Not Hating, Why Do Women Struggle With The Gym?

I wanted to respond without reading other comments. We do hate the gym. For me it's a matter of choice. There was a time when I would run to the gym during lunch and after work at night. At least 4 hours a day 4 days a week and ran on the weekend. That was at least 9 years ago. When attempting to be consistent again the only thing that can keep me in the gym regularly is the pool. The atmosphere no longer works for me. I just want to work out and leave. Not interested in what others are doing just don't hold the machines up. (smile). Someone mentioned that women compare themselves to others, well that may be true on one hand, however, on the other the gym is suppose to be a starting point for adapting a more physically fit life style yet overweight clients tend to be shunned and overlook. Personal trainers will approach someone who is clearly physically fit to solicited new clients. In all honesty the last thing an overweight person wants to see or hear is pointing and giggling. Imagine the courage it takes just to build up to changing up and actually coming into the gym. Not to mention that someone that is 100lbs overweight with bad knees and ankles does not need a trainer telling them they are not working hard enough or don't want to lose weight and feel better just because they will not let them work them into a fit of exhaustion during a workout. I’m overweight I love exercise although my joints are working against me on all ends. But the gym is no longer and maybe has never been a “kinder and gentler” environment for those who are not already in “supermodel” shape.

I struggle with it because I get gassy when I lift and don't want to have to hold it in. I would rather lift in my basement and fart whenever I need to.

I believe it's because of magazines and media endorsing stupid broscience methods to losing weight and attaining a shape. And it starts young.

I've noticed that girls in middle school are trying to abstain from doing physical fitness (some due to sweating, messing up their hair, or because puberty is making it harder for them) and don't know if it carries on through high school. Personally, except for female athletes, I've never known any girl growing up that just went to the gym to lift and get stronger.

It's changing now though. May take another decade or so for some to see that the resistance training really is the ticket to a better body and not the crazy BS diets and scams that are still being passed around.

It's true, all true. I actually had to check and see that someone without boobs wrote this.

I some women struggle just as much as some men do, its not a gender thing. Its about dedication and wanting to achieve a lifetime of happiness.

Currently, I'm shopping around for a gym to join. I desperately need to start lifting! However, I am terrified of the weight room for only two reasons: body image issues and lack of knowledge about the machines, strength routines and proper form. (Cost is also a factor for me, personally. I don't make a lot of money and gym memberships are costly.)

But I'm willing to put all that aside in order to get to the weight off (again). But some women are paralyzed at the thought of entering a gym for those same reasons.

The guys at my gym actually make fun of me when I'm in there. A group of them copy whatever exercise I'm doing with the same weight I am using and loudly describe how light and easy it is. Sorry that I'm a beginner!! But despite that I still show up and do my best. I may only be squatting 85 and benching 65, but at least I am trying.

There are PLENTY of women don't struggle with the gym.

^^^ this

I love the gym. Especially because it's at the Navy base and full of awesome, top-o-the line equipment. I hate that they have crappy hours (THANK YOU SEQUESTER).

I LOVE my home gym, even better.

When you come to a gym, and you're not in shape, you get dissed a lot.
People sneer at you, class leaders tell you you should lose weight before you show up, etc.
Doesn't make for a conducive environment for workouts.
They just want your money anyway, and don't give a crap about you.
I've used gyms when in shape and not in shape, so I know the dif.

WOW! You are giving your money to the wrong person then!! I love both of my gyms! I didn't feel dissed or maybe I was focusing too hard and didn't notice. Regardless, the regulars kept to themselves and left me alone. Once they saw I wasn't just a New Year's Resolution attendee but was sticking to it, they befriended me. Especially when they saw me leave my cardio comfort zone and wander over to the weights!

My suggestion to anyone who can afford it is to hire a personal trainer. They will help you with the right form and function. Working with them gives you almost immediate acceptance from the regulars. I write all of our workouts down so I can use them again when I no longer want to pay a trainer. I love mine so much, that may never happen though!!

I love the gym, I love lifting heavy weights (powerlifter, when competing I was 450/275/385).

In my experience, with the women I have personally known, its NOT about not wanting to get big, or too muscular....its about not wanting to make the effort. It's hard. It's uncomfortable. It's not anonymous. It's dirty. And its much easier to say "I don't want to get muscular, its not attractive."

The guys at my gym actually make fun of me when I'm in there. A group of them copy whatever exercise I'm doing with the same weight I am using and loudly describe how light and easy it is. Sorry that I'm a beginner!! But despite that I still show up and do my best. I may only be squatting 85 and benching 65, but at least I am trying.

Pick the biggest loudest roid raging neanderthal in the gym to tell those kids to stfu. He wont say no.

I Agree!! Juveniles!! :grumble: I cannot beleive people act that way. I guess I am blessed with some supportive gym friends!

Keep going!! I started at 35 pound dead lift. I am up to 185 pounds as of last night! One of the teenagers was watching me lift. He said, "Ms. Linda, when I was sitting in your 3rd grade sunday school class, never in a million years would I have thought I would watch you dead lift 185 pounds!" He was excited for me. I told him I wished I had been lifting back then!!

The guys at my gym actually make fun of me when I'm in there. A group of them copy whatever exercise I'm doing with the same weight I am using and loudly describe how light and easy it is. Sorry that I'm a beginner!! But despite that I still show up and do my best. I may only be squatting 85 and benching 65, but at least I am trying.

Pick the biggest loudest roid raging neanderthal in the gym to tell those kids to stfu. He wont say no.

Totally behind this idea!

Why didn't I think of this? Will have to give this a shot next time.

What are your generalizations based off of???? When I go to the gym I see MORE women than men working out and working out HARD. No self image issues etc. I believe you are NOT HATING but you are entirely oblivious to reality when it comes to women and the gym. Could be because you are a man and you are too concerned with your own self image and only paying attention to the other men that are in the gym to compare yourself to.

Could also be the time you go to the gym is when ALL of the hard working women are home raising their families/kids etc.
Might I suggest you study your generalization further by going to the gym at various times throughout the day and actually pay attention to how many women are in there busting *kitten*.

I know many men who have way more "issues" about going to the gym than I do women!

Considering how many honest responses this thread has received, it would appear that it is you who has an issue with stigmas and stereotypical assumptions toward the opposite sex. My wife has always been very active, background as a dancer and athlete, and absolutely despises the gym, likely for many of the same reasons other women here have mentioned. Though if you were to ask her she would have difficulty explaining in as good of a manner as others here have.

I don't hate the gym. I hate people and they are usually found in the gym.

I don't like the mirrors, don't like the crowds, don't being the only morbidly obese one in the room... etc. So, I go with invisible blinders on, look away from the mirrors, go when I think it will be the least crowded...