reasons why going to the gym is my favorite part of the day:

Stop rolling your eyes and read!

let me explain my gym to you:

-in general: dirty

-machines: old and rarely adjustable 

-aerobics classes*: a cultural experience (more details later)

-free weights: rickety 

-members: mostly old 

-locker rooms: awkward... as per usual.

-towels and gym uniform offered as part of package: neat.

-7th floor, looking directly down on "krispy kreme" donut shop: inspiring.

let me explain why i chose this gym:

-Name: "starbox" 

(not to be confused with "starbucks"- equally as expensive, but slightly different place)

-$80/month + 2blocks from my apt. 

VS.

-Name: "S & M" gym (i kid you not)

 -$100/month + across the street 

*I miss you PLANET FITNESS ($10/month) :-/

Anyway-

there are a few particular regular korean morning-goers who i'd like to tell you about, 

as well as to describe the aerobics classes.

Since taking pictures would likely get me kicked out of the gym, let alone in trouble with the law, you will have to read. 

I'm sorry, I'll try to be very descriptive yet concise.

Man 1: 

Man 1 is very meticulous with his workout routine. 

He comes in every day in his free gym uniform and... slippers. 

He does some stretches with a pole and then, essentially, glides... 

around the gym...

in his slippers...

for an hour.

I haven't figured out if he's a gym member or the janitor.

either way the floors are still dirty when he's finished.

Man 2:

Man 2 doesn't mess around.

He likes to be one with the gym... 

he makes this apparent by wearing no shoes or socks.

He takes his free gym uniform shorts to the next level by rolling them up...

better range of motion?

then the 60something yr old man lifts massive free weights in what appears to be a back breaking method

...while straddling a bench,

...showin' off dem thighs the whole time. 

HOT.

Pirate Woman:

I admiringly named her "pirate woman" from the first moment she chose the treadmill directly beside me instead of one of the other 30 available, turned on her korean soap operas, and sprint/danced for an entire kilometer...

All while dressed in what i can only explain as a black and silver rhinestone "sexy" pirate costume.

down to the black head scarf, worn just so:

I caught myself wondering if Jack Sparrow had a korean girl friend?

oh i almost forgot to mention, pirate lady is like 60 yrs. old and has a 6pack.

creepy, yet, awesome.

*aerobics classes*

every morning around the time i go in, pirate woman and about 50 other 40+yr old korean woman,

 dressed equally as erotic-ly/sparkly/80's/glitter/nylons/full-face-of-make-up/bras/mini skirts

AND (my favorite): every single woman has AT LEAST one or two (or more)

 pairs of THICK leg warmers on.

I do not claim to understand any of these exercise attire trends,

 nor do I know where one can acquire such an outfit...

but every day, the korean version of hip hop is blaring, 

and the shiny half-naked old ladies are rockin' out for over an hour with intense dance routines.

I absolutely love to watch, but i try to keep it discreet for obvious reasons... 

although with those outfits, I doubt they mind.

I do intend to partake in a class some day, and when that day comes, you will know about it.

in the mean time, i'm piecing together the most gross outfit i can find for under 5$...

photos to come...

PS.

^this is bibimbap^ (for explanation, see previous post)