Walking into your local college recreational center can be intimating. The hot guy from Intro to Bio is 20 feet away, people of all shapes and sizes are everywhere, and finding space seems impossible.
Other than making sure you never call it the college recreational center, here are ten things you need to understand about the rec:
1. There will ALWAYS be intimidating men with muscles the size of your face occupying the majority of the machines; don’t let that stop you.
Seeing men lift my weight with their pinky finger is frightening, no doubt, but they are there for the same reason you are. Don’t let their experience stop you. It's okay that you don’t know how to use the weight machines, that doesn't mean you can’t learn! Maybe they can even show you which workouts will help get your abs Spring Break ready.
2. This goes both ways: There are always going to be girls who manage to look sexy working out with their black Nike outfit, toned body, and lack of sweat. Looking good at the gym is a waste of time, but chances are they've been doing this whole workout thing for awhile or they just don't care, your time will come, but for now, a t-shirt and running shorts will do.
3. No one is looking at you, really, I promise.
I know you might feel like the whole world is judging you as the sweat drips down your face and you’re panting for air, but alas, you are not the center of the universe. There are plenty of tomato-faced troopers in the zone working out just like you.
4. But they are smelling you.
Deodorant is your friend. Enough said.
5. If you don’t want it stolen, get a lock.
Being the determined student you are, you rush to the Rec to get a last minute workout in right after your 2:15 class. You have all your belongings, including your thousand dollar laptop you got for a graduation present from your parents. If you have ANYTHING you would be devastated if you lost, keep it in a locker and make sure it is LOCKED. If your college doesn’t provide free locks for you, pick one up at any general store. You’ll thank me later.
6. Just because there is food in an atmosphere where people are working out, that doesn’t mean it’ll help you on your journey.
Noticing that there hasn’t been a big change in your appearance even though you’ve been working out constantly? Many say it’s 20 percent working out, 80 percent diet. Abs are built in the kitchen. If you have the option to get a fruit smoothie with fat burner after a workout, opt out. As perfect as it sounds, there are better alternatives. Plus, lots of processed sugar after a workout is typically a big no-no, don’t you think? Make your own smoothie at home if you really want with REAL fruit, but try to eat protein and vegetables.
7. The group classes are worth paying for.
Are you interested in yoga, boot camp, Pilates, cardio, spinning, or Zumba? These are a few of the common options that the rec offers. For some campuses, classes are included, but others aren't so lucky Apparently, $35,000 in tuition and room and board still isn't enough for these people. Normally, it's a small fee for each class, or you can pay for the semester upfront. You know yourself better than I do. Do you think this will motivate you to get off your butt and head to the gym? Might as well sacrifice your Uber money for the next few weeks to invest.
8. Walking there won’t kill you.
Think of it as a pre-workout. It might be snowing, freezing, raining, or scorching hot, but that doesn't stop you from getting to your 9:55 with the professor who takes crazy points off for attendance, right? Same thing, except you're taking points off that hot bod.
9. Try to avoid busy hours.
We have all experienced that heart-wrenching moment of arriving at the rec just to see that every machine is occupied and there's a waiting list for the next treadmill. Try to avoid this by going in the morning, early afternoon, or late at night. Find a time that is right for you and make it a part of your everyday routine.
10. Everyone is there for the same reason.
When it comes down to it, you're all there to get hot and stay in shape for Spring Break 2016. Be courteous and encouraging, and don't let anything stop you from going as hard as you can during your gym time.
Strut your stuff.
