Readings

Who do you think you're looking at?

Apparently the mirror is to blame. Women who look at their reflections during a workout feel more tired and less relaxed than those whose eyes are trained elsewhere. They are also much more likely to have negative thoughts about themselves.

Dr Kathleen Ginis and colleagues at McMaster University in Canada based their recent findings on a study of 58 women. These women were not regular gym goers. They were asked to cycle a stationary bike at a moderate pace for 20 minutes. The researchers found that women who cycled in front of a mirror felt worse after their workout. They felt less energized, less relaxed and less upbeat compared to those who trained without having to watch their own reflections. They were also more likely to say they felt exhausted after the 20-minute routine.

The researchers said the findings could explain why some women stop going to the gym. "Certainly, if a women leaves the gym feeling even worse than when she arrived, she will not be particularly motivated to continue exercising in the future," said Dr Ginis. So if you needed an excuse….