Fear of males in male dominated sports

Squatsandbench
Squatsandbench Posts: 24 Member
edited November 23 in Fitness and Exercise
So I am thinking of taking up boxing as I want to get into shape but as per usual I am put of my the "maleness" of the sport... how can I get over this fear of working out with men. It is so ridiculous but I am so easy put off. I want to do it I just can't.

Replies

  • Rosemary7391
    Rosemary7391 Posts: 232 Member
    Is it just boxing/exercise this affects, or other things too? Is there something specific that's bothering you?

    I work in a male dominated field. I honestly think men, in general, are not that different to women in general. We all get on just fine because we have the shared interest of our work. Boxing could easily work the same.
  • deputy_randolph
    deputy_randolph Posts: 940 Member
    I compete in powerlifting. That's a pretty manly sport. I'm generally the smallest lifter (and one of the few female competitors). This doesn't seem to bother anyone.

    I don't train with men, b/c I usually train alone, but I'm often the only female in the weight room. Occasionally, there are several women in the weight room. Maybe there will be more women at the boxing gym than you expect. You won't know until you go.
  • mitch16
    mitch16 Posts: 2,113 Member
    Most of the boxing/kickboxing classes that I have attended at my (all-purpose) gym have had more female attendees than males, even though the trainers were male. Maybe start out with something like that and gain some confidence before moving to true boxing gym?
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    Talk with the instructor? Just do it? Talk to a male boxer?
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    Squatsandbench wrote: »
    how can I get over this fear of working out with men.

    You don't have brothers, do you? Anyway, how about going with a friend, female or male.. or find a partner on craigslist, meetup, etc.
  • lulalacroix
    lulalacroix Posts: 1,082 Member
    I used to take a muy thai class that was mostly men. Although I did feel subconscious in the beginning, the work was so hard that I quickly forgot about the lack of females.

    The class provided an awesome workout, calorie burn, and greatly improved my self-esteem. I highly recommend any form of boxing or kickboxing.
  • Muscleflex79
    Muscleflex79 Posts: 1,917 Member
    I've always worked and worked out with mostly men. All of my boxing, MMA and krav maga was against (mostly) men as well - as others said - just do it! What is your fear? What is the problem?
  • MrsLannister
    MrsLannister Posts: 347 Member
    There is a boxing gym here that has a "chickboxing" class for just women. Maybe there is something similar near you.
  • MelanieCN77
    MelanieCN77 Posts: 4,047 Member
    I just had a couple female friends take up boxing and they love it. Do it!
  • Squatsandbench
    Squatsandbench Posts: 24 Member
    Hey, thanks for the responses. I can't really say what the fear is but its just this general idea of males scoffing at me being there perhaps? They do have boxersize which is aimed at "fitness" so I think I should start with that.
  • canadianlbs
    canadianlbs Posts: 5,199 Member
    edited November 2017
    Squatsandbench wrote: »
    I can't really say what the fear is but its just this general idea of males scoffing at me being there perhaps?

    they might. frankly. it depends on the ambience and the attitude, and just plain how grownup they are.

    but so what? an opinion is just an opinion, don't forget that. them *thinking* you're out of place doesn't *make* you someone who's out of place. i do understand the factor you're worried about and how hard it is to fight shadows in other folks' minds. but if there's something you really want to do and those opinions are getting between you and what you really want then it's terribly sad.

    when you're 90 and looking back on your life, i think not doing it is goign to be one of the things you'll regret. so do it and remember you can always quit if you really don't find it comfortable. but give yourself the option of quitting, at least.

  • DebLaBounty
    DebLaBounty Posts: 1,169 Member
    My friend took up kickboxing, had fun, got in shape and became an unstoppable force of nature. She stood up straighter because she gained so much self confidence. She said the guys, if they noticed her at all, were welcoming.
  • Motorsheen
    Motorsheen Posts: 20,508 Member
    Just follow the Andy Kaufman model of inter-gender wrestling.

    It worked for him.
  • SundropEclipse
    SundropEclipse Posts: 84 Member
    My husband made a big deal about me working in a factory surrounded by men because I was assaulted years ago in school, but frankly I've never been happier and I get along fine with most of the guys. Drop whatever personal garbage is holding you back and go for it. It'll be worth it.
  • KickassAmazon76
    KickassAmazon76 Posts: 4,678 Member
    edited November 2017
    What exactly are you afraid of? That they'll hit too hard? (I found it was the opposite... They were nervous about hitting me at all, until I hit them first, and then they engaged better)

    That they'll exclude you? Like others said, there are MANY mixed boxing classes, you likely won't be the only female. (and, sadly... I find women are WAY more exclusive than men at times).

    That they'll be so much stronger /better / faster than you? Everyone starts somewhere. Some men will be new to fitness too and moving slowly. Some women will be boxing machines. Some will be heavy, some will be light. Most classes allow you to tailor to YOUR fitness ability.

    That they'll lust after you, or behave inappropriately? Yeah... Thats a stereotype. Men are (mostly) great. Just like women are (mostly) great. You'll be ok. :smile:

    Try it. Take a friend if you need to.

    I loved it so very much.
  • Viking_Batman
    Viking_Batman Posts: 114 Member
    personally, as a boxer, I am more intimidated by training with a female who is half my size.

    some of the toughed bad *kitten* ive done pad work with have been women. every one starts somewhere.
  • Viking_Batman
    Viking_Batman Posts: 114 Member
    the original word was not kitten and it makes it look sexist haha (its not)
  • Chieflrg
    Chieflrg Posts: 9,097 Member
    Have goals relative to your capabilities or training.

    Just because most men have an edge with strength or efficient muscle motors, doesn't mean you can't progress relative to your goal(s) as a individual. Don't worry about others, just train for you.

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