If you’ve been to FitRec even once in your time at BU, you know there is no shortage of awkward people doing awkward things in this place. So, after weeks of intensive research (ha…), here are a few of my favorite awkward things to do at FitRec.
1.) Wear non-athletic clothing. Whether you’re actually working out or not, this one’s a doozy. I know I saw those jeggings on a rack at American Eagle, so why are you trying to pretend that they’re appropriate for the elliptical? Also, aren’t you extremely uncomfortable right now?
And okay, maybe you like to do work at FitRec. Maybe an atmosphere of sweatiness and despair is conducive to your study habits. But still, it’s kind of weird to mosey on in to the smoothie bar in jeans and a sweater when you’re surrounded by sweaty gym rats. I feel the need to scream out, “I swear I work out somewhat regularly! I’m just studying at the moment! Please don’t judge me for devouring this strawberry banana goodness.”
2.) Do anything in and around the weight room. I’m a complete baby when it comes to this. There’s something super intimidating about being surrounded by mirrors at every possible unflattering angle while engaging in physical activity. This also happens to be where the super-buff (and scary) people tend to congregate.
3.) Talk on the phone. I’m sorry, but WHY? There could not be any more signs that say “No cell phone use at FitRec” – they literally have a large, inflatable cell phone with a big red ‘X’ through it. And yet, you’re content to shout into your iPhone until an employee asks you to stop. Please don’t be that person – the rest of us would rather not hear you recount your weekend while sweating it out on the treadmill.
4.) Hover at an occupied machine. Okay, it’s a Tuesday at 5 PM. An endless sea of biddies and bros swarm the first floor of FitRec, latching themselves onto any exercise machine they can find. I’m sympathetic to the situation, but that doesn’t really mean that you can awkwardly hover over my shoulder when you see I’m on my last five minutes on the elliptical. It’s uncomfortable, and it makes me self-conscious of my preferred resistance and incline levels.