Female athletes: we're pretty cool. We know how to work hard, manage time, stay dedicated, and have fun while doing it all. We know that our sports don't get as much love as men's, but we don't need anyone's approval. We love our sports enough for the world, and we put our hearts and soul into everything that we do. We've learned how to control our bodies, how to condition for the best results, and how to put work in at the gym. But, as a female athlete in what could be considered a "man's world", AKA, the gym, we've also learned how to deal with the sideways glances, and blatant confusion on people's faces. As a woman in the gym, we've adjusted to quite a few things while working out in one of our favorite places.

1. The look we get when we walk in.

Yes, hello, it is I, a woman. I'm going to go pick some heavy stuff up now.

2. The look we get when we walk to the free weights.

This is what most people look like when they see a girl walk past the machines, and walk right for the free weights. Hey, we have every right to use them. So we will.

3. How we feel when people realize we know what we're doing.

We like to prove people wrong, so we get a little excited when people finally catch on.

4. The looks we get when people realize we're stronger than we look.

It's OK. You can be impressed.

5. Oh, and God forbid if we're as strong (or stronger) than them.

It's OK man, really. We just do this. A lot.

6. When our core workout is intense, and makes everyone else's look measly.

Core is the most important part, didn't you know?

So please, guys. Next time you see one of us Female Athletes walk in the gym, don't look so surprised. We know what we're doing, and we're pretty good at it, too.