I did a quick survey of my friends last night. Hey everyone, remember like back in grade six when suddenly we had to start changing clothes before gym? Was everyone ok with that? Of course everyone said. One went further… it was just the start of changing all the time.
Ok good, but like at the time, was it ok? Now we started to see the real answers. Yup. At the time everyone felt nervous about it and didn’t want to do it.
So why is that? A few things are at play here. Of course its something new and no one ever likes to try something new. Especially when that new thing involves taking off your clothes with a group of people.
But also, grade five and six is a big time for us girls. We are getting put into training bras and suddenly dealing with discharge and periods and an “unhealthy” interest in boys. Our world is spinning already and then oh, by the way, go into this room and undress with all your friends. It can be a big deal.
Most junior highs don’t make you shower – its just about changing clothes at that point. So there are a few easy ways to avoid feeling too exposed. First, wear a sports bra all day. Then you won’t need to take it off for gym, you just change your shirt. At first sports bras might feel a little restrictive but pretty soon you get used to and even like the feeling. They are made to keep us from bouncing as we run, and that’s never a bad thing the rest of the day either. They do tend to also make us look a little smaller because of how the compress instead of lift – but it won’t be long until you’ve grown enough that you fill out a sports bra anyway.
Next, find some panties that won’t need to be changed. Regular old panties work at first. But as you start to feel gross from sweating in them, switch it up to something meant for sports. The difference is that sports panties are made to take your discharge and sweat and move it up and around the panties. You feel wetter at the moment but because it is spread out, you dry really quick. By the time you are getting back into your regular clothes you will be feeling dry again instead of being stuck in wet panties all afternoon.
Over time you will notice that some girls get brave and start changing their bra and panties too. Some may even start trying out the showers. When you get the urge to try too, just do it. You’ll get some great practice on feeling comfy with the full change experience.
Junior high is a time of learning, but remember by highschool you will be expected to take everything off as you change into gym clothes. And after class, everything has to come off again and you will be going into the shower with your friends. It sounds like the scariest thing in the world, but I asked my friends about that last night too. Yup they said, it was fine once we got used to it.
Still feeling nervous or want to ask if your feelings and experiences are normal? Head to the front page and type out your question. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
