The Do's and Don'ts of Going to the Gym

On the eve of the day I start my millionth attempt to diet and lose the giggles that I've acquired this past year, I realize that I will have to make a conscious effort to go to the dreaded place I like to call...the gym. I know how hard it is for people to get going to the gym. I mean, come on. How many times have you said "I'll just go tomorrow" and tomorrow turns into next week (or in my case, next week turns into next month because I forgot I have to make 4 trips to Cold Stone Creamery before I decide to start exercising again)? With that said, I think a few do's and don'ts would make everyone's visit to the sweat factory a much more pleasurable one.

DO bring your IPod. Unless you enjoy watching "Keeping up with the Kardashians" or a marathon of "Charmed" which always seems to be on the TV's at my gym. Personally, it keeps me motivated to create a playlist that I have to get all the way through before I can leave the gym. If you need any tips, let me know. PS. Lady Gaga music is fun on the elliptical!

DO wipe the sweat off the machine. I know we all think that our own germs are ok, but I guarantee you that nobody else wants a handful of your sweat on their handle bars when they hop on. The front desk usually has towels to borrow so just practice some personal hygiene for God's sake!

DO wear revealing clothes...if you have the body for it. I know a lot of women get intimidated and catty when a girl is walking around half naked while they sweat it out in their $5 Hanes t-shirt. But I say this: if a girl with a body I'm envious of walks by me at the gym, it's motivation enough for me to keep my big butt on that Stairmaster for another 15 minutes. So ladies, don't be haters. You won't look any skinnier by talking smack.

DO pick up the pace. Don't walk slowly on the treadmill because you're too busy talking to your friend. What the hell is walking for 10 minutes going to do for those saddlebags? Nada. Don't be embarrassed. Clear your mind...and work your ass off!

DON'T talk loudly on your cell phone for extended periods of time while working out. It's rude. It's annoying. I don't need to hear what kind of bowel movements Aunt Esther is having or what your boyfriend lied to you about while I'm trying to get in the zone. Be courteous...or I'm not wiping my machine off before you get on!

DON'T wear tons of make-up. I've never understood the reason for doing your make-up and having your hair did before going to the gym. This is usually done by girls that work out for about 5 minutes and then walk around and socialize. We all know it's a gym and that you are going to sweat. It's ok. Let the foundation rest for an hour.

DON'T make loud, grunting sounds when lifting weights. This is usually done by the steroid-crazed, muscle head guys that hang out in the weight room. I'm sure it's supposed to give you some kind of power for helping you lift the weights over your head or something, but I swear I thought a guy was turning into the Incredible Hulk the other day by the noises he was making. I was pretty sure he was about to rip his shirt off too. It's just a little scary.

DON'T be late to classes/save machines for friends. Have you ever wondered if people were annoyed with you because you came into a class late and were trying to find a space amongst the crowded room, only to discover you have to practically put all your crap on top of someone else who was on time to class? The answer is always YES. We are annoyed. As for saving machines for friends, tell your friend to be responsible and get there on time. This isn't middle school where we're saving seats in the lunch room. Are you going to bring your copy of Teen Beat as well? Try to be considerate of each other and maybe you won't get laughed at in the locker room.