Stick It Out More!

Having been a member of a gym since I was 19 years old, I rarely get embarrassed or self-conscious working out in a public place. I love the freedom of walking in with my hair pulled back, wearing comfy workout clothes and no make-up, yet looking right at home with everyone else. I've grown at ease walking into the free weights area and doing my bench-press, barely even noticing that I’m the only girl in a group of tough, muscular guys. I didn’t even get embarrassed a few years ago when I dropped a 25 pound weight on my foot. I picked it up and went on as if I was fine---although I thought I would pass out. I stubbornly finished my workout, then when I got to my car, took my shoe and (bloody) sock off to check out the damage.

But I was recently badly embarrassed at the gym.

I was taking my time with a leisurely weekend workout, doing squats holding a dumbell in each hand. One of the trainers I know fairly well walked by, paused, then scrutinized me closely, so I knew he was about to give me some free trainer advice. Really, I appreciate that. A lot of trainers never bother to help, so it’s really nice when one stops and offers suggestions….

…..except he said, “I know it’s going to feel really weird to you, but you need to stick your butt out a lot more.”

Awesome. I’m about the only girl in the gym, surrounded by a group of guys, and he’s telling me to purposely stick my butt out. I haven’t been in a mood to try to attract much male attention lately, so the last thing I want to do is stick anything out. But thinking it would placate him and get him on his way, I said, “Oh, like this?” and squatted a little further out.

“Ehhh,” he said. “It’s still not enough.” Then he jumped in front of the mirror and said loudly, "More like this," as he did a perfect squat, completely unselfconsiously sticking his butt clear across to the other side of the gym.

“Okayyy,” I said and tried to do a quick one to get it over with.

“No! More! Stick it out more!” he bellowed, attempting to motivate me, and I noticed glances from several of the surrounding men.

So I took a deep breath and tried to pooch out my booty as I settled into the squat, thinking he would leave after I did a couple right. But he remained standing there, squinting his eyes as he evaluated my every move, making sure I did the whole set correctly.

I wanted the floor to open up and swallow me.

Next time I might save my squats to do at home. Or at least duck around the corner into the aerobics room when it is empty. Or---who knows---one day I may become even braver than I already am, pull my weights in front of the mirror in the crowded gym, and completely unreservedly just stick it all out.