Ladies, Challenge Yourselves. It’s Just a Gym.
You shouldn’t be intimidated by the gym.
Anxiety
There is a common fear shared amongst many women: the gym. For some reason, many ladies feel that upon entering the gym, they will immediately face these heroic-looking muscle fiends and radiate the “I have no idea what I’m doing here” look. It can seem like there’s nowhere to turn but towards the aerobic room or that yoga class you heard one of your friends ranting about.
Don’t Fear
I’m here to tell you that there is nothing to fear. I used to be a trainer at an all women’s gym, and time after time, I was told how relieving it was to be in a gym that had no men present. It was freeing to know that no one will try to hit on you. Now, while I totally commend this dedication to any gym and have no problem with someone finding this setting more comfortable, I also feel like there’s an element lacking in a tatas-only facility.
Confidence Building
Think about it. Everyone who steps into a gym has one goal: to become more physically fit (and to look better). It isn’t a runway for only the fit and masculine to strut their physiques. It’s a place to become healthier.
Being a frequent gym goer, I understand the intimidation a gym can create for women. There are far more men than women, and you will definitely be stared at (especially if you’re lifting weights). It can sometimes be unnerving and rather annoying.
However, it’s also empowering. A woman at the gym exudes confidence and beauty because she’s there to get fit, just like everyone else. You also have to remember that in the real world, men are there, and you have to deal with it. The gym won’t be the only place that men are expected to overpopulate, and you have to know how to build yourself up when you’re uncomfortable.
This being said, my job also taught me that certain religions and cultures don’t allow the same co-ed attendance, and that’s totally fine. I’m actually very happy that businesses exist to accommodate this.
Just Do It
For all the ladies that are scared for the simple fact that guys are there and don’t feel confident enough to be there too, I want you to throw on some nice yoga pants, a top that makes you feel perky, and stride on into a gym. You have muscles to work, and you have no reason to be scared of silly wandering eyes. If you fear that you’ll be approached, put in some headphones and crank up that music.
I want you to remember: you have absolutely nothing to be afraid of. The gym is there for everyone, including you, to get into better shape. Who cares if you’re one of the only girls in there? Own it. Own your commitment to being a healthier person and your desire to build a better physique. Gym sessions aren’t a place to prove yourself to anyone, it’s a place to train, simple as that.
