Let’s be real, getting your sweat on at the gym is no walk in the park, especially when you’re a woman in a Lebanese gym. From dodging unsolicited advice to mastering the art of maintaining focus amidst a sea of distractions, the struggle is oh-so-real.
Get ready to relate to at least one (or all) of these 14 realities of being a female pumping iron in Lebanon.
1. The Mansplaining Epidemic
Ah, the classic case of someone (men…) interrupting your workout to offer their two cents on your form.
Newsflash: unless we ask, please, spare us unsolicited advice. We got this.
2. Speed Dating Between Sets
Nothing says romance like trying to hit a new PR while someone tries to spark up a conversation about your protein intake.
3. The Leering Glances
Yes, we see you eyeing us from across the gym. No, it’s not motivating. It’s just creepy.
4. The No-Go Zone
Certain areas of the gym might as well have a “men only” sign.
We tend to avoid these areas where there’s a hornet’s nest of males cause we’re not in the mood to navigate through their testosterone-fueled territory.
5. The Symphony Of Grunts
We try very hard not to laugh when we hear guys’ weird grunts after every bicep curl.
6. The Sweat Storm
Please, for the love of God and hygiene, wipe down your machines.
7. The Hair Struggle
Thick, long Lebanese hair is a blessing until it becomes a sweaty, tangled mess mid-workout. Ponytail, bun, or braid – Our hair can’t be tamed and the struggle is real.
8. The Gym Selfie Shame
Caught in the act of taking a sneaky gym selfie? Own it. Because if you didn’t document it, did the workout even happen?
9. The ‘Don’t Lift Too Heavy’ Comment
How many women have heard “You don’t wanna lift too heavy, guys don’t like girls with muscles”,… what does that have to do with us? We don’t like those guys either.
10. Women Checking Out Other Women
We admit it. No shame. You look amazing, where’s your outfit from though?
11. The Gym’s Playlist
When your headphones die, you’re forced to listen to the gym’s Wael Kfoury playlist. I mean, maybe try Nancy or Haifa at least then shaking it mode would be activated.
12. The Headphones Tactic
We’re keeping those dead headphones on anyway, so no one approaches us. Yes, even you, handsome.
13. That Awkward Eye Contact
Making accidental eye contact with someone while doing hip thrusts is a different kind of embarrassment. The only way to go about it is to pretend nothing happened.
14. The Mid-Set Thoughts
Your workout is almost completed and you’re thinking “I’m so hungry, I can’t wait to get home!” then it hits you: Mujaddara doesn’t have enough protein.
From unwanted conversations to cringe-worthy comments, the interruptions we face at a Lebanese gym are enough to make anyone want to curl up in the squat rack and hide.
To all the fellow gym ladies nodding in agreement, just remember you’re not alone in these struggles. Keep those eye rolls sharp, those dead stares at the ready, and go conquer those weights!
