Girls are too self-conscious when they go to the gym. Though I make sure I at least look presentable, I refuse to put the extra, unnecessary effort into primping and polishing my look prior to a gym excursion.
I go to the gym to workout and break a sweat—not to prance around in front of guys, flaunting my legs in barely-there gym shorts. In fact, the more clothing I’m wearing, the more comfortable I feel. I want to be at ease while I’m doing my crunches, not worrying that they guy on the track has a clear view up my shorts. I don’t want to have to check every ten seconds to make sure the strap on my tank top isn’t sliding down my shoulder either.
Last year, one of my friends commented on my baggy gym attire. The outfit consisted of leggings, loose shorts, a large Oregon shirt, and tennis shoes. “You obviously don’t care what people think of you,” he said matter-of-factly. I don’t know whether or not he meant to be offensive. Regardless, I took the positive, complimentary insinuation, because I guess he’s right—I don’t care what people think of me, at least not at the gym.
I work out so I can look and feel better the next day. I could care less about my appearance while I’m running the track, peddling on the bicycle or lifting weights. I know that regardless of what I wear to the gym, I’m still going to end up looking disgusting afterwards. Thus, I see no point in pinning my hair back in a perfect ponytail that’s just going to fall out, or applying make-up that’s just going to melt off.
This problem doesn’t really apply to guys so much. Loose shorts and a loose t-shirt are common dress for those males bench pressing over 100 pounds in the weight room or shooting hoops underneath the track. Plus, they don’t tend to be the ones caking on the make-up or devoting too much time to choosing an outfit.
As for those gym-goers who insist upon maintaining a picture-perfect look as they work out—I harbor no disdain. I simply cannot help but comment on the noticeable vanity, not to mention, how uncomfortable some of the outfits must be. I’ve tried the tight, short shorts. They are not comfortable.
The gym is not the place for a fashion show. Plus, the put-together look just makes those of us wearing t-shirts and baggy pants look bad.
hear hear!