Why am I embarassed/shy about exercise?

[Rajah]

As per my other post (where to start), I've been surfing the web this afternoon trying to find information on some various "arts/styles" of stretching-type exercise and have come down (yet again -- how many times is this? 4?) to either Yoga or Tai Chi.

Well, in my searching I found out that there's a Yoga class offered between work and home, and it starts 30 minutes after I get off work tonight. Granted, I'm not wearing ideal clothes to start out in, but there's no harm in going to look and check things out in work clothes, right? And these aren't *horrible* clothes to try basic moves in...

Yet, I hesitate. I don't want to tell my coworkers, friends, or family (with one exception) that I'm looking at a yoga class. Why not?? What am I afraid of? Why am I embarassed to be looking into a fitness thing? Can anyone explain that to me? Only thing I can think of is that in high school, a friend laughed at his sister because she did Yoga. Could that have really affected me so much that now I'm embarassed to mention even looking into yoga?

Any suggestions? On one hand I could always try checking out a beginning yoga tape and just try it at home. On the other hand, I'd like to do it *right* and not end up hurting myself, and it's recommended that you at least start in a class where the trainer can help you get the poses right and adjust poses for your body type and abilities. And the fact that this place is between work and home, easy to get to, has a class starting 30 minutes after I get off tonight (and, for that matter, I could even leave 30 minutes early, run home and change, and still get there in time -- assuming I could get up the motivation to go *back* out after going home), and their website says to just drop in for any of thier classes, you don't sign up for a full schedule or anything. Sounds ideal for what I need. So why do I hesitate?

 

[ohiominnie]

Go Rajah! Sounds like an ideal situation (close to work, time of class couldn't be more perfect...) Ya know what? If I was in your shoes and anyone made a snide comment about what type of exercise I did or tried, I'd probably comment back about how it was my decision how to care for my body!
And, as my mom always told me, people make fun of others in order to make themselves look better.
But in this case, if you do yoga, start eating well and lose weight ...YOU are going to be the one looking better! HA!

I'm hoping and praying that you try out the class. Worse case scenario, you find out it's not the exercise you're looking for and you don't go back. Better scenario is that it leads you on a lifelong path of taking care of yourself!

 

[Rajah]

Thanks Minnie. I really don't know why I'm so self conscious about it. I guess because the poses you get into with various exercise routines are the type that can make you think "I look stupid" even if you don't.

I'm trying to convince a friend (the one who doesn't consider it silly and has said she might even be interested some day, but is as much of a procrastinator as I am) to go with me tonight. I won't feel so "stupid" if I have a friend with me, I think.

If she doesn't, though... I don't know. I'm currently thinking that I'll either check that place out, or will run by Blockbuster and pick up a video on that style of Yoga (if they have it) and try it out by myself at home. Then if I like it, *then* try the class. But I also know I'm the Queen of Excuses and Procrastination. Today is ideal: I'm off early (and have the luxury of taking off even earlier to go home and change, and if my friend goes to the class with me, I'd have the motivation to come *back* out to the class), I'm stiff and sore and in the mood to stretch out, and I have nothing else planned for tonight.

I don't really need to do this to lose weight. If I do, okay, if I don't, okay. But I do *seriously* need to strengthen my lungs and body. And I've been so tense lately that it's having a serious impact on my ability to sleep and my mood. Both Yoga and Tai Chi are intended to help relieve that, right? I'm a wimp/weakling and I freely admit it. That's what I need to change. The problem is getting motivated to *keep* doing it.

 

[msteddom]

Rajah

I really hope you go to the class too! Doing a tape at home is better than doing nothing, but having an instructor there to teach you the correct technique and to push you to improve is the way to go!!! I know so many people who get so much out of yoga. It improves flexibility, improves strength and helps give you peace of mind. Go for it!!!!

Melissa

 

[bliss4us]

Rajah,

Boy, do I understand where you're coming from. From one "wimp" to another, if I had to exercise in public, I probably wouldn't do it. Seriously. And you might have some competition for that whole "Queen of Excuses" title.

I've just started exercising on any kind of regular basis, and this board is the one thing that keeps me motivated. Somehow it's easier to get encouragement from folks I don't actually *see*. I can totally relate to the shyness you're talking about.

Getting a friend to go with you is a great idea - I'm sure you won't feel as self-conscious with a friendly face there beside you. And yes, I've seen improvements in both my mood and my sleep since I've been working out.

And GOOD FOR YOU for making the decision to try yoga, even when it's a little scary to start out! If the class is too much, definitely consider some DVDs. I just got Walk Away the Pounds, and it is truly the only exercise I've ever enjoyed in my life. Maybe something like that, or a nice, mellow beginner yoga tape would be a good match for you. I think some of the tapes are geared toward never-evers...

Good luck, and make sure you let us know how it goes! YOU CAN DO IT! Be brave - I know you can!

Daisy

 

[Rajah]

Well, my friend decided not to go. She's "interested", but not enough to go right now.

I think I'm going to go give it a try, though. At very least, I'm going to take off now and go home and change, and if I decide to stay home, I'll pull up some website tutorials (found a good one online) and try on my own that way at home. But in looking into the method of yoga they teach at that class, I *already* do some of the poses anyway and those are what help me the most with stretching and relieving the tension. That's what I need right now, and the only way I'm going to find out for sure if I like it or not is to *go*. Right? And why do I need to feel stupid -- I won't know anyone there, and they'll all be doing it too, so....

I'll post an update later tonight... we'll see if I make it there, or opt to do something at home. Or if I lose my nerve/motivation on the drive home.

Thanks for the encouragment, all

 

[ohMom]

i hope you're not posting now b/c you are a yoga class! go for it! All that matters is what YOU want to do. YOU want to try yoga, try it ! No one will probably take a second look at you (nothing personal ) they are there to do yoga just like you are! I practice yoga when I can and I love the way I feel when I'm consistent with it and my muscles are loose and not tense! I feel really stiff when I skip it!

I go to classes for me, I try not to give to much of my attention or effort to the others there, then it becomes a social club not a workout. Don't get me wrong, I'm not rude; but I'm there to workout and strengthen my body, then I leave. Lots of people have the same agenda so don't be put off if class participants aren't overly friendly to you. But I bet you'll find the class very welcoming and informative. You know the instructor should welcome you and help you get started, that's what they are there for! Utilize it, get whatever you can out of it for YOU! YOU ARE WORTH IT!

If you aren't comfortable telling your co-workers about it, then don't. Just wait a few weeks until they notice the positive changes and ask, then say it with pride " I'M GOING TO YOGA!"

he he he

seriously though, if it's right for YOU do it! You'll get all the benefits from it mentally and physically. What have you got to lose??

one other thing - don't go RENT workout videos!! go to the library and check them out for FREE!!! if you aren't going back out tonight, go to your library website and reserve, now, tonight, don't wait another day!!

 

[anniet]

DON'T TELL THEM!!!

I was lifting weights for six months and had a personal trainer and never told anyone- not even my boyfriend! He had once made the comment that he doesn't like the look of women who lift weights- well I knew I wasn't going into competitive bodybuilding!!!!!!. After a while he and others asked if I was losing weight and when I said No, I gained because I was lifting weights they were shocked. They couldn't make any negative comments in light of postive results!


Do it for yourself, you don't have to tell anyone!

And if you do want to try a Yoga tape at home I HIGHLY recommend any of the beginner or Introduction videos by Patricia Walden. She does Iyengar yoga which uses props like blocks and straps to get deeper stretches for those of us who are less flexible. Stay away from Yoga for flexibility though unless you are Gumbie!!!

 

[lil mermaid]

I started doing ashtanga based yoga about two and a half years ago. I LOVE it and I am addicted. I try to go to classes at least 2 times per week, and practice at home as well.

The first time I tried it, I sort of hated it. I couldn't wait for the class to be over. After it was done, however - I felt FANTASTIC. I felt full of energy, yet relaxed and at the same time, and I slept like a baby that night. That feeling was what made me go back, and then by the third or so class, I was hooked. One of my favorite things about yoga is that you are always improving in strength, flexibility and balance. It also teaches you to be kind and forgiving to your body, and to listen to it - sometimes, your body just doesn't want to do something (even if you have done it one hundred times before) and you just have to go with it.

My suggestion would be to go to the class and forget the tape for now. Having a qualified instructor with you helps you to make sure that you are doing things correctly and reduces the likelihood of injury. You will also miss out on adjustments if you only use a tape. I also find that the energy from the others in class enhances my own practice. You will probably find that at a yoga studio, people are less "judgemental" than they are at the gym.

Not only does it help to build long lean muscles, yoga has been proven to build bone density in the spine and pelvis, which helps with osteoporosis when you get older.
My suggestion would be to forgo the tape and go to the class.

I have tried other styles of yoga in addition to ashtanga (Bikram, Iyengar) but I find that ashtanga is really the type that is right for me. You may be different and may prefer another style.

What type of yoga is it that you are interested in? I have tons of websites saved to my desktop and can even recommend a few books if you are interested.
Good luck - GO, you will love it!

 

[Rajah]

....

(that's all I have the energy left to write. Will tell more when I can move again. Though...why do I feel almost drugged? Wheeeee! LOL! Okay, gonna go shower now. )

 

[perfectmatch300]

Good for you Rajah!

 

[ohiominnie]

Originally posted by Rajah
....

(that's all I have the energy left to write.

LOL!! Too funny! Hope you had fun! Let us know about it when you can!

 

[nativetxn]

Way to go, Tammy!

Why are you embarrassed to have anyone know that you are working out? It could be a plan to fail. If you told everyone that you were working out and decided to quit, they would know you failed. But <b>guess what?????</b> You didn't fail. You <b>did</b> it. I'm so proud of you.

You could also be embarrassed because of that incident in your youth, too. I have a story like that, much too long to share here. My story has nothing to do with exercise--it's the reason I don't dance anymore. Very silly but very real. I won't dance--don't ask me

Don't quit your class. You are the perfect subject to enjoy yoga, so introspective, contemplative and pensive. Yoga is the perfect workout for a person who loves the Rocky Mountains so much. You should close your eyes and imagine those magnificent vistas, you will be so relaxed afterwards.

Katholyn

 

[ohMom]

GO RAJAH! GO RAJAH!!!

I'm so proud of you for going to yoga class as a gift to yourself!! Remember it takes a couple weeks to get into the groove of it - don't give up now! The first class is the hardest!! well, maybe the second too if you're sore

 

[Rajah]

Okay, I think I can type something at least half-way coherent now.

Obviously, I did end up going to the class. Dunno why, but it was so much more of a workout than I expected!! Um. Duh? It's exercise? LOL! Dunno what I was expecting, then.

I was the first one there besides the instructor and assistant, so I got to visit with them for a few minutes and they explained a little of how things worked and were very welcoming. The rest of the class trickled in over the next 15 mintues and during that time it was obvious that most of them are regulars. Very friendly with each other, but I felt invisible. Which, actually, was good I guess.

Class itself went very well. As I said, much more of a workout than I expected. I did not expect to build up a fast pulse at all, but sure did! And I learned I don't have nearly the balance I thought. And MAN some of those people are flexible!!! But the instructor did a good job making me feel comfortable doing what I could (and the other new person, as well as a couple of people who apparently were there for the second or third time)

By the time we got out, I was so weak (good-weak though) but also soooooooo relaxed. I've *never* driven while staying so relaxed before! I'm usually rushrushrushrushouttamywayrushrush. Not this time.

All in all, good thing. The question is -- since this was my first time, is this something I should try to do every night or so, or once a week to start out? Assuming, of course, I can *move* tomorrow. LOL!

 

[ohiominnie]

Great job, Rajah!! I'm thrilled you went!

 

[Rajah]

I'm sure I wouldn't have without y'all's support.

 

[Jiminy102]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Go Rajah!!!!

 

[nativetxn]

Tamie, I think you should ask your instructor about the frequency of your workouts. You may need to begin slowly and work your way up to everyday. I've never done yoga before. I admire someone graceful enough to do it.

 

[msteddom]

Rajah I am so glad you went! It takes guts to join a class. I applaud you and your aching muscles! Doesn't it feel good to have gone?