by Matiara Huff
If you don’t know basic gym rules, click here. These are the rules for a feminist at the gym.
1. Don’t let anyone stand over you.
I have mostly only seen women face this problem, but it happens to men as well. If someone decides that is okay to stand over you or stare at you while you use any equipment, tell them to FUCK OFF! It is rude and creepy. Don’t let anyone ruin your workout, because if you stop your workout early because some jerk made you uncomfortable you are only hurting yourself. If you don’t feel comfortable yelling at them, its okay to go get a staff member to handle it or to just purposely take longer.
2. Wear whatever the fuck you want.People always want to try to control what women wear at the gym, claim that it’s “too distracting”. The truth is, you can we
ar whatever you feel comfortable working out in. Remember that you are at the gym to better yourself not anyone else.
3. Only interfere if it gets dangerous.
At this time of year, there are always people that are new to the equipment. They will probably struggle a little and for the most part its best to ignore them, because no one wants to look up and see someone watching them struggle. It’s embarrassing. The only exception to that is if you see someone doing something dangerously wrong.
4. Check your insecurities at the door.
I know that this one may seem kind of harsh, but the thing is, EVERYONE at the gym is insecure. Many people are there to focus on fix there insecurities, so don’t let yours affect your workout.
5. Put your headphones in if you don’t want to be bothered.
Headphones will forever mean “don’t mess with me!” use that to your advantage if you need to!
6. You deserve your space.
This kind of goes back the first rule. Basically, all I am trying to say is don’t let yourself think that you are any less entitled to the equipment than anyone else. You are allowed to use that equipment for as long as you need, and you are allowed to take up as much space as you need. We all get in our own heads sometime, so this is just your reminder that you don’t have to modify your workout to accommodate others.
7. It’s okay to work out alone.
Working out alone can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if you are just starting to work out, or you don’t know the gym very well. Just remember that everyone there is doing the same thing you are.