4th and Long

The Tech fitness center says on its website that it offers programs for a 'diverse population of students, their spouses and children, faculty / staff, alumni, and their spouses and children under the age of 22'. This doesn't mean all of you at once. Overcrowding at the fitness center has become increasingly worse since the beginning of this semester, probably due to New Year's Resolutions. Stop it.

Seriously, I have seen some things at the fit that I never thought I'd see. A couple of weeks ago, I saw a guy lifting weights wearing slacks, leather shoes, a button-down shirt and a fedora.

Really? Fashion doesn't belong in the gym.

The next week, I was trying to run on the track, but kept having to stop because five girls were walking shoulder to shoulder, blocking the entire track. One of these girls was wearing a North Face jacket and those fuzzy boots things that serve no functional purpose. Again, fashion has no place in the gym.

I'm all for people trying to get in shape, but some of this is just ridiculous.

Guys, if your girlfriend works out with you, more power to you. If she just stands in the way to talk on her phone and watch you, don't bring her. The same thing applies to other guys. If you are in the weight room you should be working out, not socializing.

Another issue that I have with the overcrowding situation lies with Tech athletes. I see at least a couple of Tech athletes working out or playing basketball in the Fit every time I go. Most of these athletes have mandatory team workouts in their own weight rooms.

Something needs to be done to clear up the hoards that flood the Fit every weekday evening. Perhaps the fitness center should convert one of its two multipurpose rooms into another weight room or cardio room.

Another change I would like to see is an outdoor workout area. I have only seen the patio at the Fit used a couple of times. During the warmer months, a temporary outdoor area could be set up with dumbbells, benches, and a cable station.

10,800 students, 600 faculty members and a handful of treadmills just don't add up.

"It's about 90 percent strength and 40 percent technique." - Johnny Walker, who gives 130 percent in arm-wrestling