My time prior to pursuit of a nursing degree was spent much like
it is now. I take pictures, maybe they’re good; maybe they’re not. Sometimes
people comment, most of the time not. Only difference is that I used to get a
grade. Now I am a grown up. I realized a valuable lesson in art school, a good
grade DOES NOT validate my life, purpose, concept or art. A grade is one
persons mandatory comment, usually compared to their great masterpiece
photographs (that they’ve been perfecting for the last 30 years, I might add).
While accumulating this life lesson, I earned a meager living
working in a fitness center/gym. Five years through college I worked at the
front desk on the membership team. If you want join, see me. If you missed a
payment, I’m calling you. If you lost your _____ (insert a variety of items
here), I’m the one who digs through the box-o-unloved-stuff.
My experience working in the fitness industry has earned me a
unique perspective and kindred attitude towards gyms, especially the people who
work at them. I’m devoted to my own fitness enough, that I’ll pretty much
workout anywhere. Yes, I’ve used gallon jugs of water for resistance when my
car died and I couldn’t get to an actual weight room.
Thank goodness that is not the case here. In the small town where
I spend most of my time on the west coast there happens to be a stellar fitness
center that has become my second home. I love the staff and business model.
They are extremely laid back and their attention to customer service is above
the industry standard. This doesn’t mean that they will let their members do
whatever and act however. They even have words printed on all the mirrors,
saying: “Please Do not Slam weights”, “People are impressed with how much you
lift, Not how much you slam down”, “Rerack your weights”, etc. My favorite
posting is the rule list. A sample includes this gem, “Unless your mother or
maid work here, no one else is going to clean up after you.” My all time
favorite rule is the final one listed, “Please be sure to rerack all weights
when finished. If they are too heavy for you, ask the girls at the front desk
for help.” Now that’s good management right there.
The equipment and facilities are also state-of the art, but not
too fancy. They are still developing the areas and shifting some things around
to make their expansion less awkward, but I like it. It’s a little grungy but
well equipped.
Today during my visit, I went to the downstairs ladies locker
room. As I’m walking towards it, I glimpse this note hanging on the community
bulletin board for members. I couldn’t help but smile.
Not only does this simple note, restore some faith in humanity in
general, it does my heart good to know that I contribute to the economic well
being of a place with this kind of membership base. It is such a rare thing to
lose anything of any value and have it returned. I can count on one hand the
times priceless items were actually turned into the front desk and returned to
the rightful owner. Contrary to this, I have lost track of the amounts of
thievery and “missing” items from lockers and gym bags. It was actually comical
at times when someone would call and ask us if their iPad or iPhone or $500
watch had been turned in. Usually the answer was “I’ll check, but it’s not
likely.” We would check for them. We would ask any staff; we would get a
timeline of when and where it was lost, but usually to no avail.
Another average day, another ordinary workout, but with added hope
that the crap shoot that is this country has glimmers of goodness. Keep an eye
out for them; they are the best type of surprises.
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