Gym issues

I've been going to the gym for quite some time. Most people that know me, are aware of my life long weight battle. I'm up. I'm down. I'm focused. I'm not. Whatever. It really just depends on the day. I go to the gym as often as I can. I actually enjoy it. However, over the past few weeks, I have noticed several things. I guess you can call this "Do's and Don't" that I've made up.

1. Cell phone: Leave it at home folks. I know in today's society, it's impossible to live without it. But an hour in the gym won't kill you. If you need to talk that much, stay home. Are you really getting a good workout on the leg press while talking to your BFF? Like OMG and LOL!! Seriously, there isn't anything going on in my life that can't wait at least 1 hour.

2. Attire: Ladies, put more on. It's ok to wear an old T-shirt and shorts like when we were in high school. In fact, I think that should be the standard requirement. Otherwise, you get 5 points (or dollars) taken off. A sports bra isn't a shirt. Sorry. If you bend over, I shouldn't see any part of your "business". (Side note: Please stop walking around the locker room in your birthday suit. This isn't your house) Oh & you don't have to have on make up, matching hat and matching wardrobe. It's ok to not look your best. Hopefully, you'll sweat so none of that really matters. Men, please stop with the spandex. Yes, I see it. If you have shorts over it, that's ok. I don't want to see your "business" either. Again, put shorts over it. Hats, is it really necessary? Is the sun in your face? I'm ok with a ball cap, but a toboggan? Come on. I swear I saw those last two yesterday - on the same person. Then again, he had a weird haircut. Trade the toboggan for a yellow helmet and he was ready for the short bus.

3. The mirror: The person that came up with the idea that it would be wonderful to have a mirror there, should be shot. I understand that you should watch your form, but it is nothing but a way for men to stare at whatever muscle is bulging or whatever hot chick is next to him. I have noticed that men watch women more than women watch men. It is a visual fact!!!

4. Sweat: Unless you are in major violation of rule 1, you should be sweating. You should have it pouring down. HOWEVER, can you please bring a towel to wipe it off the machines? That grosses me out to no end. Our gym even has anti-bacterial wipes all over so there is no excuse. In my spin class, it makes me so mad when people just hop off the bike & go home. Hence why I wipe it down before AND after I ride it. I mean, it takes 2 seconds.

5. Noises: I get it. It's hard. You're tired. You feel like your heart & lungs are going to pop out of your body. It's heavy. Again, I got it. Having said that ("I do have some thoughts" - anybody know what movie that's from?), please keep quiet. There is no need to yell out, breathe loudly, scream, holler or whatever. We're all in the same boat. We're all working out. I should not be able to hear you over Linkin Park's "Somewhere I belong" on my Ipod.

If you can't follow all of these rules, I suggest you stay home and eat some ice cream.