Good philosophy.
I personally go to the gym to work out and nothing more than that. I'm there for business. I limit my talking, even to my friends, while I'm there. I see plenty of attractive women and I'll give a first glance, but that's it. And I feel that what you wear sends the signal - if you dress with tiny shorts and just a sports bra, you invite it upon yourself. Regardless, though, for me, I don't eyeball chicks there (because the gym is my home).
I wear cut-offs when I lift because A) I hate the restriction of sleeves (same thing in sports) and B) I hate sweating unless I'm working hard enough to; not just because it's hot in the gym (and to a lesser extent, C) I'm a little vain; I can admit it). That being said, I understand that it can expose a lot of skin and if someone wants to look, then they're more than entitled to - I know that as soon as I put on what I have on. In fact, I like the attention to some extent (not my top reason for wearing what I do at all, but maybe it's worth 2% lol).
And if I have SL Deads day, you better bet I won't skip it. I'd do them, then turn around and just give a stare and nod and mouth "uh huh, not for you." hahaha