What Are Your Fitness Inspirations (WAYFI): The Great Outdoors

Having exposure to a fitness gym since I was just out of High School, has sometimes giving me a rather myopic view of where to work out. As an example, I recently saw an online article with the main title asking a question, "Where Do You Like To Workout"? Immediately I was, "Okay, the gym. Where else"? But I'm not really THAT limited in my thinking. The thought only lasted for a second or two before the light finally turned on. Sure, the gym was certainly one viable option, but there were many choices listed; the park, the beach, a country road. These were just a few of those listed. But I have to admit, this past Summer I've gotten better with doing things outside, especially when it comes to fitness. Close to where I work is a flight of steps I like to walk up and down. I recently bought a used bike and have been riding that around town. The park closest to where I live has also been a favorite of mine for running. I've never quite measured, but there is a pond I like to believe is one full mile around. I say 'like' to believe because I still have a problem running more than just a mile. Maybe there is a 'wall' I need to break through yet? Or is one mile seriously the limit of what I can do? Every once in a while I'll even jog/walk around the large block I live on, though I'd hardly say it's a favorite past time of mine. So the question is now thrown your way. Where do you like to workout?

The Great Outdoors: Pros vs Cons:
Pros: There is no feeling greater than being in the refreshingly open outdoors. In the park you'll likely see local flora and fauna. At the beach you can hear the waves crashing against the shore as you jog along. Spending time in the sun can do wonders for your well-being and demeanor. Perhaps you may even smell someone grilling out. Okay, food may not be the first thing you want to think about when working out, but you've gotta admit, nothing beats the smell of the grill.

Cons: As I discovered this weekend, it's no fun to run in the pouring rain. That's the biggest problem I have when it comes to working out, outdoors. Same can be said for when it's freezing cold or outrageously hot. Also you have to be creative to find new ways to motivate yourself. If you're not a creative person, you may find this challenging. One mans fallen log, is another mans Step Pilates. But one mans Step Pilates is just another mans fallen log.

Reasons I'm Disappointed in My Fitness Gym

It was recently pointed out to me I'm not spending a lot of time at the gym. True, I've started a workout program at home, and have tried to carefully watch what I eat, but am I missing out by not attending the gym? If so, why am I not going? After much soul searching, I realized it wasn't the workouts I was actually steering clear from. The gym I go to is disgusting and I'm getting fed up with it. What's so disgusting about it? Glad you asked. Following are the top 5 reasons I've grown to hate visiting the gym.

1. Disgusting shower area.

After a hard workout, the last thing I want to worry about is the condition of the shower area. I'm tired, sore and dirty but I have to question the sanitary condition of the shower area when it always seems filthy (even in the morning), the shower heads looks disgusting, and large sections of tiling and wall removed, covered by plastic. What is this, Porky's? Disturbing.



2. People stealing your soap.

As much as I'd like to, I can't fault the gym when this happens. But the fact remains, it happens. The way my gym is set up, you have the locker room which leads into the shower area, which then branches into the pool area or the steam room. So if you bring your own soap, you must place it on a shelf and hang up your towel. Then you can visit the pool and/or steam room. Once you are done, with luck, your soap is still around. Mine has been swiped several times. Of course you have to bring your own soap because the gym is lax in making sure their slimy soap is well stocked. SCORE! - I guess I can blame the gym for this after all. Seriously though, are times so tough people have resorted to stealing soap? Next time I'm bringing an empty bottle of soap filled with something other than soap and see what happens.


3. Rusty & Unclean Lockers

"Holy Rusted Metal Batman. The metal, it's all rusted and full of holes." One of my favorite movie quotes helps explain what really irks me. I realize the lockers have been in the gym for 20+ years. I also realize how expensive it might be to replace them. But again, why should it stop me from complaining? The reality is even with no garbage inside the locker, when it's severely rusted, it SEEMS dirty and disgusting. But the fun doesn't stop there, because most members at the gym DO leave garbage behind. If it's not discarded deodorant, it's used Q-tips or paper toweling. It's certainly getting rougher and rougher to find a decent locker to use.



4. Ripped and stained carpet.

This is the reason workout mats were likely invented. Not to cushion the floor, but to keep the funk from the carpet away from us. Seriously, I can only imagine what these stains are. Additionally, are the stains so bad they can't be cleaned? Has the gym never heard of Rug Doctor, or even the funds to insure they own a carpet cleaning machine? If a drink were spilled or someone vomited on the wood floor, wouldn't it immediately be cleaned up? So what's wrong with immediately cleaning up something on the carpet. So very hard to imagine.



5. Several machines always out of order.

Nothing is so aggravating as having to wait several minutes for a machine. How does such a thing come about? It's not because the machine is dispensing gold bricks, but because there is a lack of available machines for use. This is probably the least problem I'm worried about because generally the gym has many machines on hand. Knowing ahead of time what isn't working helps to alter your workout plan. The most annoying problem comes when the machine is out of order for longer than a week. I know parts may be needed, I hope the problem isn't having to find someone to fix the machine. You would think there's a service contract or some maintenance person is readily available. Another petty gripe, I know. But who doesn't like to stoke the fire once it gets going?



Conclusion? It's not the actual working out I've been trying to avoid, it's the disgusting gym. It's hard to keep motivated when you are working out in a pit. Isn't there something the gym can do to improve? Or is this an inevitable reality I need to face? Well, if they want to keep me as a member, I'm hoping some of these things are addressed. Am I working out at the wrong place or is this typical of most places? I'm not looking to work out at the Ritz, but I'm also not looking to work out at the local dump.

What are your fitness gym horror stories?

The Incredible Personal Trainer

Lately I've been having a problem finding my motivation. Maybe I need to hire a fitness coach or trainer? I have a feeling, this personal trainer would do the job nicely.

Top 15 Ways To Tell You've Joined A Bad Gym

- You're personal trainer talks about healthy eating, then asks what you plan on making for dinner. No matter what you tell him he asks "Can you make that for two?"


- There is a sundae bar available after each work out.


- The exercise machines are limited and have 'take-a-number' on each.


- In order to enter the gym you have to step on a scale and your weight is broadcast to the entire gym.


- Equipment is rusty and machines have missing parts.


- The cleaning department consists solely of signs reading "Your mom doesn't work here".


- The gym is centrally located in the middle of a cemetery.


- Water from the drinking fountains is brownish and smells funny.


- Lockers aren't equipped for padlocks and are based on the honor system.


- There are more creepy men leering at each other in the locker room than in the actual gym.


- The swimming pool is filled with alligators. (Unless you live in the South, then it's normal).


- Fresh eggs, whole milk & goat cheese are standard methods of paying for membership dues.


- The only security cameras in the building are in the women's locker room.


- The fitness machines consist of 10 Bowflex, 10 Abflex, 5 Thigh Masters & 1 Vibrating Belt.


- There is a discussion group in the center of the gym where everyone talks about their feelings and cries when they gain weight.