For years, motivated people have been making trips to the nearest fitness center to blow off some steam, let out stress, and lose their undesired wobbly bits. Those who run, swim, lift, or cycle on a regular basis often see positive results.

Then there are those who go to the gym just to socialize. SMU’s Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports is a fabulous facility known for its abundance of physical fitness devices and activities. Sadly, not everyone that winds up at the gym takes advantage of these opportunities.

Upon entering the gym one quickly notices the frat pack, dressed in matching tanks, flashing their guns in front of the mirrors while the rest of them crowd around a single machine. Since when did weightlifting become a team sport? Does the collection of muscle milk and protein powder they keep in their closets actually do anything for their muscle building endeavors if they are just bystanders?

Whether or not anyone is working out, very few can complain about these body-conscious boys, especially when a vast majority of the girls at Dedman dress up just incase “he” is there. A full face of makeup, Nike shorts, and v-neck tees are practically a uniform. You know who you are.

My sincerest apologies to those who do not fit this criteria, but cheers to those who actually get all hot and sweaty like you’re supposed to at the gym. I hope your well-earned muscular physique satisfies you.

The other day, a gang of girls and I made our routine trip to the gym a bit earlier than usual. The place was packed full. Who would have guessed that happy hour was also the most crowded time to go to Dedman? It took me by surprise to discover that every machine was taken. I realized on my short drive home that I get just as much exercise sitting on my couch eating cookie dough than I usually do at the gym; especially since the drive is only two blocks away. I’m too lazy to walk there, let alone run.

When I do actually get off my butt, I’m a personal fan of what some like to call the “Fat Housewife” workout regiment. It involves setting the treadmill on the highest incline possible at a somewhat reasonable speed. After an hour of absolute torture, not only are you shedding a few pain-induced tears, but also last night’s Whataburger meal.

Here’s the question: If the gym is packed full everyday around five, how does anyone explain the unwanted freshman fifteen that more than a handful of SMU students have acquired? Perhaps it’s because, sadly, there is no way to sweat in style. Why else would Dedman have a pool table, computer station, smoothie bar, and tanning pool?

If you look hard I’m sure you can find a few real gym class heroes. They are the ones awake at six in the morning running, next to President George W. Bush. Or a swarm of student athletes decked out in blue sweats. All of us lazy social butterflies should take a hint from them and actually break a sweat once in a while.

So set your alarm, get out of bed, throw on a real shirt and run to the gym. Leave the car at home. Just do it already!

Jordan Jennings is a sophomore journalism major. She can be reached for comment at [email protected].