cj,
to quote part of your message:
"I don't know weather i'd feel right going in naked when there are i guys my age that don't??"
for that reason alone you should definitely walk into the shower room naked. because these "shy" guys cover up, like nudity is a bad thing, they can def make others feel self-conscious. don't let them do that to ya.
when i was in my early 30's i went back to school (i'm near boston, usa, btw), and most of my classmates were your age and younger. when i went to use this big $ college's new gym, the 1st weird thing i saw were the seperate shower stalls -- like a women's locker room. the second strange thing was that these young guys usually didn't shower after their work out (!!!), or changed wearing a towel (maybe they didn't want to show-off their chastity belts??).
After i graduated, I got a job at another college. Their gym was much older and had open showers. The younger guys were a little less self-conscious; probably because of the open showers, though one guy showered with his tighty whities on, which looked stupid, and kind of missed the point. He was black and, surprisingly, they seem to be the most inhibited nudity-wise.
Here's another observation: the only 2 men i saw, out of hundreds, who washed their FEET were me and another guy my age.
I won't get into the cursory way most of these men "washed" their junk and ass crack, but it made me understand why stds are so virulant and widespread.
being so bashful is a very bad habit to get into, because it makes Life, which is difficult enough, more difficult. these poor guys look 'prissy' to me. And i don't know any guy that WANTS to look that way to others.
I would imagine this effects their sex life, too. I've been with men, with nice bodies, who were nudity inhibited, and it didn't help the sex at all. Ever try group sex? I've had lousy gs, mediocre gs, and great group sex. Dynamics vary, but i recommend trying it at least twice. At no time EVER on these ocassions, or during any other sexual scene, do you want to feel self-conscious when naked -- gym shape or not.
maybe if your peers see you naked, they'll loosen up and try it. It's just so much fun being naked, even when you're not getting laid.
i'm living for the day when it's socially acceptable to shower with a hardon in any gym. Boners just look better than softies.
After your next workout, 'do us' all proud n walk to that shower room with towel draped around neck, so your hands are free to carry that shampoo n bodywash n mousse n gel -- like a real man
nice cock, btw ;9p....