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?

@TheStuffedPenguin

Why are you wearing a strappy top ? Put a t shirt on if you feel self conscious.

Because I went out in a t shirt Monday and Tuesday and was roasting hot

As a runner (who took up running when I was 15 stone) I have only admiration for anyone but particularly larger People who I see out running , walking, cycling etc.

When I started running I had people laughing, driving past me and pointing, I just used to think, fuck you! What have you done today to make you feel proud?! (Love the heather small song)

Sod anyone else, you're doing it for you and anyone with half a brain won't comment or think anything bad.

At the beginning of lockdown a mum, dad, young teen son and daughter, all on the larger side, started walking every day past my office window. I've watched them go from walking to running and you would not believe how much weight they've all dropped. I've loved watching their transformation. I've got so much admiration for them for having the courage to start, involve everyone and keeping going all through that bloody awful lockdown.

Those people that you see watching you are probably like me. Thinking nothing but positive thoughts!

I do lots of exercise of various types, and tbh it would never even register that another person was overweight - there are tons of shapes and sizes out there. Just today I went kayaking with a person who wore an XXXL wetsuit, it was totally fine, we had a great time.

Good for you, and keep it up

I do a little inside cheer when I see someone bigger exercising! I feel genuinely happy for them that they are getting going and making time for themselves becoming more healthy. I definitely don't judge in a negative way

Firstly, and most importantly, well done for getting up and actually doing something! I think a lot of us are in the same boat - whether long term or from packing on the extra lockdown kilos - and the hardest step is often the initial one.

Secondly, nobody is laughing at you.

Thirdly, online fitness programmes are amazing. There is pretty much everything on YouTube. You want to do a couple of days cardio, a couple of days strength training (you can do it with body weight, so no equipment necessary) and maybe some yoga? For cardio, I’ve found that dance works best for me, as it’s fun, so less of a pain, and super effective. You can get dance tabata workouts, which are a godsend.

Finally, my last bit of advice would be to commit to half an hour a day initially, (five days a week only, you need A couple of rest days) and see how you go. If you try to do too much at once, you might burn out and give up.

Good luck!

Whether in the gym or out on the street I genuinely only have admiration for people who have managed to get off their arses and do some exercise. I hate exercise with a passion so regardless of size, shape whatever my only thought will be 'good on you'.

Just get out there. Some people will judge and some may even make a comment. But you are out there and doing it. They’re not. I also need to start running again and will be judged for being a wheezing mess, even if only a bit of weight gain since last running in autumn. A healthy BMI is not indicative of fitness, not the the other way around.

Better to be exercising than not. Only 20% of the country take regular exercise which, given the benefits, I find incredible. Welcome to the smug minority

I always admire and want to give them a cheer cos I love seeing people take positive action of all kinds. But I resist cos it would definitely make me look like a nutter.

I'm always very impressed when fatter folks are out (or in) exercising, and make friendly comments if a socially suitable moment arises and they look like they'd appreciate it (no earphones!). Takes a lot more fortitude and effort than already-fit people. Fuck anyone who thinks it's laughable.

Exercise outdoors is great. I used to run on a treadmill at the gym and it really doesn’t compare to running outside. It has taken most of lockdown but I can now - just - run properly, which is to say my posture is ok and I don’t flap my arms like a dying chicken. My run takes me past a skate park full of yoof - free-range yoof at that. I was convinced I’d get heckled as a middle aged lady with a ‘stately’ running speed. Nope. I now think that all people see is someone out for a run, and that’s about all they compute. It’s great feeling your fitness improving, and there will definitely come a point when you ditch the looser tee shirts for more form fitting clothes. Oh and Molke bras make genius comfy sports bras, great support. Otherwise I like Freya (I’m a bosomy lady).

(being on the edge of obese myself and trying hard down t'gym before lockdown)

You could do Youtube zumba, weights etc in your own home if you really don't feel comfortable out in public.
But whenever I see anyone who is say, not very fit, out jogging decked out in leggings etc - I am super impressed and think 'YES! GO YOU!!!'
(Disclaimer: I am totally self-conscious about my wobbly bits too)

Keep going with the exercise and other self care, despite these thoughts!

Recommend getting good, comfy workoutwear, can be inexpensive, eg supermarket brands, Next.

When I see someone big exercising I think "Good on them".

But I don't wear workout gear to do exercise like walking , might if I was running, I exercise mostly by walking my dogs so usually wear jeans or combat trousers (handy pockets) and a t-shirt.

Would only wear workout gear to the gym tbh, but that just me.

I work in a gym, and have worked in gyms for the past 16 years.
Never once, in that time, have I seen a bigger person come to work out, or look around, or whatever and thought that they looked like a dick. All I ever think about anyone taking up exercise is "good for you, I really hope you feel some benefits", and I know my colleagues feel the same. Just enjoy yourself.

Op keep going! FWIW a group of mum's tried to shame my dd with her new hair cut on the way out of our 2hr in school day by saying "Hmm, that was a BOLD choice"

I smiled and said "I know, looks GREAT hey!" and walked off.

Everyone thinks these judgy people are the real dicks. Honestly! In life you can sit by and scoff at other people getting on with their lives but really you just look like a bitter twisted nasty person.

So get thee going and give zero fucks!

When I feel, let’s just say, less than glamorous in work out clothes I watch the This Girl Can vide from Sports England, which leaves me feeling much more energised and positive about sweating like pig!

I think it’s worth remembering that most people are overweight, so an overweight person doing any normal activity doesn’t really register at all.

I have recently started couch to 5k and truthfully loads of people have been egging me on as I pass them. I haven’t had anyone say anything horrible to me and I am also pretty overweight and probably sound as if I’m on my last legs when I’m struggling for breath. Get your music on and go for it, who cares what other people thing. You are doing it for you and that’s all that matters.

You don’t and no one gives a fuck. Once I’d realised this I was so much happier. Enjoy exercising!

@HalloumiSalad do it! It genuinely keeps me going when someone says something nice when I’m so out of puff I want to give up.

Like many previous posters I just think ‘good for you’ and only feel positive thoughts. I’m fit, slim and healthy and feel that it’s great when I see larger folks out exercising....not in a condescending way, in a more ‘this could be the start of their journey’ kind of thought. A friend of mine is judgemental and has on occasion said a snide remark to me. I’ve always pulled her up saying that everyone starts somewhere and that although may look larger than her, they may already be 3 months in and going strong. Keep going, stay positive and think of your own goals, not what people might be thinking (because they’re usually not!)

I think:
“Well done!” & “Wear the colors you like!”