What I learned at the gym today

In an effort to maximize workouts and minimize time impact on la familia, I lifted weights today during lunch at my work.  Everyone benefits, and my employer remains happy and satisfied.

For the first five minutes of my workout, I was the only person in our gym. I was pleasantly immersed in both my routine and the soothing sounds of Pandora's alternative hits station playing through my iPhone speaker.  I wasn't wearing headphones because I wasn't bothering anyone.

Second guy enters gym and promptly turns on the lone television.  To Fox News.  Which was covering the election of the new pope.  I can't think of a situation when I would actually choose to watch the big papal makeover and reveal.  And I'm Catholic.  I'm also highly non-confrontational, so I turned off my music and listened to the tv.

Second guy proceeds to get onto treadmill and walk.  For an hour.  I'm not criticizing anyone's workout, but at precisely that moment in Phoenix, the weather outside was 82 degrees and sunny with a light breeze.  Could it be any more perfect for a lunchtime walk outdoors?  Yet second guy selects treadmill and televised popemania.

So what did I learn?  I learned there is a guy in Italy that is now a more important guy.  I also learned that sometimes sticking with a workout routine means doing what works for you.  And then doing it again.  And again.  Until it is a daily habit.  So guy at the gym, if you would rather watch the inauguration of the new mayor of heaven while you toil in treadmill limbo, I salute you.  At least you are doing it.