Weight Room Bullies

To anyone who is a female attempting to increase her fitness beyond elliptical-ing and contortionist yoga, the weight room seems to hold its own glass ceiling. It is the pinnacle of testosterone and manliness--the grunting and agonizing sound of muscles screaming under the weight of 90lb dumbbells says it all.

As a woman interested in developing stronger muscles, I have been quite frustrated by the way I have been treated on a few occasions in the weight room. I would classify myself as a beginner in the weight-lifting arena though I have often tried to get started on a routine at different points in my life. However, I have been stymied many times by feeling embarrassed or as if I am not welcome on the weightlifting mat.

Recently, I was using a bench in this hallowed area, already nervous because I had gone after work during a high volume time and just began my new routine that requires a clipboard and instructions to get it right. As I am steadily trying to control my breathing and maintain a calm speed while doing bicep curls, a man came up to me and asked if I was using the bench. Obviously, if I am on it on one knee, using it to add an extra element of balance control, I am using the bench. Not two minutes later, the same thing happened on the leg press as I was mid-press but with a different man.

If we are a county consciously trying to become healthier, why can't we support each other in such a simple way as this? Many women I have spoken to are greatly intimidated by the weight room because of similar experiences such as mine. But, the benefits of weight training are clear--a proven way to help curb osteoporosis among many other positive results.

I am not trying to point the finger at all men or suggest that I feel discriminated against--I just want to challenge women who read this post to be bold and for men to make an extra effort to be encouraging to the women around them trying to improve their fitness.