Yenny Polanco

A personal trainer superstar, Figure and Fitness champion, NPC Team Universe Fitness championships 2009 and qualitifed for Olympia in her first IFBB show!

It’s the 21st century, and women are still being patronized, denigrated, disparaged, and victimized by closed-minded, insecure men.

At the gym, these so called “Macho” men tend to look down on women who excel in an industry which these male ”chauvinists” think they rule. (Interestingly, the word’s origin dates back to a soldier in Napoleon’s army named Chauvin, who was noted for his loud-mouthed patriotism.)

Well, nowadays women are taking control of their lives, and their bodies. And at only 5’2 and 105 lbs or so, I am, pound-for-pound, one of the strongest lifters at my gym! Heck, not just pound-for-pound, I lift heavier than many guys weighing 185 lbs! But more than that, I am petite, fit and feminine; and I believe that just baffles and intimidates these macho men even more.

"Male chauvinist" (or a Macho man), is a term describing the attitudes of men who believe that women are, or should be, inferior and should not be given equal status with men. These men are known for abusing women verbally, emotionally and physically. It is socially unacceptable behavior, and it should be a thing of the past,
but unfortunately it is not.

But to be victimized by a male chauvinist at the gym is crossing the final line. Having issues with women, and abusing them is unconscionable, and should NEVER, EVER be tolerated! It may be something these guys get away with at home, in bars, etc., but they should not get away with at a gym. It is, for many people, a sort of sanctuary; a positive environment, an enjoyable place to work out, to help you sustain your physical activity goals,
and even a place for relaxation.

I recently had an unpleasant experience with a male chauvinist at my gym. I was jump-roping with a friend; staying out of people’s way as I am always polite and considerate of others. A fellow walking by, jokingly asked… “Yenny, what are you doing jump roping out here (it wasn’t the best place for it)? Just kick those guys out of the boxing room!”

Well a ‘macho’ man outside the boxing room overheard this comment. To my surprise and shock he blurted out some words that only an insecure, closed minded, pathetic and immature man would say… things like “She is not moving anyone out of the way! She only weights 105lbs - and she ain’t moving me out of the way. I'd like to see her try…”
...Whaaat? I was so stunned at first, that I wasn't sure whether he was 'for real' or not. Then I realized that this man was attacking me with words of intimidation. I asked.. “Are you talking to me?” He said “Yeah, I’m talking to you”. “Yes, I am 105 lbs", I answered... "and I am a woman, so why are you talking to me as if I were a man?”

He kept quiet for a few seconds, then walked by me and said ”This is a man’s gym!”
That was it for me. Normally I would keep my mouth shut, because sometimes the best way to deal with a bully (He is both -- a male chauvinist and a bully, who never grew up.) is to remain silent. But nope, this time I stood up for myself. Who the heck did this man think he was to talk to me (or any woman) that way? What did I do to deserve such nasty treatment? Nothing! He was intimidated by this petite, strong, and pretty woman (lol)! .. Intimidated by the fact that I was in much better shape than he was, and far more talented and skilled athletically than he could ever be. His aggressive outburst sprung from feelings of inferiority towards a woman who excels in sports at which he believes a man should be better (boxing, jump roping, lifting, etc).

His closed mindedness and male ego got the better of him. And my strong mind, and assertive attitude got the better of me. As he started to walk away I made it clear that he should never show such disrespect to me; and I suggested that he work on his insecurities. He obviously had the problem, not me. He said nothing and kept walking.

Sometimes you just have to tell them like it is. Fighting bullies back with words of confidence, and standing up for yourself will, in most cases, pushes them away. But this is not high school. I was at a facility in which I should feel safe. A place in which I should not fear threat of harassment. His side of the story? NOTHING THIS MAN COULD SAY WOULD MAKE HIS BEHAVIOR OK. PERIOD.

I am in a position from a physical stand point, to find fault with him if I so chose -- his looks, his lack of athleticism, etc., but I am a mature, good-hearted and humanitarian person. My goal is to always help others as much as I can. To help people be their best and to try their hardest.

The men I am accustomed to are honorable, loyal, considerate and polite people. They are "gentlemen". So guys, please mind your manners and your attitudes at the gym. Life is stressful enough as is. Don’t make it worse for the rest of us who are trying to make a difference with ourselves and others.

I am a physically and mentally strong woman, but that doesn’t mean I don’t hold CHIVALRY in high regard. As a strong woman, with old-fashioned values, I enjoy having doors opened for me. I like to be cared for and treated with courtesy and respect. Unfortunately nowadays I think that, in many regards, CHIVALRY IS DEAD.

It seems that few men are considerate and courteous towards women, or other men for that matter. Many lift their heavy plates of weights on the machines, don't take them off when they complete their sets, and/or don’t give a thought to wiping off the equipment after they use it. Instead, they leave their sweat behind for someone like me to clean up after them?! -- all because they consider it a “man’s gym”? Or because they are
inconsiderate of others who practice good hygiene.
I suggest that it might be a good thing for each of us to read (or re-read) a book on manners, and on gym etiquette.
Hey.. perhaps that’s a good topic for a future article?!

So what can you do if you encounter any type of harassment at the gym?

*Make the manager or gym owner aware of the situation. Make sure they follow through by speaking with the victimizer, making very clear that harassing, and intentionally intimidating others is absolutely unacceptable. Every gym should adopt a 'Zero Tolerance' stance on this issue.

*If the harassment continues, or gets worse, the offender’s gym membership should be swiftly revoked!
*And before you join a gym, or health club, make sure to read their gym rules and code of conduct.

We pay to go to these work out facilities to work on our health, bodies and minds. Gyms should be safe places for everyone regardless or sex, race or religion.