only guys at the gym...:o(

[Kikki]

When I go to weight room at the gym, I´m usually the only girl in there. But I don´t understand why all the guys have to look at me and smirk like they´ve never seen a girl in the weight room before. So ok, I am kind of weak and haven´t developed a lot of muscles in my arms as I prefer cardio, but lots of the guys in the weight room aren´t exactly body builders themselves.

Just to avoid this I go to the gym at 7 in the morning - it seems that no guys around here can get up that early

But I guess it´s just something to get used to

[threenorns]

they're smirking because you just made their day when you walked in - they're hoping you're impressed at finding them there.

don't worry about them - REAL bodybuilders are fantastic people. the ones in your gym that aren't nice, helpful, and co-operative are not real bodybuilders and will be gone before too long because they'll just naturally get serious or get frozen out.

only men?

damn - i should be so lucky....

[ajarvis]

Yea, they're usually looking cause they're surprised you're even there. Then when you actually pick up some weights they're surprised you're actually working out lol.

[Gym Nut]

Ignore them, go whenever you want. Who cares what those guys think! If you are so insecure though, check up on yours moves, so you are sure you know what you are doing, and those looks are not looks concerning your technique.

[midgetcop]

I used to be self conscious when I first started in the weight room. You get used to it, even if they are looking. But let's face it - we look around too. Whether checking out someone attractive, or watching how someone is doing a particular lift.

You'll eventually get used to it and it won't even bother you. Men are just people too. :

[Fit_4_Life]

I hear ya. lol! Same thing at my Gym. I just go with a buddy & ignore them. Doing whatever workouts I want. But it does make you feel akward when they are gawking! Good luck.

[arbit]

Well, probably they are not smirking, they are just gawking. Its so hot to see a chick doing weights, and with testosterone levels high, its hard not to look.
Also, guys dont like checking out other guys, they'd rather check out a girl, so when girls are present, of corse we'll look at them

Originally Posted by threenorns

they're smirking because you just made their day when you walked in - they're hoping you're impressed at finding them there.

lol Only partly true. We are also impressed to see a lady using free weights, so it isn't so much a smirk as it is a smile. At least that is what it is on my part.

[Lift2Live]

I look and smile just to be friendly. How is a lady supposed to know if i'm gawking or just being nice? Perhaps I'll ignore them, no wait, then I'll be taken for a snob. What's a guy supposed to do, we don't read minds.

[threenorns]

it doesn't happen often, but sometimes someone i've never seen in the gym before will look at me setting up my weights with a not-very-pleasant smirk. i love watching the expression change when s/he sees me actually USING the weight.

usually, they're gawking and if they're eye candy, i return the compliment.

[CF-OC_gal]

Originally Posted by Lift2Live

Perhaps I'll ignore them, no wait, then I'll be taken for a snob.

No this is good. Check us out when we are super-concentrating on our set. That way we will hardly notice and it won't distract us. But then again there is the whole "pick-up" culture that goes on in the gym, ... she acts like she has a problem, he offers advice, she acts like it's hopeless, he continues to convince her, she loves the attention, he's starting to think he's going to get lucky, they move on to the stationary bikes together and continue the drama.

(I'm looking for a new facility without a daycare centre or the daytime drama and one which has a squat rack)

[threenorns]

(I'm looking for a new facility without a daycare centre or the daytime drama and one which has a squat rack)

if you find one, sign me up for a lifetime membership.

the best gym i ever went to had virtually no women at all in it because the machine stacks *started* at 50lbs, there was no hot tub, no snack bar, no television, no music, no aerobic classes, the only cardio machine were treadmills and stairclimbers, and the whole thing was done over in shades of concrete and cement. pretty much guaranteed only serious lifters signed up.

ron's gym in toronto - keele and dufferin. dunno if it's still there; i heard he was running into insurance woes (premiums climbing through the roof).

[CF-OC_gal]

I fondly recall the gym in the basement of a store in Quebec City. I belonged to it when I was competing (the trophies were sponsored by a beer company LOL, just like most amateur sports in QC). It wouldn't do for me now. It's been demolished.

I plan to equip my own. I won't mind a hot tub, bar fridge, TV or sound system. I'll have dumbells in 2 1/2 lb increments and magnetic 1 lb weights for the barbell plates.

Geeze, this thread is making me grateful I workout at home.

[cursor]

Amen to that, IronMan ... LOL