Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Gym Rules???

Last week I broke down and joined a gym.  I've been very active all my life and I've always ran and lifted weights at home.  But now that my treadmill has bit the dust, I figured I'd give the gym a shot.  Most of my friends belong to a gym and they love it.  So I figured it was easier and cheaper than buying a new treadmill and I'd have a lot more options of what I could do.  So my first day at the gym, I finish my run and decide to go over to the free weights and work on my arms.  It didn't even dawn on me that there were no females in the weight section until halfway through my sets.  That's when I noticed the men giving me strange looks.  A quick look in the mirror relieved my instant anxiety that certain body parts may be hanging out.  But when the looks continued, I looked around.  There were no women on this side of the gym and I immediately felt awkward and out of place.  So the next few days I watched the free weight area and I still didn't see any other women go over there.  I kept my distance and tried to make do with the machines on the other side of the gym.  I wasn't sure if there were actual rules or just an unspoken rule that women did not cross the middle of the gym.  I'm not very fond of the machines on "women's" side of the gym, so this week I decided to venture over to the free weight area.  Yesterday was a good time to start because when I went over, there was no one there.  But right after I started my sets, two more ladies joined me.  We lifted for about 10 minutes before the muscle men came walking into the gym.  They came over to claim their area and gave us all weird looks, but we stood our ground and finished our workout.  What would you have done?  Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!

13 comments:

Daenel T. said...

Ugh! I used to see that when I was in the Army which is why I've always hated the gym. Now I belong to Planet Fitness because you don't get that "men's side" and "women's side" attitude. Nor do I have to feel weird or uncomfortable because someone is staring or what have you. But if I were you ladies, I'd stay over there until one of the employees says something. But if I were by myself, I'd probably stay on the girls' side. Yep, I can be a wimp. But yay for you getting healthy!!!!

Liz Mays said...

If I was already working out, I would have finished before moving, just like you did.

Shanilie said...

Fun! I was just talking about joining a gym as soon as school started. I've never been to one before so I don't really know what to expect. But that's so awesome you went over and other ladies followed suit. Though I'm sure it would be ok even if the men are there hehe

Kate said...

When I go to the gym, I don't go to the weight area at all, just because I don't like to fight with sweaty men to use the weights. Plus all the grunting they do totally makes me want to laugh in their face, like really what are you? I think the gym is like our mall.

Good for you for entering their land. Braver than I am!

Anonymous said...

I would of done the same thing. You pay for it you should get to use it.

Anonymous said...

I would of done the same thing. You pay for it you should get to use it.

mom2boys said...

Stooping in to say Hi! New follower :)

K. Elizabeth @ YUMMommy said...

I think you ladies did the right thing by not letting those men discourage you. I've never encounter that problem at the gym here. However, if I did, I 'd probably ask the men what the big deal was? After all you pay a membership fee just like they do.

April C said...

You did good! People giving you weird looks can get over themselves. There shouldn't be a girls/guys side of the gym, that's ridiculous. Sure, I give guys weird looks at my local victoria's secret, but I get over it pretty fast... just like the guys will.

I train judo/brazilian jiu jitsu and sometimes I'm the only girl training... sometimes I get weird comments, but I just blow 'em off. Most guys get over themselves eventually. I'm there to train for me!

Kudos to you!! :)

Christy said...

that's crazy! I would have just turned my music up and finished my workout. Don't let the muscle men bully you! :-)

Unknown said...

That's ridiculous! Too bad they post a HUGE sign stating that the gym is for everyone...

If they want their "own" equipment they should buy their own stuff, ha!

Glad you didn't leave...you go girl!

Jules said...

Way to stick to your guns! Guys can be intimidating in the gym! You're going to be ripped (in a pretty, girly way!) in no time!

*ashley* said...

if i want to lift, i'm going to lift, regardless of the muscle men..i'd do exactly what you did...there's nothing that says we can't lift..i hate that unspoken rule...the gym i just joined doesn't have that at all..my trainer (a man) has me lift during every session we have..people need to get over their fear of strong women in any definition of the word

new follower :) just saying hi!

~ashley