Self concious about working out.. home vs gym?

Hey there,

I wander if any of you have had this problem.

For years I lived alone, and I'm not a gym person (my schedule is random, and to be frank it takes effort to go to the gym, wear the correct attire etc whilst at home I just put on sneakers and stay in my underwear pre shower - btw this also proved to be a very successful method to work out more, as I position the mirror in front of my treadmill, and being able to see my body full on and later the change, helped lots! - NOT to mention less laundry lol).

Unfortunately I have had to move and I now have roommates. I couldn't bring all my stuff with me, just the smaller ones, but I am soo self concious now because having it in my room, and with only a wall that seperates, I am paranoid they can hear the creaking noise from the machine, and whilst I work very hard for my body, I know I don't look like the type who does.

I joined a gym to avoid this, but still same issue, I thought about a schedule that will involve me working out when they are both absent, but the great thing about home stuff was being free to have a life, and work out at 3am if I wanted to you know?

Sometimes I think the only reason I am self concious is because they are both thinner than myself, and living with them I know they dont work out at all!

Has anyone felt this way before?

Does anyone know of an uber silent machine !?

Honestly, I think you should keep using your machine even if it makes you extremely uncomfortable at first.  I think if you kept doing it you would eventually get over your "fear."  Which is important cause its not fun to live with so much insecurity.  Also if you don't you may come to resent your room mates.  I have similar issues but with eating.  Now if I am eating and my dad is in the other room I get really angry at him.  I think it'd be good if you try and overcome this fear now instead of feeding your insecurity.  Just my 2 cents.

Manda182..

You are right, it's definetely and insecurity thing. Sometimes I feel like I am waiting to hear the front door close so I can get on it, and when I hear it open again, I feel irrationally angry that they're back.

It's embarrassing to admit this, and I dont want to resent them for something that has nothing to do with them at all - just a bit weird knowing they can hear me working out daily, and for this reason, the freedom of doing it whenever I feel like has gone out the window.

Hi Milly!

Does the noise from the machine bother them?  If not, then I think you could inspire your mates if they know you love to work out, are fit, and loving life.

Just my two cents...

Wes

I know what you mean--I used to be the exact same way.

I think that joining a gym would be your best bet. Whenever I go to the gym, I always see people thinner than me AND bigger than me. Both are big motivations. And nobody looks good while working out anyways, so you're not alone. Do you have a 24 Hour Fitness where you live? Those are great if you want to go at 3am and hardly anyone is around.

turn on the stereo while you workout it will cover up the noise and music is a great motivator for working out. Also perhaps ask your roommates if they would like to work out with you, then you wont have to worry about the noise but the radio thing will work unless your machines sound like diesel trucks, music will cover up the squeaks of the machines perfectly

I know exactly what you mean, I guess i miss the freedom.. being able to exsersise whenever.

The gym does involve wearing clothes and looking presentable, for me its beyond my weight in that sense lol.

Not to sound rude, but it is all in your head. You are trying to live a healthy life style by incorporating exercise in to your schedule on daily bases. I am not sure why you think they will look down on you for that.

UD

Umneydurak..

Right, i know you don't mean to be rude, but did you read anything i wrote at all? I am very aware it is in 'my head' and that is why I posted on this forum, to ask if anyone has felt this way... I am self conscious, despite trying to be healthy, its a way I feel because of past struggles with my weight.. I dont know how else to put it. I know what i am doing is good for me, but i am uncomfortable to be seen doing it.. does that make sense?

Stereo idea is fab!! Thanks :)

Original Post by milly87:

Umneydurak..

Right, i know you don't mean to be rude, but did you read anything i wrote at all? I am very aware it is in 'my head' and that is why I posted on this forum, to ask if anyone has felt this way... I am self conscious, despite trying to be healthy, its a way I feel because of past struggles with my weight.. I dont know how else to put it. I know what i am doing is good for me, but i am uncomfortable to be seen doing it.. does that make sense?

 Hey you

You make perfect sense. Getting there is 90 percent of the battle. It's amazing what tricks the mind can play on you. Once you start though, the fears seem to disappear...seriously...the hardest part of working out is usually getting to the gym..or if at home..starting your routine.

Even people that don't have a 'fear' of being seen still have to deal with the brain and all the 'reasons' why they don't need  or even want to work out that particular day.

You are not alone. Actually, I think it's safe to say, you are in the majority. Do me a favor, go drive your car to a gym parking lot. Look at the faces of the people walking in [they look like they are about to be put to death] and compare it to the people's faces walking out of the gym. Albeit, the one's walking out are usually sweaty...they seem to have more 'umph' to their walk, possibly even walking out with others and chatting/laughing.

Or, just get on that machine at home and get going. Worrying about what other's think of you will get you nothing but ulcers. If anything, they are worried that you think they are lazy asses.

They aren't stopping their life for you...so ... live your life for yourself and what makes you happy and healthy..not in fear of what other's will think of it.