If you’re anything like me, going to the gym can feel, well, mildly humiliating.
I’ve never considered myself a “gym person” per se, but after hitting my elbow on my coffee table for the zillionth time during a recent home-workout, I thought it might be time to give it another try.
The moment I set foot into its vast maze of workout equipment, it all came flooding back: the jittery feeling of approaching an unfamiliar workout contraption, the paranoid feeling of other eyes on me, the sheer vulnerability of getting sweaty in front of strangers.
In theory, gyms are lively community spaces where people navigate a shared space in harmony with the collective aim of personal wellbeing. But in practice, gyms can be daunting, intimidating spaces that feel reserved for the ultra-fit.
After a series of gym-fumbles (which I’ll share with you in lurid detail below), I’ve learned no one cares nearly as much as I do. So what if the person on the elliptical next to me can hear Britney Spears blasting through my headphones — or if my legs literally give out like wet spaghetti after five minutes on the stairclimber?
Getting past these hang ups has made me realize, ultimately, that I like going to the gym (maybe I am a “gym person” after all). It’s a space where I get to focus on myself, sweaty armpits and all. So, with that, here’s a definitive list of things I’ve personally decided to never feel embarrassed about at the gym — and neither should you.
Not Being Able to Lift Heavy Things
If you can lift heavy things, I’m really happy for you — but it couldn’t be me. Despite this, I genuinely really enjoy weight lifting. A vague sense of mortification used to wash over me at having to adjust the weight on gym equipment to a lower setting, but I’ve recently vowed to do so proudly and unabashedly.
So what if I can only bench press 25 lbs? It’ll still give me the strength to carry all my groceries home without pause, and that’s all I really care about.
Peeing a Little
Speaking of lifting heavy things, it’s super common to pee a little when pushing your body to its limits. Whether you’re in an intense cardio class picking up some serious weights, it’s not unusual for the pressure exerted on your bladder to result in a trickle of urine — especially if you’re pregnant or postpartum.
Pelvic floor exercises and bladder training can help with that. But you can also call in back up in the form of Leakproof Underwear and Activewear for extra protection.
Getting Really, Really Sweaty
Being drenched in sweat — in a room full of strangers, no less — kind of makes me feel like a gross swamp monster, but it’s a feeling I’ve learned to embrace. Aren’t we all here to sweat it out, anyways? Relish in all that collective hard work, it means you’re pushing yourself.
During an extra sweltering session, there’s also always that dreaded moment of leaving a back-butt-crotch sweat stain on the equipment. Contrary to any feelings of awkwardness that might arise, this is a truly universal experience. Admire those booty sweat stains — they’re the fruits of your labor!
Not Knowing How to Use Equipment
Is it a workout machine or a medieval torture contraption? At first glance, it can be hard to tell. Trying out new equipment or doing a different workout for the first time can be daunting — “am I doing this right? Are people looking at me weird?”
Take your time scoping it out! Read the instructions! Ask a fellow gym cutie for help! There are no wrong answers.
Not Looking “Fashionable”
The gym isn’t a fashion show, hon. Unless you want it to be, in which case we can definitely help. Otherwise, your only consideration should be what’s going to feel good to move in. Catch the eye of your gym crush with a matching bra-and-legging set — or do what I do and fade into the background in the baggiest, most tattered oversize t-shirt.
Going at Your Own Pace
Working out feels different every day. Sometimes you'll have the energy to run that extra mile, and sometimes you won't. Listen to what your body is telling you it needs on any given day and take your time.
Taking a Break
I, personally, find there’s no better way to reward myself for a 20 minute treadmill jog than immediately collapsing onto a nearby yoga mat to watch TikToks for at least the same duration. It’s called balance, look it up.
To that end, my pearls of wisdom are as follows: sometimes it feels good to move your body, sometimes it feels good to starfish on the floor. You can have your cake and eat it, too.