Mistaken for Pregnant, at the Gym

Yep.  That’s a real thing that happened to me.

I’m still processing it. Mulling it all over. Trying to determine if I find this event a) motivating, or b) deflating in my overall efforts to improve my fitness.

So here’s how it went down.

Never, Ever Ask a Woman if She’s Expecting. Just Don’t.

I liked him at first.  He had brought his own towel laced with eucalyptus oil, and had draped it over the steam vent.  I love this effect, and the steam room smelled much better than it normally does.  So I was appreciative.  We were amicable steam room buddies, at this point.  Off to a great start.

Then he asks me a question, in very broken English.  An older Hispanic gentlemen, I couldn’t quite make out what he was saying.  He repeats himself, while rubbing his stomach by way of a demonstrative gesture.  And it dawns on me what he is asking.

“Is baby coming?”

Ouch.  Am I pregnant?  So apparently I look pregnant in my swimsuit.  That’s awesome.

I was so stunned at first, I didn’t even know how to respond.  Of course then my Midwestern upbringing quickly kicked in, and my next thought was to not be rude.  (You know… even though HE had technically just said something rude to ME.)  I chuckle, and prattle on about how I’ve had two children.  Like I owe him some sort of explanation.

No, I’m not pregnant.  Thanks for asking.

Although my ego was a bit bruised, my next reaction was to think it was kind of funny.  Honestly, what man asks this question??  How did he make it this far without learning this very basic lesson in life?

Never ask a woman if she’s expecting.  Ever.  There are no exceptions to this rule.

Those Blissfully Ignorant Commenters

I will say that when I encounter people such as this, I find it a bit intriguing.  People who say insulting things, but in what appears to be innocent sincerity.  It is my belief that they truly don’t realize how rude and socially unacceptable they are being.  It’s a fascinating and amusing social experiment, of sorts.

Like the time I told a friend of mine that I was tired of training for the runDisney Princess Half Marathon, my first half marathon ever.  A non-runner at the start, I had worked really, really hard.  For six months.  And I had just completed my final, 13 mile training run before the event.  I was feeling pretty good about that!

“Oh, so what was your time?” she asked.

Feeling a little put on the spot, I answer “I finished in 2 hrs 40 minutes”.  Hello!  That’s TWO HOURS AND FORTY MINUTES OF RUNNING, PEOPLE!  Can I get a witness?

“Oh… so about a half hour slower than most people”, she points out.

*blink*

What did she just say?  Than “MOST PEOPLE”?  Most people who RUN 13 MILES?!

Good grief.

Time to Throw in the Towel?

Anyways, I digress.  Back to the pregnancy accusation.  After the initial shock and mini-roller coaster of emotions upon hearing “Is baby coming?”… my inner voice started to agree with his assessment.  “I know, right?  This stubborn layer of belly fat is a total drag!”

So do I try harder at the gym?

Or do I throw in the towel?

I will say now that I’m in my 40’s, I find it much more motivating to exercise for the sake of my health.  I can still move freely, and I appreciate that.  I like feeling strong, and able to keep up with my kids.  My doctor has explained to me that this is the last decade I have to build bone density.  It all adds up, and makes continuing to try and exercise regularly worth the effort.

Whether or not I look PREGNANT in my tankini.

I guess maybe I should be flattered that he thought I was young enough to be having a baby?  😉

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Has this ever happened to you?  How did you respond….?