Why in the world would a guy wear jeans at the gym???

There is a guy at my gym who is in wicked shape. He's about 45, bald with a goatee. The kind of guy who could be a bouncer at a bar. He wears JEANS (fairly tight!) and a tank top when he works out, and I can't figure it out at all.

I can somewhat understand it if he were just doing weights, but he will even get on the stepper or elliptical and work up a sweat! I can't imagine how that would be in any way comfortable!

The last few times I've seen him, however, he is wearing SHORTS!!! I sooooooo want to ask him WHY he wears jeans sometimes but of course I don't have the nerve.

Then just yesterday a different guy was running on the treadmill next to me in jeans.

Am I missing something?????????????????? Please guys, fill me in if you have any insights!!! I've even googled it with no success! Help me to sleep at night as I ponder this mystery...

Replies

Timshel_

There are some guys that play tennis in long pants, even during the summer when it is 100+ degrees. Meh. if that is what they figure works...more power to them.

jrose1982

The only reason I don't wear jeans to the gym is because every gym I've been too has a rule against it. If not for that, I would've done it all the time.

I wear jeans to work. If I could get off work and go straight to the gym, without having to pack a gym bag or go home and change my clothes first, my gym-based exercise efforts might have been more successful. I don't know how many times I've thought:
"What am I gonna do tonight? I should go to the gym. But I didn't pack my sweats. So I'll go home first, then to the gym." And end up on the couch at home instead.

I realize working out in jeans is not particularly comfortable, but you do what you can. I've given up on gyms. Now, I just walk. That's something I can do spontaneously without changing my clothes.

Strokingdiction

That's why I live in a hole in the ground so I can avoid anyone looking at me and making a harmless observation. Life is scary that way and must be avoided at all costs. I'm a delicate flower, after all.

Well, being a flower, that's exactly where you should be!

Wait, you just got JUDGED.

Even in your hole, you can't avoid it!

And then there's the worms ....

My precious, precious bubble! Why did you have to burst it?

HershFam5

You all are so entertaining!!! Thank you for the giggles tonight. Off to the gym in my jeans!!

Go_Mizzou99

I am late to this thread, but I have a friend who is a journeyman/lineman. He has an artificial leg (below the knee). You would never know it by looking at him and his activities, although he does have a swagger when he walks (that fits his personality and fu-manchu). He is tough and very strong. When we would go for a boat ride, swim, whatever, he was always in jeans.

I knew him for over a year before I realized he was missing a leg.

jofjltncb6

and this is the reason I don't work out in a gym. If people care this much about some dude wearing jeans, what are you really thinking about the overweight person working out. Geez. Grow up.

That's silly-talk.

98.44% of the people at the gym won't notice you. Of the 1.56% who do, 98.44% of them won't remember anything about you an hour later. Of the 1.56% who do remember, 98.44% of them won't do anything about it. Of the 1.56% who do something about it will just tell someone you don't even know. 98.44% of those who tell someone will drop it at that point. The 1.56% who don't drop it will share their observation online.

Don't stop going to the gym...a place that is arguably the most instrumental in regaining your health...because of the 0.000000092389579776% of people who post about it.

Disclaimer: Every single one of these numbers is a real number. True story. (Statistics sponsored by Proctor & Gamble Ivory Soap.)

Annie_01

and this is the reason I don't work out in a gym. If people care this much about some dude wearing jeans, what are you really thinking about the overweight person working out. Geez. Grow up.

That's silly-talk.

98.44% of the people at the gym won't notice you. Of the 1.56% who do, 98.44% of them won't remember anything about you an hour later. Of the 1.56% who do remember, 98.44% of them won't do anything about it. Of the 1.56% who do something about it will just tell someone you don't even know. 98.44% of those who tell someone will drop it at that point. The 1.56% who don't drop it will share their observation online.

Don't stop going to the gym...a place that is arguably the most instrumental in regaining your health...because of the 0.000000092389579776% of people who post about it.

Disclaimer: Every single one of these numbers is a real number. True story. (Statistics sponsored by Proctor & Gamble Ivory Soap.)

Those statistic could be upsetting to those who go to the gym to be noticed...I think there are a few of those types.

I have to admit...those who wear tutus to the gym are hard to ignore.

I once saw this guy wearing a tutu down the street...had on pink tights...pink shoes...pink everything...I noticed....made me smile. He certainly didn't care what others thought...I liked his style! True story...sponsored by...ME.

CanGirl40

I see nothing wrong or judgmental about being curious about the world and wondering why people would do something that seems unusual or a little out of place. By asking the question, one might learn something that allows them to broaden their outlook and consider other points of view they hadn't thought of. It's this attitude that allows some people to become more open, accepting, and understanding and not less so.

Thank you!!!!

While I haven't had the time to read every single reply (to be honest I thought I would only get a few replies and not such a firestorm of hate...!) but ANYWAYS I really do just want to know! I don't think that's being judgemental. Nosy perhaps, but not evil as some of you suggest. And trust me, when at the gym I don't care what I look like. No makeup, hair in ponytail, iPod on and generally zoned out. And I don't think it's an attention thing with him. He doesn't seem to talk to anyone and he means business when he's there. And I really don't think it's an affordability issue.

Well I will continue to read the responses with the hope of some more insight. Thanks to all who responded. But I am honestly shocked at how judgemental some people have been on this thread...

suremeansyes

Today I worked out in the weight area, I was wearing spandex capris and I noticed people noticing my attire. Or maybe since I was doing squats...noticing my butt.

Then I stopped my warmups, added weight and stopped noticing what other people were noticing.

Achrya

Is it because he's a grown *kitten* man and isn't bothered about what random gym goers think of him, and thus has more self esteem than at least half the people on MFP?

JoRocka

Today I worked out in the weight area, I was wearing spandex capris and I noticed people noticing my attire. Or maybe since I was doing squats...noticing my butt.

Then I stopped my warmups, added weight and stopped noticing what other people were noticing.

LULZ- so true.

not many wear shorts to my gym (women wise) and apparently I'm now a novelty for doing so. (although- to be fair- the orange ARE highly amazing)
Fitted capris are pretty standard everywhere- they get a look but it's nothing to really raise and eyebrow at really

yeah- she squats bro... and when she does- she KNOWS you're watching- she just doesn't give a rats pattottie!!!!

gmallan

Maybe he's really dedicated to his gym work but also really forgetful. Forgets gym gear, goes anyway

suremeansyes

not many wear shorts to my gym (women wise) and apparently I'm now a novelty for doing so. (although- to be fair- the orange ARE highly amazing)
Fitted capris are pretty standard everywhere- they get a look but it's nothing to really raise and eyebrow at really

yeah- she squats bro... and when she does- she KNOWS you're watching- she just doesn't give a rats pattottie!!!!

I have compression shorts I wear, but I do wear other shorts over them. That's mostly when I do personal training as to not flash my lady bits at people in the gym. I have been wanting to buy some tight shorts to wear but the couple pairs I tried on gave me wicked camel toe and that is definitely NOT a look I'm going for.

I want people to be like "Damn!!" and not "DAAAAMN..."

PikaKnight

Is it because he's a grown *kitten* man and isn't bothered about what random gym goers think of him, and thus has more self esteem than at least half the people on MFP?

SunofaBeach14

I think I may start wearing jeans to the gym now. Just to piss off the onlookers

suremeansyes

I think I may start wearing jeans to the gym now. Just to piss off the onlookers

With no shirt, right? Because I don't think it would be a big deal then.

LiftAllThePizzas

Why is the sky blue?
Why is cheese amazing?
Why is the grass green?

Who cares...

Nitrogen.
Fat.
Chloroplasts.

I do.

LiftAllThePizzas

why does anyone even care? when i'm at the gym, i'm focusing on myself.

Why do you care whether or not someone else cares?

BinaryPulsar

My guess is that he just only likes to wear jeans whenever he possibly can. Some people are like that about stuff.

LiftAllThePizzas

On the weekend, my hubby and I climbed a mountain. On the way down, there was a guy coming up with jeans on.. wtf??

In August 2002 I climbed the highest peak east of the Rockies and west of the Alps in jeans.

I'm not aware of anyone making a thread about it.

That just means you need to work on your google fu.

AnexRavensong

Maybe he doesn't have a ton of money to throw around on exercise clothes. Maybe something happened to them, or maybe he just doesn't give a Sh- and neither should you.

geebusuk

Op, Just for the record, starting any sentence with ..
"Why in the world would".... does suggest you think they're doing something pretty strange and would typically be used in a "judgemental" fashion, I would say.

George_Baileys_Ghost

Maybe he's a.... never nude!

A of all: This post ^^^ wins.

Number B: I submit a short logical proposition: If you want to know why someone is doing something...ask them. I'm certain it will get you the answer far faster than asking random strangers. It could be that you're worried that asking this question of said person will seem rude, or make you look dumb. If that is the case then consider the nature of your question, and whether or not it's something a civil, sensible person should think about.

arielfirby

Meh, on the clothing. As long as they don't wear very strong perfume that it will make me gag (thus affecting my workout), people can wear whatever they want!

I once saw a dude doing weights with NO shoes on!!! He is asking for broken toes and a foot fungus. I can't believe no one on staff said anything to him!

jerber160

today I observed people more closely, partly because of this thread and partly because my mind was wandering away from my playlist, which doesn't usually happen. THere was a buff bald guy, tank top and ripped in grey corduroys with chains to hold his wallet. I hate corduroy- i had to wear it growing up-in husky sizes.. HORRIBLE MATERIAL but he looked comfortable. so oh well.

jerber160

I see nothing wrong or judgmental about being curious about the world and wondering why people would do something that seems unusual or a little out of place. By asking the question, one might learn something that allows them to broaden their outlook and consider other points of view they hadn't thought of. It's this attitude that allows some people to become more open, accepting, and understanding and not less so.

Thank you!!!!

While I haven't had the time to read every single reply (to be honest I thought I would only get a few replies and not such a firestorm of hate...!) but ANYWAYS I really do just want to know! I don't think that's being judgemental. Nosy perhaps, but not evil as some of you suggest. And trust me, when at the gym I don't care what I look like. No makeup, hair in ponytail, iPod on and generally zoned out. And I don't think it's an attention thing with him. He doesn't seem to talk to anyone and he means business when he's there. And I really don't think it's an affordability issue.

Well I will continue to read the responses with the hope of some more insight. Thanks to all who responded. But I am honestly shocked at how judgemental some people have been on this thread...

you do realize you've done a good thing with this thread? it keeping people engaged, logged in and thinking about their goals whether they're *****ing or laughing or anything.

pinkshiningstar

Some people are just clueless.

But I do give him props for at least showing up at the gym!

Yeah, and I just quoted one of them.

If he's fit, then why don't you watch and learn?

I am very comfortable in jeans and would gladly wear them to the gym if I forgot my workout clothes. He was probably wearing shorts because he remembered his gym bag and/or was working legs that day.

Ouch. Got me there!

Maybe he did forget his bag. Maybe he didn't. Either way, I personally don't understand why someone would want to work out in clothing that isn't the easiest to move in, doesn't breathe, etc. I'd quickly run home and get the clothing I needed if I forgot. And no, going home isn't convenient for me, but I'd do it anyway.

To each their own. Like I said, I still give the guy props for going.

jofjltncb6

why does anyone even care? when i'm at the gym, i'm focusing on myself.

Why do you care whether or not someone else cares?

Why do you care whether or not someone else cares whether or not someone else cares?

jofjltncb6

Meh, on the clothing. As long as they don't wear very strong perfume that it will make me gag (thus affecting my workout), people can wear whatever they want!

I once saw a dude doing weights with NO shoes on!!! He is asking for broken toes and a foot fungus. I can't believe no one on staff said anything to him!

Foot fungus??? From what source??? (Especially since everyone else had shoes on.) And given the pro-fungus environment of shoes, shoeless guy is probably *less* likely to have problems with foot fungus.

sjohnny

Meh, on the clothing. As long as they don't wear very strong perfume that it will make me gag (thus affecting my workout), people can wear whatever they want!

I once saw a dude doing weights with NO shoes on!!! He is asking for broken toes and a foot fungus. I can't believe no one on staff said anything to him!

Foot fungus??? From what source??? (Especially since everyone else had shoes on.) And given the pro-fungus environment of shoes, shoeless guy is probably *less* likely to have problems with foot fungus.

Everyone knows that constant circulation of fresh dry air is one of the perfect breeding grounds for fungus.