Are You Too Self-Conscious to Exercise?

"I am absolutely terrified to go into the gym and work out," says a woman participating in an online exercise forum. "I cannot exercise in front of people. I will jog in my basement so that nobody will see me rather than jog outside," adds another.

If these comments sound familiar to you, it’s important to take steps to overcome your fitness insecurities, or at least keep them from standing in the way of your exercise progress.

"Whenever we begin something new, there is a sense of insecurity and uneasiness," says Troy Tuttle, MS, exercise physiologist at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. "As an exercise physiologist, I have been trained in not only how to properly execute fitness movements, but also how to work on health promotion and health behavior modification strategies. Some people need assistance in taking the first steps out of the house in shorts and a T-shirt and tips on how to push along in their exercise program."

Exercise: Overcoming Fitness Shyness

"First and foremost, realize that when you begin your exercise program, you are joining a world-wide movement that wants the benefit of fitness,” says Tuttle. “You want to lose weight, look better, and feel better. Know that everyone else is dressed like you and has the same desires. Pat yourself on the back for taking some big steps in deciding to exercise, purchasing the right clothing, and then having the drive to fulfill your urge to be more physically fit. Once you realize that you are now part of a huge fitness family, all geared towards health, you will feel better about your new workout uniform."

Tuttle says that you don't need to start out in form-fitting Spandex — you just need to feel comfortable. "A T-shirt that is one size too big, loose-fitting shorts or sweats, and some very nice shoes will do the trick. This helps to ease any issues of body image and shyness about how you look," advises Tuttle.

Here are other tips to help you in your fitness quest:

• Pick the right place. You don't need to start your exercise routine in a crowded gym. "For those who are extremely shy about workout clothes, I would recommend starting exercising at a local park, outside your home, or inside your home. Find a spot or space you are completely comfortable and familiar with," recommends Tuttle.
• Find an exercise buddy. Whether you exercise in a gym or outside, you will feel less shy if you have a friend to exercise with. "Find a buddy with the same weight-loss goal or exercise program. You will be amazed at how having a partner to exercise with will make you forget about any shyness issues you have," says Tuttle.
• Choose a coach. Another common concern among exercise newcomers is not knowing how to use the gym equipment properly. "When you are ready for a gym, I strongly recommend you get excellent coaching on form and technique before going off on your own. A main reason why some gym members may stare at someone is because that person is doing an exercise wrong, is using improper form, or may be doing repetitions not truly conducive to fitness. Take the time to get educated, and once you are, be confident in your movements," suggests Tuttle.
• Locate the right gym. Some women may be more comfortable in an all-female exercise program. There are even programs exclusively for overweight women. "I would highly recommend you get a one-month membership before you commit to a lengthy contract. Get to know the people and see if this crowd is really for you," says Tuttle.

Also, exercise at those times when the gym is less crowded. Take your headphones and listen to music during your workout to feel like you are in your own private world. Some people even read a book while on the stationary bike or walking on the treadmill.

Exercise is an important part of losing weight and getting fit. Don't shortchange yourself because of shyness. Remember that many others feel the same way you do and you are all working toward the same goal. Once you get used to exercising with other people and start to look and feel better, you may even begin to enjoy it. "The good news is that once you become confident and overcome your shyness, research shows that having people around can boost your performance," says Tuttle.