Putting the Rat in "Gym Rats"

The National Institute of Health lays out the Body Mass Index (analysis of height & weight) into the following catagories:

• Underweight = <18.5
• Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
• Overweight = 25-29.9
• Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

That definition is pretty standard. You google Body Mass Index Calculator, you'll find a over two hundred thousand different resources to tell you the same thing. Although there is certainly reason to take one's BMI with a grain of salt, so to speak, it is common knowledge that anything under 18.5% is considered "Underweight" for women.

Which brings me to the point of my post. I train at a well known Fitness Center named after a major city in California. Walking out of my gym today, after what really felt like a break-though in my swim training, I was feeling great....until I saw a message on a dry erase board. I think the author might have fancied it to be inspirational, but I think otherwise.

2008 Summer Goals:

• New Swimsuit
• New Towel
• 16 % Body Fat

Sign up today for your consultation with a trainer.

Bravo, Gym Trainer for trying to gut my self-esteem, rather than aim to inspire. Bravo.

Treadmill Etiquette

Whenever I go to the gym, the treadmills are always set to allow you 60 minutes followed by a 2 (sometimes 3) minute cool down. The time of day that I usually go to the gym is pretty good because there are always free treadmills and I've never seen a wait but I still get off after that hour is up. My question: can I turn it right back on and run more? I really want to keep my mileage up but can only go so far in 60 minutes, obviously. If there is no line, is it still rude to turn that puppy back on? I'm a crazy obsessed rule follower and am convinced that the gym-police are going to come after me if I keep going. Oh, and the gym I go to does not have any sign posted such as ones I've seen that say "There is a 30 minute limit on all cardio equipment"...I saw one like that at a different gym I went to yesterday. That one got to me too because there was no one waiting. Sigh. I obviously need advice because the last thing I want to be is 'that rude woman' at the gym!