This morning marked our very last workout at the Downtown Orlando YMCA.
Ryan and I felt sad knowing that we’re not going to see our regular gym buddies anymore! I feel like whenever you go to the gym regularly around the same time, you develop unspoken connections with the other gym regulars.
We even have names for some of our favorites, like “Grumbles” for the guy who always seems like he’d rather die than be there. We’ll miss you, Grumbles!
I always tell Ryan he’s like the mayor of the YMCA because he says hello and goodbye to a large handful of people at the gym every day. He kisses babies, shakes hands, hugs grandmothers… you know, the usual. Okay, maybe he’s not that intense, but I do tell him that he has a “posse.”
Of course I smile and wave to people too, but Ryan is on a whole different level.
We laugh because Ryan’s camaraderie with the gym goers makes me feel like they probably think I’m Ryan’s miserable, mute wife because I tend to go to BodyPump and then keep my iPod in during my workouts so I’m a lot less social. Maybe they think I’m Grumbles!?
Today’s workout began with 20 minutes on the elliptical with Ryan before we split up to tackle our respective weights workouts.
My workout looked like this:
Exercise | Weights | Reps | Sets |
Leg press | 130 lbs. | 15 | 3 |
Leg extension | 35 lbs. | 15 | 3 |
Incline bicep curls | 15 lbs. | 15 | 3 |
Side shoulder raises | 10 lbs. | 15 | 3 |
Deadlifts | 25 lbs. | 15 | 3 |
Tricep dips | Bodyweight | 15 | 3 |
Hamstring ball curls | Bodyweight | 20 | 3 |
Push ups (on my knees) | Bodyweight | 15 | 3 |
Tricep extensions | 20 lbs. (total) | 15 | 3 |
Squats | 25 lb. kettleball | 50 | 1 |
Various exercise ball crunches | Bodyweight | 50 | 3 |
Note: Weights for exercises that use free weights note the weights of the dumbbells used (unless otherwise noted). For example, deadlifts use two 25-pound dumbbells for a total of 50 pounds.
It was a good finale workout to our time at the Y. I’m REALLY going to miss our gym. Best gym ever!
Breakfast
For not having much food in our house at the moment, breakfast was pretty darn fantastic!
I made peanut butter and banana roll ups for me and Ryan by spreading peanut butter on a whole wheat tortilla, adding a banana to the mix and sprinkling it with chia seeds before rolling everything up.
Not too shabby! This breakfast was really good and seems like something delicious I could pack to bring along on a road trip or something. Whole grains + protein + healthy fats + fruit!
Gotta get cleanin’! This apartment needs some serious scrubbing.
Questions of the Morning
- Do you feel like you have an unspoken bond with certain people at the gym or in your exercise classes?
- If people made up a name for you at the gym, what do you think they would call you?
Hayley @ hayley daily says
That’s a great idea for a breakfast! Or really, lunch, dinner, or snack even. 🙂 I’m writing that one down.
I understand what you mean about having unspoken friendships with other regular gym-goers. I feel the same way. I don’t really socialize at the gym…I like to get in there, get my workout done, and get out. But there are definitely the people that I’ll smile and wave to when I see them.
peanutbutterfingers says
you sound just like me. i’m a smile and waver, but not a talker. 🙂
Kayla @ Sprouty Buns says
I have a “gym friend” that hops on the treadmills just as I’m finishing. We always exchange “good mornings” and continue our workouts. It’s somewhat comforting seeing the same people everyday! 🙂
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
I’m impressed you guys hit up the gym today right in the middle of your move, that’s dedication right there! Good luck cleaning the place, that’s the worst part of moving. I think the landlord should’ve let you just leave it as is considering all the crap (literally) you had to deal with in there!
peanutbutterfingers says
I AGREE!
Andrea @ Onion in My Hair says
Oh my gosh, Julie – Grumbles is hilarious! I know exactly what you mean! LOL!
Oddly enough, some days I’m the Mayor, and other days I’m Grumbles.
I agree that you develop odd little friendships at the gym, espeically the early-morning folks. People of ALL ages and sizes and backgrounds.
It’s oddly comforting to see them every day. 🙂
Amy @ SGTC says
I would probably be named something embarrassing talking about how my face turns beet red as soon as I pick up a weight or get on an elliptical!
Amber K says
lol, me too! Beet red face girl…
Katie (sunnykatie.wordpress.com) says
My gym buddy Kaella and I use to go in the evening, and “creepy guy” was always there! Now, we go in the morning and there is only a handful of people there (which is stellar, by the way!).
I think my nickname would be RedFace, because I pretty much turn purple the minute I step on a machine or lift a weight!
Casey @ Pocket Full of Sunshine says
That breakfast looks awesome. 🙂 I really miss my old gym. I had a couple “no name” friends there–as in, it’s too late now to ask their names–but we always smiled and spoke to each other. I think today is the day I’m going to find a new job–a little sad about it, though!
Emily says
Yes, I’ve been going to the same three gyms for almost 15 years. We all have our “spots” on the floor of the gym when we do classes and we all have our devotion to certain instructors. Yes, we moan and groan when “temps” come in to do a class for a month before bailing. OR when a sub shows..
As far as nickname…”sweaty girl???” Sorry, but I sweat buckets even in the winter..:(
peanutbutterfingers says
i actually felt like i should tell my fellow bodypumpers that my “spot” is now free. 🙂 i’ve claimed it for so long!
Jess says
They would call me “remote control” because I am obsessed with having control of the remote (I go to a SMALL gym!!) so I can watch the Today show every morning 🙂
peanutbutterfingers says
LOL I love this!
Molly says
” He kisses babies, shakes hands, hugs grandmothers…” Lol Lol. He sounds like a great guy.
Kristine @ Running On Hungry says
I’m a total smiler at the gym… but not a talker! Usually because I’m reallly into whatever’s on my ipod! I’m sure people think I’m totally quiet too!
I just made almost an identical sandwich to bring for lunch today! WW Bagel thin, PB, Sliced Banana and a drizzle of honey! (Reallly need to hit WF to replenish my Chia Seeds this weekend!)
Hope the rest of the move goes well!
christina cadden says
Your breakfast looks yummy!
briana says
Julie, Im laughing at this post because my fiance and I are the same as you and Ryan at the gym. He has all these people he talks to and says bye too and I keep my ipod on and smile at people but never talk. I always joke that other gym goers think I’m mean!
peanutbutterfingers says
glad i’m not the only one! i promise i’m friendly in real life, but at the gym i think i probably come across as some anti-social nut job!
Jill @ Jill is Active says
I just started working at a new gym so I’m trying to be friendly with everyone – front desk employees, personal trainers, other instructors, and members. I want people to recognize my face and want to come to my classes.
People may call me Tomato because my face gets beet red when I exercise!
meg @ pinkgiggles says
Mayor of YMCA. hahahaha. amazing 🙂
Mallory @ It's Only Life, After All says
Love this post!
I think if I had a nickname, they would call me “Milly.” You know, cause I am on the treadmill ALL the time and it is basically my go-to piece of equipment. I can stay on that baby for a long time! Yep, it would have to be Milly. Hah.
Colleen says
Good luck moving!! I cried with remorse over missing my old gym when we moved to our current city. 5 years later and I teach aerobics at the new gym full-time and have met some new BFFs there as well. You’ll find a new gym that you’ll love!!
Nickname….already exists…Shredder. Hmmmm.
I’m impressed by your breakfast varieties. I eat oats and egg whites daily—going on 3+ years!
Jamie says
Happy Moving Julie!! I enjoying reading your blog everyday! Not in a stalker way I promise!! Hahaha Awesome Nanner wrap idea! Where do u buy your chi seeds and is there a certain brand?? They look fun but do the taste weird?
peanutbutterfingers says
i buy them through chiaseedsdirect.com or in the bulk bins at whole foods!
Mellissa says
I might be known as Anti Social Woman. I really don’t talk to anyone at the gym. I walk around with my Ipod on carrying my water bottle and notebook and doing my workout. I am all business at the gym!
Alex @ The Plum Foodie says
I don’t go to the gym but I do run outside every morning. I actually posted something similar about how there’s an unspoken camaraderie between all of us early risers who set out on our usual morning jogs, walks, dog-walks, etc. There’s one man in particular who I see every single day. He walks – and there’s a certain jolly “pep” to his walk. He’s so cheerful and bids me good morning and usually a little tid-bit about the weather in our quick passing. Whether it’s Tuesday, Friday, Sunday or even Monday morning – he’s chipper as ever.
Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) says
I love the ‘mayor of the gym’ reference because I feel like every YMCA has one! I can picture our guy who always has a big smile on his face as he greets people… and nope, he doesn’t actually work there 🙂
Gotta love happy people!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
I live in the middle of nowhere so I only see birdies and run by houses….. But I do hear the occasional ‘Where were you the other day?’ They must watch me while eating breakfast?
peanutbutterfingers says
haha i feel like i have a bond with the birds by the lake near our apt. i keep dibs on them and their babies!
Robyn says
This post cracks me up because I totally make up stories about the other gym regulars! The unspoken bond is great! I did a post about this a little while back. It’s so funny how the people who are in our lives without even knowing it become such a regular part of our lives. I spend over an hour a day with some of the same people and I don’t even know their names! That’s more time than I spend with some of my best friends! Perhaps I should take off my ipod and get to know them! Here’s my post on this topic: http://birduponthewind.blogspot.com/2011/05/lovehate-stories-we-create.html
Amelia says
It’s funny…I always wonder if everyone else feels that unspoken bond at the gym. I try to make smalltalk but most of the time, I’m in another world, just focused on finishing my workout.
My name would be eye contact avoider. I don’t want to invade on anyone’s workout so I’m not sure whether to sneak in an awkward quick smile. Instead, unless it’s someone I really know, I usually keep my eyes to myself. 🙂
Angela says
First, i LOVE that wrap idea. Peanut Butter Banana sandwiches are the best… but I never even thought of wrapping it! That reduces the major complications of banana sliding out of the sandwich! genius.
Second, I would be called Ellen Degeneres. I go to the gym and stay motivated every day by watching this shoe. Ellen is hilarious! She always keeps me entertained (even reruns are entertaining…)
Lastly, I’m sorry you had to say bye to your favorite gym! I just moved from home to go to medical school, and moving is never fun or easy. But it did force me to clean a lot and I managed to find a great gym.. so stay positive! Good luck and Good work this far!
Beth (Well I'll Be) says
haha Grumbles is cracking me up! I don’t mean to, but I think I usually have a scowl on my face. I realize this because when people do talk to me or ask me a question, I of course smile and realize what a terrible face I’d been making. So people would probably call me Grumpy or Frowny until they talk to me!
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
Ok they’d probably call me Red Face since the second I start exercising my face turns bright red and it doesn’t go away until after I shower and rest for a while.
Ryan sounds like he is like Jason — Jason is kind of the mayor of our gym too. How funny.
Liz @ Something To Chew On says
Somedays I’m Friendly McGee…sometimes I’m definitely Grumbles!
Your post made me smile – I’m more likely to be Ms. F. McGee today 🙂 good luck with cleaning!
Adriane (the greenhorn) says
PB banana roll-up is my breakfast almost everyday! Chia seeds are an excellent idea. As is making up nicknames for strangers. I don’t go to a gym, but I’m thinking about joing a Y…these odd relationships are an incentive! 🙂
peanutbutterfingers says
the y really is amazing. it’s like no other gym i’ve ever been to in that there’s a real welcoming environment that caters to people of ALL fitness levels. i never feel judged at all and the staff and members are very friendly!
Rachel says
I loved the description of your husband (I even chuckled to myself while reading) – I can just imagine what kind of guy he is! Good luck with the move!
Becky says
Peanut Butter banana roll ups are definitely going down on my grocery list…yummm 🙂
Shannon says
I totally know what you mean with the regulars at the gym. My husband and I work out both together and seperatly. We also have funny names that we call different people at the gym. It always cracks me up when we work out seperatly because when the other gets home we’ll be like “oh did you see so and so at the gym”. We’ve also wondered what they call us too. In this crazy heat, I think they probably call me the sweaty girl!!!
Shari @ Chicago Cuisine Critique says
I’m totally with you on the gym regulars. There are a bunch of them in my gym classes and we aren’t friends (as in we don’t talk unless to ask a question about something the instructor said), but there is that silent bond. It is definitely sad moving on to a new job. I have done it quite a few times as I have moved 3 times in the past 4 years..but you will start a new gym with new regulars and become a part of the pack rather quickly.
Cait @ Cait hates Cake says
Girl, I am impressed (but not surprised) you made it to the gym today. I probably would’ve just considered all that cleaning to be my workout 😉 Oh my, there are CHARACTERS at the gym. Spandex lady. Banana in the shorts guy. I might be known as neon shoes girl. Funny, we call my 4 yr old nephew “the mayor” of his preschool.
Kaella Carr says
Ha Ha! I was JUST thinking about this at our gym this morning. The standouts are the “grunter” (who grunts no matter what she’s doing) and the “hot old guy” (he’s probably in his late 40’s/early 50’s and has the BEST body! LOL) I’m shy at the gym. I definitely smile, but don’t chat with anyone (except my gym buddy!) Good luck cleaning and best of luck with the adventures ahead xx
Katie says
Ok, seriously, I stared at the woman while she was on the elliptical this morning! I mean, good for you that you are working that hard, but…shhhhhhh…
Jil says
My nickname would be Spot Hog. I have a spot where I like to be when I take step aerobics. For 3 years it has been my spot! I challenged myself to stand on the other side of the gym for class and it was like having 2 left feet and no brain! Weird! I would like to think that people call me Spot Hog in the most lovingly way! 🙂
Brittany @ ittybitsofbalance says
I can’t believe you used to work out right next to my workplace! We could’ve been taking classes together all along! 🙁
Corey @ Learning Patience says
I miss my YMCA in Houston….My nickname would be funny face—I am super expressive – ie i talk with my hands a lot, make silly faces, etc. So when I’m working out hard I am always cracking people up at the gym… Happy Friday!!
Ashley O. @ The Vegetable Life says
I go to a really small gym that only has group fitness classes so we all have really bonded because its a very, very social enviroment! That’s why I love it!!!!
Bethany @ More Fruit Please says
Going to the gym to work out on a moving/cleaning day is dedication! During my recent move, I felt like I got enough of a workout from all the heavy lifting and scrubbing everything down, you couldn’t have paid me to do any more physical activity!
Aine @ Something to Chew Over says
I don’t workout at the gym or in classes so I’ve never had this experience. I suppose I do nod at people I regularly jog past!
My nickname would be Sweaty! Or Red-face 🙂
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
awwww I heart gym regulars 🙂 SO true, an unspoken relationship is formed via that place!
Jessica @ Sushi and Sit-Ups says
I love running into the same cast of characters at the gym. I’m the same as you, too. I put my ear buds in and I’m in the zone. I don’t speak unless spoken too. Maybe I’ll try to be more friendly!
alex says
I have a handful of gym buddies. It’s fun because if I miss a class or something they always ask where I was! Keeps me honest!
Rosa - Fitness, Food, Fulfilled says
Your breakfast is almost exactly (I added a dash of honey) what I had for lunch on Wednesday and what I’m planning on having for lunch again today. It’s so good!
Cait's Plate says
I definitely feel like that about people at the gym. It’s so funny because you almost start to feel like you “know” them until you realize that it’s basically all in your head! Haha.
There are also people that I actually talk to and know because of my gym trips (our schedules always match up) so that’s always nice too 🙂
Girl in the pink says
I’m like you – headphones on and I get down to business!
People at the gym probably call me crazy, I always do unusual workouts. I get alot of stares when I do some of my strength routines that are timed because I fly through them.
Claire @ NavigatingNorth says
Haha these questions are great. I absolutely have an unspoken bond during the school year with the “morning 9” that are always there.
My nickname would be “swishy ponytail girl” because when I walk it swings back and forth, especially on the treadmill. I sorta like it though 😉
Michele says
I used to be the same way at Urban Active in Ohio. I had a triathlon group and loads and loads of friends. We all hung out outside of the gym, too. Now that i’ve moved to north carolina and joined the Y it’s hard to start all over. I don’t think people are as friendly because it’s so big and you rarely see the same people as often. I love the huge Y’s in the south though, so it makes up for it 🙂
Karen @ She Flies With Her Own Wings says
I can relate, it is so hard to leave a gym you love to go to! Good gyms can be hard to find and I like having a routine and knowing the layout, schedule and attitude of a gym. Good luck finding a new one after moving! Hopefully you’ll find one in no time, maybe it will be even better!