Gym Personalities (In Italy)

After attending an Italian gym for a couple of months I hade discovered some interesting differences in personality and general style at gyms in Italy compared to other places.

First, Sports bras is not a big thing in Italy, no matter how big chested you are. Or if you take really bouncy aerobic classes or run. Ouch!

Secondly, Italian ladies are way more put together and made up when they work out. I even saw one lady blow dry her hair BEFORE a class, just because it was raining a little outside.

Third, the gym is mostly a social place for many ladies at my gym here in Italy, and sometimes people stop right in the middle of a class for a quick gossip sesh.

Forth, the fitness instructors are different. In all and any ways. We have, just to give some examples, the poodle lady who’s curly hair cover most of her face, and bounce lots when she teach aerobic. Or “Carlos” the dance guy that is mostly focusing on looking sexy, and shaking his soft belly. Or the stretch lady who always wear turtlenecks and sweat profoundly. 

Fifth, all of the classes begin with the word tone, or toning, or fit. The focus is to look good, not to get strong or healthy but to look good in a bikini. 

Sixth, wearing sneakers is not a huge thing here. Chuck Taylors/Converse is a common option, both for the gym but also for running.. ouch!

Seventh, the gym is a place to show off! And to be fashionable. I have never seen so many “fancy” workout outfits as here. For example, today one girl wore a party top with a purple velvet bra underneath to body pump, and she also wore legwarmer over her tights with plenty of pom-poms bouncing around (may I add, the gym is HOT, like over 25C) Also the big trend in the eighties with a thong- bathing suit over your hotpants/ tights. Still a big trend. Or just put on a pair of undies over the tights. It worked for Superman, it works for aerobic ladies.

Sorry for stereotyping.. I love going to the gym here, never a dull moment!