I am the woman in the freeweights section of the gym
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Karen_libert wrote: »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.
While I agree with you in that there's no reason to be scared of the free weights section, the fact remains that many people are intimidated by the thought of it, especially women. I think the thread is addressing the actual facts on the ground and trying to encourage more women to head into the free weight section and find for themselves that's there's nothing to worry about0 -
It really can be intimidating going to the weights section, especially as an overweight woman. You have all these muscular guys, all this equipment that you have no idea what half of it is for, and the feeling that people are going to laugh at you. I felt that way at first, and I know many others have as well.
Once I bit the bullet, and have now been lifting for months, I agree, it was silly of me to feel that way. But at the time, I really was intimidated.
You quickly realize that 99.9% of the guys/ladies working out are awesome, are there to do their own thing, and will answer any questions you have.
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Well it must be more intimidating on a cultural level, I mean, some girls are still afraid to get bulky, some get shy cos there are guys around ( gym is not a dating place ladies xD ) luckily that's not my case .
It is much easier when people at gym are friendly, I made a gym buddy or two and they compliment me cos apparently no other girl does bar dips or stuff like that . Which is kinda sad, they'd get much better results but oh well.
We even have 4 sets of coloured dumbells, those are the little ones, and most girls go grab them,there's like 2 who go past 8 lbs so yay for that.0 -
What a great thread.0
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I feel like this was written like she is giving tips to people in prison trying to lift in "the yard" for the first time. Just lift weights or don't lift weights. If I see a women in free weights I just think to myself "hell yea, that's cool" and being honest in a gym with my testosterone on full blast if she is cute I'll look a little deeper but get back to why I'm at the gym...to make gains for myself. No need to overthink it, just do what you gotta do and work hard while doing it.2
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^^^ hahah this. omg WHO CARES. the only thing I think about when there are men lifting near me is OMG RE RACK YOUR FREAKING WEIGHTS. or plzzz get out of the squat rack w/ those curls. also idk why but a lot of men do really weird stuff at the gym. haha sometimes I watch them like about to run to the panic button to call an ambulance. hahah idk why it's like really weird stuff.0
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^^^ hahah this. omg WHO CARES. the only thing I think about when there are men lifting near me is OMG RE RACK YOUR FREAKING WEIGHTS. or plzzz get out of the squat rack w/ those curls. also idk why but a lot of men do really weird stuff at the gym. haha sometimes I watch them like about to run to the panic button to call an ambulance. hahah idk why it's like really weird stuff.
Totally agree!
shoulder shrugs
bicep curls
everything on the squat rack! go do it in other place guys!!!!
and yes,I just watch this particular group of guys who go there.. they scream a lot,all of them,it's like 6.
hilarious0 -
upgradeddiddy wrote: »I feel like this was written like she is giving tips to people in prison trying to lift in "the yard" for the first time. Just lift weights or don't lift weights. If I see a women in free weights I just think to myself "hell yea, that's cool" and being honest in a gym with my testosterone on full blast if she is cute I'll look a little deeper but get back to why I'm at the gym...to make gains for myself. No need to overthink it, just do what you gotta do and work hard while doing it.
Have you spent much time in this forum? For many women who post here, that is pretty much the feeling they have.
Yeah, you don't get it, and no, not everyone feels like that, but that doesn't mean it isn't a very real concern for some women.1 -
3dogsrunning wrote: »upgradeddiddy wrote: »I feel like this was written like she is giving tips to people in prison trying to lift in "the yard" for the first time. Just lift weights or don't lift weights. If I see a women in free weights I just think to myself "hell yea, that's cool" and being honest in a gym with my testosterone on full blast if she is cute I'll look a little deeper but get back to why I'm at the gym...to make gains for myself. No need to overthink it, just do what you gotta do and work hard while doing it.
Have you spent much time in this forum? For many women who post here, that is pretty much the feeling they have.
Yeah, you don't get it, and no, not everyone feels like that, but that doesn't mean it isn't a very real concern for some women.
This1 -
Katzedernacht wrote: »^^^ hahah this. omg WHO CARES. the only thing I think about when there are men lifting near me is OMG RE RACK YOUR FREAKING WEIGHTS. or plzzz get out of the squat rack w/ those curls. also idk why but a lot of men do really weird stuff at the gym. haha sometimes I watch them like about to run to the panic button to call an ambulance. hahah idk why it's like really weird stuff.
Totally agree!
shoulder shrugs
bicep curls
everything on the squat rack! go do it in other place guys!!!!
and yes,I just watch this particular group of guys who go there.. they scream a lot,all of them,it's like 6.
hilarious
lol i'm like "oh weird, what is he gunna do with that swiss ball... no no.. the smith machine?? with the.. put that back... PUT THAT BACK!"
that and all the bros like making just the most awful noises. haha like damn does it really take all that to bench 65 lb?1 -
Im that girl in the weight room too. I was so self conscious at first but I gradually got more and more comfortable and have definitely earned my spot. I had to let go of fear and realize I'm here for a goal not for anything else. I'm still working towards that goal!
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Bumping because this thread is spot on. I've been lifting heavy (Stronglifts 5x5) for just a couple months now and I love it. I just wish it hadn't taken me so long to get over my anxiety and give it a try.1
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Well said! Thank you for posting this. I hope it will encourage more women to begin weightlifting.
I belong to a small gym, where we all work under the supervision of a strength coach. There are several women there – I aM not the only one – but we are in the minority. Maybe 20%. There are a few couples who train together, too. I have never had the sense there that it was "just for guys," and the men, some of whom are professional athletes, MMA fighters, and law enforcement or military, have been very welcoming and supportive. We share stories and challenges, and have become friends. No trouble with creepers, either, although that will be partly my attitude (it's just a body, and I'm there to take care of it), the fact that it is a small facility, and my age (53). Creepers tend to leave you alone at this age. One of the many benefits!
Something to add – a lot of the new guys are just as nervous and intimidated as you might be. Maybe more so! They can feel like there is some expectation that they should know what to do, or that they should just naturally be strong. I have seen very deconditioned and non-muscular guys come in, clearly uncomfortable. It is probably their first time working with weights, and they feel self-conscious, especially around all the "big, strong guys." A lot of people will be there because they feel self-conscious in some way, or getting over an injury, or trying to get into better shape. They are not all professional fitness models and Olympic lifters, and even those folks started somewhere. :-)
I highly recommend beginning with the trainer (after reading the suggested books!), so you have someone knowledgeable to help you with your form. I don't want to be doing things wrong and get yourself injured. Also, they can help you feel more comfortable, and introduce you to some of the regulars.
Just go. You'll thank yourself.1 -
At the Y, where I work out a lot, there are more women in the gym than at a commerial gym I used to go, although still more men. Also, there is a gym for older members as well, with what seems to be similar equipment. I'm not sure of the reason, although my particular Y has more older members than other locations in the city and the personal training office is up there.
I use the general gym, which is mixed in age and ability. I see men who are very beginners and women who are not. And the other way as well.
For women who are starting out, a good approach is to find a strength training fitness class, such as Shred, Body Pump, or something similar (the Y has non-branded strength classes). I started with Body Pump at NYSC and then a couple of different ones when I joined the Y. In a class you'll probably max out at about 12 and a half pounds in free weights. Body Pump uses a light bar with a variety of weights, but th max is 10lb and it's fast so after about 60lb over the two ends, it's not good for building strength.
At one point I could tell the class wasn't challenging me any longer, but I wasn't sure I'd like working out by myself because I like the social aspect. However, I discovered that a good playlist is not a bad subsitute for the class and the additional benefit is that you're not paying attention to the other people in the gym.
Sometimes it's the environment and sometimes it's the location. It's worth looking for a place you're comfortable in.0 -
I am one of the few women that lifts weights in the womens only gym and its really disappointing that there is really limited equipment. Tomorrow I'm starting at a new gym and yeah I am a bit nervous about it, even though I have good form and lift reasonably heavy have a solid program and been lifting since January. I'm taking a pt with me as some of the equipment is different.I just don't want to make a fool of myself.0
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Cheers Awesome post!0
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Glad this got bumped up a while back. A few months ago I started with a personal trainer for the sole purpose of strength training/lifting, to help me with form and so I could get comfortable in that corner of the gym. I'm on my own now and it's definitely easier. I do try to go during low traffic times, (and some of that is because I don't like people in general ) and I usually scope out who's using what first. There are only two squat racks. No comments, weird looks, unfriendliness. It's all in my little brain but I'm slowly pushing it out and enjoying this new part of getting fit. 0
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You know this was what I needed today. I've been avoiding the weight room because I've gotten out of shape. Basically my pride has been keeping mee out because I used to be buff. It wasn't pretty but I just left the room after a full set and winding down on the tredmill. Thanks for the post. It gave me the kick in the *kitten* I needed0
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Thanks this is awesome!0
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It really is like that. My friend and I hit the free weights 5 days a week. We do get watched, but at the same time, we are shown respect. A lot of the guys ask tips or are in awe that we lift heavy. I find it motivating 0
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Yes yes and yes! I totally agree with your post! Man think they "own" the free weight section of the gym! I used to get intimidated and felt very uncomfortable and felt all the "stares". Not anymore i go there with my headphones on and do what I came to do and not even make eye contact ! And yes I also agree with the booty shorts! Don't wear them and then complain!1
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BonyCastro wrote: »Yes yes and yes! I totally agree with your post! Man think they "own" the free weight section of the gym! I used to get intimidated and felt very uncomfortable and felt all the "stares". Not anymore i go there with my headphones on and do what I came to do and not even make eye contact ! And yes I also agree with the booty shorts! Don't wear them and then complain!
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kshama2001 wrote: »BonyCastro wrote: »Yes yes and yes! I totally agree with your post! Man think they "own" the free weight section of the gym! I used to get intimidated and felt very uncomfortable and felt all the "stares". Not anymore i go there with my headphones on and do what I came to do and not even make eye contact ! And yes I also agree with the booty shorts! Don't wear them and then complain!
Exactly !!! Good one!2 -
Guys will be guys. If you get comfortable and know what you're doing and the correct form, then the only possible reason they stare is cause you're cute. Unfortunately, nothing can be done about that. Go during off hours so it is less crowded or get a gym buddy. Also, make sure your workout pants are not see through when you bend over. Happened to me once1
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I've just finished week 8 in the main gym (had been in a women's only previously).
Best thing I did changing over. One of the young guys came up to me just before Xmas and commented on how much work I put in and the huge improvement in form in such a short time. You will be noticed just as you will probably notice them working hard or doing something different too. But really most of them are too busy doing their thing to care. As long as you don't take the rack they're using or drop the weights on the floor. Go in head held high like you own the place even if you want to run and hide. It does get better.1 -
I've worked out most of my life and powerlifting. Most guys that are serious lifters can be very helpful. Most don't mind helping or giving pointers. Now grant you there are always those guys that give us a bad name. But you normally can tell after talking to them. And most gyms have trainers or workers there that are willing to help out. So don't be intimidated! Even guys starting out working out are intimidated as well to be around a lot of men in the free weight area. Keep up the good work. 00---000
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Only 5 days till the anniversary of OP's death. RIP Beans
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Oh thats so sad to hear! RIP Beans0
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Brill post! Looking for the boom now, thank.youc0
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We miss you Bean. Gone before your time. I'm sure you're still curling in that big rack in the sky
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