Here’s something to watch next time you hit the gym. Researchers say young women are much more likely to work out on a treadmill next to someone who -- shall we say -- is more ample -- buxom -- got more junk in the trunk -- than themselves. And they’ll do their best to avoid a machine next to a buff chick. 

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, set up hidden cameras at the campus fitness center. They charted the behavior of 75 undergrads. The study was published the journal Basic and Applied Social Psychology. 

No matter how many elliptical machines were empty... fit young women were quicker to grab a machine next to someone who was clearly chubbier than themselves.  But if that empty machine was next to a Hotty McHot girl, fuggedaboudit. 

Psychologists could only guess about the motives behind the choices, but they suspect it’s driven by the fact that many college-age women can be self-conscious about their bodies. The study’s co-author said its likely older women don’t operate the same way. He said once a woman hits her 30’s, she's likely to be more comfortable in her own skin. 

But hey, whatever motivates you to actually get to the gym can’t be ALL bad.

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Morning Express with Robin Meade airs Monday through Friday at 6am ET on HLN.  Like the show on Facebook, follow Robin Meade and Bob Van Dillen on Twitter: @RobinMeade & @BobVanDillen.