Posts by lovemym_m

Original Post by bookworm12_2003:

So there are the obvious gym etiquette things like wiping down your machine when you are done.    But there are so many other little things I wonder about.  Like, if someone is using a cardio machine for 40min at peak hours when the sign says you are only supposed to use it for 30min during peak hours, how rude is it to ask them to respect the rule? I don't view this as rude, although I probably wouldn't have the guts to do it because I'm so passive. Keep in mind that some people just aren't very nice, and may find it rude, but you pay the same amount to use the gym as they do so there is no reason why they should get to break the rules.  Or, conversely, if there is an empty machine next to you during peak hours, is it socially acceptable to stay on longer? In this case I think it would be ok to stay on. If no one is waiting to use one and there are open machines then you aren't preventing anyone from getting on with their workout. 

I also have some questions about the free weight room that I have recently started using.  For example, if I use the 12.5 and 15lb weights for most things, can I take both to my bench, or should I use them one at a time? This is also case by case depending on how busy the gym is. There are usually multiple sets of each weight, so if you take both sets for your workouts and there are still others to use, I don't see the harm.

Or yesterday, I wanted to use the cable machine.  Someone had left their water bottle and gloves by it, but they were no where to be seen.  So I set it up and used it for about 2min.  The owner of the gloves/water bottle came back and seemed really annoyed with me.  I just moved his gloves maybe 2 feet out of my way while he was gone, was this a faux pas? This person sounds rude. I really don't like when people leave their things by a machine as if to claim it. I think it was just fine to move his things over a bit and use the machine. It isn't his! If you do see the person, just ask them if you can work in with them so that both of you can get your workout done. 

What are the things other people do at the gym that bother you the most? I think you about named them all for me! The only other thing that bothers me is people that go to they gym and then kind of wander around talking to their friends and such. There is one guy in particular at my gym that does this. He works out, but attempts to start conversation with anyone nearby, and usually while that person is trying to work out. 

And then of course there are the young girls that come in all dolled up in the their cute workout gear and lift little 5 pound weights and try to get the boys attention. They just look foolish. 

I feel like you guys know me!! haha. We got, as a couple, a brand new video recorder and digital camera for Christmas last year. He owns an iphone as well so he's got almost everything in the palm of his hand. Honestly, it seems when I give up on racking my brain and ask what he wants, it is almost ALWAYS something electronic...so that is always in the back of my mind. But I can't for the life of me think of something electronic that he doesnt already have. He has an iphone, 52" TV, digital camera, video recorder, Wii, and an xbox. What else could the boy possibly need?!?!

smwhipple- He does drink coffee....but the mug would be repetetive...I did that for the last Valentine's Day. I don't knit or crotchet (or do anything handy for that matter)...and he would never wear a scarf. We live in boiling Phoenix, AZ...even at the coldest all we need is a light jacket. Thank you so much for replying so promplty...this is very contructive. I think I am just realizing that he is just hard to shop for all around. All immediate and extended family can ever think to get him are clothes for work. So he has an excess of those. 

His birthday was in May and I got him workout clothes. He is a 23 year old guy....so he definitely doesn't own a book...nonetheless have a favorite. Every special occassion seems to consist of dinner and a movie....so that has gotten quite boring. 

I don't drink much of anything before I go to the gym. Usually I go straight from work. And even if I'm home I usually stop eating/drinking anything after I eat something an hour and a half before the workout. 

I would see a dr...BUT I have no insurance so that is kind of a problem. Hopefully my body just needs to adjust. I have only been at this for close to 2 weeks so I will give it a little more time and see what happens.

Thanks for your input! It is much appreciated :o)

well for one, I am just really lacking in muscle in my upper body. And for two, when I do cardio I do high intensity with a lot of resisitance so that pretty much takes care of my lower body. 

Thanks for your quick response! I honeslty dont have that much time to get to the gym...so if I can get away with lifting just 3 times a week that would be great for me! :o)

I will definitely take a look at the website you recommended...that may help me feel more comfortable. The gyms here are all about money. The trainers wont show you anything without paying for a session. And there is no way Im going up to some random guy and asking him for help! Im sure they would be impressed that I had the guts to ask...but thats the thing...I don't have the guts. It gives me a bit of anxiety just thinking about doing that. Last time I went into the gym I walked around aimlessly for 20 mins and left. I just feel so lost. The gym is always so divided. The free weights are all on one side...and the machines on the other. The free weight section is always full of men and the occasional woman who knows what she's doing. I just feel ridiculous when I can do maybe 10 lbs while a huge guy is doing weights right next to me lifting more than I even weigh. Or even worse...while one of those guys is waiting to use the machine Im using and therefore watching me. 

I have a really good friend that would be great to help me with this. He lifts and has a great body and is so sweet. He moved to Brazil in February though :o(. So now I have to go it alone and I think that's what gives me so much anxiety about it. I wish I could just pull one of you out of the computer to come to thegym with me! lol

Thank you soooo much for all the input everyone! I initially picked the Venetian so I guess I will stick with it. It sounds like it is an amazing hotel and from the pictures I have seen online...it looks amazing also. I am really excited for our trip! 

Just out of curiosity...what is Planet Hollywood like. I didn't look into it too much but definitely thought about it at first. We never made it there either. I did look at the rooms online and they look pretty nice. Not sure about the rest of the hotel and its amenties though. 

Thanks for helping me make my decision everyone!

My breaking point was when I stepped on the scale and it said 240 lbs!!! I didn't know how I got there, but there I was and felt miserable about it. That was in March of this year....and here I am now at 144 lbs! :o) All it takes is the decision that ENOUGH IS ENOUGH and it's time to do something about it...

I weighed in on the 12th!! :o) Except my entry is on page 4 because I didn't figure out the edit post thing right away.

Looks like everyone had a pretty good week! We dont have much longer until Christmas...it seems like time just flew by! I am trying to be realistic and dont think that I am going to make it to my goal by Christmas. BUT that doesn't dissapoint me one bit...it was a pretty unrealistic goal to begin with. I started this challenge at 182 and am now down to 149 and feel fantastic and that is all that matters. Im hoping I'll at least be around 143 by Christmas day....145 puts my BMI in the healthy range and if Im at 143 Ill know that I am definately within the range...and then I will continue to lose after Christmas until I meet my goal! So exciting.

v_avila I just realized that we are practically body doubles..lol. I am 5'4 and now 149..and I also looked at your measurements in your profile and we are almost exactly the same...only off by a half inch on a couple things..how crazy is that! I also agree that it takes time for our minds to catch up with our bodies. I have lost a total of 91 lbs and of course my family notices and compliments frequently...I just don't FEEL it yet. I still feel fat. I still feel like everyone is looking at how fat I am when I eat...or looking at me because I am the fattest one there...etc. I KNOW that Im not fat..it's just hard to accept it I guess.

Original Post by yachtracer1977:

Original Post by r4eboxer:

I just can't agree with giving large tips for poor service. If I do a crappy job at work I don't get a large raise, I may not get a raise at all. I don't see why waitresses are any different. I know the job is hard, but arn't most jobs hard. Nope if they are bad I think they should know it.

But if you have a crappy day, does your work make you pay them to be there?

Because if you don't tip a server, he/she is paying for you to eat there.

I'm not saying you should tip 30% for crappy service, but ... at least cover the tipout that he/she will have to give to the bar, hostess, and bussers.

Thanks for clearing that up yachtracer1977...that's exactly what I was trying to say. I also wanted to add that if you leave the 5% to cover the tipout for the other employees...the server will still know that he/she did poorly. You will still get your point accross without having him/her pay for you to eat there.

kathygator- I am a server and I rarely right down orders for 3 or less people (the typical table is 2 people where I work). It takes me much longer to get out my book and pen and write it down than it does for them just to tell it to me. Sometimes it's just for convenience. I never get an order wrong though...and I can understand your frustration if you've had a server do that and then get it wrong.

moonikins- That is very impressive...I would have tipped the server generously also...I know I couldn't pull that off!

nomoreexcuses- As for my first post...that list wasn't written by me. Just another myspace bulletin I found floating around and I thought was funny...especially if you are a server. As for the takeout servers...I agree with you on that point. It doesnt specify in that list what they should be tipped..but typically I would say 10% is ok for takeout. And I feel if you get your order wrong that you should get your money back or at least get a free meal on your next visit. It sounds like you have horrible service where you live. And I do hear you on being a good customer and getting watied on by a server who is in a bad mood. I guess the way I see it is different. I give good service (good mood or not) because I care about the guests experience....and of course..I want a good tip. So..when I am tipped poorly it really angers me because I KNOW that I did all the right things. And also,  I have to tip out my bussers, hostesses, bartenders, etc. 3.5% of my SALES. Not of my tips..of my sales. So if my Sales are say $600 but I have a night of 10% tips...I give about $20 to them and I leave with $40...hardly worth the work I put in.

Hey everyone! Just dropping in to say a quick HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! I probably wont have time to be on the computer all day so I wanted to get that out there! I hope everyone has a day full of yummy food and NO guilt!!!

I know I will. Not planning on restricting calories at all. Of course Im not going to stuff myself until Im uncomfortable. But I most definitely will have a little bit of everything I want...and I will also shrug off all the 'you're too skinny' comments! :o)

Thanks to all that replied to my last post about the 'too skinny' comments. I know they are simply jealous. I just decided that Im not doing this for anyone but me and that means the only opinion that really matters is my own. I KNOW what Im doing and that is trying to be healthy.

I will be back Friday also to post my holiday weight! Im guessing it'll be a good 2 lbs higher. lol Sooooo incredibly worth it though!

Leanne...good play on words with your last sentence! haha Made me laugh :o)

People that have seen you at your heaviest are almost always going to have that opinion when you finally start reaching an ideal weight. They are so used to seeing you at a heavier weight that when you lose it, it's such a drastic change. I say just ignore them and do what's best for you!

Im 5'4 and down to 157 from 240! I look my best at around 130-135. My family was very supportive in the beginning..but now that I am nearing my goal they are starting to give me the same reaction.  I have big boobs and hips...so I can't go far below that or I really do look 'too skinny' unlike jblarghp who looks just fine at her weight. So I think it depends on body type as well.

http://www.losertown.org/eats/cal.php