Hitting Up the Gym

So, the other day, I hit up the gym. Specifically, the East Bank Club.

Now, don't get me wrong, but I personally don't get the point of gym memberships. I mean, I do get it, but I personally think it's more economical to buy an exercise machine (yeah, I get it, not much room in a tiny apartment) or just run outside for the sake of working out (yeah, I get it, cold weather). I get the point of the gym for an athlete who wants to train on the various weight machines, etc., but not for your average every day working out folk. Yeah, I get it, the gym has variety, is indoors, offers safety and the whole experience, etc.

Anyhow.

I happened to notice something. While I was in the ladies locker room, for me personally, it was like 8th grade revisited. I kept my eyes down and got as close to the locker as possible without actually getting in it in order to change. However, everyone else around me had a very different take on the situation. I even had a very naked much older woman try to strike up a friendly conversation (not like that).

Since I am not a gym regular, maybe I am just not aware of norms. What is protocol? How many inappropriate responses am I going to get right now? Does anyone else feel like I do about gym memberships and the general cost of them?