Dressing etiquette in changing rooms

[arm2000]

I was recently at a public pool and I saw adults (men) completely naked in front of 5 years old kids in the changing room, some of them girls. Not only they didn’t try to hide anything but they seemed to actually exhibit what they had. I am not a prudish but I find this behaviour unacceptable. Besides common sense, is there a law which rules this kind of things?

[88notch]

Why were there little girls in a mens change room? I know a lot of guys like to walk around change rooms showing off their :junk" which is pretty weird to me. But there shouldn't have been girls in there to start with.

[umop]

Why were there little girls in a mens change room?

I think it's because if they're under a certain age, they can't go into the female changeroom alone (and vice versa). And if they were only there with their dad, they had no choice but to change in the men's changeroom.

[arm2000]

Why were there little girls in a mens change room? I know a lot of guys like to walk around change rooms showing off their :junk" which is pretty weird to me. But there shouldn't have been girls in there to start with.

Girls under 6 years old are allowed in men's change room. I don't know if it's general rule but it was there and I saw this in other places too, was actually posted on walls.
But it doesn't really matter if they are girls of boys. They are kids.

[88notch]

I had no idea there could be young girls in a mens change room. That's just wrong, IMO. Maybe they need a change room for parents with kids?

[sexpuppet6000]

Men's change room

Women's change room

Family change room




I've never been to any pool or gym that didn't have all three.

[3weddings]

Men's change room

Women's change room

Family change room




I've never been to any pool or gym that didn't have all three.

Ditto!

As for the men who were changing, they should have exhibited less of themselves and more respect for those around them.

[Stock R]

I had no idea there could be young girls in a mens change room. That's just wrong, IMO. Maybe they need a change room for parents with kids?

Most pools have an "under 5/6" rule for change rooms where parents are allowed to bring their children of opposite gender in to get them changed. Only the more "recent" pools or larger community centers have a "family" change room.


But it doesn't really matter if they are girls of boys. They are kids.

Agreed. It's not like these kids are getting harassed by the adults. They need to be under the supervision of their parent/guardian.

I was recently at a public pool and I saw adults (men) completely naked in front of 5 years old kids in the changing room, some of them girls. Not only they didn’t try to hide anything but they seemed to actually exhibit what they had. I am not a prudish but I find this behaviour unacceptable. Besides common sense, is there a law which rules this kind of things?

As mentioned previously, kids eligible to be in the opposite gender change room should be under parental supervision to make sure no pedobear type action happens. At that age they are innocent kids.

I also don't think it's fair that men who are walking around the changeroom nude should have to run for cover because a 3 yr old girl needs to be changed in there.

Although for the record I think change room nudity is disgusting and I hate sausagefests. I refuse to shower at the rink after hockey. I refuse to shower at the pool after a swim.

[shannn]

Some places (especially the TDSB swimming pools) only have Male and Female changerooms.

Unfortunately, a lot of old men have no shame and don't cover up :( Even with little kids around

And even more unfortunate...there is nothing the staff of hte facility can do about it (I've had many people complain to me, but nothing I can do)

The female changeroom is often better w/ this (females tend to cover up more often)

If this was in the City of Toronto, kids under 7 (i.e. 6 and under) can go into the changerooms w/ their parents

[Shaner]

Ditto!

As for the men who were changing, they should have exhibited less of themselves and more respect for those around them.

You're kidding right? It's a CHANGE ROOM, a place where people shower and change their clothes. It's expected that in change rooms there will be people who are naked, I can't believe people have a problem with this

[shannn]

You're kidding right? It's a CHANGE ROOM, a place where people shower and change their clothes. It's expected that in change rooms there will be people who are naked, I can't believe people have a problem with this

You expect some nudity, but a lot of (generally) elderly folk walk throughout the changerooms naked (usually w/ just a towel, but not covering up their nakedness...usually slung on their shoulders)....You would hope w/ little kids around they would cover up (at least I do)

In any note, I always make sure I have my head up in the changerooms (never look below the chest!)

[Buggy166]

older people tend to be less educated i find about general etiquette but that aside..its a change room. i personally use a towel but until i actually get my boxers back on...i got no choice.

[Shaner]

You expect some nudity, but a lot of (generally) elderly folk walk throughout the changerooms naked (usually w/ just a towel, but not covering up their nakedness...usually slung on their shoulders)....You would hope w/ little kids around they would cover up (at least I do)

In any note, I always make sure I have my head up in the changerooms (never look below the chest!)

Big deal, so children are seeing the naked human body in a change room. I don't understand why Canadians (and Americans for that matter) are so anal about nudity and sex. If you don't want your children being exposed to such things, don't take them in the change room. I personally don't think children of the opposite sex should be allowed in change rooms, regardless of age, but that's just my opinion. I know at my gym children under 7 are not permitted in the regular dressing room. They have to go into the family changing room.

[shannn]

Big deal, so children are seeing the naked human body in a change room. I don't understand why Canadians (and Americans for that matter) are so anal about nudity and sex. If you don't want your children being exposed to such things, don't take them in the change room. I personally don't think children of the opposite sex should be allowed in change rooms, regardless of age, but that's just my opinion. I know at my gym children under 7 are not permitted in the regular dressing room. They have to go into the family changing room.

The problem is that the majority of pool changerooms (not in community centres, but the TDSB pools / school pools) do not have family changerooms, so it is only male and female changerooms

IMHO, it is about conscientiousness...it's not just for the kids sake, but I'm sure 99% of people don't wanna see those people naked

[Stock R]

older people tend to be less educated i find about general etiquette but that aside..its a change room. i personally use a towel but until i actually get my boxers back on...i got no choice.

I do not believe it's a matter of etiquette w/ older people. Older people and us (I'm assuming we're in a closer age group) grew up w/ different social norms.

For older generations such as my parents, it is very normal for men to be completely nude amongst other men. On the other hand, there's the younger generations where things like pedobear exist and we are extremely cautious about covering up.

Consider these 2 examples.

I use to go to a Bally's Fitness gym in Toronto. The men's change room had communal showers. You are expected to shower in the nude amongst other men. On the other hand, the women's showers had individual stalls.

My current workplace is also the same. The men's change room has a large communal shower. The women's has individual stalls.

[arm2000]

Big deal, so children are seeing the naked human body in a change room.
It seems that you don't have children.

I don't understand why Canadians (and Americans for that matter) are so anal about nudity and sex..
Can you please give us an example of a large group of people who doesn't?
But here it's not about being anal about nudity and sex it's about being decent.

If you don't want your children being exposed to such things, don't take them in the change room. I personally don't think children of the opposite sex should be allowed in change rooms, regardless of age, but that's just my opinion. I know at my gym children under 7 are not permitted in the regular dressing room. They have to go into the family changing room..
As others posted here, only a few pools have family change rooms. If you are a dad with a 5 years old daughter who has to attend a swimming class you have no choice.

[88notch]

post deleted.

[Stock R]

Can you please give us an example of a large group of people who doesn't?
But here it's not about being anal about nudity and sex it's about being decent.


As I mentioned before it is very common place in sports for men to be nude in the change room.

In Asia (and maybe other areas of the world), it is also common for men to be naked in bath houses and saunas.

Being decent is subjective. To many men, being decent in a change room does not include covering up with a towel at all times.

And all this is coming from someone who HATES seeing random appendages hanging. I also always cover up.

[Konowl]

Ditto!

As for the men who were changing, they should have exhibited less of themselves and more respect for those around them.

Please - it's a damn changeroom. Is a child gonna be scarred for life because they see my hairy ass, or god forbid, a PENIS?!?!??! I don't flaunt it (I'm a grower not a show-er haha), but I'm not gonna hide in the corner because a child is present.

[rems]

It's a change room. When you enter the change room you expect that sort of "view". It's not like they were acting inappropriately like touching themselves. If you don't like it, look away. I'm pretty sure they weren't shoving their "junk" to your face.

[gilboman]

umm..its a change room? and do you walk into the shower with clothes or towel on?

i dont see what the problem is at all.

[arm2000]

We, as adults have this duty, to protect the children. Children don’t belong in the middle of the road too. If you see one, what are you going to do, hit him with your car, just because he wasn’t suppose to be there?
I’m not saying to not stay naked and it’s normal to do so when you are changing, however when a child is passing nearby, turn around, put a towel on you, do something to protect his/her innocence. What’s so hard to understand here?

[-VX-]

We, as adults have this duty, to protect the children. Children don’t belong in the middle of the road too. If you see one, what are you going to do, hit him with your car, just because he wasn’t suppose to be there?
I’m not saying to not stay naked and it’s normal to do so when you are changing, however when a child is passing nearby, turn around, put a towel on you, do something to protect his/her innocence. What’s so hard to understand here?

Yeah, manslaughter is the same thing as being naked.

A better analogy would be swearing in front of children since we're talking about decency.

[rems]

We, as adults have this duty, to protect the children. Children don’t belong in the middle of the road too. If you see one, what are you going to do, hit him with your car, just because he wasn’t suppose to be there?
I’m not saying to not stay naked and it’s normal to do so when you are changing, however when a child is passing nearby, turn around, put a towel on you, do something to protect his/her innocence. What’s so hard to understand here?

So as the one watching the children, it should be your job to "protect their innocence". Tell the children to only face the lockers. Or put a towel in front of them so they can't see anything while they're changing. Tell them to just look down while you guide them.

Using your analogy, yes you would stop. But that's like saying if kids were in the change room you'd go and push them over if they were in your way. You're not doing anything out of the ordinary and nothing inappropriate in that change room. If you were, that would be akin to speeding up to hit the kid (and obviously wrong).

[sexpuppet6000]

Frig man, anyone in favor or defending being naked around little kids is a pedobear.

[rems]

Frig man, anyone in favor or defending being naked around little kids is a pedobear.

call the cops for people being naked in the change room!

[pierrefleur]

guys, in Europe it's worse.


Now I just remembered an episode of Little Britain USA, they had a scene precisely about what you're talking about... hilarious. :D

[TT333]

This is very common. Get over it, seriously.

As a kid, it was a little awkward at times, and still is as a teen, but there's nothing wrong with being naked in the change room at the pool, gym, etc.

If the person is getting changed, and possibly showering, you can't blame them for being naked. It's usually just for a short time. Don't stress about it, these people aren't trying to harm/scar your kids. I learned this as a kid.

[pierrefleur]

This is very common. Get over it, seriously.

As a kid, it was a little awkward at times, and still is as a teen, but there's nothing wrong with being naked in the change room at the pool, gym, etc.

If the person is getting changed, and possibly showering, you can't blame them for being naked. It's usually just for a short time. Don't stress about it, these people aren't trying to harm/scar your kids. I learned this as a kid.

I agree with you, it's a normal thing, but perhaps some good folks out there a are bit too indiscreet when walking around... :)

[pierrefleur]

http://www.thestar.com/living/article/585422

[shannn]

but perhaps some good folks out there are a bit too indiscreet when walking around... :)

Exactly, I understand showing naked, I understand having to get naked when you are changing, but it bugs me when people are walking around (ex/ from the shower area to the changing area) naked

You are going to be drying your crotch-al area anyway, why not cover up on your way from those 2 points?

Plus, I had this one guy once talk to me (it may just be me, but I don't like to talk to others while I'm getting naked), and he insisted on doing the Captain Morgan pose naked while talking to me...I was glad when I got changed and outta there!

[pierrefleur]

... and he insisted on doing the Captain Morgan pose naked while talking to me...I was glad when I got changed and outta there!

no phone number? sorry, couldn't resist! :D

[mwong168]

You are going to be drying your crotch-al area anyway, why not cover up on your way from those 2 points?

Fortunately there are no little kids at my Goodlife club but it does annoy the hell out of me when guys walk around naked as if they are at home. Agree on having to be naked changing and showering but to shave in front of a mirror, fixing your hair, talking to other dudes naked or weighing themselves on the scale :confused:

This was probably more of an issue with little children a while ago because most places I see now have a family changing room including beaches and swimming pools.

[sexpuppet6000]

call the cops for people being naked in the change room!

Did I mention anything about a change room?

No.

Frig man, anyone in favor or defending being naked around little kids is a pedobear.

Are you in favor of hanging our shlong infront of little girls?

[angekfire]

Fortunately there are no little kids at my Goodlife club but it does annoy the hell out of me when guys walk around naked as if they are at home. Agree on having to be naked changing and showering but to shave in front of a mirror, fixing your hair, talking to other dudes naked or weighing themselves on the scale :confused:

Wait, people actually shave at the gym? I shave at home, I don't get why people would want to at a gym in a change room. And being naked when weighing yourself makes sense, it isn't about how much you + your clothes weigh, it is just you.

[gekkexx]

The girls changing rooms aren't that bad when it comes to covering up and what not. Ocassionally there will be someone totally stark naked, but most of the time, people are covered up.

[mwong168]

Wait, people actually shave at the gym? I shave at home, I don't get why people would want to at a gym in a change room. And being naked when weighing yourself makes sense, it isn't about how much you + your clothes weigh, it is just you.

At the old Goodlife (Finch/Dufferin) I use to frequent there were guys ironing their clothes nude too. It's just very annoying and inconsiderate to just prance around naked, you could at least put on your underwear. I understand having to be naked a little bit while changing and unless you are really self conscious you could wrap a towel around your waist the whole time while changing yourself.

As for the weight issue, I don't see how clothes having that much effect on weighing yourself. But I guess everyone is different so to each their own.

[superdsi]

I am in my forties.
I walk around nude in the changeroom at various YMCA's.
Guys in their forties don't care.
It is funny out of shape older guys walk around nude but super fit uptight
young guys take their backpack right to the shower stall with them and change into clothes inside the stall.
To the twenty/thirty year olds. You will understand in 10 years.
You will not be so uptight and worry about an odd wrinkle or bulge.
It is actually more fun being older.
As for children. I don't even consider them. It is the male shower room.
You can't pull a needle out of a parent ass these days since they are so uptight. Relax, 99% of men are not pedophiles. Your child will be fine and
not scarred for life.

[rems]

Did I mention anything about a change room?

No.



Are you in favor of hanging our shlong infront of little girls?

Umm...isn't that the topic you're replying to. Isn't this the issue at hand. Guys being naked in a change room while kids are present.

Who said anything about flaunting their shlong in front of little girls? If you're waving that thing in their face then, as I've said, that's obviously wrong

[shannn]

no phone number? sorry, couldn't resist! :D

Unfortunately, he was married (and even more unfortunate, I'm heterosexual and have been with my gf for 4 years) :lol:


And about the whole parenting issue:
Differnet parents have dif comfort levels regarding nakedness...there is no right/wrong thing about what parents want their kids to experience
A lot of places have family changerooms, but in places where it is not available, just IMO, I think people should cover up and be respectful about the fact that some parents don't want their kids to see naked men/women (again, just IMO)

[billdozer]

Well I'll tell you this much: I still have a haunting image of a really old man completely nude in the changeroom by the sinks, with one leg up on the counter, using a handheld blowdryer to dry his pubes :eek:

I was 11!