How to Keep Guys from Eye Molesting You at the Gym
Tips to avoid men during your workout
It’s the ultimate Catch-22. You work out at the gym to look good and feel good, but it’s disturbing and uncomfortable when a guy starts giving you unwanted attention.
There are ways to avoid the “eye molesters” at the gym. Our fitness experts share their tips on what to do and what not to do to get the most out of your workout without having to deal with jerks. It is possible to work out without getting picked up.
Focus on your workout
Derek Durkin, an ACSM certified personal trainer at Barry’s Bootcamp Boston, said, “The best way to keep the guys from nagging you is to do what you're supposed to do at the gym, which is work out. Coming from a man's perspective, whether in a group fitness class or standard gym, I won't go up and talk to anyone that's working their tail off because it's rude. Show the guys you're all business at the gym, that you're there to sweat, shower, and head back to the office. Once they see how hard you're working they'll want to make sure you see them working their butts off, and guess what, now you've flipped the script.”
Angela Mader, founder of Fitlosophy, said, “Guys trying to interrupt you? Politely say, ‘Sorry, I'm in the middle of a set,’ and quickly get back to your workout. They'll learn to respect your work out time and that you're there to workout, not meet your next boyfriend.”
Keep your clothing classy
Mader said it’s important to wear the right clothes. “Girls, you have every right to wear what you want, but c'mon, if you wear the low-cut boob-barin' workout tops and booty shorts, you're not only gonna get looks from the guys, but I'm guilty of gawking myself. Choose gym-appropriate attire that doesn't scream ‘look at me’ and keep it classy.”
Tim Wilkins, fitness comedian, speaker and author of Laugh Your Abs Off!, agreed. “Just because some people think it’s a meat market doesn't mean you have to leave your goods showing in the display case. Cleavage and uncovered skin-tight clothes are even hotter in the gym environment so try to find something that suits your workout without riling the cavemen,” Wilkins said.
But wait, there’s more, Wilkins said. “Putting a sweatshirt over skintight yoga pants with logos like 'Juicy' 'Yummy' or anything else defeats the purpose. If you are truly going to the gym to work out and not draw people to you, dress down without sponsored parts.”
Wear headphones
Mader said that headphones are another way to shut out unwanted attention. “Whether you're a guy or a girl, get wired with headphones and music so you can zone out and focus in on your workout. You're less likely to get bugged by a guy when you look like a chick on a workout mission.”
Skip the makeup
Wilkins said there’s no need for makeup at the gym. “If you are going to the gym to sweat and lose weight, why are you wearing two pounds of makeup? You are drawing attention to yourself when you first get there and even more when your workout heats up and you start to look like someone through water on an oil painting.”
Avoid the “leg-spreader machine”
Face it, Wilkins said. You can’t use the “leg-spreader machine” at the gym without getting looks. “For men in their primal stages of working out, the adductor/abductor machine that looks where you spread your legs over and over is like flashing the ‘Hot Now’ sign at Krispy Kreme. Stop it. It doesn't tone anything and it's creating a worthless enticement. Do some squats or lunges.”
Learn to “Sup”
Wilkins said, “You've seen guys do it a million times; when someone makes eye contact they acknowledge it with a flip of the head that says, ‘What up?’ and starts and ends the whole conversation. Put your hat on, headphones in and learn to bob your head like a dude.”
Avoid eye contact
Alison Roessler, CEO and founder of Truve, said, “Avoid excessive eye contact or smiles. It is terrible to say, because why shouldn't we be able to smile and be polite, but it gives men an ‘in’ and they often take it as a sign that you are interested in them.”
Watch your body language
Dan Flores, a master personal trainer in NYC, said it’s important to watch your body language in the gym. “Look like you know what you're doing. Lending assistance to a lady in distress is the oldest ice breaker in the book. The wrong body language can signal men and leave openings for guys to approach. A woman needs to make sure she's confident in what she's doing in the gym by having a planned routine for the day.”
