Pet Peeves...

Okay, I know that it's that time of the year. I know that a lot of you decided that it was the time to go back to the gym and get your fit on. Some of us are regular gym goers and are there regularly anyway, not just for a few weeks in January, so let's just discuss some common gym etiquette, shall we?

1) There are bins for your used towels - you don't get to leave wet towels in lockers, on the floor, on the hook in the showers, in the sauna or on the benches. When you're done with them, put them in the proper receptacle.

2) There are NO cell phones or cameras allowed in the locker room...if you are truly committed to your fitness goals, there's absolutely no reason to be sitting on the bench in the locker room for 20 minutes on your blackberry and if the conversation you're having on your iPhone is that important, finish it outside the gym before you come in - the rest of us don't want to hear your lovey-doveys or what company you're angling to take over next.

3) While we're chatting about cell phones - the benches, pec dec machine, stretching area, etc are not phone booths, and I have every RIGHT to ask you if I can work in or if you're using the machine if all you're doing is sitting there on a conversation for 5 minutes and not using the machine - and don't give me any shit about that either. You're not using it and I actually want to - so get out of my way. Now, if you're going to use the machine, that's great, but get off the cell phone and use it - but pick one - because you can't do both.

4) Respect the time limits that the gym sets on machines - especially during Peak Hours - they are there for a reason...so you can't take an hour on the treadmill if the time limit is 30 minutes during peak time...

5) Last, but by NO means LEAST - wipe down the damn benches and cardio machines when you're done with them. There are little wipes all over the damn gym, and you can get a towel - FREE - at the front desk. Pick one up when you check in and carry it with you...you're sweaty and gross (just like I am when I work out) so wipe up after yourself when you're done...I shouldn't have to wipe down the treadmill before I run because you soaked it to the core...it's your sweat...clean it up.

Okay...now, all of these things might not be available at your gym (towels, wipes, etc) but they are available at mine...and let's face it, I'm being a bit vain and narcissistic right now and talking about me and my gym. Every year, I seem to look forward to two things...the first week in January when a big tree comes down and work gets a bit easier to navigate and the beginning of February, when the weak are eliminated and stop coming to the gym...