[Candeka]

I've always been that person that says "Just go to the gym, no one is paying attention!". I loved my all womans gym. Last year, I started using my universities gym since it was included in my tuition and right by my house. I got over my hatred of working out with men and felt comfortable there. I took a gym break for totally different reasons (I've liked working out at home) and have not been there in about a year.

However, now I am super nervous to go back. My school has one of those "confession" facebook pages were anyone can post an anonymous confession. I can no longer deny that men are being creepy. A good chunk of the posts are "To the girl in the pink shorts running on the treadmill and 2pm, damn girl, I'd love to be all up in that" or some other lame stuff that makes it impossible to deny. Since I am bigger than any woman I've seen working out at the university gym (I am a size 11/12, all the girls who workout there are size 4's wearing short shorts and sports bras where I wear pants and a loose tank top)

I'd love to start working out at the gym again since it works best with my schedule, but I can't get over the hurdle to go back and I can't afford to go back to the women only gym. Any advise?

[Arctic Mama]

That's creepy and inappropriate, frankly, to encourage anonymous confessions. I think that frees people from culpability for their thoughts and actions, and I've never seen that to be a wise idea. Your discomfort is one of the many pieces of evidence I'd use against such a thing. Guessing at it is one thing, actually hearing it is quite another!

As for going back to the gym, that's up to you. If you're truly worried about what people are thinking, it might be more healthful (emotionally) for you to go with a gym that isn't linked to your peer group. If money is an insurmountable issue, I'd evaluate whether I could go during a time of day where traffic in the gym is light, or decide that nobody's opinions on your looks are a valid reason to prevent of from pursuing health. Either way works, but either doesn't always work for everyone, if you know what I mean. When I'm bothered and embarrassed, it motivates me to care a whole lot less. Not everyone is like that though, and I don't think that's a flaw with you

[Palestrina]

Well, firstly I'd report that facebook page. It seems harmful and encouraging anonymous posts for social reasons is totally creepy. I can't imagine that the school itself condones something like that, especially with postings like you described.

On the other hand, pages like that are for small minds. Ignore it and go about your business. People will always say bad things if they can do it anonymously, it's very cowardly and not something you should pay attention to. I know it's easier said than done but who cares what they say? Unsubscribe to that page please, you'll be glad you did. You'll be even more glad you got into the groove of working out.

[GordonGirl16]

You could try going when there aren't many people there if that would make you more comfortable. I have found at my college's gym that there are not a lot of people there early in the morning. It's a great time to work out! I always feel more energized the rest of the day, and I feel good that I have already done my workout.

I would just try to ignore those comments if you can Guys will be guys, and sometimes they like to say that sort of thing because they know it makes girls uncomfortable. I find that listening to my iPod while I work out helps me to focus more on the music and on myself, rather than what the other people around me are doing or thinking.

Maybe you could find a workout buddy? I like to work out with one of my good friends. She helps keep me motivated to get up early and actually work hard while I'm there, and she's a good distraction from feeling like everyone is watching me.

Good luck!

[midwife]

The dregs of humanity are found commenting on:

1. News sites
2. Youtube videos
3. Anonymous school confession pages

Idiots and trolls, and not even creative ones at that.

I read the confession page for my kid's college. I'm no prude. I worked at an STD clinic for 3 years. And I still think 98% of the 'brags' on there are complete BS.

There are websites to avoid to improve one's mental health, and those confession pages are classic examples.

Go back to the gym.
Avoid the "confession page." Stupid people are everywhere. Don't let them influence your life.

Your body and mind will be healthier for both!