I am the woman in the freeweights section of the gym

midnightisolde

I don't know what's the big deal about being a woman in the weights room actually. I never feel intimidated. I've never got bad stares, I just got some compliments:)

You're right. We pay the membership too, just like the guys. We have as much right to be there as they do! I am intimidated though, but by working out at weird hours, I'm getting over my fear.

Yeah I've been embarrassed and intimidated about going into my gym's free-weight section but I think it was just all in my head as I went there today and got on with what I planned to do with no problems - same as everyone else.

kendragetshealthy

This is a really dumb question I am sure... I have been going to a gym for 10 weeks now and doing cardio and weight machines. Why are free weights better? I bought the NROL book but haven't started yet- yep I am a little intimidated.

But what is the difference between free weights and the weight machines?

kendragetshealthy

This is a really dumb question I am sure... I have been going to a gym for 10 weeks now and doing cardio and weight machines. Why are free weights better? I bought the NROL book but haven't started yet- yep I am a little intimidated.

But what is the difference between free weights and the weight machines?
[/quote

Ah never mind. I found this. It answers my questions

http://www.builtlean.com/2013/06/11/free-weights-vs-machines/]

sedelagarza

I am also the woman who is usually alone in the weight room and I am the one who is scared of not putting the weight plates and clipping them properly. Yes I know super dumb. I wish I had another female to workout with

dbmata

this thread makes me lollerskate.

libbydoodle11

Great post, thank you.

threnjen

At my gym all of the cardio machines, weight machines and free weights are in one huge space so there's no real feeling of "rooms".

I was terrified of going to the gym at ALL, let alone doing weights. I joined the gym and did dumbbell work on my own, then hired a trainer to help me learn to do the barbell moves for Stronglifts. Now I work on Stronglifts alone and I don't feel self conscious about it.

I see tons and tons of ladies on the weight machines, a good number using free weights, and occasionally a few lifting heavy. But all of the stuff is together, so you don't get a sense of us vs. them.

CallMeCupcakeDammit

Bumping

Basilin

MoreBean13 wrote: »

6. Wear whatever you feel comfortable wearing...
...but don't come back here and complain if you're oogled when you're wearing a bra and booty shorts.

This might have been said before, but things were great up until this. If a guy is going to be the sort to make comments and openly ogle a woman, it won't matter what she does. I get men staring at my chest regardless if I'm wearing a tight, low cut top or a baggy t-shirt, and I don't even have a big chest.

Tired of this rationale that women "ask for it" by dressing certain ways, especially coming from other women who make it plain that they must be jealous to even care.

llUndecidedll

The only problem I have with lifting with free weights is that 1) my squat form is horrible. I feel like I have no balance when trying to squat with the barbell, this embarrasses me. 2) I feel like I should be stronger than I actually am (ego), but I mentally smack myself and get over that.

Sometimes... I purposely throw myself into the mix of men who seem to be 'dominating' certain areas of the gym. Yeah. Because I've been waiting for them and their buddies to move and ten minutes later, they're still there... talking. It kind of grinds my gears.



Other than that, I'm fine.

lili61

Basilin wrote: »

MoreBean13 wrote: »

6. Wear whatever you feel comfortable wearing...
...but don't come back here and complain if you're oogled when you're wearing a bra and booty shorts.

This might have been said before, but things were great up until this. If a guy is going to be the sort to make comments and openly ogle a woman, it won't matter what she does. I get men staring at my chest regardless if I'm wearing a tight, low cut top or a baggy t-shirt, and I don't even have a big chest.

Tired of this rationale that women "ask for it" by dressing certain ways, especially coming from other women who make it plain that they must be jealous to even care.

Completely agree!

CallMeCupcakeDammit

llUndecidedll wrote: »

The only problem I have with lifting with free weights is that 1) my squat form is horrible. I feel like I have no balance when trying to squat with the barbell, this embarrasses me. 2) I feel like I should be stronger than I actually am (ego), but I mentally smack myself and get over that.

Sometimes... I purposely throw myself into the mix of men who seem to be 'dominating' certain areas of the gym. Yeah. Because I've been waiting for them and their buddies to move and ten minutes later, they're still there... talking. It kind of grinds my gears.



Other than that, I'm fine.

Have you tried goblet squats? I don't have a squat rack at my gym, so I had to settle for these. Before I started doing them, I could never get below parallel. They're pretty much foolproof. bodybuilding.com/fun/grab-sit-repeat-the-simple-power-of-the-goblet-squat.html

llUndecidedll

Have you tried goblet squats? I don't have a squat rack at my gym, so I had to settle for these. Before I started doing them, I could never get below parallel. They're pretty much foolproof. bodybuilding.com/fun/grab-sit-repeat-the-simple-power-of-the-goblet-squat.html

I think I will try those instead. I just did Week 1, day 3 of SL 5x5 today and my balance is still just off. I feel myself pulling down on the barbell to remain upright, and I feel like my knees are extending too far. I am breaking parallel and going down to the floor, but I don't feel it in my legs, at all. My knees just felt uncomfortable. Thanks for the recommendation. I'll try those goblin squats on Monday.

Kiwi_Made

1. Ignore everybody. 2. Lift.

Kiwi_Made

Serious though, great post.

kdeaux1959

Great points. Yup, I am that "guy that looks at you in the free-weights section"... What am I doing? Looking to see what you are doing that I can incorporate into my routine. Yup. I have picked up on a couple of exercises that I now do that you taught me... and they ARE effective. Thanks.

deviiv

I see a trainer once a week to help me work on specific things, give me routines and make sure my technique is right. The other times I'm at the gym, I feel super confident as I stride past the cardio machines and into the free weight section. Whenever I need help or to ask for anything, the lads around are always happy to assist which is great.

Nana_nyc

bump

blueyellowhorse

bump great post

barryplumber

The gym i go to yes has a ladies only room but most of the women use the main gym i have never seen any of them being treated any different then the men there

Amyaya

So true!!!! Totally agree!!!

Farback

I lift at the university gym if the firehall gym is down for floor care or some reason, and I train beside young ladies 1/3 my age who can out lift my *kitten*. Very inspiring. Women have every right to work out how and where they like.

JoRocka

I came in here wanting to be filled with righteously indignation. . But. It's totally on point.

I'm not mad. Not mad at all. Excellent points. Carry on.

professionalHobbyist

I'm glad to see you feel empowered and are going for it !

I have had a few women workout partners.

I saw a bit of that negative stuff in years gone by.

Now it seems women get that respect. We have probably 30% women in the free weight section. More on the weekends.

Truth be told I am more scared to go in Zumba class with 99% women!

That and the spin class too... They are just killing it in there. People come out looking like they got sprayed with a hose.

Karen_can_do_this

Omfg I think I love you

BeFitBri2

LOVE THIS.

Ironmaiden4life

Great post OP

Katzedernacht

Yay awesome, yeah there's plenty of girls at my gym,but most stop at 5 pounds dumbells and the rest..it's leg day everyday, it's kinda cool cos they go wow when I do stuff,kinda feel cool there hehe. The guys are nice and treat me respectfully,maybe cos I do stuff that usually "only men do" like hmm I dunno english name.. dips on parallel bars? some pull ups ( can do about 4 real ones ) etc.

It is cool and makes me feel like I'm super strong

victoriaamarie1330

The first few times in the weight area, I was nervous. Now, when I'm in there, I'm just one of the guys. Get in, do your workout, get out. I've never had issues. Actually, my only issue is when someone compliments me on my workout/work ethic between sets, so really, not an issue.

kindrabbit

I am not sure if this thread is totally spot on or seriously over thinking things.

I'm not sure why it is so scary and intimidating. What's to be scared of? We are all people. To those people who are scared of the free weights section - what do you think will happen?

I am a 42 year old woman have been in the free weights section of the gym for the past 2 years. I have never had a serious problem with anyone else in the gym, male or female. One guy once asked me if I was going to put any weight on my bar (I took it as him being critical of the amount I was lifting) but I just informed him that I was just warming up and proceeded to kick my workouts butt! the next time I saw him he made sure to give me a smile and comment on my strength so I think he learned the lesson that you should never comment on the amount another person is lifting.

The majority of the time I arrive, do my workout and leave. I work on reception at the gym and a lot of staff use the facility so I kind of know quite a few faces. I have had comments on my form (all good so far) and we chat about programmes and what works for them. I also chat with the women, I'll compliment them on their workouts etc or ask them what they do to get their arms or legs looking so good. As with any social situation some people want to chat and be friendly and some want to get their heads down and be invisible.

I don't think I get watched any more than anyone else. Maybe I'm too old and ugly! I feel part of the free weights family and that includes men and women.