GYM RULES _ If you’re a regular gym-goer you know January and much of February are busier as people sign up to get healthier in the new year. Regular gym-goers were asked to share the unspoken rules of the gym most newbies don’t know they are breaking.
• Grab your dumbbells off the rack and walk away. The 3 foot section immediately in front of the dumbbell rack isn’t your personal lifting area.
• I shouldn’t know what music you are listening to. Personal speakers in the gym ain’t it.
• Rerack your weights after you finish on a mahine.
• Other people walking between you and the camera when you are filming your workout is YOUR problem, not everyone else’s.
• Don’t drop your weights. You’re not cool if you let your cable machine go at max height. It’s also not cool to drop your dumbbells or barbell when it’s still inches off the floor.
• You really don’t need to scream on every single rep. Or on any rep.
• Wipe down the equipment when you’re done. Use the provided spray bottle and paper towels or wet wipes.
NEED TO LOWER YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE? PET A DOG _ Any pet parent can vouch for the fact that spending time with your furry friend is a great way to relieve stress — and more. A study (Center for Biotechnology Information) found that petting your dog can actually help lower your blood pressure. The findings, which they refer to as the “Pet Effect,” were the result of a study where 60 college students had their blood pressure and heart rates monitored while hanging out with dogs. They came to the conclusion that when someone pets a dog, rather than just talking or interacting with them verbally, their blood pressure is lower. Which means that touch is the key factor in deriving the greatest benefit from your human-canine interactions.
WHAT WAS YOUR BEST PURCHASE THIS YEAR? An awesome accessory for your car? The best pair of running shoes you’ve ever owned? A kitchen gadget that’s taken meals at home to a new level? A few responses from the internet:
• I impulse bought a massive cutting block on sale from IKEA that lives on our counter.
• A good backpack.
• A soft close toilet seat. No longer will I be awoken in the night by the someone dropping the seat.
• A telescope. It’s so incredible to see Jupiter’s moons and Saturn.
• I bought an ice cream for a girl. We’re together now.
• An electric kettle. I will never buy a teapot again.
