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Ok so if you are like me and live in a major metro (like NYC, Philly, Boston, LA, Miami, Chicago, Houston, Atl, ETC) you have a gym that is frequented by a mostly gay clientele....

If you go to one of these gyms I am curious...:

Why did you choose to go to the "Gay" one versus others around the city (maybe you have one closer to your office or place of work but prefer the "Gay" one)?

Do you feel like you get a better workout in the "Gay" gym versus the less gay gym?

Do you find yourself more motivated to go to the gym because people there are more like you? What has your experience been?

The reason I ask is because I just switched from NYSC to David Barton in Chelsea NYC which has to be the gayest gym on the planet. I have seen all of 10 women there when I go. Super serious. Anyway, I find that I am WAY more motivated to go to the gym now that I do not go to NYSC even though that was considerably more convenient to where I live and work - as well as about 20 bucks less expensive than DB. But something about going to DB - I just feel more motivated to work out and work out harder than I would at NYSC. Maybe its because a certain "silver fox - Mole" happens to work out there when in the city AS WELL AS all of the insanely hot guys that work out there. Maybe its the atmosphere of being comfortable and knowing I am around "my kind"...maybe it just feels like a safe place. Maybe it's because everyone at my old gym was constantly ready to start a fight...who knows. Either way - at this point I wouldn't switch up for the world.

I live in Hollywood and I have no choice. The nearest 6 gyms are mostly gay and I'm not homophobic enough to drive farther away. I just try to go to the less-trashy versions.

my gym, except for the classes which are full of leering women who watch me in body pump as I do clean and presses is pretty much devoid of women, you find a few in the room with all the treadmills and what not, but the weights are all down stairs and at any one time theres like 10 men to 1 women and my gym is Straight

Or at least I think it is, I've had two guys check me out but I'm not sure, they could have just been watching me do my workout or something.

hmmm I don't know, personally I'm so focused on what I'm doing, that I'm pushing hard enough to notice anyone else, the only reason I noticed these two guys is because there reaction when I looked there way made it obvious that they where looking at me.

The convenience of going to a gay gym is knowing in advance where everyone stands.

If a guy repeatedly looks at you in a mainstream gym you can never really be sure what he's really about - and he never really knows what you're about. It's more awkward because it's far riskier to approach another guy - unless you really know his deal.

Unless you enjoy the ambiguity and mental masturbation of not knowing - attending a gay gym certainly bypasses these unknowns.

Oh God! I totally stay away from the gay gym. I'm there for a hardcore workout and usually look my worst, on the brink of death sometimes.

The last thing I want to concern myself with is cruising and I'm very self conscious being cruised at the gym. Simply not the right time or place for me.

I live in SF, they are ALL gay.

crispro saidThe convenience of going to a gay gym is knowing in advance where everyone stands.

This is my confusion I believe.

Why do you need to know everyone is gay in a gym? is it more a hookup sight ??

the more I hear about gyms in areas of higher homosexual populations the more grateful of my gym, mines comfortable, I've never run into anyone having sex there and no one pays much attention to each other unless they have droppd the bar on there chest and can't get up.

I have nothing against that sorta stuff, so be it if thats what they want, but, really, when I'm at the gym I'm there to work out and not to be checked out.

If you're attractive, you'll be checked-out anywhere you go whether you want to be or not.
The gym is just another place to meet people, even if your primary purpose is to seriously workout.
It is possible to do both.

If you go to a gym regularly for months, you're bound to meet new people.
Meeting new people is a consequence of being around people unless you're totally schizoid.

I've used lots of gyms in the past but the one I use at the moment (YMCA) strikes a happy medium for me. It has plenty of gay men but there are also lots of straight men and women.

The majority of people use it for fitness - they have exercise classes, squash and badminton courts and there's a good sized crowd of friendly(ish) gay men who don't just use the free weights like their lives depended on it.

I think a gym that has lots of facilities rather than just weights brings in a more varied group of people not just the hardcore weight-lifters who can bring an aggressive, hostile air to the proceedings.

I've used gay-heavy gyms in the past but I have found the cruising, gossiping and competitive atmosphere too stressful and counter-productive.

I like eye candy when I work out

not just because of the Obvious reason

but also because hot men and men with great bodies get me going competitively too
and gay gyms tend to have more and hotter guys

HighVoltageGuy saidI live in SF, they are ALL gay.

LOL!!!!!

crispro saidIf you're attractive, you'll be checked-out anywhere you go whether you want to be or not. The gym is just another place to meet people, even if your primary purpose is to seriously workout. It is possible to do both.

If you go to a gym regularly for months, you're bound to meet new people. Meeting new people is a consequence of being around people unless you're totally schizoid.

I agree, if your attractive you get checked out.

I don't get it, I don't have time to check anyone out all that much, I'm way to busy doing my workout heh

Hmm, perhaps this is why I'm part of the great unlaid hahahaha

For about a century (and about a century ago) I used to frequent the Jim Morris Club - that was later the Athletic Club in West Hollywood.

For all of its ridiculousness (and it was ridiculous) that experience was very important to my outlook on the world as a Gay man.

The Gay Gym used to be a total refuge, and equipped in such a way that you could while away a day on the sundeck, in the gym, by the pool, getting a massage, having a healthy lunch, and so on.

Lots more went on, obviously, but participation was optional.

Then there was a shirts optional policy in the workout rooms of which I really did approve. As long as people where courteous and used a towel, it was sexy and fun.

Now that I am back in London I am looking for a Gay gym but there only seems to be one, which is all the way in Vauxhall.

Anyway, I am all for the Gay gym.

Terry

I 100% like the idea of Gay Gym,

just one thing bothers me - old closeted guys.
I hate them gogling and tracing me.

So, i'm more concerned about younger open gay guys in Gay Gym. Yeah, i come to workout there but i'd like to meet some friends or gymbuddies too who won't shove me off abruptly knowing i'm gayguy.
You know, to me conceptually - Gay gym it's like a club of busy gaymen.) It's very rare of course

Or, if your gym isn't so gay but very friendly - i can spread word that is "gay-friendly" and it starts attracting nice people

Having grown up in Palm Springs, where all the gyms are gay gyms, I thought that when I moved to New York I'd want to go to David Barton Gym or one of the more gay gyms. Instead, I joined NYSC mostly because it is way more convenient to my life. I'm always all around the city so it makes sense to be able to workout anywhere.

Including at the 14th Street NYSC, which second to the NYSC on 8th, is probably the gayest NYSC. And I'm actually not that into it. I don't like feeling stared at, especially because when I workout, I workout. By the time I shower, my clothes are sweaty and gross and I probably look like death.

That being said, I do see why someone might like a gay gym and I wouldn't want to go to a gym that was totally straight. I really enjoy the NYSC closest to my office at 34th and Park Ave South. It's just gay enough-- there are good number of gay men at the gym, but there are also lots of women and (hot) straight guys and everyone is really friendly. My experiences at the gayer gyms in New York (I tried Equinox for a while; homo-fascists) is that there tends to be a lot of unnecessary attitude. And there's just no reason for it, IMHO.

I go to a "gay" gym, but its really about location. Its the closest gym to my house in walking distance. Also its the least expensive gym in the city.

I completely ignore people at the gym. Therefore whatever other people are doing doesn't bother me. I do my thing and go. Because of that my motivation isn't affected. I workout the same no matter where I workout.

I have actually had friends come up to me and ask why I always look so mean at the gym. I can't be bothered to be hit on or whatever at the gym. This is my time, leave me alone!

On the second thought, i may add -

for any club atmosphere energy - mix is the better and healthier solution. So, hot straights and even women are welcome too of course.)

Matter of fact, in my gym i know only couple of guys and others maybe want to talk - but i'm always in earphones. I think it's better to be with myself while i'm gymming myself.) So, i enjoy concentration most of the time there.

My Gym goes through cycles. Certian times of the day are more gay then others. I usually try to work out in the middle of the day when the least amount of people are there because i do not like working out whent there are too many gays around. They talk to much and take too much time on machines. I like to get through my workouts without having to be polite while waiting for a machine or weights.

Also, and of course this is just me, i get intimidated when the gym is full of muscle heads. It's harder for me to get a good work out when the gym is full of big muscular guys because i can't concentrate on my workout.

Like HighVoltageGuy living in San Francisco it's kind of a challenge to get away from being in a "Gay" gym or a gym that is frequented by the Gays. However there are several that have a stronger Gay clientele than others; the 24Hour that I frequent is one on the lower end of the Gay clientele.

LaSalle04 said

Why did you choose to go to the "Gay" one versus others around the city (maybe you have one closer to your office or place of work but prefer the "Gay" one)?

Do you feel like you get a better workout in the "Gay" gym versus the less gay gym?

Do you find yourself more motivated to go to the gym because people there are more like you? What has your experience been?

I would NEVER go to a predominantly gay gym! I have heard -- and on some occasions when having a free membership to one years and years ago, seen -- that most gay gyms are usually bath houses with lifting equipment, especially some of those here in San Francisco. It's amazing how shameless those gym members can be. To me, there's nothing more deplorable than a bunch of guys intentionally distracting themselves cruising and working-out toward hooking-up in either the sauna or steamroom while spreading their seed. Do I really need to step on "that" if I were to use those rooms for the legitimate purposes of what they're meant for?! I DON'T care what anyone says, but hitting up a gay gym isn't a motivator for having a better work-out, but for eventually making time to go to the doctor and getting a shot.

When I go to the gym, I go to work-out!! To me, it's about my routine, controlling the weights, executing proper form and movement, sticking to my timely regiment, and knowing I pushed myself with a respective work-out. Why in the hell would I feel I would get a "better" work-out at a homo-gym?? Sure, if I see another well-built guy, that motivates me to push myself over my common limits. Seeing two guys ostensibly cruise one another -- that's just wasting time and space!

Not to mention, I already have a great set of friends with whom I feel "are more like me." I don't think I need to feel an extension of that "comraderie" at a gay gym. No thanks!

I am more likely to avoid a gym defined as gay. I'm there to work out and don't want to be bothered. However, if I hire a personal trainer for some new challenges I usually find a gay one.

Eek! People actually having fun at the gym. Get me out of here I wanna go back to the no-fun zone.

The predominantly gay gym I go to has more space, cardio equipment, and parking than the straight ones that are close to me. It's not really near my house, but easy to get to on the freeway and with very little traffic in between. The predominantly straight gym near me is extremely crowded and it's tough to get a cardio machine (even stairs!) without a wait before 10pm or so. The people are also quite rude.

I would agree entirely with crispro; the negative impact of socializing at a gay gym is often way overdramatized. It's a really slow method of meeting people; it may take me months to exchange names, let alone numbers. I shower at home and don't use the sauna, so I wouldn't know/care if people are having sex at my gym or not.

Personally I rarely have a conversation at the gym that lasts more than two minutes. On the other hand, if you already have a social network that involves a lot of chat and gossip, then yeah you can expect more of the same when you run into those same people at your gym. As for why there and not a club, I personally don't care much for clubs or bars, so I'm not that keen on meeting people who are there every day/week. I do want to meet someone who goes to the gym on a regular basis and may not be seen much elsewhere (like me).

As GQJock mentioned though, the possibility of seeing or meeting someone actually gay and attractive is often just the extra push I need to actually go. And the prevalence of gay men in SF (outside of the Castro) seems to be greatly exaggerated here as well. I run into FAR more straights than gays in a day, and a "gay" gym is a nice oasis from that.

redheadguy saidEek! People actually having fun at the gym. Get me out of here I wanna go back to the no-fun zone.

THANK YOU!!!!! Some people need to relax already....
It's just a gym!

And frankly, I don't think every single "gay" gym is what people perceive it to be. I belong to Results The Gym here in DC and it's owned by a notorious gay queen. The original and flagship location in Dupont Circle has a very large gay male clientele. Whenever I use that gym, I've never run into any sex going on in the open shower or in the sauna. Yes, there's been cruising and a few men with hard-ons, but no one (to my knowledge) was sprawled all over the shower floor getting their ass pounded.

bigbluefanindc saidbut no one (to my knowledge) was sprawled all over the shower floor getting their ass pounded.

LOL too funny

It's always funny to hear folks use the following pattern here in RJ:

"While I've never XXX, I've HEARD that YYY!! And I just think that's DISGUSTING!!!"

Sounds like little old Midwestern church ladies talking about "gay people" or "black people" or "people from New York", none of whom they've ever met, or ever will meet, and therefore, in their minds, can embody the sum of all their fears.

danielryan saidI go to a "gay" gym, but its really about location. Its the closest gym to my house in walking distance. Also its the least expensive gym in the city.

I completely ignore people at the gym. Therefore whatever other people are doing doesn't bother me. I do my thing and go. Because of that my motivation isn't affected. I workout the same no matter where I workout.

I have actually had friends come up to me and ask why I always look so mean at the gym. I can't be bothered to be hit on or whatever at the gym. This is my time, leave me alone!

DAN you sound like ME when I used to go to 12th Street! Apparently I earned the nickname "Regina" from some of the guys there who told me later AFTER they got to know me one night at Bump or Pure or something...ROFL

When I first moved to the NYC area, I stayed as far away from the gay gym as possible as I thought it would be a non stop cruise fest and filthy bathrooms...all dripping and gross <>.

I had the choice of sticking with NYSC and having either Astoria or 59th/Park my main location - and if you have ever been to either location - they are kind of depressing. More like people it is just a routine and not a chance to ACTUALLY ENJOY YOURSELF while getting in a 1-2 hour workout. I mean when you think about it many of us spend more time at the gym per week then in our living room/kitchen (this is ESPECIALLY true in NYC where living rooms are the size of bathrooms.

So I made the switch and when I say its a TOTALLY different vibe there - it just is. People are actually enjoying themselves while working out (shock and awe is appropriate here) and look fantastic doing it. I have been to many gyms (mostly all have been very straight with the exception of 12th St. in Philly) and by far in the short amount of time I have been going there it has been the best experience of them all. The surroundings, the atmosphere, the people, everything about it. It probably also helps that it has a very sexy (not simply sex driven) attitude to it. Yes I am sure people have had A LOT of sex there...however who would have thought that you would get a better workout in a "club lit" (read: dim) lifting area versus a super bright LA Fitness? Maybe its because its harder to see so you have to focus harder on the mirror while doing those bicep curls which puts you "more in tune with your body"....who knows?

So far so good on my end .

jsttennis77 saidI am more likely to avoid a gym defined as gay. I'm there to work out and don't want to be bothered. However, if I hire a personal trainer for some new challenges I usually find a gay one.

I like the personal training as well to help push me, but I need to find thats not SMOKIN HOT but straight...LOL...leave it to me to find the one I'm actually attracted to but he's st8 as an arrow.

i prefer a gay gym only because I'm more comfortable and motivated to work harder. In a straight gym I never look up afraid of looking at a guy the wrong way and getting my ass kicked

If I want "Gay" themed amusement then I will go to Disney!! lol

No really I prefer Gyms that have a mix of people. Its really all about the workout and the equipment and guys that are really trying to refine their muscles and body.

Yeah it's nice to appreciate the other guys' bodies, but I have found some "Gay" gyms to be too cruisy. With the ones that are mixed I feel like I can even get to know and make friends with straight guys who are not interested in much else than working out and maybe being a little social.

P.S. I should say that the things I like most about a gym is good equipment and free-weights and cleanliness. A clean locker room that does not smell like s**t. Really, doesn't anybody understand ventilation?

[quote][cite]LaSalle04 said[/cite]Ok so if you are like me and live in a major metro (like NYC, Philly, Boston, LA, Miami, Chicago, Houston, Atl, ETC) you have a gym that is frequented by a mostly gay clientele....

If you go to one of these gyms I am curious...:

Why did you choose to go to the "Gay" one versus others around the city (maybe you have one closer to your office or place of work but prefer the "Gay" one)?

Do you feel like you get a better workout in the "Gay" gym versus the less gay gym?

Do you find yourself more motivated to go to the gym because people there are more like you? What has your experience been?

The reason I ask is because I just switched from NYSC to David Barton in Chelsea NYC which has to be the gayest gym on the planet. I have seen all of 10 women there when I go. Super serious. Anyway, I find that I am WAY more motivated to go to the gym now that I do not go to NYSC even though that was considerably more convenient to where I live and work - as well as about 20 bucks less expensive than DB. But something about going to DB - I just feel more motivated to work out and work out harder than I would at NYSC. Maybe its because a certain "silver fox - Mole" happens to work out there when in the city AS WELL AS all of the insanely hot guys that work out there. Maybe its the atmosphere of being comfortable and knowing I am around "my kind"...maybe it just feels like a safe place. Maybe it's because everyone at my old gym was constantly ready to start a fight...who knows. Either way - at this point I wouldn't switch up for the world. [/quote




There are millions of gyms near me. I chose the YMCA. I like the variety of people...old, young, gay, straight, men, women etc.

I exercise to focus and clear my mind and feel good. I can't do that when I am surrounded by cruising eyes or sometimes, nasty queens.

I mind my own business and am helped, and helpful with everyone.

iguanaSF said[quote][cite]bigbluefanindc said[/cite]but no one (to my knowledge) was sprawled all over the shower floor getting their ass pounded.

LOL too funny

It's always funny to hear folks use the following pattern here in RJ:

"While I've never XXX, I've HEARD that YYY!! And I just think that's DISGUSTING!!!"

Sounds like little old Midwestern church ladies talking about "gay people" or "black people" or "people from New York", none of whom they've ever met, or ever will meet, and therefore, in their minds, can embody the sum of all their fears.

[/quote]

There you go..well said....short and sweet...and TRUE.

I go to the gay gym in Wilton Manors (Fort Lauderdale's gay-borhood) and I like it...

all my buddies go there and it's fun to see the guys.

I go to work out, not chat, so sometimes the chatty ones do get in the way...

I go to a gay gym in Chicago. I don't know I think it's a REALLY nice gym and for the city it's totally affordable. I HATE any gym during rush periods whether its gay or not but I have actually been to this gym during rush periods and it still isn't miserable like other gyms ive been too.

As someone who considers themselves on the track to being a serious lifter and as someone who really is serious about working out I really appreciate the fact that in a gay gym I don't feel judged by giant bodybuilding straight guys who ogle every girl who looks mildly decent. I mean I ahve to admit at time the super in shape tan obviously successful 30 and 40 somethings that check themselves out CONSTANTLY in the mirror at gay gyms are INCREDIBLY frustrating but for the most part I like my gym. I never go to the gym for any kind of flirting or hooking up but I must admit it was really flattering when a guy I'd always found attractive hit on me the other day .

I say yes to gay gyms!

I go to work out. Everything else is lagniappe

I just go to work out...if it's a nice, clean gym with good equipment, etc. in a good area, not too overcrowded...I'm there. Gay/straight doesn't matter. I just put on my headphones and do my thing and leave!

Eyecandy is nice and good motivation to go, but I never talk at the gym or visit, so it's just that...eyecandy. And eyecandy can still be annoying if it hogs the equipment you need for eternity ;)

If you are single, it is healthy to find places outside of bars and the internet to meet people. Sports teams are good; gyms are equally as good.

While it is good to be focused during your workout, there is a good amount of rest time between intervals that can be used for making eyes. It all depends on your level of comfort in meeting new people out of the blue.

I work out in a boxing gym, which is very straight, but also very fun, and I sometimes miss my last "fitness" gym that had openly gay members.

tarheel80 saidIf you are single, it is healthy to find places outside of bars and the internet to meet people. Sports teams are good; gyms are equally as good.

While it is good to be focused during your workout, there is a good amount of rest time between intervals that can be used for making eyes. It all depends on your level of comfort in meeting new people out of the blue.

I work out in a boxing gym, which is very straight, but also very fun, and I sometimes miss my last "fitness" gym that had openly gay members.

I'd agree and the gym could be one of them, but even during my rest I still don't have the time to look around ogling anyone.

hehe Besides, I'm dense as a brick, its rare for me to pick up on anyone checking me out at the best of times let alone at the gym so theres not much point being at a gay gym

I would appreciate the social function of a gym, as well as it's fitness function. Nobody is forcing anybody to do anything. But a gym where it's OKAY to look at someone for more than a split second?! Sign me up.
My gym is very straight. But sometimes that makes me uncomfortable. As somebody who isn't already a fitness expert, I'm often really curious about what others are doing. And I'm constantly worried that some over-beefed muscle head is going to think he has to defend his heterosexuality by giving me a hard time, because he caught me looking in his direction.
Not to mention, a competitive atmosphere in a gym can be a good thing. When there are lots of bronze gods walking around my gym, it makes me feel like I should be stepping up my game. It's just another form of motivation for me.

Things are kind the same everywhere haha, I'm from Costa Rica and I recently moved to one of the hottest gym here in Costa Rica and I have to say that one of the reasons to move was the "gay issue", basically I was tired of the ultra-straight mood of my previuos gym and this new one is more open-minded (Not openly gay) and let's face it gay people take care of themselves like no one does, that's why I like my new gym because there's a high performance feeling around, you know...like everybody works out 100% harder, trainers are more focused on improving your performance and I have to admit that hotties are a motivation to go, as someone wrote previoulsy you'll always wonder what's the reason for a guy to stare at you in a gym, but it's cool that during your work-out being focused on do your best and do that gay/straight flirt with the eyes.

Well I like my gym because of the lack of gay members. The franchise does have a predominately gay gym but I won't go because I don't like the distraction. I use to go to the YMCA and found the actions of some of the members in the steamroom or sauna to be "over the edge". I go to workout and don't need to be gettin all turned on by some dude with a hot bod grabbin his stuff. At 48 years old I'm still gettin wood like a teenager and don't need to be interupting my workout till it goes away. In the 2 years I've been at this gym I've met several guys gay and str8 and we chat about lifting or cardio or spot each other. It's a serious atmosphere and I like that.

I live in L.A and ive yet to find a "gay gym". But its really due to my own experiences. I found 1 gym that i absolutely love, and ive yet to run into one gay guy, or at least i think. But ive been at this gym for well over a year now and gay or not i love the people the staff so no complaints..... But i would at the lest like to experience such a thing........But, how do you find out if such a gym is gay or not. Are giant space ships mounted on the top of these things or what ?

I go to a 24 Hour Fitness in San Francisco near Market and Castro and it's at least 50 gay.

I go there because I feel most comfortable there and don't have to put on some macho act for some straight men.

Interestingly, I make friends easier there, both gay and straight, because it's clear from my approach that I'm not interested them sexually. Once they understand that, we often become very friends.

The same was true at my previous gym, the Central YMCA, which is heavily gay. I was an aerobics instructor there and could approach men and women easily to make sure they were setting their own pace and not competing, and teaching them correct form.

Occasionally, I will see some really hot men, but I've never picked up anyone at the gym. With the hotties, I treat them like I do everyone else, as a friend, not a pickup.

I'm well enough known that people know I'm not coming onto them if I just say hello and ask about their workout.

Gay oriented gyms in Los Angeles:

Gold's Gym downtown LA and West Hollywood
24 Hour Fitness in Hollywood and West Hollywood
Crunch West Hollywood

lilTanker said[quote][cite]crispro said[/cite][b]This is my confusion I believe.

Why do you need to know everyone is gay in a gym? is it more a hookup sight ??

I couldn't agree with this query more: especially in a gay urban center like Chelsea or WeHo, are there not PLENTY of other cruising opportunities?

I love a co-ed gym; I love being with people who love themselves enough to keep healthy, from the shredded and tanned Underwear Model Demi-god to the Middle Aged New Divorcee back in the dating trade, to the College Boy who doesn't want to inherit his father's beer belly and "cankles" -- and I know and socialize with all of these and more.

I don't know if some guys find a greater competitive "push" knowing potential sex buddies are looking on -- sure, if I know someone is watching I work harder against myself because a part of me is embracing the performance aspect; but I have learned to avoid certain gyms in the NYSC chain just because of the Too Gay Factor.

My boyfriend thinks it's unfathomable that I get fully naked in front of others in the locker room as it is (he's the Ginch-Gonch-under-the-towel sort, but he's beautiful and I love him) though I never get any more lewd while naked there than to pick up a dropped towel near my locker. I have, however seen guys all but fist themselves on the changing benches in an effort to attract the attention of suitors, and let's not even start on the steams and saunas.

For those of you in the NYC area who workout at NYSC, you'll agree with me when I say there are certain clubs -- like the one in Greenwich Village near Sheridan Square -- where from staff to member, it's a lovely communal experience -- to the infamous Chelsea cruise mecca at 8th Ave. and 23rd St. where really it's a big locker room where for 2 hours the same men mysteriously need to alternate between showers and steams (is this some sort of therapy I've never heard tell of?) and the prevailing understanding is "Welcome to the nude gym... there's the dumbell in that corner there, and oh yeah, we used to have a treadmill around here somewhere..."

I don't for a second judge or condemn anyone for their sexual indulgences -- Lord knows my halo crumbled several decades ago, so I ain't playing that -- but it's not why I go to the gym and know too many men (and women!) who feel isolated in their loathing and discomfort when it comes to that whole scene.

And if you REALLY need to know if the men around you in the gym are gay, listen to Daddy: EVERY MAN, be he gay, straight or indifferent, is going to look at other men naked, ESPECIALLY in the gym where we look for goals and basic anatomy lessons. If you have a great ass, we are all going to check it out. But if you WANT TO SPOT THE GAY MAN: we are the ones who moisturize after we shower. Straight men don't.



Keep the faith, boys...
Cas

You are right...David Barton has the HOTTEST guys.

But, there is a lot of socializing which impedes having a fluid workout.

I've had to get there when it opens so I don't have to wait to use a piece of equipment because a conversation about "last night" or "current b/f" ends.

I have since changed to a local gym near my house. It's user friendly.

Enjoy DB though.

I go to NYSC on 145th. It's new and it's clean, which is a rarity for NYSC. It seems to be pretty mixed, which I like. At some of the others I've been afraid of getting a staph infection or having a huge pile of dirty towels fall over on me. However, a gay or straight gym doesn't make much of a difference to me. I just prefer gyms where people are there to work out and not socialize. Other gay people don't really motivate me to work out for some reason. Especially when their purses are falling out of their mouths.

lilTanker saidmy gym, except for the classes which are full of leering women who watch me in body pump as I do clean and presses is pretty much devoid of women, you find a few in the room with all the treadmills and what not, but the weights are all down stairs and at any one time theres like 10 men to 1 women and my gym is Straight

Or at least I think it is, I've had two guys check me out but I'm not sure, they could have just been watching me do my workout or something.

hmmm I don't know, personally I'm so focused on what I'm doing, that I'm pushing hard enough to notice anyone else, the only reason I noticed these two guys is because there reaction when I looked there way made it obvious that they where looking at me.

Muhahahahh hahahah hahaha hahhahah!

They arn't leering in a good way! lol

Aren't all gyms full of gay guys? I love watching guys, so the more guys the better and if they are gay then Mr. Winky (my penis) is happy too!

Totally Gay Guys ROCK!

LaSalle04 saidWhy did you choose to go to the "Gay" one versus others around the city (maybe you have one closer to your office or place of work but prefer the "Gay" one)?

Do you feel like you get a better workout in the "Gay" gym versus the less gay gym?

I work out in a gym here on base (it's free) and I've often wondered what it would be like to be in a gay gym - I'm no Adonis at all (still very overweight) so it might be actually demoralizing if I wasn't being hit on! However, sometimes I do wonder if my wandering eyes might get me into trouble but everyone at my gym is really cool.

Mind you I've yet to brave the weight room where people are more...I dunno...close? at closer quarters? with one another. My personal trainer wants me to start there next week so we'll see.

Wild horses wouldn't convince me to take a shower at the gym (I'd be arrested for bringing the human body into disrepute and everyone else'd go blind) so that doesn't make an issue...but out here in the far suburbs of DC there aren't any gay gyms. I guess if the people there were nice and the eye candy not attitude-ridden it'd be cool...but...the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen I meet every day are mostly cool.

My gym is located near what would be considered the gay part of my city. It's also the part of town with a younger set of single straight people as well. I presume it's got a significant number of gay men but I don't have a percentage. I go, do my workout, then leave. It's definitely not a hook up place although I suspect you can make any place you are one of those if you try.

Actually, it's rare I talk to anyone at my gym though which is a good thing since I'm afraid of gay men.

Will & Grace once had an episode where the gay gym was described as "gay church". That it is! The socializing after work makes access to the equipment extremely difficult when two or three guys are sitting there engrossed in conversation. Swimming at a non-gay facility is great because there is no time for talk when you are playing against a pace clock.

While I really enjoy the eye candy, it took 2½ years before guys warmed up enough to someone who is not mainstream to say hello before I said it. It took a lot of work to make the environment more enjoyable. There really are some good souls that I would not have met in any other venue.

Hey...GR-8 topic here..."Gay Gyms." At a regular health club/gym I can take in all the "eye candy" (straight or not) and be happy working out around any kind of guy who's "lookin' it" and likes to sweat. That's as far as a gay man can get in a "shared" gym, you might say. Take it another direction and somebody tell me where I can find a gay BOXING gym where the rule is always shirtless and sweat and close-in clinches are on the menu! YUM...! I'm into boxing and don't mind the straight-gym feel of the regular boxing gyms I've worked out in--because I love the sport in itself. Boxing is hot and some boxers can be VERY hot....!! In this very masculine environment, as a gay man, I would love to be able to "swap leather" with other dudes who are into men and totally "get it" when it comes to sweating in satin trunks. Contact sports and gay men in 'em work hand in hand. I'd like to see some all-gay boxing gyms at some point...alot of gay men are into boxing and love the workouts. It's a total turn on for me, athletically, and sexually. Boxing is sexy, masculine and a discipline. The perfect man can develop out of this sport for sure. Any other gay boxers out there?

Dave Barton is TOTALLY "Gay Church"...hilarious.

It can be pretty crowded much like any gym but if you are smart and maneuver, you'll get to what you like. Also, asking to work in never hurts. I never know why some people are so timid about it. I mean as long as you are going to work in with a similar weight then in most cases there should be no issues.

The one other thing about the gay gym...I love my aussiebum undies....me and them are like "this" lol...some of them however have cartoons on them and all of them are brief. So going to nysc sometimes you wouldnt want to change because you didnt want people to see them and be like wtf. Now people see them and ask me where I got em when I change HAHA...Big difference. But at least I can wear the nice undies vs the fruit of the looms that are hidden in the back of the drawer and only worn when I feel sick.

I go to the gym to go to the gym! I have been going to my current gym for 10 years and have not talked to but a handful of people. I go to workout and that's about it. Gay, straight...who cares, as long as its a good facility.


PS I did meet my current bf there..lol. The best things are found when you are not consciously looking.

Jim in Louisville

I would like to know the name & location of the gay gym in Chicago Il.

My last gym was pretty straight(but not entirely). My new gym is about 80% gay and there are things at the new gym that just drives me nuts! The blatant, over-the-top, cruising in the lockeroom really gets on my nerves(yesterday there was a guy close to about 300pounds cruising in the steamroom). I am sorry. If you are the size of small tank, you need to stay out of the damn steamroom and on a treadmill. Also, the men who treat the gym like its a social club? WTF! They come to chat, and laugh, and relax and sleep..but NOT to workout, not to sweat. I was probably more motivated at the old gym simply because everyone around me was as well. They come to the gym to workout and not participate in all those other extra-curriculum activities that go on in way too many predominately gay gyms.

One thing that does frustrate me alot is that when I tell people waht gym I work out at and they hear that it's the gay gym they totally judge me. I hate that feeling. The thing is that deep down I like walking around and knowing that I dont have to constantly keep my eyes averted so beef heads dont think I'm considering them homo. I like being able to see fit in shape gay guys who care about their bodies. I NEVER am social the the gym, I'm very in my own zone, but just the idea that most of the people around me are gay, or okay with gay guys really makes me feel more comfortable and as a result get a better workout.

At the gym I go too, a lot of the guys take care of them selfs.. umm, actually, thats why they are there.. AND THERE STRAIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG

OMG OMG OMG A STRAIGHT MAN TAKING CARE OF HIMSELF OMG HES GOTTA BE GAY CAUSE NO ONE BUT A GAY MAN TAKES CARE OF THEM SELF.



I think I'm PMSing