In recent years, the trends have really taken a turn for healthy lifestyles. No longer are gym memberships saved exclusively for the week after New Years resolutions are made. Nowadays, everyone is trying to crack down and "improve" themselves, often turning to working out as a new habit.
Don’t get me wrong, this is great. It’s amazing that our world is recognizing our doomed path towards utter laziness and an obesity epidemic, and is trying to take a hold of their own health. However, if you’re like me, one thing I could do without is waiting in line to go to the gym.
As a student at Penn State, recently, gym memberships have become not a separate purchase, but included in every student’s tuition. This means that everyone can be fit, whenever they want! However, it also resulted in huge lines forming that you have to wait in in order to get into the gym.
I thought that I would share some of the thoughts that not only I have, but that I’m hoping people everywhere, of all ages, share as they wait in these dreaded lines for their day’s workout.
1. Why am I here?
Perhaps the most common one, taking a few minutes out of the adrenaline rush of motivation you get from wanting to go to the gym to really reflect on your decision. How badly do you need to burn a few calories, really?
2. There are so many things I could be eating instead.
My personal favorite, I often dream of the dinner, lunch, snack, or another unnecessary food break I could be utilizing that time for instead. I like to particularly think about large meals or my favorite desserts that I could alternatively be eating.
3. I could definitely use a nice nap right now.
It’s been proven that naps are good for your health, right? I feel like using that hour to nap wouldn’t necessarily be the BIGGEST waste of time…
4. I wish I had cuter gym clothes.
It seems like everyone around me is sporting a cute, trendy pair of Lululemon leggings or the cutest new headband. Time to go shopping!
5. Maybe this will be worth it?
I mean, I guess I’ll feel better about myself afterward. However, that means I have to put in all of my efforts during the next hour, I’m not so sure if the reward is worth it.
6. But I don’t want to be all sweaty and have to shower again…
Honestly, this is one of the biggest struggles. You know you’re going to leave the gym dripping in sweat. This means more laundry, taking the time to shower, dealing with wet hair, and so many other hassles.
7. Did I leave my straightener on/ the water running/ a candlelit, etc.?
Honestly, this is a constant fear of mine anytime I leave the house or my dorm. However, there’s something about standing in a line for something I dread that just amplifies the fear even more.
8. I should put my headphones in, just in case I run into someone I know.
The worst are awkward line conversations because you don’t know how long you’ll be there, and if it trails off, there’s no walking away. You’re both stuck in the same place, standing, with the same destination. Headphones are lifesavers.
9. How productive do I feel like being today?
Is today a run three miles and do 200 squats type of day, or a light five crunches kind of day? There’s a real difference, and the longer the line, the shorter I want the workout to be.
10. This gym line has to be a trap...
There’s no way they don’t know that this line is a sure-fire way to ruin people’s motivations so that they leave. Do they WANT me to miss a workout?
11. WHY AM I HERE?!
This thought really just comes full-circle because it ALWAYS seems to creep back into my mind as I consider all of the others mentioned above.
12. I’m at the front, it’s too late to turn back now...
Well, I guess I’m stuck! I know that I’ll look lame for getting right to the front of the line to end up turn around and go home to eat/nap/lay motionless. I’m in too deep, so we are committing to this workout.
