Embarrassing Moments at the Gym
Everybody farts! You know passes gas, breaks wind, toots (please leave your favorite citations in the comments section below). At the gym or in yoga class if it’s you that broached the lines of politeness with a sound or a smell or both – no worries, it’s a gym!
What do you do about it?
You choose; you can say “excuse me” or ignore it or glare accusingly at the person next to you.
Gym hint* If you aren’t in a class but on the gym floor and have to let one rip, take a quick walk around. If you take a moment to notice, there are a lot of people who walk to the drinking fountain during their workouts – even when they have a full water bottle with them!
Broken bra strap or the mouse got out of his house? It happens, more often than you would think. And yes, usually someone saw your naked part. Really there is nothing else you can do but cover up. No need to be embarrassed. Just shrug, smile, and roll your eyes at the person who happened to catch your show.
Gym hint* It is always tempting to wear old cloths to the gym but for support you should wear a good sport bra – and guys – if you are wearing shorts, please have on a pair of undergarments with tight leg cuffs.
If you are a person who sweats so much it looks like you pee’d yourself and, if this is embarrassing for you, just wear darker clothing. There are powders available but I would suggest discussing that with your doctor first. Powders turn to caked bits of goo if you apply too much and honestly, sweating is normal.
Locker room dilemmas. Different people have different levels of comfort with their nakedness. Please do not use the toilet to change – someone is waiting to go potty. Usually there are changing sections or shower stalls for the incredibly shy.
But what do you do when you are minding your own business and a naked person decides to stand in front of you and chat?
Just act like it’s a normal thing and turn your back if you feel the need for your own privacy as you put on your pants or bra. This is one time when etiquette allows you to turn your back and still carry on a conversation.
Getting lost. Every time I am in a new gym (which happens frequently these days) I have no idea where anything is. And it appears that every gym manager or owner has their own sense of logic to the organization of the gym floor.
If I’m not in a rush I will stand there and scan the room or walk around and find what I am looking for. But if I am pinched for time I will go to the desk and politely request one of the staff show me around.
If you are new to a gym setting I strongly suggest you hire a personal trainer for several sessions. This will familiarize you with the equipment, their location and the use of each.
And remember – it’s your money, if you don’t “feel the vibe” with the first trainer you hire, hire a different one – we understand.
Here is a story of my own embarrassing moment looking stupid.
