I typically workout from home and do a lot of pilates and smaller weights (5-10 lbs). It’s more convenient for me as I live at home and commute to school. It’s also a lot more comfortable; I don’t have strangers (particularly guys) staring at me and judging my level of fitness. It becomes my own space that I can achieve my own goals, rather than try to compete with others.
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That being said, I’ve always wanted to go to a legitimate gym. Weights seem fun and the machines look very effective… and intimidating. I went with my friend the other day. She was able to show me the different machines and I got a taste of what the Forge could offer.
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These are just a few of my very first impressions of the St Dennis gym:
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1.) It’s a concrete jungle
There’s no colour! It’s just a wide array of different shades of grey (no, not like the book). In that way, it was even more intimidating. I’m used to wearing bright and girly workout clothes and working out in a homey, colourful environment. The monochromatic scene made it seem even business-like and sophisticated. This immediately made me even more nervous – what was I doing there?!
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2.) I really like weights
The pilates girl likes weights! It’s hard and at first seems really awkward on the larger muscles (typically I work the smaller muscles that deal with balance and stability), but I see why people get so revved up over weights. I can only imagine how exciting it is to reach a new PR. You immediately feel it, unlike pilates where it takes quite a few reps. In the gym, you don’t have to do so many reps, but you get to lift a lot more.
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3.) There’s a high majority of guys
This is sad for someone as feminist as me. There were 2 girls I saw among maybe 25 men (it was a slow time of day). That isn’t to say that the girls weren’t kicking some serious butt, but I think that’s why so many girls are hesitant to go to the gym – they’re afraid that it’s such a male-dominated scene. Maybe this statistic is biased and it’s usually more even. I wouldn’t know as I’ve only been to the Forge once. To touch on some fears that women have when going to the gym, yes the guys did look, but maybe that’s only because I’ve recently dyed my hair purple. But they didn’t stare. They acknowledged I was there and left me be. Sure, I felt weak in comparison and I had to laugh at myself, but overall, it wasn’t an unbearable sense of inferiority. Just a lot of dudes getting buff.
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4.) Everyone has their own goals and interests
There are so many different machines that target different parts of your body just as there are many different reasons to go to the gym. Some are participating in bodybuilding competitions, some are trying to lose the freshman 15, and some are just there to release some stress. Because of this, you can’t worry about what others are doing – they’re all doing something different. You just have to focus on your own goals and reasons for being there. It’s a no-judging zone, even though it’s easy to feel intimidated. It’s normal to feel ashamed or uncomfortable, but you get over it and start doing your own thing. It’s empowering.
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I definitely suggest everyone to go check out the Forge. I don’t suggest you go right after running a few laps and doing some pilates as you will hurt just getting into the Forge. It was a fear of mine to put myself in such an unknown and vulnerable situation, but now I’m excited to go back with friends to do my best and eventually do even better than that. It’s a great gym that offers many utilities for you to reach your goals. And it’s free for students! If a pilates girl can do it, so can you!