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Feel comfortable and avoid awkwardness after P.E. class
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A good gym class will help you work up a sweat, which means you’ll probably be a little smelly afterwards. And since you don’t want your body odor making an impression on that cute guy or girl who sits next to you in class, a shower is probably in your future. But if the idea of stripping down and sudsing up makes you feel a little nervous, you’re not alone—your classmates probably feel a little worried about showering in the locker room, too. For all of our helpful pointers and advice about locker room etiquette, read on!

Things You Should Know

  • Bring a gym bag with you with the essentials, like body wash , deodorant , and flip flops . Bring your own towel to avoid using one that’s too small.
  • Hang your towel right outside the shower for easy access. Take a quick shower, then dry off inside the shower stall.
  • Cover yourself with your towel as you get dressed. Try not to chat with your classmates until you’re all ready to go.
3

Hit the showers early.

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  1. If you’re nervous about showering in front of others, ask your coach or your teacher if you can leave class a couple of minutes early. If you can do that, you might even be able to shower and get dressed before the other students come trickling in. [3]
    • Not every coach or teacher will let you go early, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
    • Once you get undressed, and make sure you have everything you need, you’re free to jump in the shower. Don’t actually jump though, you might slip and fall. Get in the shower slowly and carefully.
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8

Keep your towel on before getting dressed.

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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Do you have any tips on how students could make friends through gym class?
    Paige Bowen, MA, EdM
    Physical Education Teacher
    Paige Bowen is a Physical Education Teacher at Oconee County Primary School in Watkinsville, Georgia. Paige has over 20 years of physical education teaching experience. She was awarded the Oconee County Primary School Teacher of the Year for 2002-2003. She received a B.S.Ed. in Health and Physical Education from the University of Georgia in 1996 and an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education in 2003 from the same institution.
    Physical Education Teacher
    Expert Answer
    PE class is very social. It's a great place for people to make friends because a lot of times we pair off into partners or we make groups of five or six at a time. It's trusting yourself and jumping in and not being afraid to join a group. Usually, that helps. You want to use friend-maker words with your classmates, not friend-breaker words. Use encouraging words like “great job” and “I like how you're using your fingertips to dribble.”
  • Question
    How can I find out if a specific middle school has showering stalls in my area?
    Community Answer
    You could visit or call the school and ask. Or you can ask someone who goes to the school.
  • Question
    What do I do if my gym teacher is a pervert?
    Community Answer
    You need to tell a parent or a trusted teacher right away.
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      Tips

      • For the most part, people will be so focused on themselves that they won’t even have time to think about what you’re doing in the locker room. It might feel strange at first, but in time, you’ll get used to it.
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      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Jun 29, 2017

        "This is useful, but some schools only require you to shower if you take an advanced gym class and some won't ..." more
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