For the average female, the gym poses more obstacles and hazards than just falling off the treadmill. Between heightened testosterone levels, grunting and ogling stares, it can be tough getting through a workout alongside sweaty members of our lesser half.

While it is true that we may distract men with our rear aspect on the cardio machines, as women, working out in a gym filled with guys can be a daunting task. Christie Ortolani, a Binghamton University junior, says that venturing beyond the cardio machines can be intimidating.

‘Sometimes when you’re doing free weights it’s uncomfortable because you feel like people look at you like you don’t know what you’re doing,’ she said.

Because of the intimidation factor, many have made the switch to clubs which exclusively cater to women. The International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association reports that the number of women-only fitness centers like Curves are on the rise.

If you’re feeling uncomfortable in the crowded boys club known as the free weight zone, you may want to consider joining the ranks of women who have made the switch. But for those who are sticking it out with the guys, we say kudos to you and we offer the following tips:

Cardio is your friend

If the free-weights are too crowded with guys, try the cardio equipment first while you’re waiting on the weights to free up. It’s better to lift after you’ve warmed up anyway.

Natalie Berger, a BU sophomore, likes the availability of the cardio machines.

‘I lift weights two or three times a week, but I do mostly cardio like the elliptical ‘ it’s usually girls around there. The guys usually are by the weights or on the treadmill.’

Learn a few new tricks

Chances are if you have a lifting routine you’re comfortable with, you’ll stick to it. Both Berger and Ortolani say that the presence of guys around the weights can be a put-off.

‘If I’m sweaty, like after I just finished the elliptical, and there’s a bunch of guys around the weights lifting, then I probably wouldn’t lift,’ Berger said. ‘I’d be like whatever. I probably would just call it a day.’

Avoid going home unfinished by learning a couple of new exercises you feel confident doing, not to mention showing up the guy next to you struggling with the 20-pound dumbbell curl.

Find a buddy

Whether you choose to workout alone or with a friend, a partner can provide additional motivation and support. Ortolani says she uses the guys to her advantage.

‘When I’m about to lift I try to find a guy I know first and have them tell me what to do,’ she said. Getting a personal trainer is another option for those unsure of what to do with a barbell.

Dress for success

Booty shorts and sports bras definitely get noticed. If you want the attention, go for it. It might even motivate you to work harder. But if you want to do those squats without causing whiplash, think about taking it down a notch.

‘What you wear definitely has an effect on the attention you get in the weight room,’ Berger said. ‘I usually don’t wear short shorts to the gym just for that reason. I know a lot of people go there to just to scope out, and not really work out.’ Berger says she sticks to sweatpants and a T-shirt to avoid unwanted attention, but even doing so sometimes notices stares. ‘Whenever you walk past anyone in the gym they kind of turn,’ she said.

Ortolani says she also keeps it low-key in the gym. ‘I try not to go there looking like I’m trying to dress to impress,’ she said, ‘but that I’m working out.’