The gym is a unique environment with some really wack trends and norms. But there are a few things you do see in every gym: tense silence only broken with the occasional grunt, some large personal bubbles, and some strong fashion choices.
Tell me why there is always that incredibly ripped man wearing a chopped up t-shirt and some raggidy shorts, lifting his entire body weight and then some, grunting every time he drops his weights? Belisa Vranich, a psychologist at Willspace, has an answer! Yoga instructors are notorious for telling you not to hold your breath, but when you are lifting massive weights, your body naturally holds its breath for a second and your core tenses up and creates a pressure to prevent your spine from snapping. Eventually, that air has to come out and, due to all of the pressure, will typically come out as a grunt.1 Still, don’t push yourself too hard!
Now, I get it--the grunting can be a bit much and you need your distance. But why does it seem like when you walk into the gym, your personal bubble expands 10 feet? According to Daily Mail, “up to 32 percent of gym rats admit to regularly interrupting their session to chat it up with friends.” That would also explain why, according to Daily Burn, one of the biggest problems gym goers face is people invading their space. So, cut the chit-chat and hop on the elliptical because a little sweat is good for the swole.
One of the most important decisions you will make at the gym is what to wear. You don’t want something too revealing, but you want your body to be able to breathe. You might want to wear something dumpy and comfy. You might want to wear something fierce. You might not care, but you should! According to Carrie Summers, Exercise Physiologist at Duke University, what you wear affects your motivation, productivity, and your confidence in the gym.
The history behind gym outfit trends is very interesting because gym outfits apparently have always been...eclectic. Images from the 1950s show men wearing speedos, high-waisted short shorts, and about half of the time they’re wearing a shirt. Women who worked out in the 1950s are caught in a variety of outfits including high waisted shorts, short sleeve t-shirts, leggings, collared shirts, and even dresses if they are in school. Moral of the story is wear something that doesn’t get in your way and makes you feel great!
Credits:
Created with images by 947051 - "bordeaux french dog" • RyanMcGuire - "running sprint cinder-track" • Parker Mauk - "dont jump"