We all know that a weight room is very densely populated with big, strong, manly men. What is it like for the courageous women who finds it in them to break that sexist wall that has been built by our modern society and step foot from the treadmills and into the free weight area

1. That big guy with the 65 pound dumbbells in the corner grunting as loud as he can before slamming his weights on the ground, right off the bat, I am smirked at with question and confusion. Instantly gets his friend’s attention to point me out for even stepping foot in the weight room, and laughs with immaturity.

2. Men don’t realize that I am actually in the gym to break a sweat!

3. Do not underestimate my drive and dedication to work hard in the gym to reach the fitness level I deserve.

4. Men are not the only enemy for me in the gym. Instead of building each other up, women tend to make an unneeded competition between each other. “She is wearing too much!” or “she is dressed like a whore” or the famous “how many guys from this gym has she slept with anyways?” instead of “Wow her PR increased!” is becoming a big issue among us in the gym!

5. Having a bigger appetite than ALL my friends can make for some awkwardness at restaurants. “Are you going to eat that?” comes out of my mouth more than I like to admit. Going out to eat with my closest girlfriends suddenly became very expensive. My friends also get very worried when I not only finish the entire appetizer and entrée, but then still have room for desert. Still have my six pack though? Sure thing!!

6. I am constantly facing the stereotype that women are only allowed on the cardio equipment. As soon as I step off that elliptical and moves to the bench press, all Hell breaks loose.

7. Because of the way women in the gym are portrayed in the media, I am looked at as a sexual object. No, I am not at the gym to throw myself at the biggest guy I can find. No I do not want you to spot me, and no I do not want to do leg day with you!

8. Men instantly become animals when they finally see a woman walk toward the squat rack. Yes, there is a thing as too much testosterone floating around in the air.

9. Because of the way media portrays women in the gym, girls walk into a weight room instantly having more pressure on them to prove themselves. Not all women workout for weight loss, or to be as skinny as Kendall Jenner. I shouldn’t have to explain to my friends and family that I don’t workout to lose weight, and yes I am eating enough. Thank you media for making it impossible to believe that a girl wants to workout for health.

10. It’s EXPENSIVE! Look good feel good lift good right? Trying to buy the best leggings and the cutest shoes really adds up when you’re just going to sweat your ass off in them.

11. Being constantly approached by the “experts” with advice and tips on exercises that I am perfectly capable of doing on my own. Men are right, I do not know how to lift a dumbbell.