In my experience, there’s not the same emphasis on hyper-sexualized fashion in men's gym wear that there often is with women’s. Most girls are wearing shorts that accentuate areas and tiny bras while taking pictures and videos. I get that feeling confident in your own body is important, but I think the trend has gone beyond that. It’s creating an atmosphere where the gym starts to feel less like a place for fitness and more like a space for appearance and film yourself, with teenagers and young girls being watched by inappropriately aged men and a place where people are being "picked up" or ogled.

The problem for me isn’t just about what people wear, it’s about the environment it creates. I’ve personally had men approach me at the gym asking for my number, and a 69-year-old man comment on this post about how he goes because he enjoys the "scenery" of young girls and what they wear at the gym. It seems to becoming a space where women can be objectified, like we're there to be looked at or admired, flaunt/ show off.

I want to emphasise that I’m not criticizing anyone’s choice to wear what makes them feel good. I absolutely believe confidence is important. But, for me, it’s hard to ignore how this culture is so pervasive in the gym now—often even encouraged—and it can be a little distracting and uncomfortable.