Most people just want to go to the gym to work out in peace so they can get rid of that muffin top or get back into the skinny jeans. However, sometimes, and we have all seen one of these gym characters at one time or another, going to the gym can be stressful or unpleasant because of these gym types:
- The cell phone gabber: Having a cell with you at the treadmill or elliptical is fine if you're waiting for some important call that will take like a minute or two. I'm talking about the gossipers who have to gab on the phone the entire 30-45 minutes they are doing cardio. Turn off the cell as no one else wants to hear about your analysis of what Doris thinks about Susan.
- The Casanova: This is the guy who just doesn't get the hint that you are just not that into him. He'll see the open treadmill next to you, and jump on it. He'll see you go into yoga class and set up his mat right next to you. He'll see you doing weights and ask you if you need a spot. Guys, if a woman really is interested in you that way she will clearly let you know at the first attempt. In the meantime, you're making her want to avoid the gym instead of enjoying it.
- The Farter: This one needs no explanation.
- Profuse sweaty dude: I only pick on the guys because the majority of profusely sweaty people at the gym are dudes because of all that muscle mass. Now, I don't have a problem with profuse sweat, it's the ones who sweat all over the equipment and don't have the consideration to wipe up after themselves. They leave bucket loads of sweat on the cardio machines, the mats, and the weights, and who wants to exercise using something with all that bodily fluid wetness around. Icky! Please be considerate and wipe up.
- Makeup chick: If I pick on the guys, I'll pick on the ladies to be fair. Makeup chick is the one who so obviously goes to the gym to get the attention of guys or cause mass jealousy with other women. Her M.O. She has hair as long as Beyonce and she never puts it in a ponytail, and it's perfectly coiffed as if she is going clubbing. She's always wearing something form fitting that practically shows butt cheek. She works out hard enough to create the illusion of working out yet not hard enough to sweat because it would smear her makeup. In the locker room, she will walk around fully naked as to remind all the other women how much better her body is than anyone else's.
- The machine hog: This is the person who clearly sees that other people are waiting to use the piece of equipment he/she is using and instead of hurrying along, they take longer. It's almost as if they are doing it on purpose just to see if they can get attention. Yes, you have our attention. It's just not the positive kind.
- The Peacock: These are the folks who like to stare at
themselves in the mirror on the gym floor or in the locker room as they
admire their muscles and or skinniness, in the case of women. They
pose, flex, and twist to see the backside. "Yup, look at my body of
perfection." They are the flaunters, and they want the rest of us to be
reminded of that. There's nothing wrong with being proud of the results
of all your hard work, but all the posing in front of others when it's
not the Mr./Miss perfect body contest is showing off.
If you see yourself in one of these characters, it's not too late to ask for help. Please for the sake of all gym humanity, help make workouts an enjoyable experience for your fellow health seeker.