For a long time now, I’ve been going to the gym two times a week. The days change depending on my running, but I go around the same time of day. It’s become a nice routine and I enjoy seeing the regulars there. Some I’ve met and we say hello, and some I just see time after time and enjoy seeing that they are still on their fitness path. It’s fun to people watch and check out what every one else is doing. It’s a great way to get ideas, but it’s also a great form of entertainment.
Lately at the gym, I’ve noticed an uptick in the number of “Creative Exercisers.” On the whole, I’m impressed that people at the gym look like they know what they are doing. Creative Exercisers, however, look like they are just making up exercises as they go along. They look like they have no idea what they are doing and are hilarious to watch.
With the arrival of spring, there is a fresh batch of Creative Golf Exercisers. They take various gym implements and swing them around like golf clubs. Body bars, weights, pulleys… I’ve seen it all. Usually these are men that are swinging around a big belly with flabby arms. Hey, dudes, maybe try some good old fashion push ups or sit ups? Standing for 15 minutes swinging a body bar like a driver and then going home really doesn’t count as a workout.
I’ve seen plenty of women doing crazy things, too. One woman swings the weights with so much momentum that I worry she is going to fling a dumbell at me if she loses her grip. Another one just kind of wiggles and jumps around like she’s in her own areobicise world.
The worst kind of Creative Exerciser is the one that gets on a treadmill, cranks it up to some crazy incline, and then hangs on for dear life. People, this is called off loading. Same for the StairMaster- if you are holding yourself up with your arms, you are doing it wrong. For goodness sakes, lower the incline and walk like a normal person. You don’t get credit for walking on a 10 percent incline if you look like Stretch Armstrong holding onto the front display.
One thing about Creative Exercisers is that they usually don’t last too long at the gym. I guess all of their crazy gyrations result in injury. Maybe they made up all of that crazy stuff because they get bored easily so they eventually move on the the next inane activity. Until that happens, I will just crank up my iPod and stick with the real stuff. You know, push ups, pull ups, squats… the ones with no flailing involved.
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Haha! Hilarious post…I’ve seen a few creative exercisers myself.
Hi Beth,
God, I miss the entertainment of the gym:) I bet you had to be laughing under your breath! It is kind of cool that you know some of the regulars that come in and that you are all friendly with each other. Take care Beth!
Great post. At my gym we have the “crazy lady”; and she is more scary than funny. If your talking she will yell at you to be quite. Good luck at Lake Minnetonka.
HAHAHAHA. Oh how I miss going to the gym — especally the first 2 or 3 weeks of Jan. when all the equipment is taken up by people you will never see again.
Splendid blog for Friday reading.
I don’t go to the gym anymore, I have allmost everything at home. Some people have no clue and won’t ask for help !
That is too funny! Just today I was noticing all the weird clothes people wear at the gym too. Must be for all that gyrating! Good luck at your half!
I’m guilty of being a creative exerciser at times, but not at the gym. Picking wildflowers at 6 min./mile, skipping stones across the creek, making “music” with the wrought iron fences and a stick…
Love the gym! I never thought about the golf season and have that might influence men in the gym. Have you ever noticed the same type of patterns in the pool
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