I am a girl. Yes I lift. I go to the gym, and no, not to meet boys there. There are many of us girls in a male dominated gym, but that does not mean we are any less serious. It might be hard to believe that we aren’t all here to gather around and giggle and gawk at you lifting, but it’s true! I don’t know about my other gym rat females out there, but I am tired of getting personally torn down and talked down to by guys that think they own the place. Just like you men, us girls are here for our personal fitness and muscle gain, or weight loss. Generally speaking (I’m sure there are people who don’t agree with me) we don’t want to be hit on, we don’t want to be interrupted in a set, and we don’t want to be personally victimized or humiliated. But, here is a compiled list of things not to say to girls working out (all of which, I have been personally told).

1. Sweetie put that down, you can’t lift that much.

Oh really? Watch me.

2. Let me show you how to actually use this…

I get it, your triceps are stronger than mine. But using the same technique and raising the weights isn’t “showing me how to properly use the machine”, it’s showing off and being rude.

3. Don’t you think you would be better off doing cardio than using the weights?

Yeah, cardio is really good for me as well! That’s why I just did it for a half hour before coming over to the weight room. Thank you for your concern, but don’t worry, it’s taken care of.

4. What are you doing? Girls don’t lift.

Oh right, I forgot. Let me go back to making you a sandwich and cleaning the kitchen. Grow up, it’s 2017.

5. Ew, you’re sweating.

*Says boy who has been grunting LOUDLY while benching 100lbs and has massive pit stains* Wow. I’m at the gym. I broke a sweat. I truly apologize that my perspiration is ruining your workout.

6. Just go back to the sauna where you belong.

Where I belong? WHERE I BELONG? This one really got me and I couldn’t even come up with a witty response to it. But, I won’t apologize for being here and using the machine you wanted. Wait your turn, there’s NO reason to be mean to me, or anyone here.

7. Can I watch you squat more?

I can’t stop you from watching me but please don’t be so skeevy about it.

8. Get off, I’m ready for my last set.

Both men and women are at the gym to better themselves and become healthier and more in shape. The message of this story is to just not forget to respect each other and what we're actually doing here.