The gym was once known as a place to get in shape, lose weight and replace fat with toned muscle. Unfortunately, this is no longer always the case.

The gym can be simply split into two main categories: those who come to sweat and those who don’t.

You can tell pretty easily who’s in which category just by scanning the Ritchie Center’s Coors Fitness Center. People who legitimately want a good workout do not wear clothes that are too small. They don’t spend a majority of their time checking out the opposite sex or themselves. Unfortunately, the gym’s layout doesn’t help. Who can usually be seen on the treadmills that line the second floor balcony? Girls. And who can usually be found lifting weights below? Guys. Naturally, humans will watch whatever is placed in front of their gaze. So, the layout with the addition of huge wall to wall mirrors only helps to perpetuate the constant wandering eyes.

Beyond watching everybody check themselves out, there are numerous other annoyances to be found at the gym. The other day I was running on the treadmill and the girl next to me was talking on her cell phone. This wasn’t just a quick pick up the phone and then return to the workout; this was a full conversation. I got to hear about who her friends hooked up with last weekend, the latest drama with her boyfriend and her plans for the upcoming week. As interesting as I found this conversation, a joy I’m sure I shared with the others in close proximity, I couldn’t understand why she had chosen this location for an in-depth conversation. If you can talk on your phone, you aren’t working out hard enough.

Here is a friendly tip: bike and elliptical machines have a resistance that can be increased. Don’t spend an hour on a machine and only burn 100 calories. There are people who would like to use those machines not just so they can tell their friends they spent an hour at the gym.

Just another bit of information: when people are stretching or doing ab-work in the area in front of the climbing wall, they can see up all the shorts of the people doing the Stairmaster. Trust me; I’ve witnessed this first hand. Fortunately, I was able to move, but I’m sure some people probably choose this spot specifically for the view. I would recommend wearing underwear. In fact, this would be a recommendation for all gym-goers.

Working out should be something you do for yourself, something that you do to make yourself feel better. There are a million benefits to being in good shape. But, as the weather has started to warm up, more and more people at the gym are artificial. It is unfortunate that these people aren’t taking their exercise and time more sincerely. The gym isn’t a place designated for socializing, even if this is how you use it.

I’m not saying don’t go to the gym. I’m saying, realize the benefits of a genuinely good workout and healthy body. Utilize your time at they gym in a useful way. Remember that a lot of the people at the gym are taking their workout seriously, and you should too.