I understand what you are saying, as far as not being belligerent, but since gyms are businesses and those who go there are customers, it should be okay to speak up about preferences, don't you think. It is done all the time in the "market place" in general. That is one way we get what we want for our money. As far as the feeling of standing out goes, I don't make my choices to draw attention, but if they happen to, I try not to worry about it, as well as be willing to explain if someone is interested. As a mother of 7 kids that we did take out in public, I may have already worked through this prior to barefoot running.... There is always something for others to gossip about if they want to. Human nature. Meanwhile, I intend to enjoy what I think are good choices for me as best I can.