Are men afraid of women with muscle?

[egoatdoor]

Originally Posted by Star_Rider

I don't know... She kinda scares me:



(She posts here in the pictures section )

Star Rider, why did you post that picture?

Every time the subject of women with muscle comes up, someone has to post a picture of an extreme example. That woman is an example of less than on half one percent of the population and it is also likely the she uses "assistance". That is not the norm and it is degrading to MsFitness and all the women on this site who want to build some muscle and create the best aesthetic body that they can.

Do people post pictures of Ronnie Coleman every time a question is posted about guys building muscles? So why is that way with women?

[ClarkDark]

To Egoatthedoor;

Excellent point...you are absolutely right.

[markymark69]

Ms. Fitness,
I think alot of men that are not athletes/fitness oriented/weightlifters/BB'ers/etc are intimidated by built women. However I find it hard to believe that other gym members would be intimidated by you.
I think it's more to do with the gym you workout at. I used to workout at World Gym in Orlando. In over 3+yrs I think I talked to another gym member 3 times (outside of: how many sets you have left on that rack?). People there were stand offish.

The gym I currently train at (Gold's Gym C-ville, Va) its the polar opposite. All the hardcore regulars talk to each other. Maybe not during sets, but coming on the weight pile, some regular is going to greet you.

I would say there are about 10-20 hard core female fitness freaks (including my wife) at our gym and I cant say that any guys are intimidated by them. If anything they are impressed by their fitness level, dedication, etc.

Try saying hello to one of the regular's. It could be they are just respecting your space.

[TheLBM]

no..
I am not.

[IR45N]

Originally Posted by MsFitness

Quick question.....are men intimidated by women with muscles? Hardly anyone ever says hello to me in the gym. in fact, some even go as far as to look at the floor and won't even meet my eye. I know I am intense in the gym, but I am there to workout, no chat or hook up. On the other hand, after a year and 1/2 of working out next to some of these guys, it might be nice if they would meet my eyes in passing and say a polite hello. I feel like a damn alien with 3 heads.........

If there are regulars (that are also there to w/o) you might not get more than a nod. Won't hurt you to also to say hi or 'good set' to one of the guys you feel is probably ok.

The ipod really has cut everyone off & unless you have a partner, everyone's pretty much doing their own thing. Seems usually the women pose the opposite question; how to be left alone.

[ServoScanMan]

Well the next time you are in Waco (ha, ha), come to the YMCA and I will talk to you. I have only seen a couple of girls at the YMCA that really worked out. I mean the type that are focused and not afraid to sweat. And in 2 years, I have only seen 1 girl doing squats. She had perfect form and she did the exercise correctly too. (grin) After she finished her squats, I made it point to talk to her. I haven't seen her since. I wonder if it was something I said?

[AverageJoe71]

I will make eye contact and say hey to women, but dont make it a point to go out of my way, figure they are there to work out not socialize. Figure if I was a women at the gym wouldnt want to be hit on all the time. And a lot of women take saying hi as hitting on them.

[greyhair]

Originally Posted by MsFitness

Quick question.....are men intimidated by women with muscles?

I guess some fellows are, but I can't say it bothers me.

Originally Posted by MsFitness

Hardly anyone ever says hello to me in the gym. in fact, some even go as far as to look at the floor and won't even meet my eye. I know I am intense in the gym, but I am there to workout, no chat or hook up. On the other hand, after a year and 1/2 of working out next to some of these guys, it might be nice if they would meet my eyes in passing and say a polite hello. I feel like a damn alien with 3 heads.........

Thats another question.

I'm a fairly chatty person at the gym. I love to say hello to all the regulars and see how they are doing. But it has to fit into the time I'll allowing between sets.
OTOH, two or so times, gals have mistaken my social conversation as an "invitation".
That was embarrassing, I politely declined mentioning the fact that I was married.
So I pretty much limit my conversation with women to a few "good mornings" and a few sentances.

Frankly, I wouldn't mind having a hundred hard working gals in the gym while I'm there. When a bunch of gals hit the iron with intensity, both men and women in the gym get more motivated. (and they're nice to look at too


If I were you, I'd just be cheerful and say good morning to everyone and go back to work. Sooner or later, they'll all soften up.

[greyhair]

Originally Posted by egoatdoor

Star Rider, why did you post that picture?
....

Gosh, that picture is like driving by a traffic accident.
You slow down to look and then wish you hadn't.

[BigJack]

Originally Posted by MsFitness

Quick question.....are men intimidated by women with muscles? Hardly anyone ever says hello to me in the gym. in fact, some even go as far as to look at the floor and won't even meet my eye. I know I am intense in the gym, but I am there to workout, no chat or hook up. On the other hand, after a year and 1/2 of working out next to some of these guys, it might be nice if they would meet my eyes in passing and say a polite hello. I feel like a damn alien with 3 heads.........

I love a woman that is in shape and has some muscle. I would be proud to date a female bodybuilder or fitness model but I just see them as out of my league. I train at a very busy Bally's in Miami FL and there are alot of very well built women there. They are not very approachable though. I pretty much look at everybody but I can see the women avoiding my glances. Also most women with a little muscle can be intimidating.

I just checked out your profile and I would be intimidated to talk to you. You are in great shape....

[britonarius]

here on the dutch / belgian border we have the opposite problem -in that people are too friendly and want to socialize ; shakehands and say hello to everybody in the gym. you could spend an extra hour just saying hello.

[bigeugene]

I agree w/ a lot of what people said here about not wanting to seem flirty. I also wouldn't take it personally at all--some people just are focused on working out.

Me, I'm not a big talker at the gym even w/ the dudes. I'm there to lift, but am happy to speak briefly w/ anyone. Second, I think (as people have already said) they don't want a lady to think they were some kind of slimy pickup artist and make her uncomfortable. I think a lot of guys aren't intimidated, just being respectful (who'd a thunk it!).

I'm sure if you start saying hello to some people yourself, they'll respond in kind. The few people I speak with just tend to be on the same workout schedule as I am. We don't have long conversations, but see each other enough to give a shout out.

[Mr. Someday]

Women with muscle are not intimidating to me in any way, shape or form. However, I still wouldn't stop to talk to you or anyone else in the gym no matter what you looked like....I'm just not the talkative type.

[ntrllftr]

Originally Posted by MsFitness

Quick question.....are men intimidated by women with muscles? Hardly anyone ever says hello to me in the gym. in fact, some even go as far as to look at the floor and won't even meet my eye. I know I am intense in the gym, but I am there to workout, no chat or hook up. On the other hand, after a year and 1/2 of working out next to some of these guys, it might be nice if they would meet my eyes in passing and say a polite hello. I feel like a damn alien with 3 heads.........

Let me ask you this because I had this same feeling at my gym with people in general. How many times have you led out and said hello first?
I went to the gym for years without a word from anyone. One day I decided to say hello to people and once it started more people were being nice and talking to me. Now it is at the point where I wish I had not started it because some of these people will try to talk to me during a workout.
Be careful for what you wish for.

[TuffGirl]

Get in there, Do your workout and get out!

Sounds to me like you want somebody to say something about how HOT you look.

You look good, Girl! I'll give it to you... But, the gym ain't the place to be initiating the "convo". Just let these dudes get in gym, do their stuff and get out! There will be plenty of time for them to notice us outside the gym!



Yes, We know we look good! I am right there with ya, MsFitness. I may not be a blonde, but I who cares!

[Hibiscus09]

Originally Posted by Mr. Someday

Women with muscle are not intimidating to me in any way, shape or form. However, I still wouldn't stop to talk to you or anyone else in the gym no matter what you looked like....I'm just not the talkative type.

And thank God for guys like you!! I really don't want people bothering me at the gym. Of course, as my luck goes -- people do say hello and try to strike up conversations with me a lot. I need to perfect my evil eye. Perhaps I'm not all that intimidating. LOL

Seriously, a simple hello or how are you doesn't bother me too much in passing at the gym -- but when I'm in the midst of my workout, it's rather difficult to superset and the like if people try to chat me up while I'm working. I'd rather they didn't.

Perhaps if a person is having trouble getting people to say hello to them in the gym, they should try to give others a sweet smile and say hello themselves if they want to start up a conversation.

[Skippy71]

I don't find women with muscle intimidating in the least. I've met a couple at the Y I go to who are in phenomenal condition. If I happen to catch them while waiting for the pec deck or leg press will talk 'shop'. I've managed to get some really good advise on diet and cardio (and the odd smile) from them.

[Wildtim]

I used to have a pattern for greetings at the gym. See them four or five sessions in a row they get a nod, after a couple of months of regular contact they get a hi how are you in the locker room or between sets. I converse in the pool area or the sauna but thats social time. If I worked in with someone we would probably get up to greetings and small talk but thats it.

[aloysio]

Women that are fit are very sexy. I know I would say hi if i saw you in the gym. But i think reason why most people avoid taking, due to the fact that most of us go for the workout.

[Anomaly.]

Come to my gym. I'll talk to you!

[digitalinfidel]

Originally Posted by MsFitness

Quick question.....are men intimidated by women with muscles? Hardly anyone ever says hello to me in the gym. in fact, some even go as far as to look at the floor and won't even meet my eye. I know I am intense in the gym, but I am there to workout, no chat or hook up. On the other hand, after a year and 1/2 of working out next to some of these guys, it might be nice if they would meet my eyes in passing and say a polite hello. I feel like a damn alien with 3 heads.........

Average men in general, yes. Most men you'll find here or in the gym, no. If they are intimidated you wouldn't want to speak to them anyway.

The gym is a place to work, escape, build and be alone... not talk. Hi or a smile is fine, an acknowledging glance or head nod...sure... nothing more.

Talk is for the cafe.

[OneO]

i wear A ipod at the gym . i dont socialize because i have to train then go to work . its nothing other than a focus / time thing for me , if i let myself get pulled into a conversation , i lose focus and intensity .


Plus Mrs OneO will beat my as if i talk to hot women . im strong but i know a fight i cant win when i see one

[dmangiarelli]

Originally Posted by MsFitness

Quick question.....are men intimidated by women with muscles? Hardly anyone ever says hello to me in the gym. in fact, some even go as far as to look at the floor and won't even meet my eye. I know I am intense in the gym, but I am there to workout, no chat or hook up. On the other hand, after a year and 1/2 of working out next to some of these guys, it might be nice if they would meet my eyes in passing and say a polite hello. I feel like a damn alien with 3 heads.........

Heh, I was just telling my wife the other day that I think a little muscle on a woman is sexy ...

[MsFitFern]

I have been going to the same gym for a year and 1/2. I go late, so at the end of my workout, its usually me and 3 or 4 of the same guys 5 days a week. I suppose its the same if you were n a train traveling to work 5 days a week. Humans avoid each other and keep downcast eyes. I dont wear a crapload of make-up, I train "like a guy" and sometimes I even wear funny t shirts that show I am not an ice queen. I am not asking for marriage or a quickie in the parking lot.......and no, if a guy says hi to me I am not thinking in my head, "he wants me"..........

[stealth_swimmer]

Originally Posted by MsFitness

I have been going to the same gym for a year and 1/2. I go late, so at the end of my workout, its usually me and 3 or 4 of the same guys 5 days a week. I suppose its the same if you were n a train traveling to work 5 days a week. Humans avoid each other and keep downcast eyes. I dont wear a crapload of make-up, I train "like a guy" and sometimes I even wear funny t shirts that show I am not an ice queen. I am not asking for marriage or a quickie in the parking lot.......and no, if a guy says hi to me I am not thinking in my head, "he wants me"..........

well you SHOULD be thinking that ,lol....really though most guys I know would only say hi to a girl if they were interested in a little "somethin somethin".

I know I ain't 35...but I like using the "New Posts" function on the forum

Anyways, with me I don't say hi to anybody in the gym unless I know them from school or something. Even then most of the times we just nod from far away. Other than that, I don't say hi to anyone. I just feel like I'm there to train and get out.

[blabber]

Sheesh, people are funny, I guess. All I know is if eye contact is established, I always say hello, or at least nod and smile a little. This I do because I'm told due to my size, I intimidate a bit with my straight face. But I'm really just a big goofball!

[comedic.genious]

Originally Posted by MsFitness

I have been going to the same gym for a year and 1/2. I go late, so at the end of my workout, its usually me and 3 or 4 of the same guys 5 days a week. I suppose its the same if you were n a train traveling to work 5 days a week. Humans avoid each other and keep downcast eyes. I dont wear a crapload of make-up, I train "like a guy" and sometimes I even wear funny t shirts that show I am not an ice queen. I am not asking for marriage or a quickie in the parking lot.......and no, if a guy says hi to me I am not thinking in my head, "he wants me"..........

Heres a fascinating concept!!!!!!! How bout YOU say hello to THEM oh my god! PURE FN GENIOUS!

[Ingersoll]

Originally Posted by MsFitness

I am not asking to marry them, just say hi dammit........dont treat me like I am carrying the bubonic plague

I'm not a serious musclehead, but a friend of mine is. He's very serious in the gym and the dude works out with intensity. I don't talk to him. Therefore, if I saw MsFitness working out the same way, I'd leave her alone too. For me it's just a matter respecting space.

But I'd smile and say hi if a buff chick walked by and made eye contact. I always do.

As for my personal taste in really ripped women, I just don't dig it. I respect the hell out of the commitment and work ethic, but seeing that big ass vein pulsating through the middle of a bicep on a woman is... I'll just say it ain't my cuppa anything.

[67fastback]

I used to have a great female team mate, who was not only a pretty good swimmer, but did a lot of gym training. I think she had bigger shoulders and biceps than me (not a huge feat but anyway...)

Not only that she was a super dominant type A personality. She used more profanity at the swim practices than anyone I have ever met. F@ck Coach this is hard... etc.

She was a blast to have at practices and made things a lot of fun. Yes I think a lot of men were intimidated by her. She had a tough time keeping a hold on guys she was dating. I'm sure a lot of guys were turning up their noses before they even got to know her.

A few months ago, I saw her at a home center, with her new husband (I thought she'd never get married) a great guy. So pretty cool. I was wondering if it would ever happen for her, but it did.

My advice, just relax and smile. A smile says a lot, and breaks down a lot of barriers. Maybe in a gym environment while training, people naturally take on a more serious persona, and appear more intimidating than they are?

Good luck. smile and have fun.

[bi19tri]

The male ego is a fragile thing A lot of people in the gym have bad form bad body image etc. lets face it you are exceptional and confident plus shy yourself. face it you intimidate people. (dont try it with me though LOL)