The Anxious Life of Noisy Indoor Jogger

[GreenWiggly]

This might sound weird.

To get my steps in, I do a lot of walking/jogging in place. I'd rather not walk around my neighborhood because I don't feel like it's the safest. I also try to get steps in at work when it's not busy. However, I haven't even had my fitbit for a week and I've already managed to annoy every person around me. I'm making way too much noise. (thump thump thump thump) This is really difficult for me as I haven't any self-esteem/self-confidence, so I don't like to be in "pubic" places. But I also don't have any "alone time"/privacy at home. It's a pickle.

I'm not sure if I should:

a.) buy a membership to a gym

b.) invest in summer/winter outdoor gear

c.) get a really good anti-fatigue mat (?)

So you see, I gave myself a few options and quitting wasn't one of them.

But GAH! I have no clue about any of those things! What to do?

Can u halp me plz?

[Odyssey13]

@GreenWiggly  Just how are you annoying people at work? Everyone makes noise. Are you able to slip off your shoes or wear slippers so you don't thump as much?

Is there an indoor mall around where you can walk? Many towns have them where people walk around and you can tell who they are by the determined look on their faces as they walk without any packages! If there is a Super Walmart, you could walk around there and no one would say anything. I was walking in my Walmart tonight. No one will bother you.

You'll gain more confidence as you go along. Since quitting isn't an option, don't let what anyone else thinks stop you.

There are few people who feel they have the body they want to have, but you want to make changes and have started doing it.

Your boyfriend walk with you? Maybe he likes you the way you are and he doesn't want to see you change. I know my husband used to tell me to eat when he did, until I realized that it wasn't helping me to join him. Now I nibble when he eats his larger meals and it's worked out much better for me.

It depends on how much money you have for a membership, gear or mat. You might invest in them and then realize you don't need or use them. Make sure before you sign any membership that you won't lose money if you cancel. Check with the local parks and recreation department, YMCA or women's group at a hospital for some classes to take. You might find a particular class to your liking that isn't at the gym.

Remember, you're doing this for yourself and not for anyone else. If people don't like it, smile and tell them you're on a journey to change your lifestyle so you can live life in style! Keep on stepping, GreenWiggly!

[maggiemay1969]

Hello!

I work a desk job 10 hrs a day and just recently started walking in place/marching at my desk. I do it along with another fitbitter coworker and we have a blast.  Sometimes i've gotten an hour and a half in doing it!...It took me awhile to start because I too thought the small sound would annoy my co-workers. The ones that kinda mock me (all in good fun) actually have told me they think it's cool what I am doing, and have been super supportive and encouraging...Are you sure you are actually 'annoying' them, or are you just feeling super self conscious and assuming that u annoy them?  I was afraid to do it at first too, but man the steps/miles sure do add up!  I try to stay light footed and instead of doing it on my plastic mat in front of my desk, I back up and do it on the carpet instead, much quieter.  Anyways, I think you should totally keep it up.  You keep doing what you have to do to achieve your goals, don't let anybody else and what they *might* think stop you.  Make yourself the priority, not them.  Good luck!

[Miss_Primrose]

Try going to a sports store such as "Sports Authority."  They have a step you can buy for under $50. Or if you don't have stairs in your home (like mine) you can maybe get creative and make one. Anyway you can rack up the steps and a couple of floors if you just get up on the step and get off of the step. If you are determined you will reach your goal inside without much noise. The back of your calves may be a little sore at first but soon it will go away & you will be stronger.  If you join the YMCA they may offer a fun step class with music and different step numbers.  Most people will be like you & you won't feel alone.

      To takle your neighborhood situation you might think about going to the Humane Society & pick up an already trained dog.  Your saving the dogs life & you will have a loyal protector buddy for a long time...  Oh another thing you can do is go to the Sports Authority or even Walmart and pick up a small can of Mace.  Just clip it on your key chain & when your out walking your dog & something aggressive comes your way (Bear?) just give a blast and take off.  Even if you don't use it the Mace & dog will give you confidence to get out there and exercise. You will see others in the same situation as you.  Good luck - keep healthy.

[RoseOOPS]

I walk my dog every day when it's not raining of snowing. My dog is my trainer She is so use to her daily walks, she will wine none stop until I take her. She is big enough that no one will bother me. They just don't know how friendly she really is.

If you start walking at work, during breaks or lunch, you may be surpised at how many people may join you. Good luck

rose

[Miss_Primrose]

Greenwiggly, How are you doing? Do you sneak your steps in still?

[maggiemay1969]

Yeah Green Wiggly,...how are things?  I hope you have been keepin' on and doing your thing.  So far where I work, there has been *one* person who asked my co-hort to stop stepping as the repetitive noise (barely audible) bothered her.  We both took her with a grain of salt as she is the type that will always try and sabotage any good habits or weight loss efforts anybody here makes.  I think down deep it makes her feel bad that she does nothing about her weight/health issues, so she likes to 'poo-poo' anything anybody else does that is positive.  She goes so far as to offer me all kinds of treats etc when she knows I am trying to do better etc.,  (yeah, THAT kind of person) I don't know if our admin would even ask us to stop stepping in place because they'd be hard pressed to try and enforce us not moving around at our consoles, especially for such a healthy positive purpose.  We work in a place that's very noisy a majority of the time, so...hopefully they just ignore her complaint, as they have so far. 😉 hehehe...Keep finding your way to fit it in...keep it quiet as you can but keep it up!

[GreenWiggly]

I am still going at it! I bought a stepper on Amazon that I have been loving/hating. It's quiet and I get in a good sweat, but it tires me out! Haha. At work, I brought a towel and take my shoes off to deaden the noise so I don't annoy my coworkers. I love whoever said to make myself the priority. It's what I'm doing. I've been sticking to MyFitnessPal consistently and getting my steps everyday! (Ok, except one day, but we were having a party and I'm entitled to a day off here and there, right? )

[GreenWiggly]

Thank you! I have been keepin' at it! My coworkers all know that I am trying to get my steps in and think my fitbit is pretty cool. My manager is even thinking about getting one now!

I know the type of people you are talking about. Some people just can't stand for others to be happy/misery loves company. Good for you for stickin' to it, too! I think it is so sad when people actively try to sabotage another's efforts at bettering their lives.

I love how supportive the fitbit community is, thank you for following up with me!

[Heybales]

Great job and making adjustments that appear to be working - as better workout too.

One suggestion I didn't see.

Park farther away from everywhere you go, always take the stairs.

Surprising how taking maybe 1 extra minute to walk in to any store, can really add in the steps.

If able, also go for smaller batches of supplies, so you can go more often. Not as efficient with time, but may beat just marching or stepping around in the house.

[nilkimay]

I signed up for a gym. The first couple of times I took a friend because I was very self concious going. I noticed just to have earphones on helps keep most people at bay and many people are super supportive just because they see you trying. I know how hard it is to start off going to a gym but I think it was the best decission I made this year.