Wednesday, January 16, 2008

There have been times in my life where I thought, “It’s just like on tv.” This was one of them.
The gym was an experience. I understand now why it’s discussed as a dating arena, and why some women have affairs with their trainers. (Not necessarily at this location, but stereotypically.) Nothing is quite like our gym back home. There, one must wonder how clean everything is. Here, attendants follow behind you. There, the lockers require you to bring a lock. Here, the lockers have their own little number memory system. There, industrial strength brown paper towels are available for your convenience. Here, fluffy towels are everywhere you turn.
First of all, there were so many people. If the masses were dressed differently, the lights were low, and alcohol were served, it could have been a nightclub. Instead, women pranced around in tight, stylish workout gear sipping water. Men strutted with their chests out, pretending they weren’t hoping someone was looking at them—in that way, they were a lot like some of the women. Trainers all wore the same outfit and a couple of the men seemed a little eager to lean into the stretches of the more attractive women.
Some worked out with a vengeance. Most of these had highly paid trainers coaching them. Some of them attended classes. These middle aged women had the bodies of co-eds. In the locker rooms they visited as they got ready. The primping reminded me of a sorority house before a big party with a favorite frat house.
However, while I was on the treadmill for half an hour—okay, 28 minutes—I noticed some of the women never exercised. One lady in particular was a paradigm of cute-girl-at-the-gym: sleek grey outfit, long blond hair, perky baseball cap. She dragged her mat to the center of the stretching and toning area. The clue she did not intend to sweat should have been that her hair was not in ponytail. Don’t get me wrong—she stayed busy. She’d strike a pose and then quickly strike up a conversation. She’d giggle behind her water bottle. When her companion(s) would go on to exercise, she’d repeat the process so that passersby thought she was pausing in her workout to talk to them. I have a feeling she’s a new breed of woman, I’ve yet to understand. Maybe my time on the treadmill will be like watching The Discovery Channel.
The loveliest aspect of the entire gym is in the locker room. The showers were magnificent. The showers are enough to inspire me to return to the crowded and different environment. Just so I can take a shower. Three different shower heads pummel you in a shower worthy of a bed and breakfast or a 5 star hotel. It’s really worth it. I just hope my friend Lisa is right about the overpopulation when she says it will slow down after January. I’d like to luxuriate in that shower without worrying about a line.