Dirtiness

The gym has several etiquette that one should learn. These aren't written rules but rather things one should be aware of while working out at the gym.

Probably the most important one is that after using an equipment (treadmill, elliptical, etc.) one should wipe it with the spray lotion that is provided by the gym--my guess is that the lotion has some sort of antibacterial agent.

I try to make it a chore to wipe anything I use even if sweat didn't drip; of course, I would lie if I said I never forget. If you do forget, some people actually do notice. It's worse when that person whispers your "dirtiness" with their workout partner. Now you have two people staring at you in disgust. This happened to me a few days ago.

Speaking of staring, I try not to do that; especially when it comes to going into the men's locker room.  Since I workout after work, I do have to change at the gym.  My wife has suggested changing in the men's stall, but I told her I didn't want to be "one of those guys."

When the gym is busy, there is little room to maneuver.  As I change, I avoid eye contact.  On occasion, I do find myself rubbing elbows with the guys around me.  Sometimes that person is in his tighty whites--or so I tell myself.  Again, I avoid, eye contact.

Of course, there are times when avoiding eye contact is impossible; especially, when running into a man wearing only flip-flops at the turn corner.  Perhaps when encountering a similar predicament, direct eye contact is suggested.  Don't look down.

Hi Neighbor.

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 3, 2011.

I bought my wife and I membership to Gold's Gym as a Christmas present.

Before you grimace at the idea, we had been thinking about this for a while now.  Since my wife travels on business, and since I have heard that the Gold's gym membership can be used at other locations, I decided to make a visit and enroll.

We started visiting the gym at least twice a week since returning from Buffalo, New York.  My wife takes the morning shift, while I take the afternoon.

Since joining the gym I have seen a whole lot of improvement in my health.  Believe it or not, my allergies are not as sever.  My stamina is slowly increasing--whereas, I was out of breath at 15 minutes on the treadmill, I am now able to reach 45 minutes without trouble (yeah, right).

More importantly, my wife is looking hotter every added day she spends at the gym.  Don't get me wrong, my wife was more in-fit than I was when we started. The only difference is that she is toning up and looking incredible.

Of course my gym experience has not been without embarrassing flaws.  Why then would I bother writing this blog besides bragging about my hot wife.

My first day going to the gym was of itself a lampoon of my insecurities.  Before arriving to the gym, I decided to stop at Office Max to buy a lock for my locker since I was planning on changing from my work clothes to my shorts and t-shirt.

As it was I was nervous about my first day getting back into the gym.  Don't get me wrong, I had been working out at the YMCA and was comfortable changing in front of strangers.  This was different, though.  This was Gold's Gym.  The people here are a bit more serious about their health and figure.  They look great.   Everyone looks great.  Okay, maybe not everyone--there are groups of people about where I am that look a bit out of place.

I walk into the men's dressing room intimidated and nervous after walking past well trimmed and chiseled men and women at the circuit weights.  Facing down avoiding looking at any guys in the dressing room, I walked over towards the lockers.

Gold's Gym provides their clients with showers, toilets, sinks, and lockers.  Lockers are broken into sections.  In the center of that section is a small bench big enough for two people.

I sat myself on the bench and chose my locker.  As I was settling myself into the unknown environment, I heard a voice behind me, "Hi neighbor."

I acknowledged him and went back to my newly bought lock, locker and clothes.  Honestly, I was feeling a bit uncomfortable.  I began to think this person was attempting to pick me up.  "Great!  On my first day back at the gym," I thought.

After he mentioned I was my wife's husband, I then realized that this was indeed my neighbor--like neighbor two houses down.  Needlesstosay, I was embarrassed.  I got myself undressed (yes, he saw me in my not-so-best undies), closed my locker, and I said, "Hey man, nice seeing you again.  Take care."  Smooth.  Right?  I felt bashful. I haven't seen my neighbor since my first day at the gym.  Then again, I don't really look for him.