The free weights section of the gym

I have been quite diligent lately at trying to stay active each day.  I have been doing a routine of pushups, crunches, squats and planks as my morning ritual, for about a month now, to not only get fit but to reduce stress from work and school.

I decided to go to the GoodLife gym for one of my workouts.  I do not have a gym membership, as I don’t like working out in front of people, especially men.  I’m no Skinny Minny, in fact I am more so a Large Marg.  I like to think my clothes shrunk in the dryer but who am I kidding.  At least I know I am big boned.

I purchased a day pass and decided to face my fear of not only going to a co-ed gym but to do my workout in the upstairs free weights section.  This section is the most intimidating of all the sections at the gym.  This is where the big, buff men and women go to lift things up and put them down.  Most of the machines I have no clue how to work, which is a big part of why I am so intimidated.  But my main mission was to whip out my yoga mat in the corner and workout through my high stress levels in that location.

I distinctly remember being anxious immediately as I walked though the gym doors.   In the change room there were women with six packs, putting on makeup to workout.  I still wonder why someone would get all dolled up to just sweat it all off. Then again I guess a gym is probably a great place to meet men, especially extremely fit ones.

Upon leaving the changing room and walking up the stairs, where the free weights section is located, I could feel my heart beating through my chest.  An onlooker could probably notice my shirt palpitate if they were looking hard enough.  My face was completely red; I knew that because my cheeks were on fire.  I got a few looks from a couple guys spotting each other on a chest press, but they quickly looked away and continued lifting what looked to be about a million pounds of metal plates. 

I set up my mat and made sure to turn my IPod up very loud, to block out the noises of the gym.  Surprisingly, once I started doing my workout my fear of the room decreased.  I was under the impression that I would be told to leave because I am not fit enough to be in that room.  Contrary to my belief, that was not the case, no one said anything to me.   In fact, it was nice having a little eye candy to look at as I did my post workout stretches. 

It was an interesting experience working out in a co-ed gym with other people around to see my wobbly bits wobble as I persevered through my exercises.  I don’t think I will go to the free weights section again, as I would rather workout in the comfort of my own home.  But it’s nice to know that my fear of feeling uncomfortable is in my head and not necessarily in the free weights room or in the heads of people in the room, especially the eye candy.