Chicks on the Boys side of the Gym....

You'll get used to it. Most people are in the gym to complete THEIR workout. They are focused on their routine and not really looking around much. I used to be intimidated too, but after 6 months of "lifting with the boys," I have gotten used to it. Most people are very polite and even helpful. I have asked questions and been given helpful pointers on form, etc. Just, be respectful of others space and they'll be respectful back. As for the cardio bunnies, they'll just be jealous of your guns

no i dont feel intimidated. i pay my gym membership same as the menfolk.

also in my gym there's just as many men cardio bunnies as women :laugh:

i think many women who avoid the free weight section do so
a)because they've read too much about "toning" from various fitness magazines geared towards women and fear they will miraculously gain 50 pounds in muscle just by lifting 1 weight over 10 pounds
b) they dont know what to do and would rather avoid going to those contraptions to figure it how
c) there's almost always a group of 3-4 guys in headbands and muscle shirts pretty much involved in circle jerk

I've never realized this, but then again, I don't really give a ****e. I'm there focusing on ME and what I want and need to do for ME and MY health, so...lol.

it doesn't annoy me at all actually i find myself working harder when girls are over next to me lifting the macho part of my brain turns on and wants to impress them coincidentally don't be afraid to ask for a spot we are always willing to help

it doesn't annoy me at all actually i find myself working harder when girls are over next to me lifting the macho part of my brain turns on and wants to impress them coincidentally don't be afraid to ask for a spot we are always willing to help

c) there's almost always a group of 3-4 guys in headbands and muscle shirts pretty much involved in circle jerk

Hahah so true! And yes it is intimidating at first. I didnt mind it if my boyfriend was with me, but everytime I went to the gym alone I would run for the womens area. (At my gym the women's area has lots of strength training machines and freeweights too) However, I became more comfortable and confident in my weight training and now I have no problem lifting with the boys.

I think its just intimidating when you arent confident with weights. If thats the case with you I would just suggest looking up the workouts online and make sure you go over proper form of all the exercises before you hit the gym.

I workout with a lot of the boys now, and they dont mind women around their weights at all. They just hate the ones who stand around giggling and chatting on their cellphones, wearing reveiling clothes - being useless and getting in the way of their workouts. (I doubt the odd guy likes those girls around the gym, but none of the guys I workout with.)

As long as you're focused and serious about your wrokout I honestly think they dont think they mind at all!

and like hmoore202 said, I actually find the guys side more comforting. They are much less judgmental than some of the ladies who can give very dirty/snobby looks for whatever reasons.

it doesn't annoy me at all actually i find myself working harder when girls are over next to me lifting the macho part of my brain turns on and wants to impress them coincidentally don't be afraid to ask for a spot we are always willing to help

lol pretty much this, most of the time i am so into my workout I never really pay much attention, build you some muscle ladies

More power to you. If you really want to get fit, weight lifting is necessary. You shouldn't feel intimidated at all.

Just follow the rules of the benches and don't worry about it, don't monopolize the machines, allow others to work in, wipe down your bench when you're done and give a spot when you're asked.

And my own personal rule, if you're going to be lifting, challenge yourself!

Remember that you have as much right to be on the lifting side as anyone else.

Happy lifting!

At my gym, depending on the time of day, there may be other women over there. One morning there was all women for about 20 mins. So, you might be surprised.

The funny thing is, most of the men don't use the cage or squat racks, and I usually don't have to fight or wait for equipment.

Now, if only I could get them to put away their 45 lb plates when they're done. . .

I mean really, if you just lifted 225, surely you can pull the plates off one at a time and put them away, right?

Ahahahah at first I was pretty intimidated but after awhile I just got in there and got what needed to be done done. I feel like a bad *kitten* when I lift and lifting is giving me an *kitten* I am proud to flaunt LOL I love feeling good about myself and I am very competetive so when I can deadlift more than the guy beside me it just fires me up to push harder. I am so tired of the line in the sand drawn between men and women. I am strong, fit and confident and if I want to lift weights than I am going to. Screw intimidation! "You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it." Don't be embarrassed women... we are strong too so if you are reading this and you are intimidated to go in the weight room... don't be, the guys are not all that bad.

This is gonna sound sad, but it's the only reason I haven't added strength training to my routine. When I was really big, before I got a gym membership (75 pounds ago..) I would walk outside, and a few times these built guys would be out on a front porch and they would yell mean things/oink at me. So I avoid boys in the gym all together. And I know that's extremely stupid because I'm sure like you guys said, everyone is there to pretty much get their own workouts in and they aren't worried about anyone else...but I can't help it. I'm so scared of being that close to guys who are in good shape, lol. I will stick to Zumba, with all of the other women, for now...