Question:
exercise - pity from on-lookers

I'm still struggling with my exercise class. It's Low Impact Aerobics. I keep moving even though I can barely perform the moves with the rest of the class. Side steps/hops/skips still hurt the knees/hip. My left arm/shoulder is still very sore too. BUT, I DO my modifications and continue to move, march, walk to the beat of the music for a solid hour twice a week! Here's the concern: I really don't want anyone's pity. I really wish the others in the class would just leave me alone. I don't need/want special treatment/attention because I'm fat & can't keep-up with the group's steps. (I marching to my own style since I can't do their side steps or get on my knees.) I just don't know how to re-direct them into leaving me alone. I am perfectly content to work-out at my level, doing whatever I can. I make it through the hour long class, working up a sweat and getting the use of my muscles. Any suggestions on what I can do/say just short of pissing-off my nosey class mates?    — rtmazyck (posted on December 13, 2007)

December 13, 2007
ROvin, you need to get out of that class and do water aroebics, I first took the srthritis class and then water aerobics. I too have bad knees and one bad hip. Water such low inpact on your joints and big inpact on your muscles and helps with the weight loss. That's what I would do! Good Luck! Lori G.
   — reretheplaylady

December 13, 2007
What if you got some dvds and exercised at home? How about Leslie Sansone's walking tapes? Ugh, feeling like that probably makes you dread exercise class. Gook luck, Marsha
   — MiniMello

December 13, 2007
I also do the Leslie Sanson walking DVD's. It's the best. You don't need to go anywhere and if it's too intense, you just walk, walk, walk. I've been working on the 4 mile super challenge one. I'm up to three miles. Good luck to you -- get out of that class!!!!
   — dthomp

December 14, 2007
i wanted to tell you ive been doing arobis for 6 yrs. and i say your doing good. go at your own pace. listen to your body. when you get tired stop for a couple of seconds and then resume your work out. that just means your pushing your body to something your bosy isnt used to. dont worry about the peple in the class who can continue worrking out not stop. do what you can as long as your doing it
   — yvettetas

December 17, 2007
I feel like your taking the wrong approach. Share your story with 1 or 2 people in the class. You are still fighting yourself instead of letting things work for you. The support they are trying to give could truly be helpful. Happy Weight Loss!
   — Lost4Ever