I want to start doing something like

tennis or swimming (any other suggestions? What's best?) to tone myself up and burn calories.

However I'm REALLY self conscious because of my fat, and I'm bound to see someone I know wherever I go. I'd be really embarrassed if I saw someone I knew when I was out doing something like that.

I only ever manage to run if I go to the woods in the evening on school days when no one's around, which is annoying to have to do because it's pretty dangerous for a teenage girl to be out alone in the woods when it's practically pitch black, especially considering the area I live in.

Does anyone else have this problem?

Your deserve to get out and do anything you want to do.  Don't be embarassed and don't put your life on hold till you get thin.  Sometimes we spend so much time looking towards the top of the mountain that we miss the beauty of the mountain on the way up.  Get out and live girl!

That's true (: Thanks.

I think allot of people worry about others seeing them work out & slows them down.  I know it did for me at 1st.  Never be embarrassed about how you look, especially when you are trying to better yourself.

You see yourself in the mirror a few times a day, the people you know see you much more than that.  Anyone you knows who sees you out there getting in shape and getting it together is only going to respect you for getting it done. 

Get out there.

Well whats best really depends on what you would enjoy doing. Look at it this way any exercise beats seating in front of the TV doing nothing. Personally I like cycling and swimming. Although it is such a hassle to go to the swimming pool that I just stick to cycling. Also I am a pansy when it comes to cold water. brrrr Although I regularly jump on the bike and ride when it is chilly outside. Go figure. lol

UD

don't think about seeing people you know!! its the biggest waste of time, and a horrible excuse for not going out and having a good time, IMO. i used to be terrified of running around my neighbourhood in case i saw anyone (and i live literally a minutes walk away from my highschool; someones always around) or going to the gym at certain times because i was intimidsated by skinny/muscular girls there. IGNORE THEM. just tell yourself they're not even looking at you, and pretty much they never are :) we're pretty self absorbed as people right :P

tennis is fun,although frustrating when you cant hit the stupid ball... swimmings great, always :) bikings great too, it tones your legs like no tomorow andworks abs too :)

Although the best advice would be to just get out there and do it, I know how it feels to be self conscious about working out in public. Don't know if you are doing any wokouts right now but have you ever thought of trying a dvd? You can do it in the privacy of your own home. I would say try the bellydance videos by Dolphina, you can do it when no ones watching. It'll give you a workout, boost your confidence and get you comfortable with your own body and feeling like a goddess.! Then when you're ready, go for the out door activiies. Just dont let the "fear" of being spotted stop you from being active.

Hey, I'm definitely in the same boat, really having trouble going down to our apartment complex's fitness room because it always seems like there's some skinny person running 100mph on the treadmill while I am about to pass out after 3 minutes on the Eliptical at the lowest setting.  And why did they have to put those huge floor to ceiling mirrors in there? I mean, I know they are there to check your form and technique when lifting and stuff, but I think I could do without seeing my big sweaty butt on the stationary bikes.

I'm trying to do what Susyvr77 suggested and find some things that I can do in the privacy of my living room until I can lose enough weight to feel confident (and gain the physical endurance) to go back to the fitness room on a regular basis.  Also, I walk or jog every morning, as early as I can so there's not a lot of traffic on the street and I take the routes through the quieter neighborhoods.  It helps me get over the fear of every car watching me as I go.

Keep your chin up and remember that it can only get easier from here.  Give yourself lots of minigoals, both on the scale or in the gym, etc.  Each goal that you reach will give you an extra boost of confidence.  Maybe you can find a friend (or even a group of friends) to work out with that are in the same place you are physically.  You can encourage each other and you won't feel like the odd one out.

I agree with the others that said do what you want and don't worry about what people think.  Stop hiding.  Choose an activity you like and go do it  - you'll be so proud of yourself afterwards. The first few times might be awkward but, once you get the hang of it, you'll be glad you conquered your fears.

One other thing - DON'T RUN IN THE DARK WOODS BY YOURSELF EVER AGAIN!  That's just asking for trouble - don't do it   >: (

Original Post by runyourlife:

I agree with the others that said do what you want and don't worry about what people think.  Stop hiding.  Choose an activity you like and go do it  - you'll be so proud of yourself afterwards. The first few times might be awkward but, once you get the hang of it, you'll be glad you conquered your fears.

One other thing - DON'T RUN IN THE DARK WOODS BY YOURSELF EVER AGAIN!  That's just asking for trouble - don't do it   >: (

 Please!