Gym Cliques

[iGary]

I've been going to our local gym for about 6 months now. I usually get in about 5:45 a.m. and finish up around 7:45 a.m. - just in time to get back home in the office. I think you can tell that I'm pretty outgoing and really like people (despite my bitching about them, I always give new folks a fair shake).

Anyway, is it just me, or is the gym almost as bad as high school? There is this one guy (among a handful) who I see everyday, and I am always nice enough to make a point to say hi, and he looks at me as if I am a leper who might drip skin on him at any moment. OK, you look like someone out of a J Crew catalog, but you can't talk to me? Then his posse comes in and he's all words to them...WTF?

I'll admit, I'm not some muscle-bound "ripped" adonis, but I have run 12 marathons in the last two years, I've sailed about 15,000 miles all over the planet, I hang out of planes for a living and generally I think I'm good for conversation...I'm not saying that to be arrogant, I guess I just feel like I'd be an interesting person to talk to - as would a lot of the other people at the gym - you know the less "beautiful" people. So every morning, these guys hang out in the free weight room and any time one of the less "muscle bound" people come in, it's like picking a lunch table the first day of school.

So today, this guy who has been using the gym for about a week is getting dressed, and "the posse" start asking him where he works, what kind of car he drives...and yeah, he's not hard on the eyes.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm seriously not jealous (really, I'm not :) ), but is everyone this materialistic about life? Is life about how much you cleared on your last house or how much you made last month, or your "kick ass" car?

I mean I see these tards more than I see Rob some weeks, I make every effort to be cordial and find out about their lives and I get four word answers..

I guess I am discovering why I like long distance running opposed to going into the gym every day. I don't know, I guess I'm just disappointed in what society is becoming...maybe it's always been like that.

End rant - I'm just tired of snobs, I guess.

[Lau]

No, I totally hate this too. Having been one of the geeks at school, I thought this would stop when you get in the real world. It doesn't.

I think all you can do is carry on being civil - you're the better person for it. And there's plenty of people out there who aren't up their own arses, and they're the ones worth knowing. The ones who are up themselves are actually the insecure ones, and they probably cry themselves to sleep at night. :p

[iGary]

No, I totally hate this too. Having been one of the geeks at school, I thought this would stop when you get in the real world. It doesn't.

I think all you can do is carry on being civil - you're the better person for it. And there's plenty of people out there who aren't up their own arses, and they're the ones worth knowing. The ones who are up themselves are actually the insecure ones, and they probably cry themselves to sleep at night. :p

It's just mind-boggling to me that adults act like this. Geez, I'm sorry I don't have a 32-inch waist and ripped abs. :rolleyes: But I will race you to Washington DC on foot. :p :D

[iGav]

I'm just tired of snobs, I guess.

And you're on a Mac site... heh. :eek: :p :p

When I went through my gym phase... I was too busy trying not to collapse to worry about the gym nazi's. :)

Speaking of which... pot belly's are sexy aren't they? :o :(

[Cooknn]

Man I wish I could get up that early. I have trouble getting to the gym after a long day at the office... I don't see the cliques as much at my gym. Everyone seems to be in their own little world. Nobody really wants to talk either - which is cool with me. 75% of them have iPods on anyways :o

[hmmfe]

I really don't think this behavior is limited to gyms and highschool. I see it pretty much everywhere. Seems to be human nature.

[iGary]

I really don't think this behavior is limited to gyms and highschool. I see it pretty much everywhere. Seems to be human nature.

Hmmm...I gues I do a good job of keeping *******s out of my regular life, then. :o

[pseudobrit]

If you switch your time for working out it can make all the difference in the world.

[pseudobrit]

I'll admit, I'm not some muscle-bound "ripped" adonis, but I have run 12 marathons in the last two years, I've sailed about 15,000 miles all over the planet, I hang out of planes for a living and generally I think I'm good for conversation...I'm not saying that to be arrogant, I guess I just feel like I'd be an interesting person to talk to - as would a lot of the other people at the gym - you know the less "beautiful" people. So every morning, these guys hang out in the free weight room and any time one of the less "muscle bound" people come in, it's like picking a lunch table the first day of school.

So today, this guy who has been using the gym for about a week is getting dressed, and "the posse" start asking him where he works, what kind of car he drives...and yeah, he's not hard on the eyes.

These guys seem kind of gay.

[iGary]

If you switch your time for working out it can make all the difference in the world.

Yeah, you're absolutely right. Unfortunately, getting to the gym forces me into a routine, which is essential for working at home. If I don't go, I end up working in my PJ's all day and going a week without shaving. :rolleyes:

[Cooknn]

These guys seem kind of gay.Heh. That's a good one :rolleyes:
If you switch your time for working out it can make all the difference in the world.So, are you saying that mornings are more clique'ish?

I just talked to two of my co-workers who get up at 4:30a every morning. I'm feeling pretty good about getting to bed by 10:30p and up at 5:30a 3 days a week...

[nbs2]

Speaking of which... pot belly's are sexy aren't they? :o :(
I hope so. I've been working on mine ever since I got married. Got to keep the wife happy, you know. :)

Yeah switching your workout time can change things, but I like to work out when I want to work out (which used to be right after work...now it is next week). I found that the lunch hour workout-guys disappeared as soon as I got my earbuds on.

[Blind Buzzard]

I didn't know that the gym was a social event.

I go to the gym to work out and stay in good shape.

[Lollypop]

My gym is exactly the same, your only popular if your huge and/or ripped, or have huge headlights... :eek: I actually sometimes get depressed after a workout (sugar has been know to fix that), but just keep on being nice, or keep to yourself, if they are really like you say then they wont even notice you not greeting them anymore.

Life is that way, my work is also the same, the guy im suppose to be working with brags about his half a million car and his near 2 million house, I feel crap because I drive a knocked up old Toyota and live with my dad, but in the end people like that do it because they need some sort of acceptance or acknowledgement, I don’t... or al least I dont think so! ;)

Let it go man, life is to short to even think about them, go to the gym and do your thing, I put on my headphones and sometimes hum along with whatever is playing on my ipod, im there to get buffed , look better, feel better, and be healthy, not to make friends with a-holes.

[jadekitty24]

I used to go to a gym, and it was a bit like high school. There was this one group of college girls who would come in a 1/2 hour after me. They would cut in front of me on the tanning list, make fun of how I was exercising, comment on how "flabby" I was (I'll never forget, the "geek" of the group, who was waaay fluffier than me made a comment about how big my butt was and the head bitch said "Yeah, she's starting to look like you!"...despite the porky girl insulting me, I felt bad when I saw the look on her face.),etc. I couldn't stand it so I quit and started working out at home. One time, however, I did get my revenge. The head bitch left her coffee on the floor right next to her sweatjacket. Silly clumsy me, I tripped and oops! I kicked the coffee over, which, with just the tiniest nudge of the foot soaked her jacket. Freaking bitch.

[grapes911]

Over the last 2 months or so, I've been going to the gym. I'm was a fairly athletic guy in high school who grew a large beer-gut during college. I'm trying to get back in shape for professional reasons. I've been going 4-5 times a week. Honestly, I don't want to talk to anyone at the gym. It's not that I'm not friendly, but I don't want to be at the gym longer than I have to. Plus, I'm breathing heavy trying to catch my breath. It's just not a place I want to have a conversation.

[iGary]

Over the last 2 months or so, I've been going to the gym. I'm was a fairly athletic guy in high school who grew a large beer-gut during college. I'm trying to get back in shape for professional reasons. I've been going 4-5 times a week. Honestly, I don't want to talk to anyone at the gym. It's not that I'm not friendly, but I don't want to be at the gym longer than I have to. Plus, I'm breathing heavy trying to catch my breath. It's just not a place I want to have a conversation.

Oh, I hear you - and agree. I generally have the iPod plugged in - but "hello" isn't that hard to muster.

[grapes911]

Oh, I hear you - and agree. I generally have the iPod plugged in - but "hello" isn't that hard to muster.
I use the iPod too. But I have to say that usually I don't have the breath to even get a "hello" out. I am becoming very proficient at the "head nod" though. ;)

[iGary]

I use the iPod too. But I have to say that usually I don't have the breath to even get a "hello" out. I am becoming very proficient at the "head nod" though. ;)

It's funny you say "professional reasons." Aside from getting back on the running circuit again, that was another main reason I got back into the gym - for my business.

[floriflee]

I've seen this occasionally since high school, but have just tried to blow it off. Having dealt with being pretty much an outcast in middle school and (while more confident and likable) pretty much a nerd in high school dealing with cliques has just become almost second nature, like breathing. Every now and then I'll gripe about it to the hubby, a co-worker, or a friend, but that's about it. I figure if they're going to be stupid and immature like that then they're not worth my time. I'll still be friendly, but I won't go out of my way to try and get in their groups.

With that said, I don't like socializing at the gym. If someone says hi I'll smile and say hi back as I make a beeline to whatever it is I'm heading for, but frankly, when I'm there I'm on a mission--to get in, get a workout, and then get out as quickly as possible. I'll practically speed walk between the weight, exercise machine, and stretching areas just to get out of there quicker. Maybe it's because the last two gyms I was a member of weren't that great. The last one would get so hot, smelly, and stuffy if I went during peak hours that I would feel like I was going to be sick and pass out just walking in the door. I also don't like the people that walk (or stand) around the gym and watch those that are working out--that weirds me out. In any case, I just don't like the gym atmosphere so I don't like being there. I figure why pay monthly to have that experience? If it were free maybe I'd reconsider.... :) For now I'll opt for working out in solitude in the privacy of my own home/neighborhood.

[hmmfe]

Hmmm...I gues I do a good job of keeping *******s out of my regular life, then. :o

Exactly. Of course the irony is in each person's definition of "*******".

[grapes911]

It's funny you say "professional reasons." Aside from getting back on the running circuit again, that was another main reason I got back into the gym - for my business.
My professional reasons are a little different. After many years of playing baseball and impressing a few scouts from time-to-time, I finally received notice that the I'm on a short list of players that a certain professional baseball organization wants to get a closer look at this season. I figured that it's about time to get back some of the muscle I've lost over the last few years. I may only be 23 years old, but I'm getting up there in age to have a legitimate chance to make the pros.

[®îçhå®?]

First of all - congrats on doing 12 marathons!!! I would struggle to do one!!

Anyway, i still go to school and there are 2 main groups of people like that but even if you ask them something, they never speak at all until you are walking away when it is insulting you. I hate these people and i know this is harsh, but i had to surpress a laugh when one of the had his two front teeth knocked out yesterday. That does sound really bad but these people make my ife hell. I hate them so much for making my life a misery and the worst thing is, i don't know why they do not like me!! I have barely ever spoken to them, let alone insult them.

[iGary]

Thanks - why do people have to be *******s?

I don't get it. :confused:

[Cooknn]

Thanks - why do people have to be *******s?

I don't get it. :confused:Insecurity.

[nbs2]

My professional reasons are a little different. After many years of playing baseball and impressing a few scouts from time-to-time, I finally received notice that the I'm on a short list of players that a certain professional baseball organization wants to get a closer look at this season.
I'd love to know which professional baseball organization this is. That way I know if I need to cheer you on or if I should hate you with all the passion I can muster (and when it comes to baseball, I can muster a pretty good amount of passion). :cool: Seriously though, good luck - maybe Disney will make a movie about you.

On an(other) unrelated side note, has anybody noticed a dramatic increase in the number of exercise threads? We had the stairs and the beginning to work out again, and this all so recently. Have you all been talk to Lori? Is this an intervention? I don't have a problem...I just like pie. I can give it uip whenever I want! :D I meant it

[grapes911]

I'd love to know which professional baseball organization this is. That way I know if I need to cheer you on or if I should hate you with all the passion I can muster (and when it comes to baseball, I can muster a pretty good amount of passion). :cool: Seriously though, good luck - maybe Disney will make a movie about you.

Over the past 6 or 7 years, I've spoken to scouts from the Marlins, Pirates, Yankees, and Phillies. Nothing promising every came out of any of it. But I recently received word from a friend inside the Phillies organization that a scout has been asking around for my game schedule.

And a movie? Heck I'd just like a tryout. The movie can come later. :p

[nbs2]

Over the past 6 or 7 years, I've spoken to scouts from the Marlins, Pirates, Yankees, and Phillies. Nothing promising every came out of any of it. But I recently received word from a friend inside the Phillies organization that a scout has been asking around for my game schedule.
Well then, good luck. As well as they are playing right now, the Phils are no threat to my beloved Cards, and haven't beaten them in a significant game since...well since as long as I can think back. If you had said the Sawx, Astros, Royals, or Twins...there would have been fury. But, I like Philly...good hard working club. I'm sure all of us here at MR just hope you remember us when you make the big leagues...:)

[devilot]

Insecurity.I don't know. I think part of it might be the way they're raised? The context of their day/ life?

My mom, for example, often appears angry or grumpy. She doesn't say much, and what she does say could easily be taken as criticism. But these are assumptions and projections of what we perceive-- she's just not smiling doesn't mean she's angry. And her English isn't fantastic so she doesn't say much.

And who knows? The people in the gym? Maybe they've had a rough day. Or they're in a rough phase of life.

Eh. Regardless, there are some plain ol' jerks that we've got to share our planet with.

[Lollypop]

I don't know. I think part of it might be the way they're raised? The context of their day/ life?

My mom, for example, often appears angry or grumpy. She doesn't say much, and what she does say could easily be taken as criticism. But these are assumptions and projections of what we perceive-- she's just not smiling doesn't mean she's angry. And her English isn't fantastic so she doesn't say much.

And who knows? The people in the gym? Maybe they've had a rough day. Or they're in a rough phase of life.

Eh. Regardless, there are some plain ol' jerks that we've got to share our planet with.

I agree that people might seem rude or angry, but there is no reason not to just return a head nod! Use to have this with guys from school, after we all went to university of got jobs I would pass them in a mall, I would nod my head but wouldnt get anything back. Even if Ive had a crap day a nice greeting from someone can make it all better. People think the world makes our problems, thats not true, people are peoples problems, meaning we make our own lives difficult... why cant we all just get along :p :D (and nod your head when someone greets you):o

[iGav]

I hope so. I've been working on mine ever since I got married. Got to keep the wife happy, you know. :)

:D

Though I'm thinking me, you and your wife are in the minority then. :o :( :p

[devilot]

...meaning we make our own lives difficult... why cant we all just get along :p :D (and nod your head when someone greets you):oI agree whole-heartedly. Earlier today, somebody held a door open and let me exit the building prior to him entering. That little act of kindness is what I'm clinging to right now amidst an otherwise not-so-great morning.

[Frisco]

iGary,

I totally understand what you are talking about. It's very bad here in the NJ gyms. That's why I don't go anymore. I got a home gym that I like using. Not as good as going to the gym, but it's worth the sacrifice to me.

The clubs at night are even worse. That's where you find all these muscle head guidos looking for a fight.

Guido: "You lookin at my girl?"
Me: "Yeah, she has a nice ass!"

[floriflee]

:D

Though I'm thinking me, you and your wife are in the minority then. :o :( :p

Eh... just you and Neil are in the minority. He dragged me onto his side of this without my consent. Perhaps, he was just trying to flatter me and say that my cooking is decent. :D

In all honesty, he's probably getting tired of my attempts to control the portions of food he eats, the quality of foods he eats, how often he eats, and when he stops eating (we no likey eating after 8PM :D). But he's got a belly that if I don't help him get rid of both he and I are going to continue to hear about it from my in-laws....

[nbs2]

Eh... just you and Neil are in the minority. He dragged me onto his side of this without my consent. Perhaps, he was just trying to flatter me and say that my cooking is decent. :D

In all honesty, he's probably getting tired of my attempts to control the portions of food he eats, the quality of foods he eats, how often he eats, and when he stops eating (we no likey eating after 8PM :D). But he's got a belly that if I don't help him get rid of both he and I are going to continue to hear about it from my in-laws....
Sorry Gav. I think that we are a minority of two. Lori saw through my attempt to curry favor (mmm....curry) with her.

But, now is the time for someone to stand up to the oppression that I suffer on a daily basis! Someone must help me defend the right to eat that third slice of pizza (it's vegetarian pizza, so it's healthy!), that last shrimp on the plate (it's just a popcorn shrimp...it's ok!), that second and third piece of pie (apples are fruit and good for you, cinnamon is a vegetable...that's two servings in each slice and I need five a day!)! So, who's with me? Because we like to eat after 8pm and we promise to start exercising next Monday!
I appear to be all alone...

[dejo]

It's just mind-boggling to me that adults act like this.

Well, I'd say they haven't actually achieved the level of "adult" yet...

[iGav]

Eh... just you and Neil are in the minority. He dragged me onto his side of this without my consent. Perhaps, he was just trying to flatter me and say that my cooking is decent. :D

:(

And I really must invest more time in taking note of who's married to who on MR. :p

[iBlue]

I used to go to a gym, and it was a bit like high school. ....

Wow, that was unbelievably catty of them. People never cease to amaze me.

Like I've said before, I grew up in Los Angeles, where you can never be too rich or too thin. I hated the gyms there, it was intimidating. Only just a couple days ago decided to sign up for one again in my current location.

Anyway once (in los angeles) I had a similar experience in a gym, a couple of girls making some comments (actually making fun of the fact that I was too thin and "probably snoring coke" and other such crap) and I turned around, looked them square in the eyes and said:
"Why don't you say it to my face?" (I thought they wouldn't, but one of them did) My response was:
"So who's your Dentist?"
they looked at each other: "What?"
"Your Dentist. I want to know who to send the check to after I knock your teeth in should you ever talk like this around me again."
(people started laughing and one clapped)
They never said a word again. :D
(this skinny bitch has been in martial arts since age 7, and I doubt they could have fought their way out of a wet paper bag)

*******s are everywhere, I guess it's all a matter of how we choose to deal with them. It's a shame people are like that.

[iGav]

we promise to start exercising next Monday!

*shuffles feet* do we have to? *sniff sniff*

[Leareth]

I hate it when I am working out in the weight room at my local community centre and the guys keep telling me there is a woman only area right around the corner, I have to point out that while yoga mats, 2lbs dumbells and stairmasters are great for most womens workouts, I am benchpressing 200+ lbs and the womens side just does not have that... they generally shut up when I lift more weight than they can.

plus I logically point out there isnt a male only sign anywhere in the room

I do the pilates classes some days and I hate the comments that I get from the skinny out of shape twigs... I lookout of shape but I have really good flexibilty and strenght, the endurance I am working on...

[gekko513]

we promise to start exercising next Monday!
Can I join in that pledge?

[nbs2]

*shuffles feet* do we have to? *sniff sniff*
Can I join in that pledge?
Everybody can join me in pledging to start exercising next Monday. Every week I get up and promise that next Monday will be the start of a new regiment.

Speaking of which, I will start exercising on Monday.;)

[virividox]

go join the aerobics dancing classes with the women :) and start talking to them, much better conversation that those musclebound meat heads

[leekohler]

Hmm, funny- I never talk to anyone at the gym. I just work out and leave. Am I a dick? ;)

[3rdpath]

that's a drag about the gym rudeness. no excuse for that.

me, i put the ipod on about 10 feet before the door of the gym and don't take it off until i leave. besides the occasional nod, i don't socialize at all.

funny though, my kundalini yoga class is a pretty social group...maybe it's the lack of steroids.:D

btw, anyone looking for a great workout that'll kick your butt more harshly than weights at the gym---try kundalini yoga.

[Lollypop]

I hate it when I am working out in the weight room at my local community centre and the guys keep telling me there is a woman only area right around the corner, I have to point out that while yoga mats, 2lbs dumbells and stairmasters are great for most womens workouts, I am benchpressing 200+ lbs and the womens side just does not have that...

<bows down in humility> WOW, I know a ton of guys that cant bench that much, and then some guys have the nerve to tell you to go somehere else? freaky!

[andiwm2003]

1) at 5.45 am people are different. you'd be lucky to get a one word response from me.

2) in the gym people are different. especially when doing weights. i'd prefer to be left alone when i do weights. i can't explain why but my mindset is different when i do weights. the social part of my brain doesn't get enough blood supply because it's all in my (tiny) biceps or so.

3) when i do dumb stuff i talk dumb stuff. so please don't judge me when i do weights.

in fact i have seen a lot of people like this. i consider myself outgoing and friendly and many people i met at gym's are as well. just not at the gym. the gym is in fact a bad place to make friends in my experience. i only got to know people when we started a running group at one gym and ran every sunday morning and once a week in the evening. it were the same people but in a different setting and everything was fine. so it must be the reason under point 2.

it's different when i do aerobics, other types of sports, in the sauna (we talk usually politics and stuff). so it's not that people at the gym are snobs. they just behave strange.

i hope that helps restoring your belief in humanity again:D

[Diatribe]

Yeah, since when does not talking when you don't want to make you unfriendly?
It's the gym not some social event. If you want to talk go to a bar. I mean a hello isn't hard and I usually do it but leave people alone that want to be left alone. I don't see where wanting to be amongst a group and not socialize when working out is a bad, unfriendly thing to do.
I don't say don't respond to someone saying hello but also don't expect people to start a conversation about your life in the gym.

And besides, why would you want to talk to them if they don't want to talk to you in the first place? I usually try to avoid people like this as best as I can.

[jelloshotsrule]

what everyone seems to be missing is that these people aren't non-talkers, but rather, they don't talk to the imperfect, unchiseled folks at the gym. they are happy to chat it up with the hot studs at the gym, even at 545 in the morning, while they are out of breath, etc... they are superficial jackasses and ultimately, gary, it's better that you leave them to hang out with their own kind..

[Onizuka]

I used to go to a gym, and it was a bit like high school. There was this one group of college girls who would come in a 1/2 hour after me. They would cut in front of me on the tanning list, make fun of how I was exercising, comment on how "flabby" I was (I'll never forget, the "geek" of the group, who was waaay fluffier than me made a comment about how big my butt was and the head bitch said "Yeah, she's starting to look like you!"...despite the porky girl insulting me, I felt bad when I saw the look on her face.),etc. I couldn't stand it so I quit and started working out at home. One time, however, I did get my revenge. The head bitch left her coffee on the floor right next to her sweatjacket. Silly clumsy me, I tripped and oops! I kicked the coffee over, which, with just the tiniest nudge of the foot soaked her jacket. Freaking bitch.

That is so hot. Wanna make out?

iGary, these guys are superficial and I doubt any of them can last mor ethan 5 minutes in the bedroom. And I ebt, if confronted, they'd all run. Don't mind them. They are the stereotypical Jock who probably have a history of raping cheerleaders and circle jerking around kegs. You're better off without them.

[andiwm2003]

what everyone seems to be missing is that these people aren't non-talkers, but rather, they don't talk to the imperfect, unchiseled folks at the gym. they are happy to chat it up with the hot studs at the gym, even at 545 in the morning, while they are out of breath, etc... they are superficial jackasses and ultimately, gary, it's better that you leave them to hang out with their own kind..

i honestly haven't seen too many people like this in the gyms i was going too. it was mainly the non-talkers. sometimes they talk meaningless trash. but i've never met people who talk bad to/about other people at the gym. i agree that such elitist snob like behaviour just stinks. seem's i was lucky so far....

[Lau]

I don't think listening to your iPod makes you a dick - I've often been listening to mine as I come into college and if I see one of the people that I don't know well enough for a conversation I still definitely smile and usually say hello as I walk past. There's a difference between this and being an arse who looks at you like you're scum who they can't believe you dared talk to them.

[hmmfe]

Hmm, funny- I never talk to anyone at the gym. I just work out and leave. Am I a dick? ;)

Not just that but you're also dumb, a rapist, sexually inadequate, and a child, among other things.

I think you should join the "I talk to people at the gym" clique so you can be cool.

[MongoTheGeek]

I never had a problem like that at the gym. Perhaps a I just didn't notice it.

One time though I saw Gwen Stafani in the gym with a personal trainer or something. The guy made me look tiny. She was in town for a concert. Didn't have the gumption to say hello.

[Angelus520]

I also get to the gym between 5 - 6 a.m. every day and the girls outnumber the guys 2-1 so there's plenty of eye candy. I've been going there for two years and it's a really nice gym in a nice area of Chicago (six blocks west of Wrigley - GO CARDINALS!!!). But no one talks to anyone here, either.

Most of the people are probably in their mid-to-late 20s and aren't too hard on the eyes no matter what shape they're in but just aren't overly friendly when they're there. The only people I usually end up talking to are the workers and a few of the trainers.

I've stopped in a few times in the afternoon and it's way too crowded and a total meat market for thick-necked Gunther dudes and workout Barbies.

[MongoTheGeek]

I also get to the gym between 5 - 6 a.m. every day and the girls outnumber the guys 2-1 so there's plenty of eye candy. I've been going there for two years and it's a really nice gym in a nice area of Chicago (six blocks west of Wrigley - GO CARDINALS!!!). But no one talks to anyone here, either.

Most of the people are probably in their mid-to-late 20s and aren't too hard on the eyes no matter what shape they're in but just aren't overly friendly when they're there. The only people I usually end up talking to are the workers and a few of the trainers.

I've stopped in a few times in the afternoon and it's way too crowded and a total meat market for thick-necked Gunther dudes and workout Barbies.

But for some reason women don't seem to realize how attractive they are working out.

/used to be a Gunther necked dude
//then I got a life
///and a wife

[iBlue]

But for some reason women don't seem to realize how attractive they are working out.

It's weird when strangers see you all hot and sweaty. A lot of women are also paranoid to be caught without makeup too. (thank heavens I don't wear any of it, [hate makeup] or I'd have another reason not to enjoy myself)

[floriflee]

I don't care so much about the makeup. I just sweat like a pig when I work out and get very red and splotchy. I even have sweaty knees (kinda gross, but whenever I wear track pants to go running I'll come back and have sweat circles where my knees are). Not a pretty sight.

[Angelus520]

Yeah, that's probably a lot of it, though they do look pretty hot working out which is a nice treat at the break of dawn. I see some of the women outside of the gym but have to do a double take because everyone looks different in regular clothes and makeup. I say hi sometimes and start chatting about the gym and they're a little more open when they're not streaked with sweat. :D

[MultiM]

I appreciate what you are saying about "gym attitude". At different times I belonged to 3 different gyms here and ran into the nonsense. I'm a big guy (280lbs+), and I just went to the gym to work out. The first time the "In" crowd mocked me I just started to laugh. It was obvious I was laughing at them and it pissed them off and embarrassed them. A few days later one of these guys started to actually talk to me and we came to an understanding. I followed the tack at the next gyms, too. It worked pretty well. I've found the best way to stop an a**hole is to embarrass him/her. That's fun all on its' own...:D

[mpw]

I can't be bothered with a gym, I've tried a couple of times but the people at the local gyms just look at the overweight noob with such distain and you can't use any of the equipment 'cause "Sorry pal Chuck always uses this machine after me".

I'm not really that confident and I know I'm way out of shape so that doesn't help.

I hate it when I am working out in the weight room at my local community centre and the guys keep telling me there is a woman only area right around the corner...
I hate "Women Only Hours". It might not be so bad but there's never a "Men Only" time and the womens hours are all prime time at the local swimming baths. How come sexism is OK when women benefit?

I keep promising myself I'm going to make the effort to hire a rowing machine or something and get started at home until I'm fit enough to be accepted in a gym.

iGary, Kudos on the marathons ( (http://i3.ebayimg.com/03/i/04/d1/93/50_1_b.JPG)I entered a Marathon once, but was picking peanuts outta my foreskin for days) (http://i3.ebayimg.com/03/i/04/d1/93/50_1_b.JPG) I'd love to run, or be able to run, a marathon I was actually quite fit at school up to about 16years old and then I had a series of health problems which kept knocking me back each time I got healthy and fit again, until now when all I need is motivation and some spare time.

[maestro55]

I would totally feel out of place in a gym, as I don't mix well with that crowd. So it appears you are a rarity in the crowd, one who is fit and likes to stay fit, but also very social (or it appears that way) and also not as judgemental as your everyday "jock". So I don't think society is just becoming this way, I think it has been this way for as long as there has been society (but how the hell do I know, I am still wet behind the ears). It is a shame, it really is.

Read a thread on another forum the other day, and one poster was saying that it was custom for him not to strike up conversations with random people and become more productive. That is very much a shame. I am the kind of guy that will talk to anybody about anything (and listen, too). So it is a shame when people judge people and will only talk to someone based on what they have or who they are.