"Overcoming Negative Experiences: How Working as a Fetish Model Inspired Me to Give Gyms Another Chance"
- Jan 2
- 3 min read
Going to the gym can be intimidating. But recently, I've felt like giving it another shot! I've had some terrible experiences at gyms before, which have made it challenging to go regularly. One thing I appreciate about gyms is their efficiency. They have all the necessary weights, machines for targeting different body areas, open spaces, and large mirrors to monitor your movements. It's also inspiring to see others consistently working on their health. On the other hand, the aggressive sales tactics and the atmosphere at some gyms can make it hard to concentrate on my personal goals: feeling good about my body and developing workout skills to stay strong and healthy in the long run.
I enjoy other forms of exercise too, like yoga, which I've practiced for a long time. Since I mostly work from home, it's beneficial to leave the house. But, group yoga classes aren't always suitable for me because I prefer customizing my routine to match what my body needs each day. Additionally, some aspects of yoga studio culture can be stressful, such as not allowing latecomers into class, or incorporating spiritual rituals that don't feel authentic for me. A great solution for me has been creating visuals of my favorite yoga routines on Canva. With my new Kobo Libra Color that connects to Google Drive, I can upload these visuals and view them on my e-reader. I'm excited to use my yoga mat with my e-reader nearby to guide my routine. It provides just the right amount of information without the rigidity of instructional videos. But I still feel like my body is craving a more thorough sweat.
Many people can relate to the common issues I've faced at gyms, like feeling pressured by sales tactics, difficulty canceling memberships, or unwelcome stares. However, some experiences I've had go beyond impractical to downright inappropriate. As a teenager alone in a gym, an adult trainer inappropriately touched me under the pretense of "helping me stretch" when I asked for guidance using equipment safely. In my early twenties, I returned to a gym only to face hurtful comments about needing to "lose weight" to encourage membership purchases. I was underweight at the time and reported the unethical sales tactics to the manager. Despite this, a trainer I worked with used the same tactics, commenting on my body to push more sessions. I left that gym for a simpler one further away, only to find it was still owned by the same chain. It felt inescapable. Additionally, the gym was dirty, with dust and hair on the floor, making me question its cleanliness. Another major issue is the lack of Wi-Fi access, which makes streaming workout plans difficult due to poor signal in large enclosed spaces. Not providing Wi-Fi seems like a cost-cutting measure that just reinforces the idea that gyms care much more about their bottom line than your customer experience.
Despite all of this, I can't forget the satisfaction of targeting muscle groups and feeling them work. It's rewarding to know that even with my online work and home-based lifestyle, I can still get my body moving as it should. As I've matured, I've gained confidence in ignoring others' beliefs and focusing on what I want. For me, exercise should bring joy and excitement about my body's strength and help me learn how to maintain my health over time. I don't think exercise should be driven by self-criticism or a desire to fit a beauty standard. Unfortunately, many gyms seem to promote insecurity about body image, creating an unsafe environment for enjoying exercise.
Working as a fetish model has rekindled my love and appreciation for my body, which I was longing for. I cherish my body and want to care for it, ensuring it thrives and looks great for as long as possible. I'm proud of myself for giving the gym another chance. I'm meeting with a trainer this week and am eager to see how it goes. We're on the same page about the fallbacks of gym culture and will be training in his private gym with my service dog present. I really hope this will be a new chapter for me and a great learning experience.