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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To feel embarrassed about walking around naked in gym changing rooms?

276 replies

IShouldNotCoco · 01/08/2025 18:26

It isn’t because I dislike my body or anything but I do feel incredibly awkward about just stripping off and walking around. Is it upbringing?

I am quite envious of all the women who seem totally unbothered about doing this. If you’re trying to get changed without exposing everything, you’re definitely in the minority at my gym.

So I’m wondering how common it is for people to feel the way I do?!

OP posts:
Anyahyacinth · 02/08/2025 19:46

We have corner changing areas with a curtain...I like getting ready in there so I don't have to keep a towel clasped around me. So much quicker and less exasperating

ThatsNotMyTeen · 02/08/2025 19:47

TheFormidableMrsC · 01/08/2025 18:39

At the gym I used to go to, there would always be one happy to walk around naked, lifting a leg so we could all see what she had for lunch or indeed bending over. There is absolutely no need for it, I never did it and none of my gym buddies did.

I’ve seen a strangers tampon string in this context. No need for it.

I wouldn’t say people swan around naked in my gym but there are people who are fully naked when changing. I put my bra and pants on over at the shower

Coolasfeck · 02/08/2025 19:53

JosephMerrick · 02/08/2025 19:23

I understand completely, it can be difficult being naked in front of people when they all have toned bodies and firm buttocks.

I had a similar issue but aproached it by starting out being naked with people who were less athletic-like. I began by wandering about naked in ASDA, and then moved up the social ladder to Sainsbury's and it was at Waitrose where I was arrested. At the cheese counter, actually.

I'm now completely at ease with my naked body, as are many of the folk who pass by my house, as I press myself up against the front window.
Although I'm still a bit shy and so wear a balaclava - on the wrong way round. (At least that way no member (!) of my congregation is likely to recognise me.)

PMSL!

Tiredofallthis101 · 02/08/2025 19:54

I have no problem being naked in front of others since giving birth twice and losing all dignity. So for ME I would quite happily do it. However I don't do this because I think it's rude, I'm not particularly interested in seeing others parading around naked (not bothered but it feels against the rules of etiquette). And I know it makes some people uncomfortable. It is not culturally appropriate in the UK. So I cover up as much as possible.

Also the horror of seeing someone hairdryer their public hair - my God. No one needs to see that! 😱

BooneyBeautiful · 02/08/2025 19:54

CountryQueen · 01/08/2025 18:41

Totally off topic but “2ndry”?! What on earth am I seeing now

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I assume the poster means secondary school.

ducksfizz · 02/08/2025 19:55

Begs the question of why the need for open changing rooms anyway?! I’m a member at a Nuffield and they have these. What’s wrong with cubicles?!

teaandtoastwithmarmite · 02/08/2025 19:57

I used to do a body balance class at a gym. The teacher used to stand there naked for ages after chatting to different people whilst putting cream on or whatever. She had a very toned figure but I used to think gosh can’t you just get dressed 😆. Being naked doesn’t bother me but I wouldn’t elongate the process.

Coolasfeck · 02/08/2025 19:58

Why would someone need to blow dry their pubic hair? Shouldn’t drying with a towel be enough? How much hair do they have down there? I have so many questions!

Commonsensemom · 02/08/2025 19:59

Hello OP
you are simply modest which is something to be proud of . Self respect and modesty is becoming rare in a ‘Let it all hang out ‘ morality promoted by the internet . Can’t stand it when adults parade around naked in front of my kids in changing rooms .😖Treasure it. My 13 year old runs to the toilet for PE changes and I remember doing the same myself … bless 🥰

PyongyangKipperbang · 02/08/2025 20:02

I dont go anymore but when I used to I went to v posh health club place. There was definitely perfomative nakedness at times. It was a certain type of woman who knew that she looked incredible and wanted to show off. Didnt happen all the time and most women didnt, but it was often enough to be noticeable. Was one of the reasons I stopped going with my post 4 kids (at the time) body.

LoopyLoo1991 · 02/08/2025 20:08

theunbreakablecleopatrajones · 02/08/2025 17:09

I hate to break it to you, but I think you are catching post gym sweat from their ‘area’ rather than their response your undoubted hotness..

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I am very sure it wasn't aimed at me - and one girl was straight out of the shower, so doubt it was gym sweat. I just have sensitive nose. Plus when they walk past 1½ feet from where your sitting, it's pretty hard not to notice it...

Crunchienuts · 02/08/2025 20:10

I must have seen about 40 naked women today in the swimming pool changing room. Walking around, showering, chatting, drying their hair, using the sauna. It’s actually quite a friendly, comfortable environment to be in. People take their time and it’s quite sociable. I think you just get used to not looking at or not paying attention to other people’s bodies!

Roserposer · 02/08/2025 20:12

IShouldNotCoco · 01/08/2025 18:39

Well clearly I’m not alone. But at this gym (David Lloyd btw) for the 10 years I’ve been here, it has been this way.

I am not offended, I just feel so bemused by it.

How funny, I was thinking it must be David Llyods and then saw your response. Yes, it is very common thing in DL. Until we started going to DL, I never seen it before either.

PixiePuffBall · 02/08/2025 20:13

I have rarely seen this. Is this a troll post?

ThatCyanCat · 02/08/2025 20:13

ThatsNotMyTeen · 02/08/2025 19:47

I’ve seen a strangers tampon string in this context. No need for it.

I wouldn’t say people swan around naked in my gym but there are people who are fully naked when changing. I put my bra and pants on over at the shower

Show quote history

I couldn't do that. The whole area is too wet and steamy. I don't think I've ever seen anyone put their underwear on while still in the cubicle, everyone always exits in a towel and then dries off in the changing area.

EmeraldShamrock000 · 02/08/2025 20:15

I remember the first time experiencing the naked lady in the changing room. I was about 10, she was stretching, bending, a much older woman, she had very few grey pubic hair, , it was the early 90's the era of the full bush.
I asked DM, does your pubic hair fall out when you're old?
I remember thinking gosh that lady is flexible and naked, good for her.
I suffer embarrassment wearing a bikini on holiday.

DurinsBane · 02/08/2025 20:17

I often seems to be an age thing. Younger people, though often with firmer and trimmer bodies, seem more self conscious. As they get older they often care less and are happier for people to see them nice for a minute while they shower or get dressed etc

EmeraldShamrock000 · 02/08/2025 20:17

Coolasfeck · 02/08/2025 19:58

Why would someone need to blow dry their pubic hair? Shouldn’t drying with a towel be enough? How much hair do they have down there? I have so many questions!

Head hair.

Umbrella15 · 02/08/2025 20:18

My gym dosent evan have a changing room. We all change at home

ohsososo · 02/08/2025 20:24

Livinlife2dafull · 02/08/2025 18:48

Personally I am the same as you. Sometimes women just don't care and that is fine if comfortable. Be discreet if you want. There is a woman in particular who sits in sauna with no top on and no towel . I don't know where to look or cannot understand why people need to see her breasts or why wearing a bikini top is a problem.

Then don’t whatever you do, travel. As much of the world thinks it’s normal.

JayJayj · 02/08/2025 20:28

I don’t go to the gym but I take my daughter swimming weekly. Mostly people do cover but when getting dressed boobs and buns end up on show. Some can do it without showing anything.

I personally find it too awkward to bother with. We all have bodies, we all (mostly) have hang ups. I don’t feel any different showing a boob as o do an arm. And it’s not for long.

B0D · 02/08/2025 20:31

I’m curious, why wouldn’t you be comfortable being naked in a female changing room?

Christwosheds · 02/08/2025 20:33

Gowlett · 01/08/2025 18:35

When I lived in London years ago, they all paraded around in the nip the changing room at my gym. I never did, always kept my towel intact, even though I was young & beautiful back then…

Same here !

forgivenessISNTshallow · 02/08/2025 20:39

Only once a woman in lido did this in the changing rooms, in a tong, upper body uncovered, went and dried her hair twisting herself, thinking I'm impressed or something lol. I was fully dressed and realised she's very flat chested , so the whole thing was very weird. I should at least unravel my huge baps and show her who's the gifted one but anyway. Yucky woman

CyanDreamer · 02/08/2025 20:39

B0D · 02/08/2025 20:31

I’m curious, why wouldn’t you be comfortable being naked in a female changing room?

because females are you know.. people?
Why would you feel more comfortable with female?

I don't use the loos with the door opened in front of females either. What difference does it make? My gynaecologist is male though 😂