Before I begin, I would just like to clarify a few things. First, this letter is purely based in my experience at my gym. It is a gym I have gone to since I was nine years old and one that I think is overall a great gym. Second, I would not consider myself to be a “weightlifter” but I do lift weights at least five days a week and know how every machine in my gym works. Without further ado, let’s begin.

Dear Men in the Weight Room,

I would like to begin this letter with a big thank you for your concern for my wellbeing and your desire to help ensure that I am aware that I am the only woman in the weight room, but I really do know what I am doing. Rather than approaching me to tell me that you’d be happy to show me around and teach me how to use the equipment, you return to whatever machine you were using, so that you can bulk up. I think it would be a better way to assert your masculinity than trying to show me how to use machines I already use. Instead of staring at me while I use the leg press, how about you give me a nice and enthusiastic round of applause! That way, you can both show me that you notice that there is a woman (gasp!) in the weight room and that you recognize my hard work. Another thank you for the men who have offered time and time again to remove the weights from my machines after I am done with them. I put them on, so I can clearly remove them, but thank you for your fear that I will “strain [myself].” How very gentlemanly of you.

To the guy who I went to school with seven years who asked me “You lift? But why?” while I was leaving the weight room after my workout. Yes, I do lift thank you for noticing. To address the second part of your question, why do you lift? I’m guessing that we have similar answers. No, I do not want to bulk up, but I do want to gain muscle, become stronger, and have more definition. By the way, I lift significantly more than you.

The majority of these instances have been with men who are over thirty, so maybe it’s a big shock that women these days are actually lifting weights, but it’s time that you realize that it is normal. With increasing pressure for girls to have a flat stomach and a Kim Kardashian butt from the media, social media, and men, it should not be a surprise that more and more women are lifting weights and spending more time at the gym. Yes, the weight room is a male dominated space, but that does not mean that it is a men’s only space. If I am using the machines and weights properly, safely, and fairly then why shouldn’t I be able to use the equipment without people assuming that I am new to lifting weights?

All in all, thank you for your concern, but it is really not needed. Enjoy your muscle milk and continue with your set.

Sincerely,

The Woman in the Weight Room

P.S. Please use the wipes that the gym provided to wipe down the equipment. I would prefer not to unknowingly bathe in your sweat.