COLLEEN MARTYN
Opinions Writer

It seems there are three times each year when people decide to reinvent themselves: right after New Year’s, before summer and before students go back to school.

The reinvention occurs in numerous ways, with a sassy new hair-do and dye job, tanning excessively to give the illusion of a globetrotting glow, teeth whitening, new clothes and, of course, a good old fashioned workout.

Each method has its merits, but working out takes much more commitment and thought than the others. You have to choose your gym, decide on a workout time, pick what kind of exercises you want to do and what parts of your body you want to focus on the most. Then, after all has been decided ”“ gym, workout, music ”“ you can finally walk across the crowded gym to the treadmill while everyone stares at you.

Oh yes, it happens. It doesn’t matter if you are wearing short shorts, long pants, sweat pants or the baggiest sweatshirt you grab out of the bottom of your closet. There will always be people, guys and girls, who use the gym as their own personal hunting ground.

People-watching is one thing. When you are running on a treadmill that doesn’t have a built in television, humans are great entertainment, but when I am trying to do my workout under the watchful eyes of guys badly impersonating Arnold Schwarzenegger it becomes a little too much.

I am a smaller girl who lifts more weight than people probably think I can. And yes, I prefer to wear shorts instead of long pants. That does not mean that I go to the gym to be picked up.

The gym is supposed to be a place to make yourself stronger, perhaps thinner, more toned and more flexible, but most importantly to make you healthier. Sure it can be flattering to have men (or women) do a double take when you walk by, but the bar is a much more appropriate place to gawk at your fellow patrons.

That is why I am so thankful for ladies only areas in gyms. Hallelujah! Finally, a place where I don’t have to feel like I am on display for the entire world to see. I am sure this sounds absolutely self-centered and vain, but it is true. I know many women who have expressed frustration at trying to do their workouts only to become so self-conscious they cannot continue.

It happens to guys too. Several of my male teammates have felt chased around the gym by the girls who halfheartedly attempt to lift weights in order to keep their position beside the boys.

I have not even mentioned the three ring circus that is the stretching area. Stretching is a vital part of any workout routine, but heaven help you if you are someone who incorporates the splits or different forms of gymnastic movements.

Three different types of people will take notice of this: those who look with disdain that you are daring to do something they think should be kept on a stage with a pole, people who think it is quite amazing what a little hard work gets you and people who mentally take the image of you stretching to a level that Playboy would be proud of.

It is hard to be able to block out the stares and the feeling of being under scrutiny, but it is possible. A ladies only area helps greatly, but so does great music, a workout buddy who helps you through the tough reps and knowing that you are there to be better than you once were.

Try not to acknowledge the looks or the feeling of being looked at as a negative. See yourself as a role model for serious athletes, or people who don’t know where to start. Use the scrutiny to improve your technique. Most importantly, hit the gym with the knowledge that no matter what the guys or girls watching you are thinking, you are there for yourself.

Chances are you are too good for anyone who tries to pick you up and impress you by lifting an obscene amount of weight accompanied with macho grunts right beside your area.

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photo: Chris Uhl