Locker Room Etiquette - the clothed, the ones that hide and the ones that let it all hang out!

As I'm 4 weeks into my workout program and 7 pounds lighter, I've been spending 5-6 mornings a week at my local gym.  The last time I really did the whole gym thing was in college, and we had very private areas to get dressed and showered in.  At my current gym though, it's basically one large locker room area, the shower areas, bathrooms, and then the mirrors/hairdryers/hairspray areas. 

I'm one of those that has a life outside the gym, and since I've done 45 minutes of weights and 30 minutes of cardio, I really need to do a quick shower and get out of the place!  What I've noticed is that there are women, usually in the 40-55 demographic that literally spend upwards of 2 hours in the locker rooms.... and 9 times out of ten they are there for those 2 hours completely nude. 

I'm not a prude.  I don't hide in the stalls to undress or anything.  I simply shower, grab my towel, head to my locker drop my towel for maybe 20 seconds!!, get dressed in a tank and jeans, head to the hairdryers in this outfit, get makeup on, go back to my locker put on my blouse and leave! 

Why do women think it's perfectly ok to be hanging out all nude (it's fine for them, but personally I don't think 99 percent of the ladies want to see them!) why putting on lotion and makeup in the common areas?  Would it be too much inconvenience to put on bras/undies or a towel?  Why do people put their feet up on the counters and shave their toes?  Lotion up like its a sex scene from a movie? 

Anyway, I'm not ashamed of nudity, but I personally don't want to see it in a locker room's makeup area.  I'm perfectly fine if someone is naked for a moment while they get dressed, but I think it's bizarre when it's so excessive and ladies are watching tv in the lounge nude and in the room for hours (they're there when I check-in and still naked 1hr+ later when I'm in the shower!).

I once saw one of these naked ladies outside the gym when I was at the Mall, and I told my friend it was the Naked Lady and she agreed, and said her gym was the same way.  I know people here will say it's all my problem and I need to get over it, but it's a pet peeve of mine. 

Original Post by brazilian10:

Hi Betsy,

I guess I'd be one of those who bothers you. I do spend time working out but when I get to the change room I do like stripping down and just relaxing that way, even after I've had a shower. Usually I still feel warm from the work out after a shower and of course it's after a workout that I feel happiest with my body. So, yah I guess I take my time in the buff to cool off before I do my hair and makeup. I can say that I avoid doing any money shot poses, like bending over or legs up or stuff like that. I'm lasered clean down there so everyone is going to see most of it anyway. My guess is these ladies just enjoy their naked time.

Hugs,

Angela

I would do a cooler shower then.  The shower stalls sometimes even have benches in them to maybe linger there.  If you're just hanging out doing nothing in the buff it is quite odd.  You can get a very lightweight coverup or something, as no we don't want you to feel warm, although I can't imagine that being the case after showering?  That's my point about "enjoying naked time", the majority isn't into it, and it creates a weird situation in the locker room for others.  I doubt you'd do it in your home when you had women visitors over for a day of tanning in the backyard to "cool down" in the kitchen. 

""Yeah, I'd rank those douchebags right up there with the dudes who scream at the top of their lungs when performing each repitition. It's been scientifically proven that the extra yelling when performing a rep doesn't assist the lift, just helps to accomplish a sore throat and idiocy...

...and don't get me started on those lops who like to allow their dumbbells to crash down to the floor with full force after performing a set of db bench presses""

Yea the guys that drop weights when they are done are pretty bad to, although if Im doing a "powerlift" I may put them down heavy, but its nothing near a the sound of a drop, and for the people that scream, I also see no reason for it.. when I max out, I tend to do like a heavy exhale but nothing EVER more than a slight groan of frustration.

I have a machine, free weights and bike in my basement. I have 2 ambitious, motivated dogs that need walking.

I am gym-free.

I'm so happy.

Original Post by betsydiet2008:

Original Post by brazilian10:

Hi Betsy,

I guess I'd be one of those who bothers you. I do spend time working out but when I get to the change room I do like stripping down and just relaxing that way, even after I've had a shower. Usually I still feel warm from the work out after a shower and of course it's after a workout that I feel happiest with my body. So, yah I guess I take my time in the buff to cool off before I do my hair and makeup. I can say that I avoid doing any money shot poses, like bending over or legs up or stuff like that. I'm lasered clean down there so everyone is going to see most of it anyway. My guess is these ladies just enjoy their naked time.

Hugs,

Angela

I would do a cooler shower then.  The shower stalls sometimes even have benches in them to maybe linger there.  If you're just hanging out doing nothing in the buff it is quite odd.  You can get a very lightweight coverup or something, as no we don't want you to feel warm, although I can't imagine that being the case after showering?  That's my point about "enjoying naked time", the majority isn't into it, and it creates a weird situation in the locker room for others.  I doubt you'd do it in your home when you had women visitors over for a day of tanning in the backyard to "cool down" in the kitchen. 

 Well, I posted another response to your reply and it did not get posted. Suffice to say, I'm not impressed with the majority rule argument or the reference to "odd".  I certainly didn't say "prude" or "puritan". 

My comment was not to justify but to suggest that your perspective is not shared by all and certainly there is no evidence of a majority or a majority right to rule. 

As for etiquette, the club can set the rules. Join the board and take a position putting your rules in place.

Original Post by betsydiet2008:

Original Post by brazilian10:

Hi Betsy,

I guess I'd be one of those who bothers you. I do spend time working out but when I get to the change room I do like stripping down and just relaxing that way, even after I've had a shower. Usually I still feel warm from the work out after a shower and of course it's after a workout that I feel happiest with my body. So, yah I guess I take my time in the buff to cool off before I do my hair and makeup. I can say that I avoid doing any money shot poses, like bending over or legs up or stuff like that. I'm lasered clean down there so everyone is going to see most of it anyway. My guess is these ladies just enjoy their naked time.

Hugs,

Angela

I would do a cooler shower then. The shower stalls sometimes even have benches in them to maybe linger there. If you're just hanging out doing nothing in the buff it is quite odd. You can get a very lightweight coverup or something, as no we don't want you to feel warm, although I can't imagine that being the case after showering? That's my point about "enjoying naked time", the majority isn't into it, and it creates a weird situation in the locker room for others. I doubt you'd do it in your home when you had women visitors over for a day of tanning in the backyard to "cool down" in the kitchen.

Wow, judgemental much? There's absolutely nothing gross or unnatural about being naked. Leave it alone. If you are bothered by naked people, go home and shower. It's a locker room, people are allowed to be naked, and don't need other people like you to make them feel ashamed of themselves. It's wonderful to see that there are still people out there who aren't afraid of their own bodies! And if they want to sit around and talk in the nude with their friends, it doesn't mean that they "have no life", it just means that they are less prudish than the majority of people in this country.

If it really bothers you all that much, don't look. Shower at home. But please don't try to "Oh goodness, I'm not a prude, but put on clothes!" because really, you are a prude and unless there is a policy these women are breaking, it's really none of your business in the end.

Original Post by ainedb:

Original Post by betsydiet2008:

Original Post by brazilian10:

Hi Betsy,

I guess I'd be one of those who bothers you. I do spend time working out but when I get to the change room I do like stripping down and just relaxing that way, even after I've had a shower. Usually I still feel warm from the work out after a shower and of course it's after a workout that I feel happiest with my body. So, yah I guess I take my time in the buff to cool off before I do my hair and makeup. I can say that I avoid doing any money shot poses, like bending over or legs up or stuff like that. I'm lasered clean down there so everyone is going to see most of it anyway. My guess is these ladies just enjoy their naked time.

Hugs,

Angela

I would do a cooler shower then. The shower stalls sometimes even have benches in them to maybe linger there. If you're just hanging out doing nothing in the buff it is quite odd. You can get a very lightweight coverup or something, as no we don't want you to feel warm, although I can't imagine that being the case after showering? That's my point about "enjoying naked time", the majority isn't into it, and it creates a weird situation in the locker room for others. I doubt you'd do it in your home when you had women visitors over for a day of tanning in the backyard to "cool down" in the kitchen.

Wow, judgemental much? There's absolutely nothing gross or unnatural about being naked. Leave it alone. If you are bothered by naked people, go home and shower. It's a locker room, people are allowed to be naked, and don't need other people like you to make them feel ashamed of themselves. It's wonderful to see that there are still people out there who aren't afraid of their own bodies! And if they want to sit around and talk in the nude with their friends, it doesn't mean that they "have no life", it just means that they are less prudish than the majority of people in this country.

If it really bothers you all that much, don't look. Shower at home. But please don't try to "Oh goodness, I'm not a prude, but put on clothes!" because really, you are a prude and unless there is a policy these women are breaking, it's really none of your business in the end.

Right on sister! My mother didn't burn her bra just to have the next generation tell her to put it on again because they're uncomfortable. 

Why are you uncomfortable Betsy?? That's the first question. And before you criticise these other women, who aren't here to defend themselves, maybe you should ask them and give an honest account of their answer before rousing others to jump on them.

I to struggle with the nude bodies in the locker room. I guess I must have grown up different. I never would have thought to standnaked while I put on my makeup dry my hair or painted my toenails. Maybe it is because I grew up with 6 bothers and sisters and we never had our own room so that was something that we just didn't do. I am the get in and get out kind of person. I currently moved from a state where I spent  a lot of time at the gym and I was shocked at how many do run around with nothing on and it doesn't matter the size or shape and I find it very uncomfortable. I feel like I have to keep my head down and eyes closed just so I don't make eye contact with anyone.

I do think it is important to feel comfortable about your body but I dont feel like others should have to come to terms with other bodies running around. I just cant see me sitting naked on the bench chatting with my locker neighbor.

Locker Looking makes me uncomfortable

This was meant to be somewhat of a light hearted discussion! And as I said in previous postings, I am venting more than anything and not trying to be mean about the nudies!  I'm trying to understand the reasoning behind it???  But also trying to let those people know that there are many of us who just aren't wired with the whole locker room nudity thing. 

From the previous post someone just left today.

Not comfortable with it at all. It's a room that is meant to hold your clothing and things like shampoos, combs, purses, (and to do a QUICK shower) while you go to an aerobics class or jog on the treadmill. It's not a place like Hugh Hefner's grotto to be bouncing around (yes it happens at my gym), striking a pose, showing off your new body, etc.

Nudity in confined spaces??!! I know!! I have another idea for another "industry"....  It's a stretch (analogy, or whatever you call it), but maybe some here will see my point....  Maybe how a OBGYN office could run... as so many people are so comfortable with nudity (yeah, right!!)! This would make the OBGYN's a lot of money as they could see thousands of patients in a week's time. Simply by not offering private checkup rooms, but just have ONE large exam room where 30 women can get naked and the doctor could perform breast exams, cervical checkup, etc It would save all that time of having patients slowly get dressed and undressed in the few exam rooms (I mean how many times have you waited on busy doctor's offices, because they didn't have an open room!). Imagine... all you ladies who think being nude is great, wonderful and super fun, you could hang out at Dr. Jane Doe's practice in her massive check up room and you know, chat with the locals, have some Orange Juice, paint your nails while waiting, and all in the nude with 29 women. Sounds fun, sign me up for this doctor's practice!

Again it's an example, and I know it's out there. I'm laughing, as I know it was a weird stretch, but trying to show my views on nudity in small confined spaces.  There are a large majority of people who don't want to see it and I think a lot has to do with the size of the area/room. As mentioned, I have no problem on a beach as it offers so much space and I could always move.

And finally from looking at this board, I don't think the majority is ok with the nudies. Looking at various blogs (yes, there are blogs on this topic), rants, vents, (just type in "locker room etiquette" in a google search), you'll see that we/I am not alone.

Ok, enough talk about the locker rooms, sound good?  On to trying to figure out how to lose an extra 5 pounds this month!  Let's agree to disagree on the nudies!!!   I've actually solved the issue a little bit, as I've found that the nudies aren't there at 7am, as they are at say 9am.  So see, I'm flexible and I've found a solution!! 

Original Post by keb1984:

Original Post by misspriss316:

that would be awkward, I had a teacher in middle school (PE) who would get completely naked and take a shower while everyone else showered in a swimsuit. And she would try and have conversations with a bunch of 12-13 year old girls and SHE didn't shave and I still remember that today!!!!

Wrong.

 How did this women not get sued or fired for indecent exposure! Isnt this inappropriate behaviour in a school setting???

 Well that was when I went to a private school...lol they dont have to follow the rules.

The nudies aren't there later either...like 9-11 PM. Thats my usual gym-going time.

This conversation is bloody hilarious. Being insulted by the naked form is usually a sign that you're uncomfortable either with your own body, or your sexuality. There's a reason you don't want to see these women naked. The two most common reasons, (and I'm not saying they're yours so don't get all defensive and boo hooey) is that either you are afraid that if you are looking at them, they're probably looking at you, and you have poor self-image, or you're afraid someone will notice you're checking out naked chick, and auto-assume you're a lesbian trolling the locker room for a nice bod. These are ridiculous insecurities, in my opinion. (And as far as I know, being hetero, lesbians don't generally pick chicks up in the locker room anyway) You SHOULD be minding your own business, and not paying attention to other people just because they're naked. It's a locker room, not a nightclub, and it's no different than going to a public bath in Europe. I'm sorry, but it is terribly prudish to even care that someone else is naked. You're not going to catch something. It's just a vagina and a pair of boobies. You've got them too, and just because you feel it's inappropriate, doesn't mean it is. It's all about perspective. The issue here is - You don't understand. That's it. The problem is yours. Not wierd naked chick.

On the other hand - I don't run around naked in the locker room. But then, I have no issue admitting that I have poor self esteem and just don't want others looking at me. I have no issue with other people walking around nude. In fact I applaud them for being so comfortable in their own skin.

Lastly, the feet on the counter thing is gross. I hate when people do crap like that. Also - when women place their children on counters to sit while they do stuff. I DO NOT want your child's smelly a$$ anywhere near where I'm going to put my stuff. That, in my opinion, is going too far. put your feet down damnit. Next time you see that, just tell the cow, "Listen, that's gross, and if you can't bend over and do that with your feet on the ground, then you're not doing your stretches properly."

well

naked people + ungroomed + bench (could)

 = PUBIC LICE

I must admit I do agree about the grooming. Plus, who wants to put their towel or water bottle or whatever down in what might be a pile of someone's ... ahem... trimmings? And while being naked in the locker room really is acceptable, for their own health and for everyone else's, it should be a rule that if you are going to sit on the benches naked, you should sit on a towel.I don't want to have to worry about random crotch cooties when I sit down to tie my shoes. Ick!

Original Post by misspriss316:

well

naked people + ungroomed + bench (could)

 = PUBIC LICE

 Please tell me you're either kidding or I'm misinterpreting your use of the word "groomed"?  Because I'm understanding you to say that if a woman doesn't wax off all her pubic hair, you think she has lice?!?!  That's as ridiculous as me thinking that because you have hair on your head, you must have lice!  (And, yes, that's meant to sound ridiculous and I don't think that.)  Different cultures have different practices when it comes to body hair; it doesn't mean they're unclean.

Sitting on the counter in a swimsuit is not the same thing as doing it naked -- the swimsuit is at least a barrier between her naked rear end and the public counter.