There are two major problems with going to the gym: 1. Exercise is hard. 2. Other people go there, too. In Gym Rage, we zero in on a specific annoyance regarding the latter. Because trekking to the gym in subzero weather isn't pleasant enough, I now find myself faced with the grueling anguish of waiting for machines that never seem to open up.
I can easily pick out the sporadic gym users -- and by "sporadic," I mean the January groupies who have vowed to keep their "must-lose-weight-because-I-ate-too-much-during-the-holidays" resolutions by encroaching on my space.
This is what Urban Dictionary defines as the "Resolution Rush." It's typically a time when workout posers swarm the gyms and create an environment similar to that of a Wal-Mart on Black Friday (I'm actually surprised I haven't witnessed a stampede), except that it lasts for the entire month.
Luckily, I can rest easy knowing that this predictable surge of fitness will soon fade. According to Marist College's annual poll, 40 percent of men and women who vowed to lose weight in 2009 admitted to making the same resolution in past years, only to fail and relinquish their dedication.
I eagerly anticipate the trickling off of people taking up ample space. Maybe then I'll be able to return to my regular workout regimen without sharing mats or having to worry about more eyes than usual judging my workout attire.
Anna Brand is a senior at Syracuse University who prays that people will stop using her favorite elliptical machine, number one.
Comments:
Add a comment
Thursday 22 January
By Jackie
"Resolution Rush" is RIGHT. It seems as if these folks know what I have planned next in my routine. It's only at that time where they show any speed and race to the next station I plan on using. Now I wait watching them standing for what seems like forever pondering what to do. In the time they figure it out I could have been done. Please if you are trying to get in shape, I support you. But please if you can tell someone else may be faster and determined, ask them if they would like to go ahead. Watching those who know what they are doing may help you in your quest.
Reply
Thursday 22 January
By Anna Brand
Wow, can the author be any more self centered? Do you feel that regular visits should give one a higher priority to use excercise machines vs the people who pay the same membership fee but go less?
And you go to Syracuse?
Someone needs to go back to kindergarden and learn how to share, buy your own elliptical machine, or maybe just find another gym instead of writing an article about it. This isn't your diary. Why don't you try to applaud and encourage those who are trying to do something positive for their health? You might even make a new workout friend (if they didn't read your article). How can you expect any serious considerations for your gripes when you are completely inconsiderate of others?
Reply
Thursday 22 January
By blueeyedrj
This is hilarious- so true. I had to upgrade to a fancier gym and there's still sometimes a line. when i want my five miles on the treadmill, i don't want to get off after 30 minutes only to have a poser climb on MY MACHINE and walk for 1 minute and then get off.
Reply
Friday 23 January
By S Price
Wow, can you be any more tightly wound? It's just a VENT! The author was only expressing a frustration that I bet a whole lot of regular gym-goers (like me) can relate to. Lighten up!
Reply