1. THE APP USER
With endless new fitness apps coming out through which to share gigabytes of selfies, showing off a healthy lifestyle is all the rage. You’ll recognize these people by their overpriced Nike Pro and Lululemon apparel, which they’re probably showing off on their Snapchat story. The only thing getting a bigger workout than their thumbs is their ego, but that’s all right, because going to the gym is about getting in shape, isn’t it?
Tina Ye/THE VARSITY
2. THE CROSS-FITTER
Their Under Armour muscle shirt or enthusiastic training group are an easy way to identify cross-fitters. If that doesn’t tip you off, they’ll probably be sporting some colourful Reebok shoes and be covered in chalk. Don’t bother waiting for the squat rack, because their WOD (Workout of the Day) probably entails as many squats at the highest possible weight until they collapse.
Tina Ye/THE VARSITY
3. THE VARSITY ATHLETE
Usually to be found getting exclusive use of the top floor during the Goldring’s busiest times, Varsity Athletes are the easiest cohort to identify because they are among the few people at U of T who are actually doing their workouts with correct form. They’re decked out from head to toe in Varsity Blues swag and they actually look good in it.
Tina Ye/THE VARSITY
4. THE RIPPED, NO-NECK, GRUNTER
If you ever see these athletes, stay out of their way; they’ve got a routine and nothing will stop them from monopolizing the entire weight lifting room. They look like an attempt to develop Captain America, but instead of a shield-, their favourite accessory is a thick leather belt which they wear throughout the workout. These athletes frequent Goldring in the wee hours of the morning — when us mere mortals are still asleep — because that’s the only way they’ll be able to find enough 45-kilogram plates to stack on the squat bar.
Tina Ye/THE VARSITY
5. THE NEWBIE, CARDIO JUNKIE
If you’re reading this, odds are you fit into this category. But that’s okay, because you’re probably too busy caring about the plethora of other responsibilities you have which sedentary, non gym-goers prioritize. If you feel like breaking out those high school running shoes, but don’t know where to start, there’s nothing wrong with using the elliptical or weight machines. Hell, you can even sport that t-shirt from the colour run you did that one time — the only thing that matters is that when you leave the gym, you do so feeling tired and satisfied.
Tina Ye/THE VARSITY
Article by Jonathan Wilkinson and photos by Tina Ye.
