The Gym Environment #2

Last week I discussed my project on the environment of the gym with my trainer Frank. Usually our discussions consist of weekend plans and sports. Having Frank’s perspective (personal trainer at the gym all day every day) really allowed me to see things from a different angle. He personally believes that most gym environments interfere with getting a good workout because of five contributing factors: temperature, noise, amount of people, socializing, and sexual tension. The elements that actually help to improve workout efficiency almost seem to be deliberately absent. Most people think that exercise is better when done in a social environment. People are more willing to do recreational exercise in large groups, but when it comes to the truly productive exercise, it is hard and best-done one on one. Personally when my trainer is kicking my ass, it is very distracting to have five MILFS around you making it look effortless. It’s difficult to concentrate on your workout when Brittany Brees is next to you on the treadmill and you’re trying not to hyperventilate. When there are onlookers, most people will subconsciously avoid the effort that might lead to embarrassment. Reaching that particular level when we are working out can leave some feeling very vulnerable in front of others and yourself because mirrors surround you. I always preferred listening to music while I exercised because it helps the time pass and can help to motivate me. Well of course Frank had to burst this bubble for me. The rhythm and beat of music are designed to make us move in accordance with that rhythm and beat, which doesn’t always necessarily work with the rounds you are doing and the exercises that they consist of. It is very unlikely that the beat of a particular song will appropriately match the pace of the workout. Frank loves to remind me, that even if the music does match, the important thing to remember is smooth, continuous movement. The music’s beat tends to encourage segmented movement. Luckily Frank and I mutually agree on the issue of the ever-present mirrors. He believes that they break our concentration by pulling “visual stimulus” into our field of vision. It’s not quite the same reason that I dislike the mirrors, but it makes sense. Rather than focusing on lifting the weights, my attention will be brought to the old man in his tight shorts and workout vest. I am currently working on obtaining some “appropriate” gym media to post by Friday. I don’t think that the gym dwellers would appreciate me snapping photos, so hopefully I can find an equally entertaining substitute.

The Gym Environment

Over the past few months I have been going to the gym three times a week and working out with a personal trainer in attempts to get out of my freshman 15, which is going into its third year. I never really noticed the gym’s environment until Professor Bell brought it to my attention. Unlike the student rec plex, Simply Fit is packed with MILFS (I will assume no one needs that explained). First lets start with the gym’s aesthetics. Every wall is covered with mirrors except for the windows in front. You are left with no choice but to see yourself for the duration of time you spend there. Then there are TVs suspended from the ceilings in front of countless machines. Now lets move on to the people. The majority of women are in their mid thirties to forties, and they all look ten times more “fit” than the twenty something’s I see on campus (including myself & my friends). They are all clad in their Nike tanks, which are clearly matched to their shoes. Then there is me, 21yrs old and in an oversized t-shirt and baseball cap, huffing and puffing next to the mom that is running her ass off on the treadmill making it look effortless. What is it with this age demographic? Do these women only get to interact with other people (besides their children) at the gym? Are they trying to prevent their husbands from cheating on them (funny thing is they end up cheating on their husbands with the trainer)? I look forward to reporting back on my findings.

The Environment & or Nature

The environment (and/or nature) is what we as human beings are surrounded by on a daily basis. Some may argue that it is what God bestowed upon us, or that it is what occurred naturally through evolution (or big bang whatever). Also, to clarify, nature is very different from “the environment” that surrounds any one person. Are we speaking of the environment created by humans (buildings, organizations, etc)? Or the original one given to us? The “natural” environment is essentially equipped with everything that we (humans & animals) need in order to sustain our lives here on Earth. The environment which humans have created could simply be regarded as unnecessary or an extravagance. It is also pertinent to keep in mind that the natural environment varies along the Earth. Cultures have emerged and evolved around these physical environments, making each specifically different/individualistic. Humans & animals in different regions use those areas resources to survive in the particular conditions of the area. It is truly a beautiful natural occurrence. If we refuse to acknowledge the damages we have caused to our environments, then we will be forced to live in a world where everything is man made in labs.