What are people's true thoughts of "strong women"?

I never realized that the gym was a social place. All these gym posts about people being rude or mean are foreign to me. I don't talk to anyone at the gym. I walk in, scan my card, smile at the desk person because I have my earbuds in and go workout. It's not because I am a b*tch, it's because I am not there to socailize.

Why are you taking this personally?

ETA: I consider myself to be pretty awesome and people don't talk to me either. I never think it's because they think I am scary or intimidating, they are just doing their own thing.

QFT. Literally SO TIRED of people focusing on the bad stuff. Do I get weirdly hit on at the gym? Yes. Do people look at me sideways sometimes? Sure. I recognize that 99.5% of the people of the gym though are just like me - they want to get in, do their workout, and get out - not socialize beyond a smile or a hello.

I generally think we all need to stop victimizing ourselves so much (and i'm not so much talking about the OP, I've seen like 5-6 threads on this today). This thinking applies to most of life, whether it's diet/exercise/your job/how you raise your children/etc.

Go into the gym/eat healthy/put your head down/kick *kitten* at work. Worry less about what others think. And if you're going to worry, focus on the good that surrounds you rather than the 1 or 2 "bad apples". They shouldn't spoil it for the whole bunch.

I didn't used to talk with people at my gym...but after being a regular there for a while I have discovered a sort of community there. I don't stand around and chat because I have 90 minutes of work to do and then my regular day outside the gym, but I occasionally get one of the guys saying stuff like "you're a beast!" and that makes me feel awesome. I even kind of like watching men lift less weight than me. lol It makes me feel accomplished.

I am lucky at my gym - it is small and quiet and mostly those who attend are as serious as I am about getting my sweat on.

I agree I am not at the gym to socialize, I have been fortunate that the men in the gym have been very respectful and polite since I started going to the weight area. I go in, focus and leave.

ya why do you want to talk at the gym anyway? if you are interested in someone, go say hi with a smile and not with attitude. if they dont want to talk, dont take it personally.

Just lift with a smile. If you have a mean face while you deadlift a gazillion pounds, then you will be the muscle lady. With cats.

Can I have dogs instead???

You are always breaking the mold, so yeah, exception for you! Muscle lady. With dogs. Woof!

Noone knows for sure what someone else is thinking, but is it possible this might be a little projection of insecurities. When I go to the gym, I don't talk to anyone. I put my headphones in and workout. I might nod and smile and say hello, but other than that...

I am not really intimidated by male or female at the gym. There are two people at my gym who lift, those stronger and more muscular than me and those weaker and less muscular. I assume none are looking to physically assault me.

If i see a woman working out, I don't really think of anything other than, "good for her".

Idk...I'm 6'4 220 though so maybe others think differently but unless people clear out and duck when you walk by I don't think this is an issue.

ETA: Also, be careful what you wish for. I am predicting the 65 year old creeper guy (every gym has one) will be visiting you to offer a form critique as some sort of karmic response to this topic. :laugh:

I'm 6'1" with a fairly strong looking build. I box.
The women in my class tend to steer clear of me.
Lots of the men do too.

But you know what? I take it as a compliment. I am strong. When I'm boxing, I look strong, powerful, kick *kitten*, and ALIVE. I also look a little wild, and aggressive, sweaty, and maybe a bit crazed.

Who cares! I FEEL great!

Yes, I intimidate people (they tell me this :laugh:), but their loss, not mine. The ones who take the time to know me, realize that I am gentle and compassionate and loving too. Those ones are the keepers.

Dust the rest off, do your workout, and keep going.

p.s. you do look fantastic

^ This.

This may come across as sexist in some way BUT men have been working out at the gym forever and have learned how to interact. Be considerate, ask if they are done with bench, wipe off your sweat, be polite etc etc. No unncessary eye contact. Most guys at my gym are looking at the mirror while they lift. Women should do that same. If you feel you are 'intimidating', it may be in your head.

So, I'm not one of the superfits at the gym. Until recently I spent most of my time in the hamster wheel room. So one day I'm skulking up to a hamster wheel when this maybe 5'9" guy comes around the corner, and I stopped and almost turned around. His arms were as thick as my thighs and pure muscle. For a moment, just a moment, I was intimidated. I still have no idea what this mini-hulk was doing in the cardio room. On a cut maybe?

The reason they shy away from you is they are intimidated by you. Be friendly with them. Smile more. Let them know there's nothing to be afraid of.

Girls with muscles and strength?! Gross!

What's next? Women with brains?!

Girls with muscles and strength?! Gross!

What's next? Women with brains?!

What if I have both?

Then you are a liar!