Summer Shape-up: Getting Ready at the Gym

Last week I was very brave.  I worked out at the gym in the morning and then...got ready at the gym rather than drive home.  This was a big step for me.  I've discovered that I'm rather modest (my college roommates could have told you that), and I'm especially awkward in a room of naked women and lots of mirrors.  Now, I must admit that I haven't actually showered at the gym yet - that would be too big of a step all at once - especially with the size of the towels they provide.  Seriously, you have to choose which part of your nakedness you want to expose with those things.  Anyway, I've made several observations while trying to desperately avert my gaze. 

1.  A lot of women seem to think they need to put lotion all over their body after showering (and I do mean all over).  Personally, I haven't experienced the dry skin anywhere but my legs and arms before - does anyone else need a dose of all-over body lotion every morning?  Don't you stick to everything afterwards?  I am perplexed by this behavior. 

2.  There was a lot of wet hair leaving the gym.  Now, these women were obviously heading to work - they got dressed up in suits and dresses...but then walked out the door having just run a brush through soaking wet hair.  I think that seriously diminishes one's professionalism. 

3.  Everybody is interested in my fav - Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo.  Now, you all should know that I lah-ove this product.  Here's my past review if you didn't.  This is particularly handy at the gym if you are modest and not very sweaty because you can just rub it in around the forehead and eliminate any sweaty hair and completely freshen up.  I got a lot of questions about this from wet-haired ladies.

4.  I need a gym bag.  Chris' old backpack will not do.  Any suggestions?

Comments

[Susan]

Overcoming shyness in the locker room is much easier than you probably think.

My high school required us to shower after gym class. When I found out on my first day of my freshman year that we were going to have to shower in the group shower-room in the girls locker room after gym class everyday, I thought I'd die of embarrassment. But when I got home from school and I told my mother and my sister about it, they told me that they had also had to shower after gym class and that it wasn't a big deal. My sister told me that the last thing I wanted to do is act embarrassed being naked in front of the other girls in my class, that if I did act embarrassed I would just call more attention to myself, and that I'd be teased about it.

So the next day I made a point to just strip down quickly and not act shy or embarrassed. I think that actually made it easier for me. After a few days I really truly was no longer embarrassed by being naked in the locker room. In fact it's kind of liberating when you become comfortable with being naked in the locker room. You'll feel proud of yourself the first time you are able to bring yourself to shower at the gym without anxiety.

Good luck, hun.

Susan