I didn’t dive into the fitness world until later in life. In my younger years, my metabolism was my best friend, allowing me to indulge without a second thought. Hitting the gym? Not exactly on my radar. Occasionally, I’d step onto a treadmill or join in a high-energy aerobics class, but I always preferred to change at home to avoid the gym locker room. Let’s be honest—privacy and modesty were my top concerns.
Fast forward to my 30s, when I welcomed my kids into the world. After two C-sections, my abs were in shambles, and while running gave my legs some extra muscle, it also came with the challenge of managing my now more substantial assets. With toddlers running around, I knew I had to get serious about my fitness. So, in an attempt to escape my pint-sized tornadoes, I found myself changing at the gym more often.
Now, let me tell you, something magical happens to women as they hit 40. It’s like a switch flips, and suddenly, the gym locker room becomes a free-for-all. Maybe it’s the experience of showing every part of yourself during labor or nursing in public while wrangling a toddler, but women over 40 seem to embrace their bodies without a shred of embarrassment.
In the women’s locker room, you’ll find a vibrant mix of women who exude confidence, chatting about everything from recipes to the latest reality TV drama, all while completely naked. It’s a scene that can be overwhelming for newcomers, especially when you’re trying to keep your gaze above the waistline.
If you don’t believe me, check out this video—it’s like stepping into your local community center’s restroom. I’ll admit, I’m a tad envious of those women who flaunt their bodies with such ease. Even now, at 40 and beyond, I still can’t summon the courage to show off my less-than-perky assets to a room full of strangers.
A few years back, I decided to swim laps at my local gym to escape my kids while my partner handled bedtime. I was attempting to navigate the tricky process of getting into my swimsuit while keeping things under wraps when an older woman strolled out of the shower area, completely naked, and plopped down on the bench in front of me. We exchanged polite greetings, and I continued my awkward undressing.
But this woman? She had zero qualms. It was clear she’d stopped caring about modesty ages ago. She casually grabbed a towel, settled in, and commenced a rather enthusiastic drying routine. I found myself wishing for the floor to swallow me whole as I discreetly tried to change.
After her thorough drying session, she pulled out a giant jar of Vaseline and began applying it like it was the most normal thing in the world. She didn’t miss a spot and chatted with me, completely unfazed. I was sweating bullets before I even began my workout.
And then, the ultimate moment happened. She took a generous scoop of Vaseline and proceeded to apply it in a very… personal area. One leg up on the bench, hand deep in places one should never discuss outside the privacy of their home, all while regaling me with tales of her grandson’s birthday party. I could hardly breathe, and I swore I’d never go near Locker No. 17 again.
While I mostly enjoy my 40s and the perks that come with it, I’m still waiting for that liberating feeling to wash over me in the locker room. Call me old-fashioned, but I can’t quite bring myself to display my post-baby body for all to see. Maybe someday I’ll join the ranks of those fearless women, but for now, I’ll leave the liberating moments to the privacy of a bathroom stall.
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Summary:
As women approach their 40s, they often shed the insecurities of youth, especially in the gym locker room. With a humorous take, Christine Parker recounts her own experiences and observations of the carefree attitude many women adopt as they embrace their bodies, despite the changes that come with age and motherhood. While she admires this newfound freedom, she still grapples with her modesty, leaving the more daring moments for private settings.