by Emily Blake

Created on: February 23, 2007   Last Updated: April 24, 2007

This is for all those women who go to women-only gym facilities:
you cannot become a completely well-rounded fit person if you cannot gain the self confidence it takes to work out along side the opposite gender.

I understand that when people begin to work out that they tend to be pretty self conscious. Specifically, if you are female, you might be worried about men looking at you. This is perfectly natural.

But, this is something you may not realize: all of the men you are worried about judging you are most likely too concerned with their own workout to even pay any attention to you. Some are hopelessly vain and don't even see you because they are too busy admiring themselves in the mirror.

I believe gyms can hamper your progress towards complete self confidence and the dismissal of these other gym-goers by allowing you ways to escape you fears instead of conquering them. There is no reason for a heavy or extremely attractive woman to skulk off to the women only gym. Large chains have even started including women only sections. I do not think workout facilities need to appeal to this fearful demographic.

Women! Stop being afraid of working out in front of men! They wont bite! They may stare from time to time, but how is this experience different than what you seek by improving your shape? I know at least 1/2 the women in the gym are somewhat driven by the desire to be more physically attractive. So, what is happening when you are being gawked at in your gym?...you are getting attention. If you don't like the man, why even take the time out of your workout to notice? Here's an idea...if you don't like the stares then say something. Men will continue to think they are getting away with something if you just let it go and walk away.

I think that you can't become a completely well-rounded fit person if you cannot gain the self confidence it takes to work out along side the opposite gender. Don't hide from this fear, learn to rise above it. Joining an all women gym does nothing but fuel the idea that its okay to lack self confidence. It's a cop out.

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