As a frequent gym goer, I am all but a stranger to the judgment of the gym. I’m used to the side glances I get as I stretch before my workout; I see the girl next to me on the treadmill trying to mimic my pace. I feel the eyes that constantly track my every movement in the weight room because -- shockingly enough -- females can actually lift, too!
Just because I know I’m continuously judged, however, does NOT mean it’s okay.
This seems like common sense yet, for some reason, we still do it. We still judge others based on how they look and their performance levels in a place that is supposed to promote health and well-being.
For quite a few people, the gym is daunting. Like me, they know they’re being judged, but the fear of not being good enough is so overwhelming that they actually debate on whether or not to work out. Can you imagine that? Not going somewhere because you’re scared of being scrutinized by someone who has no idea who you are, let alone your health history or workout plans. It's heartbreaking to know that this is the reality for so many people, especially women.
Some people are just starting their fitness journey; just because their bodies do not meet the expectations of a gym guru doesn’t mean they’re not trying. Everyone has to start from somewhere -- there's nothing wrong with being a newbie.
Others go to the gym every day, sometimes twice a day. Just because they wear belts to dead life or have biceps larger than your waist doesn’t mean they’re conceited or self-obsessed. They like weight training as much as I like to nap -- where’s the harm in that?
As much as we judge others, we also judge ourselves. I know for a fact I compare the amount of weight I squat to the guy next to me every chance I get. I somehow forget he’s 7 inches taller and has 80 pounds on me and, instead, go straight to the fact that I cannot physically lift as much as him. Our bodies can’t even be compared biologically yet I’m still left feeling incompetent because my personal record is much lower than his.
It sounds ridiculous when these thoughts are put into words, but what’s even worse is the fact that all of this is actually happening. It's a reality that affects almost every gym attendee-- it's time we make a change and leave gym judging behind.
The gym is a place to better your health both mentally and physically. It’s a step in the right direction, a pillar for a healthy lifestyle. It’s a haven for some and a challenge for others, but, regardless, it is NOT a place to break out your inner Mean Girl towards both yourself and others.
Judgments towards others are unwanted, and the inner ridicule we speculate does more harm to ourselves than good. Bottom line, no one wins from gym judging -- so why keep doing it? Gym judging has got to go.
