Checking out/Getting checked out at the gym

Belgie_t3

I'm a extremely shy person... for as long as I can remember I've been a quiet person. Working at Publix broke me out of that shell a bit since they demanded it lol but I still get embarrassed waking to the water fountain :blushing: I can't help but notice guys that are really fit and good looking and girls too! And when it's the other way around I get so red from embarrassment lol Im no where near fit and Im far from my goals so I pale in comparison. I don't stare or focus on people but I'm not blind lol I'm fine during my workout, but that dreaded walk gets me every time. Does anyone else feel this way? What's your opinion on checking people out or getting checked out at the gym?

auddii

I tend to look at everyone in the gym. Not necessarily assessing if they're cute, but more appreciating what they look like (or laughing at something crazy they are doing). But beyond that, I could care less if they're looking at me or thinking that what I'm doing is crazy. It is what it is, and I mostly try to focus on myself and getting my **** done.

Belgie_t3

I tend to look at everyone in the gym. Not necessarily assessing if they're cute, but more appreciating what they look like (or laughing at something crazy they are doing). But beyond that, I could care less if they're looking at me or thinking that what I'm doing is crazy. It is what it is, and I mostly try to focus on myself and getting my **** done.

Yea I do that as well I just try to focus on pushing through but Im so shy and I go alone so when I walk up to the fountain looking like crap all red and dripping in sweat I feel silly and out of shape lol especially when Im running and breathing :laugh: There's been times where I wish I could come up to someone for some new exercises or for proper form because they look great!

KANGOOJUMPS

i look at everyone, hot or not.

PlayerHatinDogooder

I don't get why the gym is supposed to be this sacred place where no one ever talks to each other.

I check people out, flirt, get phone numbers (rarely), and get pepper sprayed (mostly).

The gym should be fun.

Hexahedra

Those good looking guys and gals had to start somewhere... Personally I have great respect toward anybody at the gym who is clearly giving it her best effort, sweating by the gallons. I look at them because I want to see how much they change in the next several months. I have no interest in people who do 10 minutes half hearted exercise on the stationary bike while browsing on their ipads or chatting with their bffs.

I don't mind getting checked out, I used to be so pathetically out of shape that I was practically invisible to the cool people. Just be thankful that you're not so ugly that people would rather not acknowledge your presence.

JoRocka

I don't get why the gym is supposed to be this sacred place where no one ever talks to each other.

I check people out, flirt, get phone numbers (rarely), and get pepper sprayed (mostly).

The gym should be fun.

EXACTLY

I seriously do'nt understand the "i'm scared of XX room" syndrom. I never look "good" because I work super effing hard- but people like it- the hard work. I've had people tell me I look damn good working out (hysterical{) even the backs of my arms turn red- it's ridiculous how red and sweaty I get. Whatever- it is what it is- rather see that than someone just poking along barely breaking a sweat ever.

But regardless.

Bring a water bottle. Problem solved.

tomg33

Think of it this way. You probably spend more hours at the gym then any other recreational activity you do. I'm not saying it's a social club but the more you get to know the people around you the more supportive and instructional the environment can become. When you talk to that guy who just squatted double his bodyweight for 5 reps and failed a 6th and is clearly upset, you realise that everyone is self-conscious and "shy" about these type of things.

WeakCalves

Those good looking guys and gals had to start somewhere... Personally I have great respect toward anybody at the gym who is clearly giving it her best effort, sweating by the gallons. I look at them because I want to see how much they change in the next several months. I have no interest in people who do 10 minutes half hearted exercise on the stationary bike while browsing on their ipads or chatting with their bffs.

I don't mind getting checked out, I used to be so pathetically out of shape that I was practically invisible to the cool people. Just be thankful that you're not so ugly that people would rather not acknowledge your presence.

^^^^^ This

Belgie_t3

Those good looking guys and gals had to start somewhere... Personally I have great respect toward anybody at the gym who is clearly giving it her best effort, sweating by the gallons. I look at them because I want to see how much they change in the next several months. I have no interest in people who do 10 minutes half hearted exercise on the stationary bike while browsing on their ipads or chatting with their bffs.

I don't mind getting checked out, I used to be so pathetically out of shape that I was practically invisible to the cool people. Just be thankful that you're not so ugly that people would rather not acknowledge your presence.

There's definitely some inspirational bodies at the gym : ) Im more shy of the fact that Im so out of shape. But its true everyone has worked hard to be where they're at :drinker:

Belgie_t3

I don't get why the gym is supposed to be this sacred place where no one ever talks to each other.

I check people out, flirt, get phone numbers (rarely), and get pepper sprayed (mostly).

The gym should be fun.

EXACTLY

I seriously do'nt understand the "i'm scared of XX room" syndrom. I never look "good" because I work super effing hard- but people like it- the hard work. I've had people tell me I look damn good working out (hysterical{) even the backs of my arms turn red- it's ridiculous how red and sweaty I get. Whatever- it is what it is- rather see that than someone just poking along barely breaking a sweat ever.

But regardless.

Bring a water bottle. Problem solved.

I do have a water bottle lol I drink alot of water while Im working out so I have to refill often. I've even contemplated bringing two water bottles. I'm not angry about people looking Im not disgusted just embarassed. I hear alot of girls say they get angry if guys check them out but honestly it can be flattering to a degree just embarrassing. I think alot of girls feel that way but don't want to sound full of themselves. I really want to start lifting but I admit I do have that irrational fear of being around alot of guys overweight red as hell sweating like crazy lol

RunnerElizabeth

To some extent the gym is supposed to be social. If we don't want to interact with and potentially learn from other people, we should work out in the privacy of our own homes.

I workout in the gym in my office building. At first I was a little nervous about it because there is a loss of anonymity. It's not random men seeing me in my tiny running shorts, it's the guy who sits at the table next to me in the cafeteria and is used to seeing me in my business attire. But now that I've been going to this gym for a year it's grown on me. I am talking to more people in my office building it makes work seem friendlier.

RobynLB83

If someone is working out in cute neon workout clothes, shirtless, in a sports bra, or in booty shorts, it is 100% okay to check him or her out. On the other hand, if someone looks uncomfortable, try not to let him or her catch you ogling.

lithezebra

I go to a friendly gym. It never hurts to say hello or give a nod, whether you're checking someone out or not.

anne2605

I met my husband at a gym. He told me he'd been checking me out for a while but it wasn't until the gym held a social evening he approached me. We've been married 16 years.

speedgoose

Yeah, I look at everybody when I'm working out, and I know a lot of people look at me. Whether it's because they think i'm attractive or they are looking at what exercise I'm doing, whatever - it happens all the time. And the gym should be a social place. Before I moved where I live now, most of my friends were made at the gym.

carissar7

I met my husband at a gym. He told me he'd been checking me out for a while but it wasn't until the gym held a social evening he approached me. We've been married 16 years.

Awwww. I think thats so cute lol

_Krys10_

My friend that I work out with says the guys are always checking me out. I don't pay attention. I am there to work out but if I see a hot guy I will definitely check him out. I feel like I get more staring when I walk into the gym before I change into my gym clothes. Must be the heels. Most guys don't approach me, so I am left alone.

funforsports

I check out hot girls just as I am sure I get checked out at times. It happens whether in a gym, supermarket, work, or wherever. Fact of life. Doesn't mean I have to go talk to everyone I find attractive though.

mommylifter

I'm also super shy, so the gym can be an intimidating place for me as well. I am a people watcher, I love watching all walks of life around the gym, but the second someone looks at me, I want to hide. I do all my free weight workouts in the back of the gym hiding behind the cardio equipment out of fear of people watching me. Basically I can dish it out, but I can't take it.

redhead1910

I don't care as long it is discreet and polite. There is one guy who is at the gym every day and he follows me around while I'm doing free weights and keeps asking me for my number, even though I have very nicely asked him to back off several times.

jody664

Those good looking guys and gals had to start somewhere... Personally I have great respect toward anybody at the gym who is clearly giving it her best effort, sweating by the gallons. I look at them because I want to see how much they change in the next several months. I have no interest in people who do 10 minutes half hearted exercise on the stationary bike while browsing on their ipads or chatting with their bffs.

I don't mind getting checked out, I used to be so pathetically out of shape that I was practically invisible to the cool people. Just be thankful that you're not so ugly that people would rather not acknowledge your presence.

There's definitely some inspirational bodies at the gym : ) Im more shy of the fact that Im so out of shape. But its true everyone has worked hard to be where they're at :drinker:

I've felt the same. I started lifting weights about 6-8 weeks ago. I'm 47 years old, 25 lb overweight with a 44% body fat. I do NOT look good in my spandex workout capris, and the first couple of times working out with my trainer, I was pretty self-concious in the weight room full of bodybuilders.

But........the other day my trainer and I were working on hang cleans and one of the body builders happened to be using the space next to me. I was getting frustrated trying to follow my trainer's instructions. The BB actually stopped his workout, walked over and said, "Hey, listen, you've almost got it. It is one of the most difficult lifts there is and your form is better than some of these other guys in here, so don't give up. You'll get it!"

Now admittedly, he wasn't "checking me out" or flirting, but his comments 1) really went a long way in making me feel like I really did belong in the weight room, 2) made me realize that even buff body builder types are approachable and supportive, and 3) helped me get over my fear of the weight room.

shannongoneau

I don't think I check anyone out per se but you can't help but notice other people (we are human after all, we want to know what others are doing or see how someone might be doing something). I don't know if i've been "checked out" but in the past I've been congratulated on my weight lifting. Fact is your going to see other people at the gym and you might see the same people over and over again, who knows you might catch their eye and become a workout buddy.

PilotX

use it as motivation to keep pushing

MercenaryNoetic26

The dreaded walk? Break out that shell!

I scan the area when I get there. Then I handle my business without a care in the world.

Cp731

I def get 100% what you are saying.
I have been going to the same place on and off for a year.
I see a lot of the same ppl.
I may talk to one person once in awhile.
I walk in do what I gotta do and bounce.
I thought I would have luck talking to ppl and meeting ppl.
I just don't think I care that much.
If ppl try to talk to me, Im corgial, but I don't go out of my way ever to talk to anyone.
With some of us, It may always be that we are loners.

kiern18

As an overweight girl (250 pounds), I get very insecure while walking in the gym. Especially the weight room. I get stared at all the time (especially if I am in the zone) and I also stare at people too when I workout, that's definitely normal. One day after I got done working out, I wiped down the machine and a personal trainer came up to me and said, "I just wanted to let you know that I am so proud of you. Don't you dare give up." That was about thirty pounds ago when I first started. Ever since then, I go into the gym and kill it every time (burning up to 500-1000 calories). I could careless if my face is red and if I am breathing heavily. When people stare, I take it as a compliment and push myself harder. Be proud of yourself and your body! If you've had a good workout, smile as you are getting off the machine and be proud of yourself. The gym is an overall positive place even if there are negative people in it.

Belgie_t3

The dreaded walk? Break out that shell!

I scan the area when I get there. Then I handle my business without a care in the world.

lol I know Im being silly I need to just break out this shell : D

Belgie_t3

As an overweight girl (250 pounds), I get very insecure while walking in the gym. Especially the weight room. I get stared at all the time (especially if I am in the zone) and I also stare at people too when I workout, that's definitely normal. One day after I got done working out, I wiped down the machine and a personal trainer came up to me and said, "I just wanted to let you know that I am so proud of you. Don't you dare give up." That was about thirty pounds ago when I first started. Ever since then, I go into the gym and kill it every time (burning up to 500-1000 calories). I could careless if my face is red and if I am breathing heavily. When people stare, I take it as a compliment and push myself harder. Be proud of yourself and your body! If you've had a good workout, smile as you are getting off the machine and be proud of yourself. The gym is an overall positive place even if there are negative people in it.

Inspirational! This makes me feel alot better about all of this :bigsmile: because I think thats one reason people look at me sometimes is because Im breathing raelly hard and Im red ALL OVER sweating up a storm! I try to really push myself when I go (600-1000) so maybe people are just watching rather then thinking I look silly as a big girl lol

Hexahedra

As an overweight girl (250 pounds), I get very insecure while walking in the gym. Especially the weight room. I get stared at all the time (especially if I am in the zone) and I also stare at people too when I workout, that's definitely normal. One day after I got done working out, I wiped down the machine and a personal trainer came up to me and said, "I just wanted to let you know that I am so proud of you. Don't you dare give up." That was about thirty pounds ago when I first started. Ever since then, I go into the gym and kill it every time (burning up to 500-1000 calories). I could careless if my face is red and if I am breathing heavily. When people stare, I take it as a compliment and push myself harder. Be proud of yourself and your body! If you've had a good workout, smile as you are getting off the machine and be proud of yourself. The gym is an overall positive place even if there are negative people in it.

One thing you need to realize is that we, serious gym users, are a small group in society compared to all the couch potatos out there. As the personal trainer told you, people who go to the gym to work out appreciate effort when they see it. We know it's hard work. Sure there are jerks, but that's true in any setting whether it's gym, school, campus, work, mall, you name it.

Alexandra289

I never really talk to people at the gym - only in classes otherwise it's not a very sociable place. As for being checked out, I seriously doubt anyone has ever checked me out at the gym! I don't go to look pretty - I end up bright red, breathless, no make-up, frizzy sweaty hair...lovely! But the people who I respect most at the gym are the people who look like me - don't understand people who go to pose and not actually do much.