Not Hating, Why Do Women Struggle With The Gym?

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Replies

  • toseeme
    toseeme Posts: 33 Member
    The machines that I want to use ( inner and outer thigh or the leg press) are always sitting in a location that makes me uncomfortable to use them. And, not to blame, but some guys can really make you feel uncomfortable. But I try my best to ignore and keep on.
  • whitebalance
    whitebalance Posts: 1,654 Member
    I'm going to lift heavy.
    I'm going to lose fat.
    Anyone who tries to stop me will fail.
    335707206_700.gif
  • Nataliaho
    Nataliaho Posts: 878 Member
    I'm sure this has been said over and over, but women are brainwashed to care only about aesthetics, that weights are bad and that we need to do endless slow-state cardio. It's soul destroying!

    Not to mention that dudes are often (sorry I love you guys) arrogant and entitled when it comes to mainstream globe-gyms. It's tough enough to walk into the free weight section, let alone when dudes almost half your age treat you like a weak moron.

    e.g. both my trainer and I had cause to train in maintstream gyms in the last few weeks. I am a tallish currently overweight chick, no-one spoke to me but boy did they use any excuse to walk close, check out what I was lifting, talk and look obviously about/at me. She is small sub-115lb powerlifter who has represented Australia at worlds (knows her stuff), she actually had dudes (multiple dudes) come and critique her form, ask if she needed assistance. Seriously WTF, if you see a 115lb girl squatting 240+ she probably knows more than you.
  • KarlaH9801
    KarlaH9801 Posts: 362 Member
    Don't like it, don't look. Period. I'm 229lbs. Deal with it. :-p
  • losing4799
    losing4799 Posts: 83
    I am NOT hating. Just asking because this really interests me. IMO it's because they think it's all about running and loosing weight, and it's tied even deeper to their self-image than with men. Not to mention that women are not encouraged to be physically strong/able like men are.

    I know many, many women like the gym, but I'm making a general statement here.

    Discuss.

    Define 'struggle'. "General statement" :huh: I don't like gym because people try and talk to me, thinking they are being nice or helpful, disrupting my workout. I should mention my gym is on campus at uni so... lol... I obviously get hormonal male peers as the gym attendees *makes gun gesture with hand and shoots self in head* :explode:
  • Ithina1
    Ithina1 Posts: 93 Member
    I used to be scared of the gym. Most of the machines were so foreign to me, and I didn't like the stares I got from people. Looking back, most of that was all in my head. I was just nervous in an environment I felt I didn't belong. I wasn't ready to lose weight and get in shape back then.

    When I was finally ready to focus on losing weight, I went to the gym for me. I decided I didn't care who stared at me--I was there for me and they could do whatever. Turns out not many people stare. A few do, but it's not the evil eyes I envisioned. I have run into a couple evil eyes, but if you glare right back at them you'll eventually win the staring contest and they'll back down, lol. The free weights are intimidating. At first I just wanted to do the machines, but I eventually realized free weights were more fun and natural feeling.

    A lot of girls never get to the point of not caring what other people think of them. Many also have no idea what getting toned actually requires.
  • LuLuChick78
    LuLuChick78 Posts: 439 Member
    A lot of girls never get to the point of not caring what other people think of them. Many also have no idea what getting toned actually requires.

    I agree with the above. I am one of very few females that use the weights section at my gym. I have been using it for almost a year now and feel I am now "one of the regulars/guys" which certainly helps with my comfort level. I am a reformed cardio bunny - thank god!

    I do occasionally still struggle with not looking around to see if I am being watched while I work out. I am still a bit insecure when doing things I don't feel strong/comfortable doing. BUT I also enjoy the looks on other people's faces when I am working my shoulders, biceps, triceps, traps, etc. Maybe I am an attention-*kitten* :tongue: :drinker:
  • faithbabe21
    faithbabe21 Posts: 33 Member
    For me personally it can be a struggle to go. I'm in college and so gym access is included but I kid you not if I had the extra money I would pay to go to a different one because college gyms just make me feel insecure. When I get on my elliptical and start going I look around at everyone else and I look for someone who looks like me, and I never see anyone who does. They all look so fit and happy and none of their faces are red like mine are and it's hard. I once heard a conversation between two women where the one like "I hate the beginning of the breaks all the fat people get in the way of us using our machines and you know their just gonna give up in two week." I was appalled and ok I kind of wanted to punch her but that's besides the point. So yeah that's why I don't like the gym, but I go and will continue going!
  • JaymeBalesFitness
    JaymeBalesFitness Posts: 11 Member
    I use to struggle because I had a low self-image and all those fit and sexy people were intimidating. But once I started picking up that iron I felt too badass to let that bother me!
  • joanthemom8
    joanthemom8 Posts: 375 Member
    I used to HATE the gym....for many of the reasons already posted in reply. But now, it's the best way for me to get my exercise in. I go in, usually with a plan, stick to the plan, ignore almost everyone (and I do try to ignore the mirrors because I do not need to see what I look like while I'm working out LOL.) When I leave, I'm usually slightly elated, because I accomplished something for myself first thing in the morning. I wouldn't say I LOVE the gym - yet, but it's become such a big part of my routine that I have learned to like it.
  • notapooka
    notapooka Posts: 1 Member
    I can't answer for anyone else, but for me there are a number of factors. It's expensive. It's a hassle to get to. I have an audio processing condition that makes overlapping loud music/sounds (like music and TV at the same time, or one song playing in the weight room and a different one by the cardio machines) incredibly disorienting. I'm introverted and actively dislike having to interact with other people while I'm doing anything difficult, even if it's as minor as giving the "I see you and acknowledge you are waiting for this space" nod to someone while I'm doing inverted rows. While I know how to get the dudes who try to tell me I should be lifting lighter with higher reps or thank me for bending over while staring at my chest to buzz off, I'd really much rather not have to deal with it in the first place.

    In the end, I'd much rather invest in some free weights and an adjustable pull-up bar for myself and work out at home. which requires zero travel time, always plays just one music track or show at a time, and I know the only people who can look down my shirt are my husband and my cat.
  • julianadelbosque
    julianadelbosque Posts: 84
    Right now I'm just running, so I hate the gym. I HATE treadmills and ellipticals. Half the reason I enjoy running is being outside and letting everything else in life float away, and that doesn't happen at the gym.

    I avoid the weight area because I'm scared. Not gonna lie. I'm just not going to be comfortable in that area until I have someone helping me out. My campus gym offers a start up training session and also has some small packages, and I'm definitely considering doing that when I can get the money together. They have a women and weights class starting next week, but I have a meeting during the time one of the days and I'm really disappointed about it!
  • rosettafaery
    rosettafaery Posts: 102 Member
    I had always been into my cardio - be it a fitness DVD or Dance Central on console or going for a walk or bike ride. Media and that show you what you think you have to become - super thin with a thigh gap. Cardio seems to be the way to lose the fat.

    But I have recently been told that my bone density is reducing (I'm in my late 20s so that was a bit of a surprise) and the doctor suggested I start weight lifting (although not to Mr Universe levels).

    I've since joined a gym and been given a program with a mix of cardio and weight training on the machines. I'm not setting out to bulk up but to become toned and healthy.

    So for me gym for the win!
  • DianneP6772
    DianneP6772 Posts: 272 Member
    A bit off track here, but my question is definitely gym related. I have just started going to the gym (again) and i would like to log the calories burned. But i don't want to go through and put down each machine. Does anyone know if there is a way to just log a general gym - machine workout? I just went and was pretty steady for 50 minutes and would like to log it, but do not know how.
    Thanks for any replys to this.
  • LuLuChick78
    LuLuChick78 Posts: 439 Member
    A bit off track here, but my question is definitely gym related. I have just started going to the gym (again) and i would like to log the calories burned. But i don't want to go through and put down each machine. Does anyone know if there is a way to just log a general gym - machine workout? I just went and was pretty steady for 50 minutes and would like to log it, but do not know how.
    Thanks for any replys to this.

    I log mine as circuit training.
  • DianneP6772
    DianneP6772 Posts: 272 Member
    LuLu ~ Thanks so much - perfect. I do like to give myself credit.
  • pdxevergreen
    pdxevergreen Posts: 8 Member
    It's not the magazines....it's women believing they need to look like those in magazines.

    Donna
    Website Owner
    Texas
    MagazinesforWomen
    http://magazinesforwomen.org/
  • yoovie
    yoovie Posts: 17,121 Member
    It's not the magazines....it's women believing they need to look like those in magazines.

    Donna
    Website Owner
    Texas
    MagazinesforWomen
    http://magazinesforwomen.org/

    speak for yourself. that sounds so nineties. not many people feel that way anymore.
  • lizmarkham
    lizmarkham Posts: 4 Member
    It's hard to get started at a gym, not knowing what to do, not wanting to look silly or compare yourself to other women. I walked into a gym close to work so I could get a quick run in during lunch. Turns out I was the only female member... Intimidating? A little at first. But then I learned everyone's workout schedule and it actually became fun when I knew some of the guys and did have a question on the weights or wanted to know what I could do to tone different muscle groups. They were my biggest cheerleaders, I couldn't compare myself to any other women and I had fitness buffs and spotters at my beck and call. The worst time was when the pro-builders were in and screaming. I would just hit the treadmill with my back turned towards them and run until I couldn't run any longer. With all that hootin' and hollerin' I pretended I had my own little cheering section. Point of it comes down to, guys make great training partners, they push, encourage and don't let you quit. Plus you can't compare the two... ;) To all of you women, try a gym known for it's male members if you aren't comfortable with other women, you might be surprised.
  • yoovie
    yoovie Posts: 17,121 Member
    It's hard to get started at a gym, not knowing what to do, not wanting to look silly or compare yourself to other women. I walked into a gym close to work so I could get a quick run in during lunch. Turns out I was the only female member... Intimidating? A little at first. But then I learned everyone's workout schedule and it actually became fun when I knew some of the guys and did have a question on the weights or wanted to know what I could do to tone different muscle groups. They were my biggest cheerleaders, I couldn't compare myself to any other women and I had fitness buffs and spotters at my beck and call. The worst time was when the pro-builders were in and screaming. I would just hit the treadmill with my back turned towards them and run until I couldn't run any longer. With all that hootin' and hollerin' I pretended I had my own little cheering section. Point of it comes down to, guys make great training partners, they push, encourage and don't let you quit. Plus you can't compare the two... ;) To all of you women, try a gym known for it's male members if you aren't comfortable with other women, you might be surprised.

    YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS THIS IS WHY I LOVE MY MAN GYM! <3
  • tapirfrog
    tapirfrog Posts: 616 Member
    I'm not sure it's a woman thing for me. It might just be a newbie thing. Whenever I go to a new gym I'm afraid I'm stepping on unwritten rules. I mean, I know not to jostle people who are using free weights, and I know to clean up after myself (both weights and sweat), but there's always someone who seems cooler than me and that's intimidating.

    Great. It's not a woman thing or a newbie thing. It's a junior-high lunchroom thing. I think I'll go sit at the empty table and read my social studies textbook now.
  • DennisParker
    DennisParker Posts: 6
    It is true, women's like to run and reduce their weight. While men like to spend time in gym doing workout, but everything has an exception. Some women likes to go to gym and workout
  • Mr_Excitement
    Mr_Excitement Posts: 833 Member
    I'm always so impressed with women in the weights area-- especially the ones who know what they're doing and are working intensely. I feel like I kind of came into the world at the tale end of when that was still very unusual, and so to me it's still striking whenever I see it. Kind of like women on motorcycles.
  • MissB46
    MissB46 Posts: 143 Member
    I'm always so impressed with women in the weights area-- especially the ones who know what they're doing and are working intensely. I feel like I kind of came into the world at the tale end of when that was still very unusual, and so to me it's still striking whenever I see it. Kind of like women on motorcycles.

    Love the gym, never felt intimidated or scared - I work by myself most of the time, I lift weights, free weights and some machines, work with kettlebells (I actually tend to stay away from the cardio machines - find them a bit boring :yawn: )...and I go in the boys gym :happy: ....Oh and I ride a motorbike.....:wink:
  • grnchocjnkymfp89
    grnchocjnkymfp89 Posts: 5
    I don't run and actually very much dislike cardio. I like to do a lot of HIIT and strength training the most with some yoga and pilates thrown in. For me, it's just a hassle more than anything. I have two kids. By the time I drive to the gym and get my workout in and then drive back and shower. It takes too much time. Also, I'm just really self conscious. I like working out in the privacy of my own home. Maybe when he kids are older I can join a gym. But I've been pretty successful working out at home for the last five years. I'd love some cardio equipment though and heavier weights, though.

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