Thanks to all those who have sent me compliments on these stories. Remember that I am doing nothing but writing down what I observe. Scary, eh?

Have you all noticed the number of people who work out at the gym wearing a walkman/discman/headset? I just realized it today when this guy walked by with his headphones blaring. First of all, turn it down!!!!! Doesn't that hurt your ears? If you are really trying to block out the rest of the world, maybe the gym isn't the place for you to hang out. Second, does listening to a Broadway musical soundtrack that loud pump up your adrenaline? Especially Les Miz? I love Eponine singing On My Own but at the gym? Really?!?!

I began to notice the number of people using headsets as they worked out. It seems like about 2 out of 3 people work out with headsets. My favorites are the ones who have headphones that are so big it seems like they lifted them off their father's stereo/8-track/tape player/tv console. Someone please correct me if I am wrong but aren't those things too cumbersome? Do you really need the cord to be 20 feet long and made of spiral telephone cord?

The only thing more ridiculous than those big headphones are the people who carry a selection of CD's with them AND in a carrying case. If you need to change your CD mid-workout, you are definitely working out too long and definitely not hard enough. Come on, guys! How long does a CD run? At least 45 minutes? Maybe more if it's one of those heavy-based mixed CD's? Who works out for more than an hour? Who really wants to work out for more than an hour? Next time you work out try looking for someone who carries a case of CD's with them.

Now, I know what you are thinking. If I do cardio, then I need to carry a walkman and a selection of CD's. OKAY, some of you do. Cardio is a very different story. The mundane, repetitious movements that remind one of a hamster wheel is utterly boring and that's why you should come and take my step class. BUT unless you are about to compete in a bodybuilding contest, you need not spend more than 45 minutes lifting weights. You can only do so many exercises and then the muscle no longer responds. So, if your weight lifting routine borders on an hour, stop cruising the boys, get your lifting in, and go home and shower. Be like the rest of us and cruise the boys at your local bar/restaurant/home depot/Target/Blockbuster. Later.  ¶ 3:34 PM