Until recently, I never realized how intimidating the gym/health club can be. I have often heard stories of people who are afraid to go to the gym because of the people who populate it. I have even heard a story of some people getting into "shape" before joining a health club. I used to just push these stories aside as stupidity on the part of the individual.

How can anyone get intimidated by anyone in the gym? Isn't the point of joining the gym to be able to get into better shape or improve one's health. Then it hit me the other day: I was watching a friend of mine teach a Sculpt class while I was lifting weights. A group of ladies had gathered to take the next class, which was a step class that I also planned on taking. All of a sudden, one of the ladies said, "There is no way I am taking the next class from this teacher. Her body intimidates me. Plus nobody should look that good in spandex." What?!?! Is it really intimidating to work out next to someone with a great body in spandex.

I myself tend to work out in spandex. I tend to work out in form-fitting tiny outfits that allow better movement through full range of motion. Is my outfit and physique intimidating? I guess if I was the "Average Joe" trying to get into shape, watching anyone who exudes the confidence to wear such revealing outfits as they work out may send me into an anxiety attack. The Average Joe may feel incapable of reaching the same fitness level as spandex man.

I can also see how intimidating it can be to work out next to someone who is trying to bench press the weight of a Volkswagen Jetta while grunting so loud he may pop a blood vessel. I guess the aggressive grunts and groans may cause one to shy away from the weight floor.

Honestly, if you probably talked to spandex man, he is probably has the same inhibitions as you do but has gotten over them enough to get into a pair of tight short shorts. Either that or he is just comfortable with himself but means no harm or discomfort to anyone else. As for the guy who grunts and groans as he lifts, ignore him. He is just trying to get some attention and reaction. If anything, the noises he makes are more irritating than intimidating. If you stick around, he probably will quiet down because he is embarrassed at your staring at him in disgust as he grunts. Later.  ¶ 12:14 PM