an outdoor gym buddy over here! Grin

But there's similar equipment near my old workplace which nobody seems to use, I think it's one of those following the crowd things? People notice others doing it and consider it for next time (or not).

Disfordarkchocolate · 02/05/2019 13:09

^
Staring

NannyRed · 02/05/2019 13:09

We have two of those outdoor gyms close to my home, I think they are a brilliant idea and hats off to you for using them.
I do understand how you feel, I always feel self conscious when I use them too.
Could you get a friend to join you? (It’s definitely not as bad using the equipment with someone else)
Good luck on your exercise journey.

BeerandBiscuits · 02/05/2019 13:10

No one takes any notice when people use the outdoor gym in our park
Perhaps those staring were just interested, it's not always immediately obvious how to use the equipment.
Just concentrate on what you're doing and ignore. I find wearing sunglasses helps when I'm feeling self conscious.

Fireballfriends · 02/05/2019 13:16

I've seen people using the ones near us, usually men rather than women. I've stopped a couple of times on my jogging route to watch what they were doing cos I've often wondered how to use the equipment and I'm not confident enough to just try it myself in case I do it wrong (yes, I'm a bit lane)...so I'd say just go for it and well done on losing 6 stone cos that's amazing.

keepingbees · 02/05/2019 13:16

It's what it's there for. We have quite a few parks with gym equipment near me and I've never seen anyone use it properly, just kids messing about on it. I'd be too self conscious but if more people did it then I'm sure it would encourage others. So good on you

Fireballfriends · 02/05/2019 13:18

(Lame not lane. And I'll probably stop staring now...eek, rude!)

AzraiL · 02/05/2019 13:18

I always watch (or stare) at people working out outdoors... in admiration. I always smother my compulsion to call out 'Looking good! Keep going!', in case I make them feel uncomfortable (or even more so, if they're aware that I'm watching). So I'll do it here:

Good job OP!
Looking good!
Keep going!

MRex · 02/05/2019 13:19

I think I stared the first time I noticed someone using the equipment. I definitely stood there thinking half vacantly that it would be good to use it and wondering if I'd be too tired to do a good routine if I ran there and back as well. (It was ok, slightly far so I had to run slowly.) So, they might have been thinking something like that. I wish we had some near here, they were nearer my old house, I liked them. Some of the kit is much too light, but the ones reliant on lifting your bodyweight are great and can be quite hardcore.

MRex · 02/05/2019 13:19

Well done on your weight loss by the way, I hope you're as proud of yourself as you should be!

Original poster
Wildling · 02/05/2019 13:22

Thank you all. This is just what I needed to hear! I'm going back after work!

I watched youtube videos on how to use them all. Pretty easy/intuitive once you get going, too!

OP posts:
cakeandchampagne · 02/05/2019 13:25

I think they were observing and admiring you.
Nearby, free, with added fun for your child- good find!

heartshapedknob · 02/05/2019 13:26

Good for you for losing 6 stone and going back to the outdoor gym! Maybe other people will see you using it and start doing so themselves m.

TheSpottedZebra · 02/05/2019 13:29

If you needed to watch vids on how to use the equipment, then they're probably watching you thinking ahh, that's how you use it!

Kennehora · 02/05/2019 13:31

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

EssentialHummus · 02/05/2019 13:31

I love these, I wish there were some near me! They are everywhere in downtown Tel Aviv, and are brilliant to exercise on. Good on you, and well done on the weight loss.

dinosaurtwothreeroar · 02/05/2019 13:32

I did this the other day before DH nudged me and said stop staring!

But I was looking at the woman thinking fuck she's strong. I need to get my ass to the gym more.

Well done op, huge achievement.

TheInvestigator · 02/05/2019 13:35

Our local hospital has a playpark right next to it grounds and next to the playpark is one of those outdoor gyms. It's always busy!

Use It!!