I have an observation about an observation.
I was watching "Biggest Loser" the other day (a crazy show where people shed tears of shame over losing "only" eight pounds in a week...I understand that it's a contest and that there is disappointment about not winning, but
shame over eight pounds lost?). A contestant said she tried a commercial gym and felt that everyone was staring at her as if she was unwelcome at the place. She said she knew this because, as the regulars were fit, that was obviously the standard by which everyone is judged.
I've been training in commercial gym for a long time and have not once heard one person say anyone did not belong in the gym because of fitness level, yet I keep hearing about this phenomenon. They never report that gym members said a single impolite word to them, either. Rather, they say they feel they got funny looks, which caused them to feel embarrassment and hurt their feelings.
I tend to think this is caused by preconceptions many may have toward the attitudes of gym regulars.
Regardless, it is odd that this comes up so often, yet there is seemingly no evidence behind it. I personally think it's a misconception, but what do you all think?