This week is Body Health and Image Awareness Week at HC Western Ontario. #HCLoveYourBody
Maybe you’ve been here for a year… two years… or three. Maybe the gym just isn’t your thing. Maybe you’re afraid or intimidated to go. Well, for those who would like to take the plunge and venture out to Western’s awesome facility, I’m here to give you a few tips to make it a bit less scary.
1. LOCKS: If you’re coming for class with your bag, or if you want to lock up your outdoor shoes and phone, be sure to bring 50 cents to rent a lock from the service table downstairs — it’s located just down the stairs to the left. HINT: When using the rented locks you must NOT forget to bring the attached armband with you to the gym, your passcode is written on it so you don’t forget! Be sure to remember the locker number you are using as well. When you’re done, make sure to turn the dial clockwise around 0 twice before entering the combo to unlock your stuff after your workout… and return the borrowed lock to the service counter when you’re done.
2. SHOES: Well, I hope you’re aware that running shoes are required at the gym. Make sure to bring yours to change into. Soaking boots will get you kicked out… real fast. Running in UGGs is not okay.
3. OUTFIT: Wear something comfortable, but don’t wear big cotton sweatpants… you’ll get way too hot! Also, you aren’t allowed to wear just sport’s bras. SORRY, but you’ll get kicked out… which can be awkward. Wear a baggy sports t-shirt — you know, something from high school, or an actual fitness top. Also, don’t wear shorts that are just going to ride up your butt the whole time. Picking your crack in front of buff guys for an hour isn’t ideal.
4. WATER: Bring a water bottle — you’ll need it. Keep yourself hydrated so you won’t pass out. Also make sure you eat — not too much, but enough to keep you going.
5. MAKE-UP: Don’t wear it. You’ll get headshakes, dirty looks, and someone will likely rant about how stupid you look on USecrets. You’re not there to impress anyone, so keep it simple. Dripping sweaty makeup isn’t a good look for anyone, unless you cry beautiful black tears like Lauren Conrad.
6. NAILS: Don’t take your freshly laid manicure set to the gym, especially if they’re press on’s or gel. Long nails will look absolutely ridiculous on you while holding a weight like a princess holds a teacup. You also risk having a very painful and embarrassing nail break that will make you cry… like the princess you are.
7. HAIR: Tie it back, braid it, bun it. Don’t leave it down. If you do, it will get stuck to your neck (gross) and fly into your eyes. It’s a hazard to you and everyone else.
8. EARPHONES: Bring them! You’ll love listening to music walking to and from the gym, and especially when you’re working out! Having a good playlist with music to pump you up will really keep you going. Think Nicki Minaj, not Bon Iver.
9. PHONE: Either don’t bring it, lock it up, or use it (but only as your iPod). Don’t be that girl texting the whole time while on a machine someone else is waiting to use. It’s annoying, and people who are there to actually work out will hate you. Also, NEVER take a picture of yourself working out. Just DON’T, EVER. No one cares.
10. STUDENT CARD: DON’T FORGET IT. You need it to get in and you need it to rent a lock. Don’t get all the way there after hours of convincing yourself to go, just to realize you’ve forgotten it at home.
Stay healthy. Good luck brave soul.