Tales from the Gym

I am a people watcher by nature. When my hubby takes me to his various sporting events, I usually end up watching the people more then the games. I don't judge others, in case you were wondering, but I like to figure them out, to see what makes them tick. I have discovered the gym I've been attending makes for perfect people-watching conditions.

I have to admit, I have chuckled to myself a time or two at some of the quirks of the regulars; sometimes they gross me out (it's a gym!), and other times have felt down right sad for a few. I wonder where they came from and where they are going. I think of myself, and where I came from and which direction in life I'm taking. I usually end up feeling more grateful for my situation from my workout/people-watching session. See, I'm not so bad!

I wonder about the guy who comes to workout in his jeans and unlaced motorcycle boots. He wears a cutoff tank top and gloves. Did he drive the Harley I noticed parked right outside (and I mean RIGHT outside) the front door? Or the lady who is so obviously anorexic and is literally working herself to the bone, does the personal trainer she's hired ever stop to ask her if she's ok? What about the girl who hops from treadmill to treadmill every few minutes, is she as indecisive in life also? Also, I feel happy for the huge lady on the oversized treadmill, she's doing something about her situation.

And what's this guys deal? He came and took my favorite ab machine I was so patiently waiting on. He grunted out a few reps and left the thing covered in his sweat. What was he thinking not being considerate enough to wipe down the machine after he left his bodily fluids? I went ahead and sanitized it after he was done, but the feeling of sliding onto a damp chair seriously made me cringe. Ewww.

Most people keep to themselves, lost in their own thoughts. What is the girl in the black lipstick and the lady with the enormous hair thinking? What kind of thoughts run through the teenage boy's head as he's going from machine to machine wearing his gym shorts right below his butt, (yes, he adjusted them that way) showing off his black tighties? Or the guy who walks around the floor never actually doing anything, just smiling at everyone. He seems nice enough, what's his story? Then there's red shoes guy, everyone knows him as such. But that's not what draws your attention to him, he's allllrrrright.

I guess I might never know what goes on in the minds of others or why they do the things they do. I'm sure the same could be said about myself! My thoughts eventually drift back to reality- back to my wonderful husband and four awesome kids; two in school and two others at the gym's daycare facility. I am so lucky!

After I snap out of it and finish my workout, I make my way to the first floor, re hydrating and sanitizing along the way to pick up my little ones. The staff checks us out and waves goodbye to bubby (he's a favorite) and we head out to the car passing rows and rows of suv's and luxury sedans. I wonder what those people do for a living....