Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Monday to Sunday at the Fitness Centre

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.

Monday, September 20, 2010

McGill University's Annual "Fill the Stadium"- More Than Just a Game


It takes the average McGill student approximately 48 hours to fully recover from the university's annual "Fill the Stadium" football game, and this year was no exception.  "Fill the Stadium," an event of which no other university can offer anything even remotely comparable, takes place once a year and is undeniably one of the most anticipated events of the season.  It needs to be understood as much more than a football game and more so as a social event that cannot be missed.  For those of you who weren't at the "game" (I truly believe that the word gala or carnival could be used to properly describe the event), I want you to take a minute and reflect on the reasons for which you felt compelled to skip out on such an event.  Everyone and anyone was at this game.  It doesn't matter whether they showed up for the pre game Molson party or not until the last quarter- this game was the place to be, as it always has been.

As a student who has had the opportunity to attend my fair share of "Fill the Stadium" events, my proclamations asserting the necessity of attendance is rather warranted.  As I mentioned before, "Fill the Stadium" is so much more than a football game.  For our beloved Redmen varsity football players, it is an opportunity that allows them to feel like absolute rock stars for a couple of hours while girls with bright red lipstick and meticulously colour-coordinated attire cheer them (and their tight red pants) on, and guys without their shirts on and painted beer bellies cat call the opposing team's fans.  For actual football fans, it is an opportunity to watch a university level game between two rival schools. 

I would argue, however, that it's not about the teams, players or football enthusiasts but the fans in the stands, wearing their McGill attire oh so proudly (totally disregarding the fact that McGill Redmen have only won one game in the last four years).  It is these people who despite skipping out on the first quarter of the game due to pre-game festivities, cheer the loudest amongst the sea of red (even without any knowledge of the score), and who are most willing to act disorderly to the point of removal in order to show their McGill pride and support.  These people are there to show their love not necessarily for the game of football, but for their love for McGill and to have a congenial time amongst their closest friends, acquaintances and those they have yet to meet.  This game is an event during which fans of not just football, but McGill in general, cat congregate and celebrate their pride and spirit as McGill students.

This year's MVF (Most Valuable Fan) title belongs unquestionably to the young man who, over the course of three quarters, not only inspired fans to cheer louder and clap harder while discarding garment after garment of clothing, but also was escorted out of the game by security as a result of his devotion and zealousness for the Redmen.  For the majority of the crowd, this nameless fan got us up on our feet cheering and yelling collectively as a student body, for the mutual love of McGill athletics, McGill football and the for the institution of McGill itself.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

McGill Redmen fans could not have asked for more beautiful conditions for a football game this past Saturday.  The sun was shining, the heat was bearable- one could even argue enjoyable- and the dark, unfriendly rainclouds overstaying their welcome the previous week, were nowhere in sight.  Whether it was the ideal weather or that it was the McGill Redmen Season Opener against Bishops on home soil, fans of all ages were out in full force, sporting a plethora of red apparel in support of their varsity football team.

For most McGill fans, a varsity football game entails much more than the game itself.  Football games for McGill fans extend far beyond the mere four quarters and final score- these games are an experience enjoyed by fans of all ages.  A large number of these fans, unable to contain their excitement and anticipation before the one o'clock start, convened before the game at the season opener's tailgate party outside Thomilson Hall.  There, fans were able to enjoy two dollar beers, hamburgers, hot dogs, the company of equally enthusiastic fans and a live band.

Fifteen minutes before the game, those fans in attendance at the tailgate party, and those fans just crawling out of bed after a Friday night, made their way to the stadium.  Seats were filled quickly as McGill's cheerleaders performed on the field and players, both from McGill and Bishops, completed their pre-game warm-ups.  Accompanying the yelling, cheering and at times screaming of McGill fans, was the talented Fight Band, comprised of McGill's music students.  Situated at the top of the stadium, at the fifty yard line, the Fight Band, in a sense, became the conductor of all the fans in the stadium, playing the most suitable tunes for a football game and a rowdy crowd.

For those fans paying attention to the game (a large number were either too busy pestering Bishops fans or were occupied with a giant slice of pizza) the events leading up to the first touchdown of the game were highly appreciated and noted.  For the other fans, a touchdown was simply a touchdown and the crowd immediately errupted.  Fans were on their feet, screaming, dancing and some boisterous male fans were even removing their tops in celebration of McGill's early lead.

The day's warm weather and the crowd's lively atmosphere encouraged not only the true football fans, but those simply there for the love of McGill and its athletics, to stick around until the last quarter to show their support.  Despite a loss on the scoreboard, McGill Redmen's season opener was a win for all fans within the McGill community.  With McGill fans anxiously awaiting this Friday's most anticipated football game of the year, "Fill the Stadium," Concordia fans better be on the lookout.