Blog #31

                                              Here Carl talks about today's blog on how to avoid making enemies.

                   
                                        

My wife shot off to Guess to pick up the arranged heavily discounted hand bags, and other bargains on offer while I exited by foot to exercise in an alternative weights and aerobics routine. Today was walking and jogging, 20 minutes on the cross trainer, and some stretching positions I like to do after my workout!

Ten minutes later, all hot and sweaty, I arrived at the new purpose built local community fitness center where I was greeted at the reception before heading upstairs to step up the pace. It was another muggy morning in Miami, so air-conditioning inside the smallish gym delivered the much needed oxygen to my lungs. Few members attended at any time during the day, so accessible newly furnished equipment was sensible and there were always alternative options free for usage.
 
There was just one other gentleman using the only Ergometric bicycle and I complimented him on my approach even though I was estranged by his lack of effort to face me. He nodded without eye contact in a sort of what if stance and I immediately sensed his unwelcoming attitude. It wasn’t the usual ethics I’d become accustomed to when working out!

There were two flat screen televisions along the wall in front of the aerobic apparatus; one just slightly to his right side, (let’s call it the 1st TV) and another three machines further to the right; the 2nd TV. I walked away from him to the cross trainer immediately right facing of the second TV and began 20 minutes exercise while changing over to a music channel.

Half way through he quit cycling and started using the multi-station gym weights. I continued by increasing the resistance to maximum for the full term, and then changed over to the treadmill directly opposite the 1st TV. I contemplated verifying if he minded me changing to the music channel, but the volume was very low so I didn't think he was watching, or it would disturb his bodybuilding routine.

I should have asked because no sooner had I pressed the button on the remote when he came over asking me to leave it on his channel while at the same time he returned its original setting by his remote. I asked him politely if he would mind using the 2nd TV, as I was now using the treadmill in front of the 1st TV, but he declined saying, “No I’ll be using the leg press which faces that TV in a few moments.” 

To be fair it shouldn’t have made any conflict as the distance to both TVs was similar with perhaps just a fractional angle in eye swing to view correctly. I commented that he should be friendlier, and he responded, “I don’t come to the gym to make friends!” By this time I clearly realized he had a hostile attitude, so to maintain my self-esteem I said, “Yeah, but you know how to make enemies!”

Twenty minutes later I finished my aerobic routine, and prepared to leave. I asked him if he wanted me to leave the 2nd TV on, and he murmured something which I took to mean no as I wasn’t watching it, so I switched it off.

As I gathered my personal effects and began to head towards the exit I decided to make one last attempt to be friendly, so complimented him by saying, “I’ll see you later then!” He totally ignored me, so by the time I opened the door I had to look back and say, “You need education!”

It made me realize that no matter what mood we are in, however bad we’ve got it, we shouldn’t lose focus of education. A simple acknowledgement, a handshake, a pleasant comment, a smile, a compliment, and principally a good attitude will help all of us make the most out of life!

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