I have a workout buddy. Or two. Sometimes three.

Actually it really all depends upon when I'm in the gym as to who I work out with. Once I realized who Jackie was (she's married to one of Jason's classmates) we started meeting up at the gym around the same time. After I started working at the gym our meet ups became less often. Now we're averaging 2-3 times a month.

I will say I am the one who got her running again. Funny how she's now running upwards of 6miles while I'm lucky to get 2 under my belt. She is in better shape then me, though. And I got her into spin on Monday night. She did great considering how short she is and not being able to adjust the bike properly.

The second workout buddy is becoming my supervisor. She started taking spin after me only Renee is a tad more consistent with the classes. Hey, being hobbled by illness does a number on a body. We try taking classes together since we're in the same boat shape wise with common goals of weight loss and physical fitness.

The third is by way of Jackie. Usually we workout together when Jackie is there. While I know Christie and talk with her when she's dropping off her son, I still feel odd hoping on the treadmill next to her. She's a solitary person like me when it comes to working out on the treadmill. Although I will say having someone to talk with while running takes ones mind off the pain.

This also reminds me I must update the music on my shuffle.

Gym etiquette rant

Since I've been working at the gym I don't workout there as much. One thing I'm trying to do is continue with the spin classes. I took my first two last week and would very much like to continue. The first instructor said it takes a person a good six weeks before being comfortable with spin and this is going twice a week.

There is a spin class 6 days a week with some days having class twice a day. The only catch is getting there early enough for a bike. The room where it's located is small so the gym doesn't have nearly enough bikes for the demand. There is talk about relocating the spin room but there's always talk of something or another going on at the gym. Hell, there's a whole second floor the gym could utilize and they don't.

This morning I get to the gym 15-20 minutes early, drop Jake off, chat a few and head off towards the spin room. Every single bike was spoken for whether the person was physically in the building or not. I still don't understand how you can claim a bike for a person who isn't in the building. And the regulars are chatting it up like they own the place. Wait, they think they do because it's their class and fuck the newbies.

I hop on the treadmill only to notice a mom/instructor head off towards the spin room. She was going towards daycare with her boys while I headed out into the gym for the class. Apparently she claimed a bike before dropping her kids off. I don't understand how a person can justify this. I was ready for class walking into the room whereas she wasn't. I could have had the bike she claimed if she didn't stop off first with her boys.

Gee, just because you've been at the gym longer then me or the next new person or you teach a class here and there doesn't mean you can piss all over anyone trying a class for the first time. Or third. Have a bit of respect for those challenging themselves or getting healthy. We all start out new at one time or another.

Why go to the gym

if you're not going to break a sweat?

I know I'm far from the last person in noticing this phenomena with certain gym visitors. There is one person who looks perfect but actually kicks ass in her workouts. The perfect hair, perfect gym clothes and doesn't break a fucking sweat. Only I've seen her lift so I know she's in shape.

This morning someone was talking on their cellphone while using the elliptical. Half the time I refuse to use mine while sitting outside because of the sweat so I can only imagine how lovely hers would have been if she actually got a workout. Others have full on normal conversations without pausing for breaths or sweating buckets. I don't understand why they even bother. My neighbor calls them cheerleaders for wanting to look good without effort. They are also the same ones who usually have make-up.

Me? I'm red faced and sweating 10 minutes into my cardio. By the end of my hour, my t-shirt is damp, my hair is damp and I've been sweating in places you didn't think you could sweat. One of these days I may actually get a kick-ass workout without being drenched but it won't happen without sweating a shitload in the meantime.