Back to school doesn't always just mean back to the books; it also means back to the gym. For those McGill students who decided to enjoy a fitness-free summer and opted for Popsicles instead of push-ups, registering for their Fitness Centre membership was at the top of their to-to list once school started. And let me tell you, based on the inordinately large number of students breaking sweats on the treadmill the week before classes even started, is a clear indication that students this year are looking to stay fit.
For those students, and in particular first years, who are keen to establish a weekly workout regime, McGill's Fitness Centre is the perfect place to do so. With a wide variety of cardio machines, including some on which I will never step foot due to my lifelong loyalty to the treadmill, free weights galore and a second floor stretching area- featuring additional unfamiliar machines, students are offered all that is needed to shape up. And apparently, everyone already knew this. I have never seen so many Lululemon neon pink spandex tops or muscle shirts at the Fitness Centre during the first week of school. And the second week of class was no different. During those two weeks, it would have been foolish for anyone to expect to arrive at the gym between the hours of 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm and not have to battle it out for a time slot on one of the cardio machines. Even the peculiar and extremely unpopular stationary bikes which usually remain unoccupied are taken during this time. My point is, the first two weeks at the Fitness Centre were absolute chaos comparable.
As we approach the end of a carefree September however, midterms, assignments and papers are right around the corner. This means that the Fitness Centre flow is finally going to decrease. Students who begin to realize that university consists of much more than GTL (Gym, Tan, Laundry), such as readings and tests, they will be spending less time on the elliptical, and more time at the library. The following is what one can generally expect at the Fitness Centre, for the remainder of the semester, Monday to Sunday.
Monday: Monday is probably the busiest day of the week at the Fitness Centre. Students were either too busy studying during the weekend, too lazy, or physically incapable of mustering up the strength after a few too many rounds of flip cup to make it to the gym. Students want to feel efficient and productive returning to classes on Monday, and what a better way to top off a day during which you didn't miss one class, doing something good for your health?
Tuesday: Still feeling guilty about the weekend's laziness, or trying to remain on track for the week, Tuesdays also tend to be a bit more bustling than other days. The day is always more quiet than in the evenings.
Wednesday: There are two types of people who go to the Fitness Centre on Wednesdays; those who are there to exercise, and those who are anxiously awaiting the weekend and feel confined or trapped in the library. These people, although at the gym in full workout attire (guys-form fitting Under-Armour tops and basketball shorts, girls- the classic "bike" shorts and latest neon green tank from Lululemon) are usually at the gym for social reasons. These people have been cooped up in the library all week, and unable to justify going out on a Wednesday night with the weekend just around the corner, they flock to the gym. They probably won't be using the machines, but they may be in your way at times.
Thursday: From the hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, the Fitness Centre is practically as deserted as Lower Field is after Frosh ends. Things start to pick up in the evening, but overall, signing up for a treadmill or that fancy cross-trainer you've been dying to try, won't be an issue.
Friday: Despite the fact that the majority of students don't have class today, they're busy finding other ways to kick start their weekend than squeezing in a workout. However, those who accept the fact that, for whatever reason it may be, they realistically won't be making it to the gym Saturday or Sunday, attempt to pay the fitness centre one more visit until they meet again on Monday. These folks usually hit the gym in the early evening.
Saturday: Ghost town.
Sunday: Ghost town. In fact, the fitness centre is so unpopulated on Sundays that the staff sometimes don't bother turning on this week's Top 20. In which case, if you're hitting the gym on a Sunday, make sure to bring your ipod.
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