As a very regular member of the Co-Rec I am able to see, quite often, the body language and perceptions of both the men and women that work out there. The first time I entered the most noticeable thing was that on the right side of room, where all the cardio equipment is located, is where all of the women were working out. But on the left side of the room, where all of the weight lifting equipment is located, is where all of the men can be found. Very seldom would you see a woman lifting weights with all of the guys, or a guy do a cardio machine around all the women. In my own experience when I go over to lift weights, often times I am given weird looks from guys as if they are trying to say, “What are you doing over here, girls cannot lift weights.”
Another interesting observation that I had, while working out, was that if you watch all of the women doing cardio the majority of them are completely tuned into their workout, either watching the televisions or listening to the music in their headphones. Rarely would you see someone just looking around at other people or talking to someone else. In contrast, on the weight lifting side, you will often see guys looking around, watching other people, and holding conversations as they are working out. Guys seem as though they are trying to give the perception of being tough, strong, and macho, always looking around to see who can lift more weight than they can. The ideas and observations that are seen at the Co-Rec are the same things that are represented at any workout facility or gym. I used to be a member of the YMCA and the same perceptions were true there also.