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Women Over 40: No More F*cks Given in the Locker Room
By: Jessica Lane
I started my fitness journey later in life. In my teens and 20s, my metabolism was my best friend, allowing me to indulge without a second thought. Hitting the gym wasn’t a priority, and when I did go, I’d always change at home to avoid the dreaded locker room. Let’s be honest — modesty is a thing.
After having kids in my 30s, my body changed dramatically, especially after two C-sections. Running gave me strong thighs, but let’s just say my breasts took a hit. Suddenly, keeping up with my little ones meant I had to get serious about working out. In my quest for a little peace and quiet away from my tiny tornadoes, I started changing at the gym.
Once women hit 40, something magical happens — or maybe it’s just the realization that we’ve seen it all. After years of labor, breastfeeding, and toddler wrangling, many women in the locker room seem to adopt a “who cares?” attitude. It’s as if the modesty switch flips off, and suddenly, nudity becomes a non-issue.
A typical day in the women’s locker room can feel like stepping into a free-spirited, marshmallow-soft gathering where naked women chat about everything from recipes to their latest Netflix binge. It’s remarkable — and a little overwhelming for newbies like me, who are still grappling with body confidence.
Take my experience at the gym a while back. I went for a swim to escape the chaos at home. As I was trying to juggle my towel and suit, a woman in her 60s confidently strutted out of the shower, completely naked, and plopped down right in front of me. We exchanged polite hellos, but she clearly had zero qualms about being undressed.
This woman had reached a level of comfort with her body that I could only dream of. She plopped down on her towel, drying herself off with the kind of gusto that left me feeling scandalized. I was trying to keep my eyes up, but it was nearly impossible as she treated the whole room like a casual living room chat.
And then, oh boy, the moment that made me rethink my gym choices. She took a generous amount of lotion and proceeded to apply it in places I never thought I’d witness in a public locker room. I was mortified. While I was struggling with my own insecurities, she was living her best life, completely unfazed.
As much as I admire that level of confidence, I’m still holding onto my modesty. I’m not quite ready to flaunt my post-baby body in front of strangers, nor do I plan on taking any skincare rituals to the extreme in shared spaces. Maybe one day, I’ll embrace that freedom, but until then, I’ll stick to the privacy of the bathroom stall for any sort of intimate grooming.
So, if you’re navigating the transition into your 40s and beyond, know that locker room confidence is a journey. If you want to learn more about the ins and outs of family planning, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination. And for those looking to boost their fertility, consider visiting this authority on the topic— they have some great insights!
Summary:
As women hit their 40s, many seem to shed their inhibitions in gym locker rooms, embracing nudity and body acceptance. The author reflects on her own struggles with modesty while observing the carefree attitude of older women around her. With humor and a touch of embarrassment, she shares her journey of finding comfort in her body and hints at the camaraderie found in these shared spaces.