You cannot be a Gymnophob in Europe

I finally bit the bullet and joined Fitness First tonight. I've been using a guest pass and really enjoy the classes so I thought what the heck, plus I got the hubby's corporate rate! I've had the luxury of the hubby's luxury vehicle but I will soon be back to reality and don't want my lack of wheels to cause my good routine to come to an end simply because I'm afraid to get on a bus and stare at the bus driver blankly because we don't understand each other. I've talked with my German friends about the bus system's fares and I think I now feel confident to take it to the gym by myself. Plus it's right next to Dave's office and if I get too frustrated I can pick up the car.

Anyhow, I got the "official" tour tonight after signing on and was very pleased with all of the amenities that they have. We walked back through the locker room to a female sauna and steam room where a 1/2 naked older woman sat there and stared at me dressed head to toe with my backpack on. Then we went through another door that led to the Spa. There are tanning beds, a "relaxing" room where you can relax after your workout or sauna where in fact a 1/2 naked man was doing just so. Thankfully he was adequately covered with the teeny tiny red towel on his lap. There is also an "open" coed spa area at the end of that same hall where we peeked in just in time for me to see the naked tail end of a few gentlemen leaving. We then walked back through the locker room where there were just all sorts of nakedness. We are not from a culture where being naked is considered socially acceptable. I completely accept it, it just leaves me feeling awkward more than anything every time I'm there. There is nothing kinky or sexual in nature with this type of behavior, it's considered completely normal. I'm comfortable with my own nakedness in the privacy of my own home, but not really in public with people that I spend every Tuesday night exercising with for 2 hours. 

Gymnophobia ironically has nothing to do with the gym. It is a fear or anxiety about being seen naked, and/or about seeing others naked, even in situations where it is socially acceptable. I wouldn't say that I have a fear or anxiety, like I said it's just more of awkwardness because this is something that as an American is just not typical. I'm actually finding myself more at ease in the locker rooms, but still haven't gotten the courage to shower in the mass open stalls. I'd like to think I can get over it, and actually try out the sauna. I don't think I HAVE to be naked, why not just wrap a towel around myself?

It makes me think about how we chickened out at the fancy spa in Baden-Baden. I want to go back when I know my potential gymnophobia has dissipated. Once we learn all of the rules of the sauna, I feel confident that we can go back with our heads held high...or rather low...well I'm not sure where we should be looking but I think after we learn the rules a few more months in the Fitness Center's rooms we'll be prepped and ready to embark on our spa journey.