Typically when I go to the gym, I have - until very recently - either kept my eyes down or focussed on something (a point on the wall, for example) so I can concentrate better. The result is that I'm pretty much oblivious to what's going on around me.
I'm starting to come out of my daze a bit. Now, on occasion, I notice people who have good posture, for example. (Posture being something that has been -- and continues to be -- drilled into my head.)
When I see someone who stands up straight, I think to myself, "Hhmm... good posture!" Still though... It barely registers whether the human form in front of me is male or female.
As of today, I think the daze is officially over.
I was in the locker room, changing for my workout. I was in a bit of a hurry, as the conference I have to attend and present at is today and tomorrow, so I had to squeeze my workout in first thing in the morning, or it wasn't going to happen at all.
There was another girl in there at the same time as me, also getting out of street clothes and into gym clothes.
As I stood in front of the mirror, exasperated, trying to get my hair into a French braid (and failing miserably, as usual!), I noticed the other girl, who was also standing at the mirror.
And I was gobsmacked.
Not because she was beautiful (though I'm sure many would say that she was), but because she had a full make-up kit spread out all over the vanity. We're talking - the works - foundation, eye makeup, blush, eyebrow pencil, mascara, lip gloss, powder - you name it. She had more make up than my drag queen hair stylist, Deva Dave.
And she was using it -- ALL -- to get made up -- to go work out!!
I fumbled with my braid as she filled in perfect eyebrows, followed by long, sweeping strokes of her mascara brush.
Hell, I'm lucky if I remember to chuck on some lip balm so my lips don't get all dry and cracked as I'm huffing and puffing -- and even then, I forget half the time.
Needless to say, I got out of the locker room before her.
I did see her later, looking like she had never sweated a drop in her life. While, I, on other hand, dripped with sweat (let's make no mistake here.... there's no ladylike "glowing" going on...And it's not pretty, trust me.)
If I plod, this one pranced... all over the gym.
"What's the point?" I asked myself, knowing the answer, full well, of course... Though I confess, it had never occurred to me that anyone might go to the gym for any other reason than to... er... exercise?!
Still though... I don't get it.
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6 comments:
Well, I know there were quite a few female students that I attended University with who went to the gym with the express reason of meeting like-minded men who were into fitness and looking buff. They did similar things to the routine you observed. Usually, they were the type that looked like they spent every waking hour in the gym because otherwise how could they have such impossibly perfect bodies. It is my personal theory that the need to wear signficant make-up at the gym is a sign of insecurity, but that's just my opinion.
I am suprised that you haven't heard that one's local gym is just another version of the "bar scene." Instead of alcohol and cigarettes there is protein drinks and powerbars being served at the "juice" bar.
CM: Hhhhmmm... that's an angle I hadn't considered. Guess we all have our insecurities...
Mac: Acutally, NO, I hadn't heard that! (I guess I'm too used to the Latin clubs, where there might be coke deals going on at the bar, and people getting it on in the bathroom, so it never occurred to me that a health and fitness facility could resemble such a place. Guess I'm in the dark on all this...!)
The gym I go to does have a cafeteria (sort of), but I've no idea what they serve there, as I'm usually running to and from work/class in between workouts.
Come to think of it, I haven't been out salsa dancing lately... Hhhmmm... maybe it's time for a change of venue...
Oh, when you do, I want to see a photo of the red sequinned dress, okay? I'll live vicariously through you!
I agree with cm. There's definitely a complex under all that make-up, a desperation -- but what kind? To attract attention or to deflect it?
Umm. I think she's just gym-fluff, like you have bar-fluff, grocery store fluff (yes, also a pick-up joint, apparently in between the frozen pizza and the rutabaga you too can find the love of your life - or at least the next toyboy. or is it boytoy? anyway you get my drift)...fluff. it's all fluff.
Very denigrating for aforesaid fluffy woman, however it takes all kinds. I tend to view them mostly with pity (why do they need to do that?) and awe (how the HELL do they DO that?!) I must admit I admire the desire to look one's best every waking moment, but it's just beyond my ability. I'm in the lip balm and eww-I-dribbled-lunch-on-my-shirt-four-hours-ago category.
yay for sweat!
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