Gym Etiquette & Body Haters

Hi Peaches!

So today I wanted to talk about something that I have been wondering about for sometime… Gym Etiquette.

Over the past few weeks a couple things have happened to make me think about this, but what is prompting me to write this post is something that happened just thirty minutes ago.

This morning I went to the gym as usual, and I did legs, cardio and abs today. I was just finishing up my cardio and cooling down on the stationary bike when I fella (lets call him X) came over to me and started chit chatting. We have talked a couple times before just to be polite, but today he said something to me that really hit a nerve. Our conversation went like this..

X : So you have got the whole workout part down, now you need to step up your game everywhere else.

Michal : What do you mean?

X : (does pushing arm motion) I mean you have to step away from the table.

Michal : Wait… what table?

X : (turning to the guy next to me) I think that guy knows what I mean.

At this point I was really confused I had no clue what in the world he was talking about.

X : I mean you have to step away from the table… the food.

Michal : Oh. Well I generally eat pretty healthy.

X : Yes, but you need to step it up a notch, cut down on the food.

Okay, am I overreacting to this? Be honest.

First of all since when is it okay for some stranger to comment on my physical appearance? He is not a personal trainer, or a fitness competitor he is just your average joe. And even if he was a personal trainer would that make it okay? I did not ask for his comments or advice, I know what I have to work on and am doing so my own way.

To be openly honest I do not have the best self-esteem. In my early teen years since I was so overweight sometimes I feel like I am always going to be “that girl.” The one who is overweight, unhappy and unconfidant. Working on my self-esteem is an on going thing, and self acceptance is a huge part of that. I do realize that my bod isn’t perfect right now, but in my post “Does Size Really Matter?” I said it best…

I am healthier than I have ever been. If I gain a couple of pounds, I know I can lose them the healthy way without extreme dieting or workouts. It?s not the number or size that matters, its how we feel about ourselves!

Its not the number or size that matters, its how we feel about ourselves!

This mans comment shattered me, but why am I letting it?

Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.

~Eleanor Roosevelt

Maybe I’m overreacting. Maybe he was trying to be friendly and help me out? Maybe he was just thinking I would appreciate the honesty. Well regardless of his reasoning and justification for making that comment those four words were enough to ruin my whole morning.

But I know now that I am more than just a size or a tag. I am healthier than I have ever been. I am strong and self sufficient and the only person whos opinion matters is my own. Not some random gym dude’s. I want to run, dance, lift, eat and enjoy life. Not worry about what other people think. End of story!

So where do I go from here?

Well for starters I made myself a healthy post gym snack and read one of my favorite magazines.

Pink lady apple and a handful of almonds.

Healthy fats + Complex carbs = one happy tummy.

Later I’m going to go out with a friend, and then tonight hit up a zumba class. Zumba ALWAYS makes me feel better. What are some things that you do to make you feel better when your down?

Michal ?

Question of the day – How do you deal with unwanted body comments?