women and free weights area in the gym

hollypink · 14-11-2012 11:36AM #1

I tried out a new gym yesterday, having done 6 months of weight training in group personal- training sessions in another gym. I'm female and am used to working out with a mixture of men and women so I was a bit taken aback to see the weight training room in the gym yesterday was full of men and absolutely no women. I eventually told myself not to be a sissy and went in and trained. I'm getting a program done soon so will feel a bit more confident then. But I was wondering if its usual for no women to train in the free weights area in a gym? I knew women typically dont lift heavy weights but I thought at the very least I'd see one or two using lighter dumbbells for bicep curls or lunges or something.

I should say that the guys werent being in any way intimidating (in case it sounds like that) and most took no notice of me beyond a glance or to ask if I was using a bench or weight. It just felt very strange training in a room of over twenty men, with the only women appearing being those heading for the spin studio.

Oryx · 14-11-2012 11:40AM

Women have a fear of weights in case they get bulky, I think (they dont realise how hard that would be). When in fact they are fantastic for that 'toned' look that lots of women want.

I work as the only woman in a male dominated environment and grew up with only brothers so something like that wouldnt phase me, but I can see how it might for some women. Not a thing wrong with using free weights though and if you do it might encourage other women to do the same.

Stench Blossoms · 14-11-2012 01:06PM

Yeh this is a tough one. Usually anytime I go into the free weights section I go on a Saturday or Sunday when it's dead.

Anytime I've gone before there seems to be a 'well I'm a man and I'm going to lift heavier than you so back away' type attitude.

Tefral · 14-11-2012 01:11PM

Stench Blossoms wrote: »

Yeh this is a tough one. Usually anytime I go into the free weights section I go on a Saturday or Sunday when it's dead.

Anytime I've gone before there seems to be a 'well I'm a man and I'm going to lift heavier than you so back away' type attitude.

Can I ask is that just something YOU felt. I have to say in all my years going to different gyms ive never seen a guy behave in that way. I have trying to encourage my sister to use the free weights as part of her routine and she says the same and im sure from just listening to her voice that its all in her head.

WHIP IT! · 14-11-2012 01:19PM

cronin_j wrote: »

Can I ask is that just something YOU felt. I have to say in all my years going to different gyms ive never seen a guy behave in that way. I have trying to encourage my sister to use the free weights as part of her routine and she says the same and im sure from just listening to her voice that its all in her head.

I'd agree with this. Girls, get involved & get yourselves into the free weight area - the more the merrier... and remember, male or female, no matter how much you can lift, there's always someone who can lift more, so don't sweat it - enjoy!

Stench Blossoms · 14-11-2012 01:28PM

cronin_j wrote: »

Can I ask is that just something YOU felt. I have to say in all my years going to different gyms ive never seen a guy behave in that way. I have trying to encourage my sister to use the free weights as part of her routine and she says the same and im sure from just listening to her voice that its all in her head.

Nah unfortunately it's not just me. I was there with a friend and she thought the same. We spoke to the manager about it and he said that they are aware of the problem but can't really see any quick solution to fix it.

One girl was there once and wanted to do a squat. Having only just started lifting weights she decided to try it with just the bar. Sniggers and laughing from the other people there. Was horrible.

Edit: Just to add. I go to another gym to do personal training sessions (it's not a full gym, just a class based gym) and use the free weights there. I like to lift 'heavy' but wouldn't be comfortable doing it in my regular gym when it's busy.

Tefral · 14-11-2012 01:33PM

Stench Blossoms wrote: »

Nah unfortunately it's not just me. I was there with a friend and she thought the same. We spoke to the manager about it and he said that they are aware of the problem but can't really see any quick solution to fix it.

One girl was there once and wanted to do a squat. Having only just started lifting weights she decided to try it with just the bar. Sniggers and laughing from the other people there. Was horrible.

Jesus... I am sorry that happened. I wouldnt give up though, you have a right to be there as anyone else, I certainly wouldnt try modify my gym going times to go just when its quieter. If you go and just plug in the ear phones maybe they will just get used to you being there.

I know personally I wouldnt bat an eyelid at anyone when I am in the gym, I am in my own head with my own thoughts and any lad I know are the same. Even with myself and my gym partner, we hardly say a word to eachother while working out other than to say "Just f*cking lift it when your struggling." I would hope you dont judge all of us males like that. I would certainly have alot of respect for women coming in lifting weights just as much as a guy. Its all about doing it for yourself and thats the respect I have for others.

14-11-2012 01:40PM

I've had both. One gym I was in was all men another was very balanced.

I've thankfully never experienced anything only support from other gym users. For the mostpart, people are willing to help/spot you/advise.

And you're doing yourself alot more favours than the ones on the way to the spinning studio

LivingInColour · 14-11-2012 01:46PM

hollypink wrote: »

I tried out a new gym yesterday, having done 6 months of weight training in group personal- training sessions in another gym. I'm female and am used to working out with a mixture of men and women so I was a bit taken aback to see the weight training room in the gym yesterday was full of men and absolutely no women. I eventually told myself not to be a sissy and went in and trained. I'm getting a program done soon so will feel a bit more confident then. But I was wondering if its usual for no women to train in the free weights area in a gym? I knew women typically dont lift heavy weights but I thought at the very least I'd see one or two using lighter dumbbells for bicep curls or lunges or something.

I should say that the guys werent being in any way intimidating (in case it sounds like that) and most took no notice of me beyond a glance or to ask if I was using a bench or weight. It just felt very strange training in a room of over twenty men, with the only women appearing being those heading for the spin studio.

It's common unfortunately, but don't let it put you off. Sure seeing you in the weights area might inspire other women to take the leap; it just takes the one.

hollypink · 14-11-2012 02:24PM

Stench Blossoms wrote: »

Nah unfortunately it's not just me. I was there with a friend and she thought the same. We spoke to the manager about it and he said that they are aware of the problem but can't really see any quick solution to fix it.

One girl was there once and wanted to do a squat. Having only just started lifting weights she decided to try it with just the bar. Sniggers and laughing from the other people there. Was horrible.

Ah that's horrible, what unpleasant people :mad: As I said, I didn't experience any negative attitudes from anyone at all, no one seemed to take much notice of me. And I warmed up for squatting with just the bar.:P

It just felt like a 'men-only' area solely because of presence of so many men and absolutely no women! Also, I guess I found it very motivating to see other women doing weight training and being able to do chin-ups etc. and looking great.

Hanley · 14-11-2012 02:52PM

I'm gonna echo most here - in the majority of cases the dudes won't even notice you.

Some guys are just a$$holes tho.

...as are some girls!!! /sexual equality

Noxin · 14-11-2012 03:06PM

Stench Blossoms wrote: »

One girl was there once and wanted to do a squat. Having only just started lifting weights she decided to try it with just the bar. Sniggers and laughing from the other people there. Was horrible.

That is just annoying and I'm sorry to hear it! This wasn't, by chance from a group of idiot teenagers floating around? This is all I can imagine doing something so disrespectful.
Everyone has to start somewhere when it comes to weights :rolleyes:

As already said here, most won't even notice you from what I can tell. They are there to get on with their own business and were all beginners at one point themselves.

Anyway, as others have said. Just get up and get into it. Forget what others are doing around you. You are not there for them. You are there for yourself!

xgtdec · 14-11-2012 03:14PM

If anything your going to command a lot of respect by mixing in with the lads!!

I wonder if gyms got rid of the "women only" sections and just had a weights section would the woman just get on with it?

Stench Blossoms · 14-11-2012 03:24PM

xgtdec wrote: »

If anything your going to command a lot of respect by mixing in with the lads!!

I wonder if gyms got rid of the "women only" sections and just had a weights section would the woman just get on with it?

As much as my current gym pains me sometimes I am really totally against women only gyms.

Went to one once and it was pitiful. Mainly cardio equipment and very little weights.

If there was a men only gym you'd be sure that there would be heaps of people 'protesting' about it.

I'm actually against pretty much all 'women only' events. They had one here in work awhile ago. Thought it was unfair to the men (although it was a cocktail and diamonds night so not sure how many of them would have went

)

gymfreak · 14-11-2012 05:19PM

Stench Blossoms wrote: »

Nah unfortunately it's not just me. I was there with a friend and she thought the same. We spoke to the manager about it and he said that they are aware of the problem but can't really see any quick solution to fix it.

One girl was there once and wanted to do a squat. Having only just started lifting weights she decided to try it with just the bar. Sniggers and laughing from the other people there. Was horrible.

Edit: Just to add. I go to another gym to do personal training sessions (it's not a full gym, just a class based gym) and use the free weights there. I like to lift 'heavy' but wouldn't be comfortable doing it in my regular gym when it's busy.

I'm actually AMAZED by that! I can't count the number of different gyms that I have have trained in, either as once offs whilst meeting someone to train with or training there frequently and I can honestly say that I have NEVER been treated with any kind of disrespect by the male members. I remember once squatting (in front of a mirror ;( and all i could see was a guy staring in the mirror behind me...I remember thinking he better not be staring at my ass..then I realised he was checking out his abs in the mirror....lol That's when I realised that most people are so preoccupied with themselves that they couldnt give a crap what im doing!

I think the main problem is that women FEAR the weights area..they see it as a male dominated area and are afraid to enter...funny thing is...once you step inside....Nothing happens...no one cares..everyone is too busy doing their own thing.

I think if a lady had a set program to do and knew exactly where the weights/machines were then she wouldnt be as intimidated...well that was the case for me anyway! That being said..if there are any ladies here that train in Northwood in Santry and ever want someone to walk them through the weights area or train with them for the first few times until they become familar with it, I'd be more that willing!

nice_guy80 · 14-11-2012 05:45PM

I think the women on here need to man up and grow a pair.

Just go in and lift weights. Never mind what people think.

lubie76 · 14-11-2012 05:57PM

nice_guy80 wrote: »

I think the women on here need to man up and grow a pair.

Just go in and lift weights. Never mind what people think.

I agree, let them laugh, they are just worried a woman half their size might show them up. I use weights in a gym that is 90% men and a lot of fella students normally skinny and wearing GAA jerseys come and go and I can lift heavier than most of them as I have been using weights years. I usually get the confused looks but stare them out of it and off they toddle!

xgtdec · 14-11-2012 08:03PM

lubie76 wrote: »

I agree, let them laugh, they are just worried a woman half their size might show them up. I use weights in a gym that is 90% men and a lot of fella students normally skinny and wearing GAA jerseys come and go and I can lift heavier than most of them as I have been using weights years. I usually get the confused looks but stare them out of it and off they toddle!

GAA jerseys in a gym..ive said it before..its just plain wrong!!

Dermighty · 14-11-2012 08:21PM

Plenty of men in my gym with the physique and strength of women.

Stench Blossoms · 14-11-2012 09:29PM

nice_guy80 wrote: »

I think the women on here need to man up and grow a pair.

Just go in and lift weights. Never mind what people think.

So that's just me yeh? I'll man up so. Just for you.

nice_guy80 · 14-11-2012 11:34PM

Stench Blossoms wrote: »

So that's just me yeh? I'll man up so. Just for you.

not really. I was attempting a bit of humour. Epic fail, I know.

rubadub · 15-11-2012 02:31PM

Stench Blossoms wrote: »

One girl was there once and wanted to do a squat. Having only just started lifting weights she decided to try it with just the bar. Sniggers and laughing from the other people there.

They'd find me hilarious so :rolleyes:, I often do squats with no bar at all.

I would have thought people doing squats with just a bar is a common sight in gyms, as a warmup at least.

15-11-2012 02:38PM

rubadub wrote: »

I would have thought people doing squats with just a bar is a common sight in gyms, as a warmup at least.

It's 20kg like, it could be a third of her body weight or more. Sound like a shower of twonks tbh!

RacoonQueen · 15-11-2012 02:39PM

Haven't done weights in ages but my gym had a womens weights section, not sure if it still does. The weights only went up to 10kg, which wasn't much good to me so I sauntered into the dark and dingy world of the main free weights section. Got a few looks but they were probably only looking up to see who had come in and I was being paranoid. Still I picked up a couple of heavier weights and went back to the bright comfort of the girlie sections. All the good stuff was around the back, weight plates, medicine balls, barbells etc
The boys always trained in the ladies weight section anyway.

Stench Blossoms · 15-11-2012 02:55PM

rubadub wrote: »

They'd find me hilarious so :rolleyes:, I often do squats with no bar at all.

I would have thought people doing squats with just a bar is a common sight in gyms, as a warmup at least.

Yeh well I would warm up as well with just the bar but after seeing that I got turned off.

It's more than likely just my gym. How do I say this.... there em, isn't many Irish people there so maybe that has something to do with it?

RobAMerc · 15-11-2012 04:09PM

Stench Blossoms wrote: »

One girl was there once and wanted to do a squat. Having only just started lifting weights she decided to try it with just the bar. Sniggers and laughing from the other people there. Was horrible.

Whomever laughed at this is a retard - plain and simple.
Everyone begins somewhere - and an empty bar is where the majority of people with the brains to learn correctly and start a program properly start.

This sickens me I must say.

15-11-2012 04:32PM

RacoonQueen wrote: »

Haven't done weights in ages but my gym had a womens weights section, not sure if it still does. The weights only went up to 10kg.

It's stuff like that can make women think they shouldn't be in the "men's" section lifting heavy weights. Glad it didn't make you think that!!

nice_guy80 · 15-11-2012 05:48PM

I do lunges, a lot. Usually with a med ball twist, or overhead press, or if with dumbbells then a curl and press.
I get funny looks because I don't use heavy weights
But I doubt if most of the lads giving me funny looks would be able to do those exercises.

I also do squat and press, med ball chops all with a 5kg plate to warm up. Again, cue the funny looks.
I always say if i'm doing something different to most other people, then I'm doing something right.

rubadub · 15-11-2012 06:22PM

nice_guy80 wrote: »

I do lunges, a lot. Usually with a med ball twist, or overhead press, or if with dumbbells then a curl and press.
I get funny looks because I don't use heavy weights

I would say they are just curious about what you are up to, rather than the lack of weight. I doubt many are doing lunges. One of the few times I was in a gym I got lads looking at me doing chinups on a squat rack with have a specific knurled chinning bar on it, I figured they just never saw people do it before (they were not waiting to use it either).

MrPain · 15-11-2012 08:47PM

If I see a girl in the weight section I might stare, mainly out of admiration though.

WHIP IT! · 15-11-2012 09:07PM

xgtdec wrote: »

GAA jerseys in a gym..ive said it before..its just plain wrong!!

Totally. As a lifetime GAA player myself, what really makes me scratch my head is the amount of lads who wear their GAA socks in the gym?! Why?!

beggars_bush · 15-11-2012 09:31PM

WHIP IT! wrote: »

Totally. As a lifetime GAA player myself, what really makes me scratch my head is the amount of lads who wear their GAA socks in the gym?! Why?!

maybe they like the socks.

dirty sleeveless tee-shirts/vests

hate the sight of them.
at least the GAA lads have washed before they come in.

beggars_bush · 15-11-2012 09:32PM

rubadub wrote: »

I would say they are just curious about what you are up to, rather than the lack of weight. I doubt many are doing lunges. One of the few times I was in a gym I got lads looking at me doing chinups on a squat rack with have a specific knurled chinning bar on it, I figured they just never saw people do it before (they were not waiting to use it either).

negative pull ups.

that always gets me funny looks.

boogle · 15-11-2012 10:44PM

Stench Blossoms wrote: »

It's more than likely just my gym. How do I say this.... there em, isn't many Irish people there so maybe that has something to do with it?

Have to agree with you here. I've had a few smirks and impatient sighing/toe-tapping while I'm using bench etc. BUT it's only ever been from non-Irish men. In fact, a few of the Irish lads in my gym have been very friendly when I'm in the weights section - offering to spot me and general chat etc.

Nervous Wreck · 15-11-2012 11:47PM

Lots more women lifting in Raw these days. Great to see. Especially the odd one or two who can out-squat most of the lads in the gym. Gas.

Mellor · 16-11-2012 08:07AM

WHIP IT! wrote: »

Totally. As a lifetime GAA player myself, what really makes me scratch my head is the amount of lads who wear their GAA socks in the gym?! Why?!

Possibly for deadlifts

hollypink · 16-11-2012 09:16AM

Just an update; went back to the gym last night to go through my program with an instructor and as I was leaving I spotted a woman barbell bench pressing and then squatting in the squat rack. And this morning, another woman was doing squats and deadlifts. So between that and the responses on this thread (thanks guys), I'm feeling a bit more confident

WHIP IT! · 16-11-2012 09:40AM

Mellor wrote: »

Possibly for deadlifts

If it is I've never seen it! A gaa-sock-wearing gaa man doing dead lifts that is...

Furious_George · 16-11-2012 09:53AM

Stench Blossoms wrote: »

Nah unfortunately it's not just me. I was there with a friend and she thought the same. We spoke to the manager about it and he said that they are aware of the problem but can't really see any quick solution to fix it.

One girl was there once and wanted to do a squat. Having only just started lifting weights she decided to try it with just the bar. Sniggers and laughing from the other people there. Was horrible.

Edit: Just to add. I go to another gym to do personal training sessions (it's not a full gym, just a class based gym) and use the free weights there. I like to lift 'heavy' but wouldn't be comfortable doing it in my regular gym when it's busy.

I would be absolutely amazed by any sort of sniggering in free weights section. I have been in various gyms over last ten years and never experienced this. Im a guy and at times have been pretty big from weights. I currently am training kickboxing so i am a bit lighter and occasionally i would do squats or the likes with just the bar just to work on technique, conditioning or warming up for other exercises. Now if people were going to snigger at anyone for squatting with just the bar id imagine itd be the 6'3'' 15 stone lad not the lady.

My gf feels the same tho with free weights. Not realising that the lads are prob just admiring her (polite way of saying checking her out) not judging how she lifts weights.

Sugar Free · 16-11-2012 10:34AM

I would echo the others, personally never seen any sniggering, rolling of eyes or any other type of arsehole behaviour.

On the other hand, I've often got odd looks from other guys when I do certain exercises. I'm convinced one fella thought I was mad when I was doing floor presses, almost as if he thought I was too impatient to wait for a bench so used the floor instead!

Pull throughs get some funny looks too.

Sorcha16 · 16-11-2012 11:27AM

xgtdec wrote: »

GAA jerseys in a gym..ive said it before..its just plain wrong!!

What difference does it make to you what anyone wears to the gym? Seriously, you're there to get on with your own workout, not judge people on what they're wearing.

I've used the weights section in a particular college gym before and the stench of testosterone was overwhelming. I was very actively stared at incredulously as though I'd just landed from Mars, to the extent that the guy I was working out with apologised for taking me in there.

Whether the guys meant it or not, I have no idea (I'm sure they didn't) but I found it quite intimidating and have never strayed from the cardio section since

Bruce7 · 16-11-2012 12:10PM

I go to a large commercial gym early in the mornings and there are usually one or two women using the free weights area to do barbell exercises.

There are always quite a few women in the dumb bell area though, and they would outnumber the men on most mornings. And there are always PTs in this area with female clients.

I know I am generalising based on a few observations, but to me the issue appears to be that women tend not be shown how to do barbell exercises by gym staff and personal trainers - in large commercial gyms at least.

Bruce7 · 16-11-2012 12:16PM

I have noticed that some women are extremely self-conscious in the gym though. I tend to walk around between sets, not paying attention to anyone or anything apart from getting my breath back, or checking the clock, and can't help but notice that some girls are almost policing the entire place to make sure nobody is looking in their direction.

It's a bit like when you are walking along at night and there is a girl on her own up ahead. You aren't paying her any heed at all, but then you realise she is hyper-alert to your presence, and you have to speed up and pass her out to put her at ease.

16-11-2012 12:21PM

Bruce7 wrote: »

I know I am generalising based on a few observations, but to me the issue appears to be that women tend not be shown how to do barbell exercises by gym staff and personal trainers - in large commercial gyms at least.

That's actually a good point. I was a member of Crunch Fitness, I was given plenty of cardio and some weights machines. I dared not enter the free weights section - I wasn't even made aware of its existance (many years ago!).

When I joined Westwood, same thing, plenty of cardio and weights machines.

Then I got a personal trainer - in westwood but he didn't work for them - he got me almost completely away from the cardio floor and while I did some machines, it was mostly free weights. There were plenty of women there section, but they were virtually all there under his guidance.

He left and set up his own private training gym and I followed, a big number of his clients were women and some of them could certainly give the lads a run for their money

lorrim · 16-11-2012 12:58PM

It is really a case of the fear of the unknown for most women. I've only experienced on guy snigger when I was setting up the squat rack... I couldn't have cared less, he'll be checking out my hot ass in a few months

the_syco · 16-11-2012 01:02PM

In the Glenroyal both women and men lift the dumbbells, but not side by side.

The men would lift these weghts in the main weight section;

But the women would usually lift weights in a small side section which would be full of these weights;

xgtdec wrote: »

GAA jerseys in a gym

WHIP IT! wrote: »

what really makes me scratch my head is the amount of lads who wear their GAA socks in the gym?!

People wear clothes of their fave team in public? NO WAEEEEE!

LivingInColour · 16-11-2012 01:17PM

the_syco wrote: »

In the Glenroyal both women and men lift the dumbbells, but not side by side.

The men would lift these weghts in the main weight section;

But the women would usually lift weights in a small side section which would be full of these weights;

See it's this sh1t here that causes the issue in the first place. If gyms didn't make women feel they had to stick to sh1tty paperweights a specific area, then they wouldn't feel intimidated or 'different' for wanting to pick up a barbell.

WHIP IT! · 16-11-2012 03:48PM

the_syco wrote: »

People wear clothes of their fave team in public? NO WAEEEEE!

People make light-hearted remarks about the things they see in their gym on a Fitness Forum?
NO WAEEEEE!

john_cappa · 16-11-2012 04:35PM

LivingInColour wrote: »

See it's this sh1t here that causes the issue in the first place. If gyms didn't make women feel they had to stick to sh1tty paperweights a specific area, then they wouldn't feel intimidated or 'different' for wanting to pick up a barbell.

Bit of a catch 22 as many women want their own separate area.

Storm in a teacup really.

Dotcomdolly · 16-11-2012 07:12PM

My gym has a "Ladies Weights Area" and a sign "no weights over 10kg in this area" :rolleyes:

Doc Daneeka · 17-11-2012 12:31AM

A lot of these feelings are probably common to both men and women the first times they use a free weights section. A bloke is going to be self conscious too wandering in and worried about people looking at them as they try to figure out a squat rack or something.

Few sessions in as others point out you see everyone is just doing their own thing and don't care what your up to. Stick with it and lift heavy!

women and free weights area in the gym

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