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Dear
Annette,
Our company subsidizes memberships to a gym in our building.
Everybody goes here, and I often find myself working out next to senior people
in the company. How do I handle this?
Out of
Breath
Dear Out of
Breath,
I'm sure you realize you can glisten with perspiration and
good manners at the same time. I myself do not exercise - I have People to do
that for me - but nobody knows better than I do that sweat can be fabulous. It
can also make the most casual situations more complicated than they appear.
When working out
with colleagues, you want to show you're a team player who appreciates the
subtlest nuances of social interaction. Call it Executive Judgment if you will,
but it starts by bringing the right workout gear. As an arbiter of style, I know
all too well that fitness disasters usually begin at home.
Be sure you bring a
clean outfit that fits well, and pack the right shoes. Old tops with mysterious
stains, shorts that disclose too much information, and ensembles that scream
"look at me!" undermine understatement.
It won't be a good
idea to ask the boss to share her water bottle or hand towel, so bring your own
- the one that doesn't say Nascar, unless you're on the circuit.
Know your club's
policies for equipment use, and follow them. Battling other members in public
for treadmills or steppers doesn't say much for your interpersonal skills. No
matter how enthusiastic you are, don't corner all the free weights or refuse to
let others use a weight machine when you're resting between sets.
Arrive on time for
your exercise class with whatever equipment you need ready. In the case of my
dog Dickie, that would mean sticks and rubber balls. At least one member of his
doggie play group is guaranteed to be prepared.
Smile through the
pain, and those around you will know they can count on you not just in the gym,
but in the boardroom or cubicle as well. Reinforce your reputation as a team
player, and you may even be able to turn your panache into cash during bonus
season.
If you're feeling
awkward about the close quarters, just keep a towel at hand (don't snap it at
anyone), and chat pleasantly and briefly if required. Clean up after yourself,
hog neither the shower nor the mirror, and you'll be in great shape to discuss
business once you're dressed and in the office.
Workout do's and
don'ts
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Annette's Workout Ethic
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Unfabulous
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Fabulous
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| Setup |
Ducking out of the office early to get to the gym. |
Carrying a clean gym bag, and greeting colleagues. |
| The
help |
Acting
rudely when asked to follow club policies. |
Treating all staff as if they were clients. |
| Dress |
Wearing shirts with tasteless slogans or profanity, noisy jewelry, or
tell-all ensembles. |
Choosing the right clothes for your sport and checking the rear
view. |
| Equipment use |
Clinging to equipment when it's another member's turn. |
Wiping
all traces of sweat from a machine and ceding it promptly. |
| Weight
room |
Blocking mirrors while giving unsolicited advice on
technique. |
Returning hand weights to the proper place, not just where you found
them. |
| Hot
tub and sauna |
Shoving others aside; draping immodestly. |
Bathing first, and taking an unoccupied place. |
| Hygiene |
Avoiding the shower to burn off 100 more calories; asking to borrow
deodorant. |
Coming
prepared; showering expediently; cleaning up all toiletries; putting towels in
bin. |
| Nudity
management |
Asking
your boss for a raise when both of you are naked. |
Allowing others psychic space in the locker room. |
| Attitude |
"People who work out are more fabulous than people who
don't." |
"Working out makes me feel fabulous, a state of mind I wish on
everyone." |
Stay
fabulous,
Annette
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