Sometimes it can be kind of awkward going to the gym. In a way, I feel like I’m being judged. Am I using the equipment right, or am I not?
It could just be me who thinks that way, but I feel that we all have that question lingering in our minds during our time at the gym.
With that in mind, here are 21 thoughts that come to my mind while working out at Kansas State’s Recreation Complex. I sure hope I’m not the only one who thinks like this.
1. Am I running fast enough?
2. Oh shoot, did that guy just catch me staring at him?
3. Is he staring at me?
4. Oh my God, this just got awkward.
5. Should I up my weights in arms today?
6. Oh no, these weights are too heavy. I hope no one noticed I put them down right away.
7. Should I walk away and go back to cardio?
8. Oh no, now I’m embarrassed. What do I do?
9. Maybe it should be a leg day and not an arm day.
10. Yeah, I’m better at legs. At least, I think I am.
11. Let’s do the squat bar.
12. Oh no, I put too high of a weight on the squat bar.
13. These guys behind me probably think I don’t know what I’m doing.
14. OK, just act natural.
15. That draws the line. I’m going to walk away now.
16. I guess I could just stick with running for today.
17. I’m so tired. What mile am I on?
18. Only mile three? You’ve got to be kidding me.
19. Maybe I should just give up and go home.
20. The gym is just not my place to be today.
21. I guess I will try again tomorrow.
Honestly, the gym can be a nerve-wracking experience. We strive to do our best at the gym just like we do with our school work, but we need to put our perfectionist side away and be ourselves.
Who cares what others think about us? If I’m using the equipment wrong, then let me use it wrong or correct me in a nice, non-embarrassing way. Just do what you think is right. Be you and don’t let anyone change that. Your thoughts matter.
Gabrielle Albertson is a junior in mass communications. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Collegian. Please send comments to opinion@kstatecollegian.com.
