My YMCA has been doing some much-needed renovations. The upside is that we now have a shiny new aerobics studio, expanded childcare and a new gym floor that has made more than a few basketball players fall to their knees and weep with joy. The downside, besides that the whole place is drenched in nursing-home yellow, is they moved the weight floor around. Me being me, I wouldn’t care if they put the free weights in the bathroom – hey multitasking! – except for one thing: the mirrors.
I’m going to just say this straight out: I’m one of those people who likes to stare at themselves in the mirror while they lift weights. The majority of the time, it’s to check my form, I swear. Although those floor-to-ceiling reflective surfaces have other good uses like making sure there aren’t any bumps in Gym Buddy Allison’s ponytail or checking out the progress of the cut on my tricep. Occasionally I even use it to stare at people (hello man walking around with a weight plate literally chained to your waist!) without actually staring at them. And now the only thing in front of the mirrors is the Smith machine and the squatting sled, so apparently you can check out your form on machines that prevent you from having any. I suppose you could also check out your butt if you got really contorted in the leg press.
All of this got me thinking about gym mirrors in general. In our old aerobics studio, the mirrors were so warped that just doing a grapevine to the right made you lose 10 pounds. That is, until you went left again. The teachers always wondered why the right side of the class was so crowded compared to the left! At any rate, I tried very hard then to not look in the mirrors.
Aesthetics aside, gym goers avoid the mirrors for other reasons as well. A big one for women is being self conscious about their appearance. I will always remember one Bosu class where my top was too short and my pants too tight causing a roll of stomach flab/child skin to blurp out. Mesmerized, I watched it the whole class as it bounced when I bounced and turned when I turned – but always a count behind. A Gym Buddy expressed a similar fear, saying that she refused to wear tank tops to work out in because “then I’d have to stare at my flabby arms the whole time.” I’m pretty sure when our group fit teachers tell us to focus this is not what they have in mind. In fact, I’m told that many female-only gyms like Curves have no mirrors at all and it is considered a selling point.
However, as anyone who has taken yoga will attest to, it is easier to stay balanced in bound eagle or dancer pose if you can see yourself in a mirror. In Hip Hop and Zumba, being able to see the mirror helps with footwork and form, not to mention staying on the beat. Mirrors are also an essential tool for being able to see the instructor from different areas of the room. Not to mention they are great for catching and preventing wardrobe malfunctions. (Although the mirrors worked against Turbo Jennie when her halter top came undone mid-squat during a BodyPump class. With the weight bar still on her shoulders, she instinctively spun away from the class – only to be confronted with the full view in the mirrors along with her students’ shocked expressions. Another instructor jumped in to rescue her and Turbo Jennie gave away the top but the story still lives on in Y infamy.)
So what is your take on mirrors when you exercise? Hate them? Just another surface to splatter sweat on? Or a useful fitness tool? Minus 10 points if you’ve ever used one to pop a zit. Yes, I know they’re perfect because you can get right up close but seriously – ew!
I actually use the mirror to watch the instructor and the rest of the class. I very very rarely watch myself. I actually feel embarrassed if people see me watching myself in the mirror. Sad, I know, but I’ve never really liked what I’ve seen staring back. Just a quick word of relief, those of you who take classes with me, rest easy as I usually get drawn to watching those who are really good. If I watch the not-so-coordinated ones, I tend to follow suit.
“If I watch the not-so-coordinated ones, I tend to follow suit.”
aboyn3girls, me too!
I really like them in pump classes, with free weights, and in yoga. Spin, not so much. Sometimes I actually start to get the feeling that I’m actually going somewhere on that bike. Mirrors would make it a lot harder to convince my brain I’m covering distance. Same with treadmills (haha, when I actually *use* one); if I can escape the sensation of being on a conveyor belt (or even being in a gym) I will! Mirrors (in those cases) don’t let me escape as easily.
I HATE mirrors at the gym! Granted, I’m not an aerobics-class girl, and I do remember them being awfully necessary when I took dance classes as a child…but now? Like machines that the sweaty guy didn’t spray down after using, they are on the To Be Avoided list. I adored about one of my old gyms that the treadmills all looked out a set of windows. Traffic! Passersby! Along with the ‘Pod, they provided high entertainment for my runs. But one day, when the light was hitting them just right (or wrong, as the case may be), I could see my reflection. And what did I spend the rest of my (suddenly difficult) run thinking about? How slow I appeared to be running. How my arms looked. How my legs looked. How my arms and legs and speed must look to those around me. GAH!
Mirror mirror on the gym wall,
how you make my spirit fall…
The mirrors in the gym are great for checking out my form while exercising, and the mirrors in the dressing room are great for checking my form after i’ve just exercised 🙂
Love love LOVE mirrors. Before you declare me hopelessly vain I assure you I have valid reasons other than just admiring myself!
For TKD – mirrors are invaluable. An instructor could be fixing every part of your body by a few centimetres or you could glance in a mirror and fix yourself instantly.
For Weights – Ok, yes I like seeing my biceps/shoulders etc. ripple, but I also like to see that I’m doing it correctly. I have yet to find a way to look at my form without appearing as if I’m checking myself out though…
For Yoga/Pilates – Again, similar to TKD, it’s so helpful if rather than waiting for the instructor to come around and personally adjust you, you can just look in the mirror and voilá your posture improves and you actually look competent!
And yes, sometimes, when I’m organised and looking respectable in the gym for once, I like to sneak a peek and give myself a mental high-five for making the effort!
So YES on the Mirrors. :o)
I get their benefit but most of the time I hate them. Of course that says much more about me and my insecurities than the mirrors.
My major problem is that I have a face that turns a very, very deep shade of red/purple within 5 minutes of almost any type of exercise and lasts for the duration and longer! I look like I’m going to pass out even though I feel fine. When I can’t see it I forget it’s there and I don’t feel so beacon-like!
I LOVE them when Im learning something new as Im not one who has an immediate sense of how things should all work together (from yoga to a new weight exercise)….so I need them to get a sense of where my body is in space BUT beyond that I pretty much ignore them.
Mirrors in SPIN CLASS? That sounds awful. I ran on a treadmill in front of a mirror before and was appalled by how ghostly white I go when I run. I look like death.
Yet in any weight or movement classes (like Body Pump or Body Combat) I could not be without a mirror. I want my leg to go as high as the instructors. I can’t do that if I can’t see myself in the mirror.
In fact my physio has told me I am an overly visual person, ie. I can’t actually do correct movements just in my head, I have to look in the mirror. So I’m not vain, honest, just really stupid :0)
TA x
I don’t like the mirrors. They are everywhere at my Y. If I’m sitting on a weight machine lifting, I’ll usually close my eyes so that I don’t have to look at myself. That being said, I did use the mirror to stare down this girl whose arm muscles I noticed were looking a little more defined these days…oh wait, those were my arms. Yes, I’m guilty.
I thought I was the only one who hated working out in front of mirrors until I read a study that linked lifting in front of a mirror to *worse* body-image among women.
Now I have a trainer that’s taught me to feel the correct form, so I’m not dependent on my eyeballs.
Of course, all I do is lift and run. The last time I tried even the simplest aerobics class, I darn near ended up in traction. There’s not a lot I could gain from a mirror, unless I really want to watch myself break both legs at once…
I’m definitely a visual girl, so mirrors are invaluable in making sure my form is correct. I feel like I can get a much more intense workout if I can check my form from time to time.
Mirrors in yoga are awesome for me because I can’t stand looking at a blank wall, and am distracted by all of the Yoga tchachki that usually cover the walls of the studios around here.
The only uncomfortable thing: when I find myself staring at someone and they catch my eyes in the mirror, or I catch someone staring at me. Ick!
I’m ambivalent about them. I like them for checking my form, but I used to go to a gym where everyone was so vain that they would literally crowd the mirrors.
And thus, I hated the class.
I love the mirrors at my gym, except for the big mirror in the women’s locker room. It’s right opposite the lockers, so any time I’m changing I have to look at my reflection (any professional stripper will tell you there’s no way to make it a sexy move, when you’re pulling your pants down…sadly, I don’t even remember where I read this). What is worse, I can see the reflections of all the other girls changing, which just makes me feel awkward. If I turn my back to it, I can’t sit on the bench. It’s a major source of amusement though, because pretty often you see a girl stop in the midst of changing, notice the mirror, and start checking herself out clad only in sports bra, shorts and one sock…Am I a horrible person if this cracks me up?
What is going on here in gym world?? My fitness center is doing some major reconstruction now also, and I do not like it! The jack hammers have stopped, but JEEZZ!
Mirrors? Love them 🙂
I NEED NEED NEED mirrors when I’m working with weights. I get annoyed when someone stands right in front of me and blocks my view. For me it’s about the form. I don’t have great body awareness on some exercises and my body does weird things if I can’t see myself.
So yes, I am one of the crazy chicks checking herself out constantly (and admiring those mus-cles) but beware my wrath if you block my mirror!
I love mirrors in fitness classes and such. I use them to watch the instructor and other people to see if we’re using the same techniques, and I also use it to check my own form. But I also think that mirrors are very good for building self confidence- if you’re forced to look at yourself, you can become comfortable with your body and appreciate it more.
I can see why others find the mirrors helpful but for me they are not a help. The body image problem is there but worse I actually lose focus. Maybe an ADD type problem but there are to many distractions to draw away in. Other happenings around the room may seem more interesting than what is in front of me. Just try and ignore them as much as possible.
When I first started going to the gym, I thought the mirrors were all for vanity. I could see the appeal of “Curves” with mirrors, because at that point I was only doing that kind of workout (own your own cardio and resistance machines).
NOW! I would feel as though I couldn’t get as great a workout in the gym without them. They’re great for following an instrucor and for focusing. An Ipod and mirrors really help me to focus and work harder while lifting.
“Curves” withOUT mirrors! Sorry
I never really notice mirrors. The only time i use them is to check form- but i think thats because i dont want people catching me staring at myself.
Kelly Turner
http://www.groundedfitness.com
Mirrors help me keep an eye on all my students. Not in a creepy, I’ve-got-eyes-in-the-back-of-my-head-so-don’t-try-anything-missy kind of way, but to check their form and alignment. And my own. (It kinda sucks to realize your instructor is doing the exercise badly, lol!)
I do like the mirrors except in one place–in front of the treadmills.
At my old gym, the treadmills faced a wall of mirrors. Why would anyone want to watch him/herself bouncing along in front of a mirror? No fancy footwork required, we’re just running here.
I agree about the mirrors in aerobics classes–it’s completely impossible to do crazy new moves without a mirror.
Conclusion: your Y should shift the weightroom back. It is not necessary to do your squats with a mirror. Plus, you’ll probably get the awkward few people drifting toward the mirrors finding a viewing window between the squatters and thoroughly freaking them out. It’s happened to me–apparently they ran out of viewing space on the wall with the free weights…
anyway, good luck! I hope nobody sustains an injury due to improper form!
Mirrors are really helpful in group exercise. As an instructor, since I’m facing away from the class (in step), I use them to make sure people are getting what I’m teaching, and I can change up what I’m doing based on that. There was one class I taught that didn’t have mirrors and it was really hard! When I’m not looking at the people in my class, I’m watching my own feet in the mirror, because I find it easier that way to not trip.
I also cue people in weight lifting to use the mirror to check form, especially in bent over rows, squats, lunges, and pushups.
I’m totally ambivalent about them for the workouts I do (running and weights). I like to check out my form and make sure my pants didn’t fall off every once in a while, but I could do without ’em. For a class, I think they are pretty necessary.
I like the layout of the mirrors at the Y, not only in the studios but also in the weight room section. I rarely ever use the weights (as evident by my Gumby-esque arms), but I run the track a lot and I like to be able to check my running form when I run past them.
As for in the studio, I also use them to check form and also compare the way I am doing the moves in classes to others to make sure I’m doing them right.
I love gym mirrors for the weight room and for my fitness classes. I just wish they’d keep them out of the cario area. No one really needs to see their form on the Elliptical and too many old guys use them to leer while young women are running.
Yeah, I’m a “form checker” too. That’s all. I’m not admiring this body that God’s gift to womankind.
Oh, did I just say that?
Do you and your gym buddy ever run intervals? Do you want to on Saturday at 9 am? Borsch, Pharmie (my wife), and I are meeting at the St. Thomas track to run some intervals on Sat at 9, and the more, the merrier!!
I much prefer people staring at themselves in a mirror instead of staring at me while I’m working out.
Though of course I realize when people stare they are merely lost in admiration at my incredible style. (That’s my delusion, and I’m sticking to it, thankyouverymuch.)
when I do the Gauntlet, there are mirrors BEHIND me and I will confess, even tho it’s embarrassing, that sometimes I’ll peek (not good for my neck, but sometimes vanity trumps sanity) and see what my butt looks like. Or how my legs look. Or my butt. Yeah, basically my butt.
Definitely it helps in yoga – you’re spot on, there. And weights – I can look and make sure I’m not straining in my neck or face…
I like them for watching my form (squats, lunges, press, etc.) but it’s nice to be able to get away from them when I’m
a. jumping rope – I’m a DD, so it looks rather disturbing.
b. doing abs. I’m sucking in, or as they say in Pilates “pulling my belly button toward my spine” so why is my belly still so convex? Breaks my concentration.
c. really sweaty. the redness in my face is horrifying. eek.
I am not a fan of mirrors. I go for a more kinetic sense of exercise form.
In my martial arts training, it’s hard to resist the temptation of looking at yourself in the mirror. Not a good idea in the middle of sparring.
My wife forced me to put mirror in our karate school. I’m glad she did though, because I think it’s helpful for our students.
Tim Rosanelli
View my blog at
Sensei Talks
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I always find it peculiar when someone doesn’t want to look at themselves in the mirror. Especially working with clients in the rehab industry, when you are trying to correct faulty movement patterns, they obviously don’t know they are doing it in the first place, so how I correct it if i cant get them to look in the bloody mirror!? ARGH!
Mirrors for the weights and the dance/aerobic classes. The rest of my ideal gym would be mirror-free. (Especially no treadmill mirrors: I get so red, I look like a tomato, and it’s embarrassing. If I can’t see my face I can at least pretend I look normal.)
At my gym in the group fitness room, there is only one mirror alongside one wall. I actually like to be by the mirror, to check form like you mentioned. I tend to avoid the scale so I think the mirror helps me to gauge my progress, (or lack thereof). I don’t know if what the logic behind only one mirror when they built the place was but I wish there was at least one more mirror in that room so I didn’t have to always go to the mirror side. I wonder if some people think “that girl is so vain”. (I don’t always go right next to the mirror)!
Definitely to check myself out. I mean my form. Right. There is nothing more satisfying than the good splatter of a zit on mirror.
No comment on the mirrors. But – you joked about keepign free weights in the bathroom. I actually keep a set of weights in one of my bathroom sinks (2 sinks, only 1 gets used). That way, I can multitask. Not at the exact same time, but after I finish with the business, I can do a couple sets of something, and get in some decent weight training spread throughout the day.
You know I just had a light bulb a-Ha moment reading this post. I don’t do any body nitpicking in the gym mirrors. I like the mirrors because it helps me focus on form and yeah to look at cute guys so they don’t know I’m actually looking at them. All my body nitpicking is done at the mirrors at home or in the store dressing rooms…seriously wow! I had never really noticed that before. I see a post coming
When I was working with a trainer for weight loss, he KNEW I never looked at myself in a mirror. Usually, he’d play along, setting us up for work where there weren’t any mirrors, or where he could use it but I couldn’t.
One day he forced me to watch my form in a mirror. It ACHED. He was behind me, his face against mine to keep me from looking away.
When I started working out on my own, I learned to use the mirrors to check form. I do that often, now.
And I use them to watch other people and distract myself when I’m bored in a workout.
Still rarely really want to look at myself in a mirror…