I look like a dick and care too much what people think

[TerracottaTortoise]

Started a new exercise regime on Monday just walking at first to try and build up a bit. I'm quite overweight and have neglected myself completely for years (I'm 35 now) as both my kids have disabilities and I just forgot about myself really.

I really want to get fit but can't help feeling like a total dick in my leggings and work out strappy top with all my wobbly bits jiggling away. I just feel like people look at me and think I'm completely ridiculous!
I'm sure in reality they give a toss but it's really holding me back!

So do you look at bigger people trying to exercise and think they're ridiculous or AIBU?

Just wear something you feel more comfortable in - tracky trousers and a big T-shirt over the top of your exercise top/sports bra? Stick some earphones in and sunglasses on and ignore everyone.

I don't judge BTW, I admire because I am large and need to exercise....

Well done for getting out there!

I never think anyone is ridiculous who is wearing athletic gear and exercising. We all had to start somewhere. Nothing but respect to you!

And it seems you have company, as loads of people who never intend to ever exercise, wear that clothing you described, with the same body type, as their go-to daily outfit no matter what activity.

So you'll be considered fashionable anyway!

I have bingo wings so don't wear the strappy tops. I wear cropped leghings though. Just get out there and do it, who cares what you look like? (That's what I tell myself anyway!)

I tend to look with admiration...keep going....do it for you...

I feel the same, but I don't know why, because all I ever feel when I see overweight people exercising is guilty I'm not doing the same! I carry on, keep pulling my top down over my belly and look forward to the day it doesn't ride up . . .

Without meaning to sound rude, no-one cares about anyone else, everyone’s wrapped up in their own world. Don’t worry about them worrying about you - they haven’t given you a second thought!

You don’t look like a dick. You look like someone exercising.

Do you notice everybody who you walk past, what they’re wearing, how they look? Generally people don’t take any notice.

The hardest part is starting and getting into the routine. Keep going!

Honestly OP, I go to Parkrun every week (or I did before lockdown) and there are all kinds of shapes and sizes there. The ONLY thing I ever think about those that are larger, or slower, or obviously brand new to exercise is 'bloody well done you for making the effort', which is the exact same as I think about everyone that rocks up before 9am on a Saturday to run 5km, including myself!

I honestly think that sometimes as humans we think that other people are more concerned with us than they are, when in reality we're all far too involved in our own lives to notice others.

Well done for getting started, keep at it, a little bit at a time, and remember that no matter how little you feel like going out, or whether you feel like you could have done more (I always feel like that), then just getting your trainers on and getting out of the door is far better than having stayed on the couch. Good luck OP x

I have nothing but admiration for people when I see them out exercising, whatever their size! I've never been good at doing any kind of exercise, never stick with it and boy is it starting to show now! You go for it!

I'm not overweight but still feel a bit of a dick in leggings, so I wear yoga pants to exercise in.

No I usually think they're doing better than me.

I use FIIT on my tv - guided HIIT workouts in the safety of my living room.

I think I've just sort of shut myself away for so long and spent so much time judging myself that I can't imagine other people wouldn't do the same.

Although I do realise it's ridiculous as you're right no one cares probably and even if they did why should I care?

I'm very much an introvert and would always rather disappear in the background than be out on show if that makes sense

I exercise in my house, I got a cross trainer in the garage and do 10k on that and a 45 min dance exercise dvd every morning before my shower.

I used to feel foolish but I’ve come to realise that if people have an opinion it’s generally positive. The very few who notice and are negative aren’t worth a second thought because they’re twats.
Good on you for making an effort. You will be so glad you have.

@maddening

I exercise in my house, I got a cross trainer in the garage and do 10k on that and a 45 min dance exercise dvd every morning before my shower.

Wow that's brilliant. I hope one day I can work up to that level of fitness x

So do you look at bigger people trying to exercise and think they're ridiculous or AIBU?

No I think all power to them because I’m not overweight and I struggle to keep myself motivated so it takes even more effort and willpower for people who are carrying extra weight to keep going.

Best of luck to you OP.

Keep going.

Learn not to give a damn what others think of you. It’s of no consequence anyway.

No one really cares OP, I might glance at people but to be honest probably don’t really register them because I’m thinking about something, or where I’m going or what I have to do etc. I think we all think that other people pay more attention to us than they actually do. Just go for it, I wish I could get started.

Also yy to sunglasses and a baseball cap. Unless you’ve got sticky out ears like mine, just the sunglasses help me to feel anonymous- sounds ridiculous but it works.
I built up to jogging 5 miles in an hour before lockdown.

People are too wrapped up in themselves to care what you look like.
A strappy top and leggings aren't compulsory for exercise though. Wear something that makes you feel more confident.

Honestly whenever I see anyone out doing exercise (particularly if they don’t look like a natural runner) I think “good on them! I wish I had the motivation to get out there and do something about my lockdown weight gain”.

I can barely motivate myself to leave the sofa most evenings so I admire your get up and go!

When I see someone overweight, or like they are struggling to do the exercise, I think 'good on you, keep going'. You also can't judge anyone by their size - I know several ultrarunners (who do 100 mile runs) who are larger ladies, but have incredible stamina.
The more you go out, the more you won't care what others might think - or you can find exercise clothes you feel genuinely good and confident in. I don't like my bum on show, so wear a running skirt or skort. Not for anyone elses benefit, I just feel more confident that way, and that makes me happy.

I see people doing outdoor exercise and I really admire them as I don't exercise as often as I should. I don't really notice what size they are I just glance and think "good for you"

I used to feel daft in workout gear, I think if you're not used to it it feels really odd! You're doing great. You see all shapes and sizes out exercising and I admire bigger people for taking charge of their health. Keep going!!

If I see a larger person exercising - well for a start I don't think I generally even register it. But if I do register it I think, good for you.

At the swimming pool near us there are (or were before lockdown) quite a few bigger parents who would take their kids swimming and I thought good for you.

I am fairly small (mainly genetics - small mum and dad) but still feel self conscious in the swimming pool due to various wobbly bits and veiny bits.

People do look, it's only natural. But they're just seeing another person exercising and thinking to themselves that they should be doing the same, well I do, anyway! You're brilliant for doing it.