The gym is a wonderful place to go and one of the only places I get to spend alone time. Going to the gym makes me feel good about myself and gives me a break from the stress of school. However, the gym comes with its own struggles (one being the actual act of exercising) that all gym-knowers have come to know.

1. Getting to the gym and realizing you forgot your hair band.

The neck sweat is real.

2. Or forgot your ear buds.

How am I supposed to convince myself that I want to be here if I can’t listen to my music?

3. Or forgetting your shoes and having to work out in your Keds.

Because I’m not worried enough about people judging me.

4. Seeing that the good machine is right next to the only other person working out.

I swear I’m not a stalker.

5. Getting on the elliptical and realizing the only TV with subtitles big enough to read is playing “Let’s Make a Deal.”

Wayne Brady, you really sold out on that deal.

6. Hearing your favorite song come on and wanting to dance, but you’re in public.

*Rhythmically flips hair and swings arms*

7. Feeling the stares from people judging you for working out with full makeup on.

I just came from a full day of classes and if I spent the time to wipe off my makeup, I would lose all motivation to be here.

8. Doing cardio and sweating out every drop of water you’ve ever consumed.

*Rubs deodorant over entire body*

9. Seeing mascara smears under my eyes in the mirror.

Oh, yes, please draw more attention to the amount that I’m sweating.

10. Feeling the earbuds slip out of your ears.

Unnaturally small ears and sweat do not mix well.

11. Refusing to wear headphones that would not slip out of your ears because you know people who do that are hardcore judged.

Besides, those would make me sweat even more.

12. Feeling hungry 15 minutes after starting.

You see this, stomach? This is why we have to keep coming back here.

13. Finishing cardio and knowing you still have to do strength training.

If you thought that was hard, just wait.

14. Finding a nice isolated corner to lift your weights only to have someone start stretching right next to you.

If you want, I could point out about five hundred other places where you could do that.

15. Finishing your work out and having to walk back to your dorm sweaty and disgusting.

At least there’s a big spoonful of peanut butter waiting for you there. And you don’t even have to feel guilty about it.