 Pulling on your trainers for the first time in a long time is intimidating, and if you've ever bailed on a run, turned around at the gym door, or cancelled a group class at the last minute, you are certainly not alone. Self-consciousness surrounding exercising in public is common, and it actually gets worse this time of year. Almost half of women (45%) in the UK are worried about showing their body when getting active during the summer, according to new research by Sport England's This Girl Can campaign. Fitness levels and self-esteem issues also hold women back, with nearly half (48%) reporting they are 'too unfit' and two in five (40%) feeling 'not good enough' to exercise in front of others. We're often our own worst enemies, but fitness ads featuring uber fit women with abs of steel don't help. So, to break the cycle, Metro.co.uk asked you – regular readers – to share what you personally do to shake off self-consciousness when you get moving. Chantal Swainston, 30 and based in South East London, says it's about finding a time of day that works for you. 'I love running, but definitely am part of the self-conscious club. It's not always a popular option, but 6am starts when things are quiet are my favourite,' she says. 'I feel like I have the world to myself and don't have to worry about lots of people around. Plus a great start to the day!' It's all about early starts for Chantal (Picture: Chantal Swainston) Meanwhile Jasmine Brown, 30, also from London, says everyone needs 'a cracking playlist' (and Kylie's Padam Padam is currently on repeat). 'The sound of my own panting literally makes me want to cringe, so I always make sure I have good music and noise-cancelling headphones,' she says. 'Yes, others can hear, but with headphones in, I'm in my own world.' But if music isn't hitting the spot, Claudia Wright, 31, from London, recommends a good audiobook: 'I'm focused on the storyline instead of others!' Cla){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Pulling on your trainers for the first time in a long time is intimidating, and if you’ve ever bailed on a run, turned around at the gym door, or cancelled a group class at the last minute, you are certainly not alone.
Self-consciousness surrounding exercising in public is common, and it actually gets worse this time of year.
Almost half of women (45%) in the UK are worried about showing their body when getting active during the summer, according to new research by Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign.
Fitness levels and self-esteem issues also hold women back, with nearly half (48%) reporting they are ‘too unfit’ and two in five (40%) feeling ‘not good enough’ to exercise in front of others.