I entered the realm of fitness later in life. In my youth, my metabolism allowed me to indulge without much thought, and the gym wasn’t a priority. Occasionally, I would step into the intimidating world of treadmills and energetic aerobics classes, but I always preferred to change at home to avoid the locker room — mostly due to modesty concerns.
After having my children in my 30s and enduring two C-sections, my body underwent significant changes. Running granted me stronger thighs, but the consequence was less than flattering as my breasts became saggy. I soon realized that I needed to commit to exercise to keep up with my energetic toddlers. As an escape from my little ones, I started changing at the gym.
Around the age of 40, something shifts in women, leading to a newfound indifference in locker rooms. Perhaps it’s the experience of exposing oneself during childbirth or breastfeeding in public, but women over 40 seem to embrace their bodies with less inhibition.
A bustling women’s locker room becomes a vibrant display of soft, carefree women who seem unfazed by nudity. Conversations about recipes, last night’s TV shows, and personal matters occur openly, often accompanied by complete nudity. For newcomers, it can be overwhelming to navigate this environment without letting one’s gaze stray below the belt.
A few years back, I went to swim laps at my local gym to escape my kids during bedtime. While attempting to discreetly adjust my swimsuit, a woman in her 60s emerged from the shower area completely naked, heading toward the bench near my locker. We exchanged pleasantries, and I continued trying to undress with minimal exposure.
But she? She was completely unbothered. It was evident she hadn’t cared since the early 80s. She pulled out a towel and began drying herself with remarkable vigor. At that moment, I wished the floor would open up and swallow me whole.
After her drying routine, she retrieved a giant jar of Vaseline from her locker and started moisturizing. Every inch of her skin received attention, and she chatted away as if we were lifelong friends. I struggled to keep my focus on getting into my suit, but there was no escaping her exuberance.
And then it happened.
She applied a glob of Vaseline in a very intimate area, all while chatting about her grandson’s birthday party. I was in shock, feeling like I was watching a scene that should have been confined to private quarters. I quietly resolved to avoid Locker No. 17 from that day forward.
Though I’ve largely accepted my 40s and its perks, I’m still waiting for that sense of locker room liberation to wash over me. Call me old-fashioned, but I can’t bring myself to flaunt my post-baby body in front of strangers. Maybe one day I’ll embrace that freedom, but for now, I’ll keep those more intimate activities reserved for a private bathroom stall.
For those on a similar journey, there’s a wealth of information on pregnancy and home insemination available at WomensHealth.gov. If you’re curious about fertility, check out our other blog post discussing the couples’ fertility journey for intracervical insemination here. You can also read about a joyful surprise that came after months of trying at Intracervical Insemination.
Summary:
Women over 40 often experience a shift in their approach to body image and nudity, particularly in locker rooms. Through personal anecdotes and humorous observations, the author reflects on her journey to acceptance of her changing body while navigating the sometimes overwhelming openness of others. This post encourages readers to embrace their own experiences while sharing valuable resources on pregnancy and home insemination.