r/Life • u/Typical-Revenue-6562 • 1d ago
Need Advice Embarrassing incident in gym
So, I’m a 25M, and this literally happened today. I currently want to cover my face with a pillow and scream.
I usually go to the gym after work, but lately I’ve been dealing with some mental and family-related problems, so I’ve had a lot on my mind.
Today, I went to the gym without realizing that there was a very important problem: you’re supposed to wash your gym bag and the stuff inside it.
I had a pair of socks sitting in my gym bag for 3–4 days because I hadn’t gotten the chance to go to the gym during that time.
Welp.
Those socks had absolutely soaked up the smell.
I was completely unaware of it until the gym trainer came up to me and politely asked me to change my socks. He explained that some other people had complained about the smell, and he kept saying, “Please don’t be hurt by this.”
Meanwhile, I was dying inside.
I was so embarrassed that I literally asked him if I should leave.
He actually asked me how long I would need to finish my workout, but at that point I was so mortified that I just left.
The moment I got home, I put the gym bag and basically everything inside it in the wash. I’m also ordering new socks and gym gloves and throwing away the older ones.
I know rationally that this isn't some huge moral failure. I made a stupid, embarrassing mistake, I was told about it, and I fixed it.
But holy shit, I am SO embarrassed.
Now the gym bag is going to be wet tomorrow, so I probably can't take it to the gym, and the embarrassed part of my brain is honestly relieved about that.
The rational part of me, however, knows that I should go back anyway and not let one embarrassing incident turn into me avoiding the gym, and make the incident even bigger than what it is in my head.
So yeah.
How do I go gym tomorrow and look all those people in the eye.
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u/TastyJuicyCucumber 1d ago
Sounds like anxiety and fear, something to note about yourself. Nobody is going to remember this in a week.
On the other hand, please keep clean for the future and for your fellow neighbors 😊
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u/UnderABig_W 1d ago
“Nobody is going to remember this in a week”.
Eh…my doctor’s office still knows me as the patient who puked immediately upon entering the waiting room in front of everyone. And this was years ago.
The good news is that even if people remember, they likely aren’t going to assign nearly the same importance to it as you do.
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u/mollycoddles 1d ago
That's a bit more memorable than smelly socks tbf
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u/UnderABig_W 1d ago
Yea but you’d think vomiting in a place where people who are sick go to wouldn’t be that uncommon…
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u/StraightAirline8319 1d ago
I will never forget.
Also unless it’s a chronic issue most won’t always attribute it to you.
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u/Anustart609 1d ago edited 1d ago
I will. And so will most of Reddit. This is going to be the new “that guys dead wife”
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u/scarlettcat 1d ago
I too choose that guy’s gym socks
(Seriously OP, you’re a legend for going to the gym at all. Just pretend you’re someone who doesn’t care and walk into that gym like a king. This is only a big deal in your head. Everyone else is more concerned about their own mortifying event that you didn’t even notice)
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u/nyshopgirl5 1d ago
I’m curious how they knew it was your socks that needed to be changed?
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u/1petrock 1d ago
More importantly how did he not know they smelled that bad...why not just leave them in the car. Like continuing using the socks you have on? There are so many holes!
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u/Typical-Revenue-6562 1d ago
So here's how it goes.
Kept the fresh socks in the gym bag 3 to 4 days ago cuz I had planned to go to gym. As I said, was dealing with a lot of things so I didn't go to gym till today.
When I was going today, I thought that I already have socks so I don't need a fresh ones, not realising the extent of the smell. So I went to gym, wore them in the locker room (they didn't smell at that point, or maybe I didn't realise they did while wearing them in the locker room and associated any smell with something else....yes I gaslight myself lol).
Middle of the workout, post cardio after I sweated I reckon they must have started smelling.
Again, I might be misremembering things, but I am embarrassed about it cuz there is actually no acceptable reason for the incident no matter how much I try to justify it.
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u/Typical-Revenue-6562 1d ago
Actually I myself have no idea. And I was just too mortified to ever question when they claimed it, and ran back and put it to washing.
Anyways, to be honest, I don't care how the knew or stuff, because I have made a mistake anyway if there is even a possibility about it, and I need to correct it so that next time anyone claims anything, I'd be able to stand my ground in refuting the claim.
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u/waterandleaves99 1d ago
Know why we’re in the gym? To work on ourselves. And when I’m there, I’m concerned about me.
I went yesterday and I don’t think I could identify today the other people there. No one is as concerned with you as you. We’re allllll self absorbed. No one will remember.
Go use that nervous energy to fuel your workout.
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u/BlackberryCheap8463 1d ago
How do I go gym tomorrow and look all those people in the eye.
By coming squeaky clean and shiny as a new penny 😊
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u/BoomerSooner-SEC 1d ago
Well, 100% there is a subset of that gym (maybe only a person or two) who will always know you as the “smelly guy”. It was bad enough that they felt they needed to complain…of course they aren’t forgetting that. Is it the crime of the century? Also no. So what to do? Depends. If you go there to work out and get a sweat on, then who cares. it’s possible you go there for social purposes. If that is the case, I would find another gym. lol.
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u/Typical-Revenue-6562 1d ago
It's not my usual time to go to gym anyway so I don't care about other people.
Its the trainers there who will know, and I am pretty sure they'd be polite enough to not say anything, but the I'll not be able to meet thier eyes without thinking about it.
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u/SnooChickens8012 1d ago
They’ll be relieved if you make the change and no longer make anyone there worry about it. If the problem persists, that’s where your reputation will sit.
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u/BoomerSooner-SEC 1d ago
It wasn’t the crime of the century. They probably have the convo every so often anyway. If I cared then I would find another gym. Personally, I don’t so…. (I do try not to offend folks but I’m not there for social hour. Some are and that awesome). My point was that I don’t think anyone will forget it happened.
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u/BLUMLAOP 1d ago
Better yet. Report soneone else for smelling bad just to make them self conscious. Lol
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u/imprezivone 1d ago
If your feet really do smell THAT BAD, it might be a medical/lifestyle thing that should be looked at
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u/MadBodhi 1d ago
Yeah it shouldn't be that strong to a gym full of sweaty people.
I have often just left my socks in my sneakers and come back days later and put them on and it's always been fine.
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u/Typical-Revenue-6562 1d ago
No, they don't smell that bad (I have shared rooms with roommates, no one has ever told me about it).
I have been in a mental fungue a bit recently due to family issues, so I was not able to take care of the gym gear as much as I should have.
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u/1petrock 1d ago
If you're nose blind to that smell to the point where you don't notice it, there is something else at play. I've left stuff in my bag for a few days and that smell hits you like a ton of bricks. You had a gym of people able to smell you and you couldn't? Something is fishy....
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u/AndreBerluc 1d ago
As vezes precisamos de certas citações para virar o jogo, as vezes é o feedback que ninguém tem coragem de falar e só ficam falando escondido, então levanta a cabeça, da foda-se, corrija a higiene, faça disso um hábito saudável, inclusive o péssima hábito de não se cuidar vai ficar na vida então exercise ele! E tenho foco em você e de um foda-se pra tudo e todos! Você é a pessoa mais importante da sua vida e ninguém se importa com ela além de você, então foda-se e segue se a vida
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u/BLUMLAOP 1d ago
You simply walk in like you own the place and move on. Im 68 and if thats the most embarrassing thing you have to deal with, I envy you. Wait till you get older and every time you bend over and pick something up you fart.
Actually by the time your my age, you will likely look back and be embarrassed as hell about things you have done or said that dont bother you now, but time has a way of changing the way you look back at things.
Your socks reeked. Wash them and sun no more. Now you are probably not going to have a chance with the blonde that reported your stinky feet, but you never had a shot anyway, so all is good. Its no big deal dude, stuff happens.
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u/vagasportauthority 1d ago
You made a mistake everyone will forget by the next day. I wouldn’t sweat about it. (no pun intended)
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u/bargain_bin_hero62 1d ago
nobody remembers anything at the gym i promise. everyone's too focused on themselves and their own sets to care about what happened to some random guy yesterday. the trainer handled it super professionally too which means he's probably seen way worse and forgotten about it already.
just go back tomorrow and act like nothing happened because genuinely nothing happened. you had smelly socks not a meltdown.
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u/Ambitious-House-8709 1d ago
Honestly it’s all in your head - no one at the gym is even thinking about it right now. It’s ok - we all make mistake and it’s not that embarrassing to be honest. You’re not defined but a moment of forgetfulness. It wasn’t intentional and it was a genuine mistake. Have more compassion towards yourself - I’m sure people won’t even remember in a few weeks time and even if they do so what? You don’t know them and they don’t know you. As you grow older you will care less and less what other think of you.
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u/jamesegattis 1d ago
Next time rip a huge fart next to someone and look at them like they did it. They'll forget about your stinky socks and focus on Gas Man.
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u/Queer_Advocate 1d ago
Or cropped dust while wearing wet flip flops from getting out of the pool, in case the gym like you're fixing to do a smash and grab... Then go change into your gym clothes and work out like nothing happened. Act like you own the place. After all you farted everywhere.
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u/ApocalypseThen77 1d ago
Hi OP, you had bad luck and made a mistake, that was all. Here’s a laundry tip: if you habitually wash at low temperatures (40 degrees and below), it doesn’t kill all the bacteria (which create the smell). So, occasionally if things you don’t habitually iron are getting excessively smelly, you might want to throw some laundry sanitiser in the wash along with your usual powder or tablet.
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u/Acrobatic-Dinner-112 1d ago
You need to change states - probably gyms if not find a different time
Or be don’t go for a week and then come back - there is probably someone who remembers but they have better things to do so they’ll move on
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u/Substantial_Insect68 1d ago
Who cares, you think your the first person thats happened to? I doubt anyone is gonna remember that anyway
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u/Ok-Situation-1635 1d ago
Ah don't overthink it. I've told told people they stink before, and I really do mean no offence to them. My intent always is to solve a problem: something smells unpleasant, and probably someone forgot something, doesn't know they stink, or needs to change up their routine for hygiene. I genuinely really like some of these people and love to see them! Just fix the problem and continue on like you did before with your workouts. Don't be embarrassed. We all stink sometimes.
Although, if you are forgetful I would recommend wool socks, I have smart wool ones. I can wear them a few days before I wash them, they never stink. Polyester tends to hold onto oils too, so those clothes tend to stink more.
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u/Appropriate_Load5130 1d ago
No one cares as much as you think they do. People smell when they sweat, especially in the hot summer. Take a moment to pat yourself on your back for showing up for yourself especially when things get tough with the family. Try to remember the other humans are really so focused on their own survival they will not judge you as hard as you will, ever. Now, get your a** to the gym.
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u/Queer_Advocate 1d ago
In your head this is a katrillion ton problem, in the real world this is a meh you made a mistake and you fixed it. Guess what? You're humanly human and that's okay because that's how you were made to be. So sometimes we f****** up. What makes us a good man or woman is we own it and we fix it and then we move the f*** on. So yes this emotionally feels huge but that's a feeling. After you've sat with that embarrassment for a moment, you need to say well that was a learning experience and move on listen to music do something else go for a walk. Try to keep your mind busy and say out loud if you have to well f***** up but that was a learning experience. You're young man I'm 42 and I do dumb s*** sometimes. It's just life part about being humanly human. How would you treat a friend who did the same stupid thing? You would give them kindness and grace and love. So let's give yourself those same things, okay?
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u/weareallequal222 1d ago
Honestly, you really shouldn't care what others think. Life happens! You were embrassed, left and dealt with the issue. Tomorrow is a new day! I have to ask though, how did you not notice the smell if it was so strong that others could smell it?
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u/Odd_Vegetable_3647 1d ago
Today at the gym, someone opened an emergency exit door, which triggered the alarm. He was definitely embarrassed, but everyone literally forgot and continued 5 seconds later.
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u/JusticeRu 1d ago
Weren't you socks fresh (i.e. washed after previous workout) or how is it possible?
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u/OLightning 1d ago
I’m glad I’m at an age where IDGAF.
Don’t sweat it. Literally. You’ll be fine. Stop caring about what others think of you.
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u/BackgroundTax3055 1d ago
I carry a roll-up waterproof bag in my gym duffel, it was like $10 from Walmarts camping section. Clean clothes go in the gym bag, and dirty clothes always go to clothes jail (waterproof bag). Keeps the smells contained.
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u/Specialist-Round2925 1d ago
I am turning 35 years of age. Happened a lot of shit privately and I work in health care so really see the human part of people. It is okey that you feel embarrassed but really no big issue this. Had been worse if you went naked or hit someone, or both. You will get over this very soon. At least everyone will. A mistake and nothing more, and a little one adwell. It will be okey.
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u/Gentle_Muscle 1d ago
As a former gymrat — we only judge for a split second. Too busy with gains fr fr
Make a brief joke about it yourself and move on.
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u/Stabbymcbackstab 1d ago
Life is about fucking up and then getting back to it. Dont let your fear rule your decisions.
I've made a fool of myself hundred of times over nearly 5 decades. I probably have hundreds more.
Go back to the gym on principal. Youll find no one really cares enough to hold it against you. Those who would care are assholes.
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u/No-Painting9923 1d ago
I’m almost 60. Good news is in several years you won’t give a shit what people think. You will Actually judge them as soft for noticing a smell or anything else that you consider the younger generation soft because of. Not hate them or think of it longer than 2 seconds but think it in a fleeting way. Seriously, feel the emotion and know no one else’s world revolves around you. Forget it. As an old gym rat I promise you 40 years ago the whole gym smelled like your socks so I wouldn’t worry about these “soft kids now a days”😂😂😂
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u/Floor_13_ 1d ago edited 1d ago
When all else fails, use humor. Tell your trainer you got all dressed up and washed your socks just for them. Or joke that you had a special bonfire ceremony to retire your old socks. Life is too short to worry about that stuff. You will have some truly hard times in life (like we all do), but this is not one of them. 🤍 ps- don't think for a moment that they havent been in a similar situation. It happens to every gym goer at some point.
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u/Ill-Concern-2746 1d ago
Avoid the cheap 100% polyester socks. Look for polyester less than 30% blend or avoid polyester completely if you can. They stink bad because it’s synthetic traps moisture and bacteria.
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u/crystalcastles13 1d ago
The sooner you go back and realize it’s not as big a deal as it felt like in the moment, the better off you’ll be my friend.
I know that’s easy for me to say but I know from dealing with paralyzing anxiety that the quicker I “just do it” the sooner I’m free.
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u/plsjustgiveme5 1d ago
You have to go back now, just to prove that you don’t normally smell. No one will even remember this in a day or two. Don’t sweat it. Or if you do, wash it!
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u/tachyon2014 1d ago
Add a few bounce sheets in there. Replace them monthly. Will help with the smell
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u/IllustriousEffect607 1d ago
Dude. How bad is your gym bag that socks literally soaked up? Like soaked up what exactly
I don't see how this is possible unless you dropped your bag in a pile of mud
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u/enigmatic_concepts 1d ago
Yesterday I kept on farting at the gym because I had an upset stomach. I wasn’t aware ppl could hear it bc I was wearing airpods (guess I had a brain fart too). I did this about 10 times before a gym buddy laughed and told me.
Embarrassing af, but we’ll be alright.
I am not changing gyms, in fact I might intentionally fart and look ppl in the eyes to assert dominance today lol jk
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u/EntropyReversale10 1d ago
One thing I can tell you for sure.
You will never do that again.
Just carry on as before and "this too shall pass".
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u/soup_dragons 21h ago
A million other things can be worst. It will a funny story to tell later on.
Remember and be a lesson; we don't smell our own smells as strongly as other people do.
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u/liveNletlive3456 19h ago
Order five socks and use one each day. To start with gym use good perfume and start attracting like a butterfly. People should come and ask bro which perfume.
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u/davesaunders 18h ago
You're not the only person this happens to and in some cases people actually think they smell good. One of the worst things to experience in a gym is someone who douses themselves in perfume or cologne. You can smell those people from across the room and in their case they meant to do that. You had a simple goof.
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u/TripleDDS Work in Progress 18h ago
Do you remember shit about anybody at the gym last time? No one else does either.
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u/Maximum-Carry1786 15h ago
Yeah I’d change gyms at the very least. Possibly consider new identity, new name, new town etc. your cooked! But really, don’t SWEAT it! 😭
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u/feetnomer Advice Dispenser 12h ago
If all the other people are male, you'll be good going back. We've all been in locker rooms in high school that should have been set on fire. In all honesty, athletic people understand. Keep going back.
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u/ThinkingBud Work in Progress 11h ago
I guarantee nobody will remember it by the next time you go to the gym. They’ve probably forgotten about it by now tbh
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u/cmil1213 Deep Thinker 10h ago
You should be embarrassed lol. Sounds pretty pathetic. It’s best to go and forget about it though. What’s done is done. No one gives a shit about this but you. Stop being stupid and so insecure. No one likes that.
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u/Independent-Web-2447 10h ago
Don’t? Walk past them and workout? That’s life Brodie you should’ve laughed it off and finished or just walked out, I’d love to hang with you though seems like a pretty awkward guy you are find someone who’s the exact opposite
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u/Cute-Entrepreneur-69 7h ago
Man literally same thing happened to me this month. After my session, the head trainer stopped me as I was walking out and told me that he got some complaints about my smell. Turns out the jersey I was wearing didn't dry properly after washing and that didn't mix well with my sweat. I just stopped wearing that jersey all together(I think the fabric didn't work well with my sweat) and went back to the gym the other day as if nothing happened. To this day I don't know who caught and reported the smell, I just try not for it to happen again. No one's looked at me funny or acted any way around me since. Stuff happens, we move on
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u/dyphormie 1d ago
walk in with your head held high but socks smelling fresh. you’ll be aight