There seems to be a disturbing kind of bullying going on amongst women of a certain age and, dare I say it, a certain class. Gym snobbery.
Yesterday I went to the sort of gym I cannot afford to be a member of as a guest. It was the sort of place frequented by women who have not yet reached the official age of retirement, but perhaps still 'play' at a job every once in a while until their husbands stop working.
In the changing rooms I noticed a woman, skinnier than me, but at least twice my age, who had been examining herself in the mirror for about 15 minutes. Though her ribs stuck out, her body was still a bit curvy lower down, as is largely the case for those over 50. Another woman breezed through. She was extremely tall and had the uncomfortable resemblance of someone having been stretched. She had just been to the gym.
"Julie!", she exclaimed to the slightly more human woman. "Good to see you. We're going to the gym again later. You should come. "I don't think I can", replied the other, meekly, looking weary with exhaustion from her recent session. The tall one said: "Oh, do you still go? You don't seem to.... well, are you not getting there anymore?" The other said nothing and looked at her feet. "I know it is hard. Do try to get to the gym" she crooned before sweeping off.