IRRITATIONS IN THE GYM

In January, we all dive into the gym to make all our New Year's resolutions come true. In my life, I have visited many different gyms. Some are cheaper than others. And you can really tell. A while ago, I just showered at home. The showers there were simply too dirty for words. It was one of those student deals, you know? Or at yet another gym, I was just chilling in the sauna until a huge machine stepped into the booth. I was out of there. Luckily, I have also seen wonderful gyms with private shower stalls, a hairdryer, a swimming pool, water taps everywhere, fresh towels, and no hassle with lockers because you don't have a coin in your wallet. Akasha in the Conservatorium Hotel for example. It’s really a treat to work out there. Still, in every gym, there are certain irritations or I see things that I seriously shout about at the bar that same evening. So bizarre. I will share a few with you. Maybe you recognize them.

• Showering together. I really don’t mind, as long as it’s all nice and clean. Until a young woman walks in with a razor in her hand and right in front of me starts grooming herself. That goes a bit too far for me.
• I always find it disgusting when I step on a machine where you can clearly see dried sweat droplets. It’s a small effort to clean the equipment, right?
• In general, excessively sweating people and especially that smell can sometimes be hard to handle.

• Taking a good look at your body in the mirror. I find that a bit odd.
• There’s often a space where you can do abdominal exercises, and there’s always someone who has just laid down the ball, kettlebell, jump rope, and mat that I would like to have as a backup for themselves.
• I never find chatting very chill or anything. I’m really there for myself and to relax, and I always have Usher singing loudly in my ears, so.
• Men who stare unabashedly. Hello!
• What I often find really funny are those guys who make such primal sounds when lifting weights.

Ah, that’s a relief.