Boy, do I have some Tales to Tell...
What is our obsession with having specific "spots" at the gym? I am talking about the people who must have a specific piece of equipment for their workout or a specific area of the exercise studio for the class they are taking. I noticed this lately in my evening classes which have become a bit busy.
I teach a step class where the situation has turned into a problem. Certain people who frequent this specific class are exceptionally territorial and have become quite belligerent when it comes to "their spot". Now, before I continue, I must stress that I never ever nurture anyone's "claim" to a specific spot during any of my classes. As a matter of fact, I tend to ridicule people who do not have the flexibility to take class from a different part of the room.
Mind you, this does not only happen in step class. When I was an assistant manager of a health club, I got a call in my office from my front desk associate that there was a member up front who insisted on talking to a manager. As I made my way to the Front Desk, I started to think that the member was having issues about about the steam room or a faulty piece of equipment.
When I finally spoke to the member, she complained that there was a gentleman who was working out on the specific treadmill that she liked and wanted me to kick him off because he had been on there for more than 30 minutes. Since I was a manager and was supposed to uphold the rules of customer service, I went to the cardio equipment floor with her to see if I could do something. As I rounded the corner, I noticed that the aforementioned gentleman was the only person on the floor. I also noticed that the 15 other treadmills were empty and all fully functional.
I told the member that I was not going to ask the gentleman to get off the treadmill because there were others for her to choose from. She began to huff and puff about how she was used to the treadmill in the corner and that I was going to force her to miss her workout. At this point, my patience had worn out and I asked her how she would feel if she were in his position. She replied that she was not and that my point was irrelevant. She went on to say that if she could not get that specific treadmill, she would cancel her membership.
At this point, I asked her to accompany me to my office so she could sign the paperwork that would begin her membership cancellation. Let's just say that she is still a member to this day.
This evening's step class was especially "trying". As much as I would like to adjust everyone's step to accomodate every student, I feel that I do not need to. I will rearrange steps so that the most people able to fit into class can fit. What I will not do is move someone just because they are in somebody's "regular spot" AND especially when there are other places in the room to set up.
What I tend to say to the class when there is a "spot" problem is that they need to figure this out on their own. I have told the class that I will not be part of this arguement, that they ar all adults and need to learn how to compromise. I even threaten that if this kinds of issues continue, I will drop the class faster than they can say "NO!". So far, I have not been asked to deal with any of it. Sometimes, I feel like a kindergarten teacher.
Why must we have the same spot? Are we that scared of trying something different that it forces us to revert back to our childish ways? And, referring specifically to exercise, does working out in the same spot increase the benefits of our labor? Is it that familiarity is really comfortable? Or have we all become brainless creatures of habit? Later.
I want to be Lucy Liu. If you don't know who that is, then you must... DIE! Kidding. Lucy Liu is one of the actresses that plays an Angel in the Charlie's Angels movies. She is Alex, the exceptionally techinically savvy Asian lady who kicks ass in stiletto boots. I need to become her but in order to do this, I must dedicate myself to becoming as fit as can be. I must begin an excruciatingly difficult fitness routine that increases strength but not muscle mass, a intense regimen of mind/body exercise to improve awareness & flexibility, and increase my cardiovascular exercise to improve my stamina & endurance.
I must also start practicing various martial arts and combat manuevers. This way I can use all types of various kicks, punches, and holds to help stop & eliminate any individuals that threaten world peace. I need to also start boning up on my knowledge of technology: things like computer science, mechanical technology, and explosives. That way, when confronted with a ticking bomb, I can diffuse it by interfacing my laptop (which I carry around at all times) into the system and over-riding the trigger mechanism.
All this plus be able to wear Versace hot pants, Jimmy Choo slingbacks, and La Perla underwear. Not sure if I can accomplish the fitness part. Later.
You may have noticed the plus sign that I have added to the title of this blog. When I started blogging, I used it as a way to relay thing that I either noticed about the gym. Some were funny; most were rants; some were observations. The common bond was that it related to my life working for a health club facility. Since I no longer am a full-time worker of the health club industry, I have missed out on a lot of things at the gym. I have on the other hand had some interesting experiences in my new career. I still spend a lot of time at the gym but every now and again, I may blog about things outside of the gym. Ergo, the plus sign. Onward...
How do you give someone a compliment at the gym without it sounding like a pick-up line. Is it possible to give a compliment to someone else without sounding like you are coming on to them? I have had this dilemma this past week...
When I started working out at the local gym in my neighborhood, I had noticed a young man who worked out on a regular basis as I did and at the same times too. He was about 5' 2" tall with a slightly thick build. He also had brown hair that was well-kept but not styled. He seemed to be the type of man who has been working out with some regularity but without any specific goals.
One day, he showed up at the gym with new spiky haircut and blond highlights. He looked great. The new haircut really updated his look. He also began working out more efficiently; paying attention to the exercises he did and in what order or succession he did them. His form has improved tremendously but could use a little more improvement. His body has become leaner and more defined. He is definitely stronger and his endurance has really showed significant improvement.
Besides an occasional acknowledgement, I barely even make eye-contact with this person. If you have never seen me work out in the weight room, I tend to ignore the crowd. My goal is to get my weight training over with so that I can get on with the rest of my day. I truly try to avoid speaking to anyone and make a point of not being chatty with anyone new so as to avoid wasting my day at the gym. I do speak with friends if they appear but after the cursory greeting, I move on. The aforementioned young man also happens to be a very attractive person. He does chat with others and, overall, is seems to be a very nice person.
I have been wanting to compliment him on his achievements with his exercise but how do I do that without sounding like I am trying to pick him up? I know I should not assume that he will think that I am coming on to him but is it really possible to pay someone a compliment without them thinking that you are trying to pick them up? Especially at the gym? Can one pay another a compliment ever without it sounding like a pick-up line if they are of the same sexual persuasion? It's one thing for me to compliment a student in my class but to compliment the cute gay man working out at the same time as me is a different story. When is a compliment just that? I have had the opportunity to just tell him how good he looks lately but because of this dilemma, I have not. Maybe I should focus less on the physical results themselves and compliment him on his hardwork because it shows through his physical results.
Maybe I will just do it one day and get it over with. Bottom line: we like to be acknowledged for the hard work we do, period. I know I do. Maybe he will too. Maybe if I just simply do it, he will just simply take it for what it is... a compliment. Later.
You may have noticed the plus sign that I have added to the title of this blog. When I started blogging, I used it as a way to relay thing that I either noticed about the gym. Some were funny; most were rants; some were observations. The common bond was that it related to my life working for a health club facility. Since I no longer am a full-time worker of the health club industry, I have missed out on a lot of things at the gym. I have on the other hand had some interesting experiences in my new career. I still spend a lot of time at the gym but every now and again, I may blog about things outside of the gym. Ergo, the plus sign. Onward...
How do you give someone a compliment at the gym without it sounding like a pick-up line. Is it possible to give a compliment to someone else without sounding like you are coming on to them? I have had this dilemma this past week...
When I started working out at the local gym in my neighborhood, I had noticed a young man who worked out on a regular basis as I did and at the same times too. He was about 5' 2" tall with a slightly thick build. He also had brown hair that was well-kept but not styled. He seemed to be the type of man who has been working out with some regularity but without any specific goals.
One day, he showed up at the gym with new spiky haircut and blond highlights. He looked great. The new haircut really updated his look. He also began working out more efficiently; paying attention to the exercises he did and in what order or succession he did them. His form has improved tremendously but could use a little more improvement. His body has become leaner and more defined. He is definitely stronger and his endurance has really showed significant improvement.
Besides an occasional acknowledgement, I barely even make eye-contact with this person. If you have never seen me work out in the weight room, I tend to ignore the crowd. My goal is to get my weight training over with so that I can get on with the rest of my day. I truly try to avoid speaking to anyone and make a point of not being chatty with anyone new so as to avoid wasting my day at the gym. I do speak with friends if they appear but after the cursory greeting, I move on. The aforementioned young man also happens to be a very attractive person. He does chat with others and, overall, is seems to be a very nice person.
I have been wanting to compliment him on his achievements with his exercise but how do I do that without sounding like I am trying to pick him up? I know I should not assume that he will think that I am coming on to him but is it really possible to pay someone a compliment without them thinking that you are trying to pick them up? Especially at the gym? Can one pay another a compliment ever without it sounding like a pick-up line if they are of the same sexual persuasion? It's one thing for me to compliment a student in my class but to compliment the cute gay man working out at the same time as me is a different story. When is a compliment just that? I have had the opportunity to just tell him how good he looks lately but because of this dilemma, I have not. Maybe I should focus less on the physical results themselves and compliment him on his hardwork because it shows through his physical results.
Maybe I will just do it one day and get it over with. Bottom line: we like to be acknowledged for the hard work we do, period. I know I do. Maybe he will too. Maybe if I just simply do it, he will just simply take it for what it is... a compliment. Later.
I returned to the gym yesterday to teach a total of three and a half classes. As I had recently posted, I returned from vacation recently AND most of the time, I avoid working out during my time off. I tend to return to teaching huffing & puffing like a mad man cursing the day I became a fitness instructor to a bunch of whiny brats. I was quite surprised to realize that the only thing I felt after teaching all day was a bit of soreness. I was not really fatigued, tired, or deflated; I was downright elated and excited about teaching all my classes. I realized that despite all the crap that I deal with as an instructor, my life is still fine. Not just fine, it's wonderful.
About now, you are probably wondering why I have suddenly had this turnaround. Don't get me wrong, a lot of the insanity that occurs at the gym still can get on my nerve and I am sure that in about a week or two, I will once again be complaining about something. It's just that on my way back from vacation, which was fantastically restful and rejuvenating, I came about 30 seconds from not living. Funny how such experiences can cause one to appreciate being alive.
The short of it is that the plane that I was in almost had a mid-air collision at Newark Airport. As we were landing, another plane was taking off. Our pilot realized the "error", aborted the landing, took a especially quick bank to the right forcing the plane to fly at a 90 degree angle on it's side, while still accelerating rapidly to get out of the way of the oncoming jet, continuing in a circle, finally levelling off before landing - all this within 30 seconds. I remember looking out of the window as I clung onto the seat in front of me and thinking to myself "I cannot believe that I am going to die in a plane crash at an oil tank field in Jersey City!" That and "God, I should have eaten more chocolate while on vacation."
Although I escaped tragedy, thanks to a brilliant and gifted pilot, I got to wondering about death. First, I am not ready to die; I have more things I want to accomplish in my life. Second, no matter how tired I feel and no matter how much I dread teaching my step class because of that bitchy person in class or the slippery floors or lack of air conditioning, I will still go with a positive attitude because at least I have the option of having one. Third, and far more important than anything else, I will always have that last chocolate bar. Savor and enjoy what life has to offer because it can suddenly be taken away from you. Later.
Sorry for the lack of postings BUT I have been on "holiday" in Canada. I am back and should be posting soon. Later.
Well, after a nasty bout with the flu, I am happy to say that I am back. It feels good to have the endorphins running through my system once more. I really do miss the feeling you achieve after a good workout.
It seems like Summer is trying to peak out. The rains have cleared, albeit temporarily, and the sun has come out to grace us with its presence. This is the season where the gym empties out. Most of the health club chains expect and bank on the fact that the membership will continue to pay their monthly dues BUT not come to the fascilities. Most of us who work there expect the attendance to dwindle and some of us even pray that nobody will come to class. You may wonder why some of us enjoy not having people in class. The truth is that we get paid whether 2, 20, 200, or ZERO people show up for class.
Members often think that instructors get offended if they leave class. In truth, most new instructors or extremely insecure ones do take it personally when a member leaves in the middle of class. Some go as far as to publically humiliate the member as they are leaving the room. Us seasoned/jaded veterans could care less if you leave. Actually, that is not true; we do care if you leave WITHOUT putting your equipment away. The last thing we want to do is clean up after you.
As an instructor, I personally do not need a reason for your quitting my class. I don't need to hear why during, before, or after. Your decisions are yours. If you leave because you hate my class, fine. If you leave because you hate me, better; think of me as just your instructor, not your friend. I don't even care if you do like me; I am here to teach not make life-long friendships.
My personal favorite is when a member comes up to me in the beginning of class and tells me not to get offended if they leave early. My response to them is "Don't worry, your leaving won't offend me at all." It really seems to unnerve some members when I indicate that their presence in my class has no effect on me or my well-being. Some of them get caught so off-guard that they kinda stand there for a moment wondering if that was meant to be some kind of dig toward them.
On some really bad days, I even remind the people who take my class that whether or not they show up, I still get paid the same amount of money for teaching the class. I have gotten into trouble from my supervisors for saying this. I came up with this retort after thinking about why a member would bother coming up to me before class to tell me that I should not take it personally if they leave. Does a member really think that they have so much power over us that their presence makes or breaks our day? And if I do take it personally, isn't that my perogative? Do I need their permission? Am I that ignorant that I cannot control my feelings?
With all that said, I have made some great friends at the gym. I have even made some great acquaintances. The people who come to class for class are my favorites. They come when they can, they don't when they can't, without any excuses. I love it when a member decides that they have had enough of my class for a while and stop coming only to return a few months later without any excuses. I appreciate the people who can make decisions about their gym attendance on their own and not think that their absence makes a difference to anyone else. Although I appreciate each and every member who attends my class, I do understand that they are human beings and individuals who can make adult decisions as to when they want to come to the gym. I don't expect 100% attendance nor do I expect that I am affecting their lives beyond the physical benefits of taking my class. They should not expect that their attendance affects mine. Later.
