FabSwingers.com forum: Fitness classes dominated by women...

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

My gym offers a number of classes and with me not being massively au fait with weight lifting routines and the like, I am considering some of the classes ..yoga, pilates, body pump etc...however, whenever I walk by, there are never any men in there...

As a result - though I'm a paying customer with the same 'rights' etc - I'm a bit wary as I don't want to disrupt the existing dynamic.

Has anybody else faced a similar dilemma...?

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By *bi HaiveMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Cheeseville, Somerset

"My gym offers a number of classes and with me not being massively au fait with weight lifting routines and the like, I am considering some of the classes ..yoga, pilates, body pump etc...however, whenever I walk by, there are never any men in there...

As a result - though I'm a paying customer with the same 'rights' etc - I'm a bit wary as I don't want to disrupt the existing dynamic.

Has anybody else faced a similar dilemma...? "

Dilemma?

Being the only guy in a room full of women in lycra, working out?

What friggin dilemma? lol

Should be a single guys dream.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I've often thought about joining a yoga group....but I have a foot fetish so it could be a bit awkward..

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By *irtyGirlWoman
over a year ago

Edinburgh

As a result - though I'm a paying customer with the same 'rights' etc - I'm a bit wary as I don't want to disrupt the existing dynamic.

Has anybody else faced a similar dilemma...?

Dilemma?

Being the only guy in a room full of women in lycra, working out?

What friggin dilemma? lol

Should be a single guys dream.

This!

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By *adybee77Woman
over a year ago

MAMOBA, miles and miles of bugger all (Aberdeenshire)

I teach in my local gym sometimes, and make everyone welcome.

Often classes do appeal to ladies as there is not the same competition as there can be in the gym, and it can be a bit more sociable.

Get in there - trust me, once the class starts - everyone is in their own zone and could not tell you who is next to them.

Chat to the instructors beforehand and just tell them you are new. They'll help you settle in too.

Enjoy!

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I teach in my local gym sometimes, and make everyone welcome.

Often classes do appeal to ladies as there is not the same competition as there can be in the gym, and it can be a bit more sociable.

Get in there - trust me, once the class starts - everyone is in their own zone and could not tell you who is next to them.

Chat to the instructors beforehand and just tell them you are new. They'll help you settle in too.

Enjoy!"

Feel better.... Thank you.

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By *bi HaiveMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Cheeseville, Somerset

"I teach in my local gym sometimes, and make everyone welcome.

Often classes do appeal to ladies as there is not the same competition as there can be in the gym, and it can be a bit more sociable.

Get in there - trust me, once the class starts - everyone is in their own zone and could not tell you who is next to them.

Chat to the instructors beforehand and just tell them you are new. They'll help you settle in too.

Enjoy!"

And if there's lots of bending over going on?

Make sure you arrive late and get a position at the back of the class!

Think 'Eric Prydz' video.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As a result - though I'm a paying customer with the same 'rights' etc - I'm a bit wary as I don't want to disrupt the existing dynamic.

Has anybody else faced a similar dilemma...? "

My male partner comes to classes with me sometimes. He loves it. The women there don't treat him any differently. You should go if you fancy it. Or try something like spin where there is more likely to be more men. Classes after work are more likely to have more men too, since women are still statistically more likely to be free during the day (child rearing, part time work, etc.)

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By *adybee77Woman
over a year ago

MAMOBA, miles and miles of bugger all (Aberdeenshire)

"I teach in my local gym sometimes, and make everyone welcome.

Often classes do appeal to ladies as there is not the same competition as there can be in the gym, and it can be a bit more sociable.

Get in there - trust me, once the class starts - everyone is in their own zone and could not tell you who is next to them.

Chat to the instructors beforehand and just tell them you are new. They'll help you settle in too.

Enjoy!

Feel better.... Thank you. "

Get along there - and do update when you have been - when you planning on going?

It'll be great! Oh, and I know you would be cool - but don't see it as a pick up joint - speak to people but remember they are there for a workout not to be cracked on to... thats what the best male gym buddies do

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

As a result - though I'm a paying customer with the same 'rights' etc - I'm a bit wary as I don't want to disrupt the existing dynamic.

Has anybody else faced a similar dilemma...?

Dilemma?

Being the only guy in a room full of women in lycra, working out?

What friggin dilemma? lol

Should be a single guys dream.

Arousal would be a distraction....so on this occasion, the dream would be to get into the lotus position without dislocation my hips/knees etc

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I teach in my local gym sometimes, and make everyone welcome.

Often classes do appeal to ladies as there is not the same competition as there can be in the gym, and it can be a bit more sociable.

Get in there - trust me, once the class starts - everyone is in their own zone and could not tell you who is next to them.

Chat to the instructors beforehand and just tell them you are new. They'll help you settle in too.

Enjoy!

Feel better.... Thank you. "

You'll be fine.

Just make sure your gym shorts match your purse...

*macho joke alert*

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By *lorious hole bs16Man
over a year ago

Bristol

I used to attend aerobic classes and often was the sole guy representative,never an issue for me,altho I felt one or two women resented me being there..

Paid my subs and got on with it...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As a result - though I'm a paying customer with the same 'rights' etc - I'm a bit wary as I don't want to disrupt the existing dynamic.

Has anybody else faced a similar dilemma...? "

Yes I used to do Zumba , at my local council sports centre

I do it for ages, I had dated a few girls that were in the class, before I joined the class.

Just went in anyone who looked me in face said hello to ,

Best place to stand is in the middle , so you can follow the ones who do it properly ,

Also you will notice if you go in early that there will be very few women in front of you . Mostly behind

Just go do it , don't be worried it's a bloody good laugh , and well worth it

And also a great way of feeling good, about your body .

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I teach in my local gym sometimes, and make everyone welcome.

Often classes do appeal to ladies as there is not the same competition as there can be in the gym, and it can be a bit more sociable.

Get in there - trust me, once the class starts - everyone is in their own zone and could not tell you who is next to them.

Chat to the instructors beforehand and just tell them you are new. They'll help you settle in too.

Enjoy!

Feel better.... Thank you.

Get along there - and do update when you have been - when you planning on going?

I hate talking to people in the gym....mainly because I'm terrible at small talk and I'm not very knowledgeable on fitness related stuff. I normally stick ear phones in and try to focus on looking like I know what I'm doing whilst trying to not get distracted by the healthy fit bodies all around me!

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

As a result - though I'm a paying customer with the same 'rights' etc - I'm a bit wary as I don't want to disrupt the existing dynamic.

Has anybody else faced a similar dilemma...? "

Yes. Tons of stinky blokes and young. So I feel it on gender and age lines.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

As a result - though I'm a paying customer with the same 'rights' etc - I'm a bit wary as I don't want to disrupt the existing dynamic.

Has anybody else faced a similar dilemma...?

Yes I used to do Zumba , at my local council sports centre

I do it for ages, I had dated a few girls that were in the class, before I joined the class.

Just went in anyone who looked me in face said hello to ,

Best place to stand is in the middle , so you can follow the ones who do it properly ,

Also you will notice if you go in early that there will be very few women in front of you . Mostly behind

Just go do it , don't be worried it's a bloody good laugh , and well worth it

And also a great way of feeling good, about your body ."

Lol... Reminds me of a time many years ago when Zumba was quite new. I'd decided to attend a class..and as I walked into the studio, I realised it was all women...so pretended I'd taken a wrong term and scampered out...and probably onto the treadmill.

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By *adybee77Woman
over a year ago

MAMOBA, miles and miles of bugger all (Aberdeenshire)

"I hate talking to people in the gym....mainly because I'm terrible at small talk and I'm not very knowledgeable on fitness related stuff. I normally stick ear phones in and try to focus on looking like I know what I'm doing whilst trying to not get distracted by the healthy fit bodies all around me!"

There won't be much time for small talk, but a quick hello certainly makes a class easier. Get along 5 - 10mins before your first class starts, and introduce yourself to the instructor. Knowing a name makes it much easier for us to help you through the class - either with technique pointers or motivation! Then they also have time to help you set up as some classes (bodypump etc) require equipment...

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By *issHottieBottieWoman
over a year ago

Kent

The classes I do are nearly all women! Only a few guys at spin, and one who does Pilates and body pump. It's a shame because everyone is very welcoming and we all have a good laugh with him!

It's totally the opposie for me as im often the only female in the weights section at the gym surrounded by big blokes... It's a tough job but someone's gotta do it!!

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I'm thinking this evening... There's yoga and Pilates... I've done a teeny bit of hot yoga before but I'm not really sure which class to pick

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Why complain about a room full of women in gym gear? Just make sure you're at the back of the room so you can perv on them.

Not that I do that kind of thing

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By *issHottieBottieWoman
over a year ago

Kent

"I'm thinking this evening... There's yoga and Pilates... I've done a teeny bit of hot yoga before but I'm not really sure which class to pick"

Pilates is much better IMHO.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Also... If I'm not doing any weights (yet) how many classes out one do in a week...bear in mind I'm a relative newbie to gyms...

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I'm thinking this evening... There's yoga and Pilates... I've done a teeny bit of hot yoga before but I'm not really sure which class to pick

Pilates is much better IMHO. "

Pilates it is then! Thank you

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Join a Martial Arts class, that`ll get you fit, Russian Systema is amazing.

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By *issHottieBottieWoman
over a year ago

Kent

"Why complain about a room full of women in gym gear? Just make sure you're at the back of the room so you can perv on them.

Not that I do that kind of thing

Last time I ended up not at the front in my body pump class the woman in front of me had leggings on so thin (and a thong) that I could actually see a spot on her arse! I make sure I get there very early now!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

C'mon Guilty. You need to lift some iron geezer! You'll see results like that. You need to get cracking. You've mentioned this for a while now.

Time to put it in to action.

...no offence intended.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Have you tried circuit training or boxing as a work out x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Also... If I'm not doing any weights (yet) how many classes out one do in a week...bear in mind I'm a relative newbie to gyms... "

Depends how much you enjoy it. I'm currently doing classes 4-5 times a week, plus a couple of sessions lifting weights and the occasional jog when my thigh injury allows it (not related to exercise...).

You might want to start off with two classes and see how you feel in a few weeks before adding more. It's easy to get too enthusiastic too quickly.

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By *issHottieBottieWoman
over a year ago

Kent

"Also... If I'm not doing any weights (yet) how many classes out one do in a week...bear in mind I'm a relative newbie to gyms... "

First class I ever did was a body conditioning class. I had DOMS so bad for 4 days I could even sit on the loo without nearly crying!! Ha!

Now if I can squeeze it in I do body conditoning, body pump and legs,bums and tums. Which are weight based and piloxing and insanity which are Casio based. Plus I get to the gym whenever I can. If you get into it and find classes you enjoy them you'll go regularly! X

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As a result - though I'm a paying customer with the same 'rights' etc - I'm a bit wary as I don't want to disrupt the existing dynamic.

Has anybody else faced a similar dilemma...? "

Get yourself in there

no one will even notice

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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

I haven't read all the posts so forgive me if I'm repeating anything.

This was covered on R4 recently (probably Woman's Hour). There are places introducing men only classes as men won't attend classes dominated by women. So, look up men only classes online and see if there are any near you.

My yoga group is small but we have had men join over the years. They generally stay for a couple of years.

If you can't find an all male class join a class and try and get more men involved too. If there's enough demand the market will respond.

Enjoy.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Well that was a waste of time...I got in early, introduced my self to a couple of ladies already there...laid down my mat and one asked whether I was going to lead the session as the normal person was away... I quickly realised it was because I'd placed my mat at the 'front' of the studio, so quickly scurried to the back.

Long story short - there was another guy which put me at ease...however...the instructor didn't show up!

In the end we left, and I went to the gym area and followed a fitness programme is stored on my phone...

I'll give it another go on Thursday ..and see what fate has in store for me then!

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By *empting Devil.Woman
over a year ago

Sheffield

I used to go to yoga and pilates classes that were mainly female but a few of the big guys who did lots of weights started going to to improve their flexibility. They were made welcome and included in the brief chats before and after the sessions and they were also easy on the eye - women like to perv too, we're simply more discreet about it!

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I used to go to yoga and pilates classes that were mainly female but a few of the big guys who did lots of weights started going to to improve their flexibility. They were made welcome and included in the brief chats before and after the sessions and they were also easy on the eye - women like to perv too, we're simply more discreet about it!

If I can keep this up, in about 6 months hopefully I'll be relatively easy on the eye too!!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As a result - though I'm a paying customer with the same 'rights' etc - I'm a bit wary as I don't want to disrupt the existing dynamic.

Has anybody else faced a similar dilemma...? "

Sorry to sound harsh but man up.

I have been to many classes over the year's and been only guy.

Yoga, step, aerobics, even did an aquafit class once.

Just don't underestimate how tough some of these classes are.

Must be harder for a woman to do a class and be the only woman??

You know the men are leching, at least women are usually more discreet.

Also I'd your gonna do yoga expect lots of farting. Every time I go the women are like a brass bloody band, parping all the time.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I've attended these classes with my wife and really enjoy them. The bit where the ladies squat is one of the highlights

A few weeks lady one of the girls in the class came on to us when we were out on the town

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"There are places introducing men only classes as men won't attend classes dominated by women.

They need to get a grip and man up I wonder if it's the same guys that think women like men with money or the ones that whinge on the forum

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As a result - though I'm a paying customer with the same 'rights' etc - I'm a bit wary as I don't want to disrupt the existing dynamic.

Has anybody else faced a similar dilemma...?

Dilemma?

Being the only guy in a room full of women in lycra, working out?

What friggin dilemma? lol

Should be a single guys dream.

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By *yrdwomanWoman
over a year ago

Putting the 'cum' in Eboracum

Plenty of men go to my fitness classes.

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By *hocolate007Man
over a year ago

london

As a result - though I'm a paying customer with the same 'rights' etc - I'm a bit wary as I don't want to disrupt the existing dynamic.

Has anybody else faced a similar dilemma...? "

what you on about man, you should be glad you the only man there. Less competition for you. Im definately signing up to a gym class soon

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By *carineMan
over a year ago

Armthorpe, Doncaster

I see that an NFL team has hired the first ever woman as a manager. Only another eleven to go and they can make a calendar.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

As a result - though I'm a paying customer with the same 'rights' etc - I'm a bit wary as I don't want to disrupt the existing dynamic.

Has anybody else faced a similar dilemma...?

what you on about man, you should be glad you the only man there. Less competition for you. Im definately signing up to a gym class soon

Lol!

They're not easy, these classes...I think maybe the women are just outlasting us guys... It's not the first time such a thing is known to have happened!

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By *yrdwomanWoman
over a year ago

Putting the 'cum' in Eboracum

As a result - though I'm a paying customer with the same 'rights' etc - I'm a bit wary as I don't want to disrupt the existing dynamic.

Has anybody else faced a similar dilemma...?

what you on about man, you should be glad you the only man there. Less competition for you. Im definately signing up to a gym class soon

Lol!

They're not easy, these classes...I think maybe the women are just outlasting us guys... It's not the first time such a thing is known to have happened! "

Aaah, its all becoming clear. You have no problem being the only bloke, you just don't want to be left panting while we're all schooling you.

I can tell you now, any halfway decent class and no-one will be looking at you. We'll be too busy dying on our arses ourselves.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Aaah, its all becoming clear. You have no problem being the only bloke, you just don't want to be left panting while we're all schooling you.

I can tell you now, any halfway decent class and no-one will be looking at you. We'll be too busy dying on our arses ourselves."

Let it never be said that you're not a sharp lady!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Aaah, its all becoming clear. You have no problem being the only bloke, you just don't want to be left panting while we're all schooling you.

I can tell you now, any halfway decent class and no-one will be looking at you. We'll be too busy dying on our arses ourselves.

Let it never be said that you're not a sharp lady!

I am 46 , and can do the zumba , without breaking a sweat , you must be some pansy if you cant keep up with the women at the council sports centre .most of them in the classes I went to during school hours could not walk across the hall without getting out of breath.

I reckon if you can do a mile in less than 5 or 6 mins , you wont even break a sweat .

anyway most of them in the class will be worrying they cant kep up with the man lol

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Aaah, its all becoming clear. You have no problem being the only bloke, you just don't want to be left panting while we're all schooling you.

I can tell you now, any halfway decent class and no-one will be looking at you. We'll be too busy dying on our arses ourselves.

Let it never be said that you're not a sharp lady!

I reckon if you can do a mile in less than 5 or 6 mins , you wont even break a sweat .

anyway most of them in the class will be worrying they cant kep up with the man lol

Pansy..me?

How'dya guess...?

Anyway, in my defence, these aren't council gym goers.... I'll keep it up though.. Can't be thought of as a pansy!!

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

Just get stuck in. You will probably lighten the class for some women as they're not all cost groups. Follow your objectives and forget anything else.

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By *entaur_UKMan
over a year ago

Cannock

I sometimes do body pump and sometimes I'm the only guy there, but got to know the instructor and some of the women there over the weeks and months and can have a bit of cheeky banter and a laugh with them now.

If you want a class with more men in do circuit training, I do it every week and ratio is about 50/50 men and women.

I've seen some of the women from the classes out on the town at the weekends and got chatting to them in bars, some of them have been quite flirty after a few drinks so you never know your luck.

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By *azLilyCouple
over a year ago

Liverpool

Stop being a whimp.

I wandered into insanity and it was 50/50 m to f I thought no worries. 2 weeks later I was 1 of 3 guys still going surrounded by another 25 women.

I wasn't the best or the worst but there is no way anyone can look sexy or hot when everyone is literally streaming with sweat so don't worry your not going to get raped (like in porn films).

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Stop being a whimp.

I wandered into insanity and it was 50/50 m to f I thought no worries. 2 weeks later I was 1 of 3 guys still going surrounded by another 25 women.

I wasn't the best or the worst but there is no way anyone can look sexy or hot when everyone is literally streaming with sweat so don't worry your not going to get raped (like in porn films). "

Lol...I'm convinced now!

Thank you!

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By *ee VianteWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in North Norfolk

I've never had a problem with there being men in any of the classes I've been to (in the distant past now) and I've not known any other women mind. Guys have been made just as welcome as the women.

If you want to join, go ahead.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I've never had a problem with there being men in any of the classes I've been to (in the distant past now) and I've not known any other women mind. Guys have been made just as welcome as the women.

If you want to join, go ahead."

Body pump booked for tomorrow..

Going to get my nails buffed in the meantime and if I have a free moment, untwist my lacy undergarments!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I've never had a problem with there being men in any of the classes I've been to (in the distant past now) and I've not known any other women mind. Guys have been made just as welcome as the women.

If you want to join, go ahead.

Body pump booked for tomorrow..

Going to get my nails buffed in the meantime and if I have a free moment, untwist my lacy undergarments! "

Body pump is a great class, you'll love It!

Good luck and enjoy!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Position yourself centrally in line of sight to the gym instructor.

During the squats the sight of her camel toe(s) will give you enough adrenaline to forget about the 50kg you're trying to pump.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I taught boxercise for 10 years and it was 90% women all the time

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By *irty130Couple
over a year ago

Bristol Area

What if there are a dozen more guys who all walk past these classes thinking "I'd be the only guy".

Someone has to be the first, others will follow.

If you're there to work out, no-one will bat an eyelid. If you're there to perve, you will be found out pretty quickly.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"What if there are a dozen more guys who all walk past these classes thinking "I'd be the only guy".

Someone has to be the first, others will follow.

If you're there to work out, no-one will bat an eyelid. If you're there to perve, you will be found out pretty quickly.

I teach a predominantly female orientated class, but I have a small contingent of men. One in particular comes regularly - we used to joke that he had it pretty sweet, coming and working out with a bunch of fit girls, but we didn't complain, especially as he works so hard, is a great guy, and looks pretty hot with his shirt off. haha."
i had ond guy who never missed my classes and i taught in 4 different places trough the week and he traveled to all including a few women come to think of it

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