Gym Gloss

It's been almost a year since I last went to the gym. I barely had time to eat and sleep during residency. Exercising was definitely not a priority--- it wasn't even an option. I didn't renew my gym membership because of this. Now that I have time, I thought of renewing my membership--- push-ups and sit-ups in my bedroom can only take me so far, after all. Since I have managed to save some money, I figured I might as well check out the "better" gyms. The gym where I worked out was okay--- the equipment was enough, the staff was friendly... there's no hanky panky going on in the locker rooms either. lol. But i hated the fact that they were cost cutting, and they weren't even discreet about it. The air conditioner is frequently turned off. They don't turn it on during weekends. And when it's on, it never gets cold enough. I don't mind sweating, but it often gets very humid in the gym, i practically get exhausted even when I'm standing still. It gets difficult to finish your routine when you get tired because of the heat.

So I went to check out a nearby branch of one of those famous gym franchises. It's like being in a whole new world. The facilities were top notch. The staff was also accommodating (maybe too accommodating--- they were practically pushing that membership form down my throat). And most importantly, the air conditioner was on, and the entire gym was cool! It's like being in gym heaven!

What I didn't like was the crowd. For one thing, the gym seemed a bit overcrowded. Maybe I came during peak hours... still it would be difficult to work out with so many people around. And a lot of them were not even working out! The most populated room was the lounge where people were just sitting and chatting. I didn't know people go to the gym to socialize these days! If they wanted to just hang out, wouldn't they rather go to a bar or some coffee shop? Another populated place is the locker room. It's understandable if everyone just finished working out and they are freshening up before leaving... but there were a lot of people just sitting there, with their cell phones out, either calling someone or sending text messages. Can't they do those things outside? I think they'd rather do that in the locker rooms because they're enjoying the locker scenery as well.

And what's with the clothes? Designer brands were everywhere. Some don't even seem appropriate for working out. It's like being in some sort of fashion show, wherein my usual attire of plain white t-shirt and basketball shorts just won't do. A lot of women were heavily made up, a lot were dressed to attract attention. Don't people go to the gym just to work out these days? Apparently, the gym has evolved into a place where people are on the lookout for prospective dates, some sort of singles bar in disguise.

I'm having second thoughts. Maybe I'm better off at my old gym. These franchise gyms seem to be all gloss with little substance. i guess because of the exorbitant membership fees, members expect them to be more than just places to exercise. If all I want is to work out, those lesser know gyms seem to be the better option. In those little known gyms, working out is the primary concern. if I wanted to socialize, I'll be better off elsewhere.