10 a.m. Wake up.
10:10 a.m. Shower.
11:15 a.m. Leave my off-campus apartment and walk the 25 minutes to Carney. (Never regretted my English major more.)
3 p.m. Finish classes, trudge back to my apartment and change for the Plex
Finally, I throw on my headphones and jog back to campus. The run typically clears my head and also is my justification for a shorter cardio time. I walk up the long cement runway (from Edmond's) and enter the excruciatingly hot Plex. After three years of commuting back and forth from the residence halls to the Plex, I've learned not to complain about the temperature. Sure, there's no air conditioning, but the intense heat, something only felt in the depths of the Amazon, makes me feel like I've worked out for much longer than I have. Of course, I leave drenched, but I've heard (thank you ladies of The View) that the glistening appeal of a thoroughly worked out body attracts mates (wink, wink).
I entered the Plex for the first time during my freshman orientation. The Plex was opened for volleyball, basketball, and as I vaguely remember, a break-dancing competition. It was in those first moments when I stepped into the multi-court edifice that I began my love affair with the Plex. I admit it. I'm a Plex-aholic. I don't want to be featured on Intervention. I don't need any help, I can quit anytime I want.
I'm not sure what it is about the Barnum-and-Bailey-style building that attracts me. I mean, I lived on Newton my first year, and the Quonset Hut (yes, that's what it's called - Google it) was no match. I religiously made the commute each and every day to the Plex. By now, all of the front desk attendants must know me - and if you're new, you soon will. I'm the guy whose card has to be swiped at least four times and needs a special yet rough touch. I usually see my other Plex-aholics when I work out and greet them with the same attention one acknowledges members of an AA group. Secretly, I know I'm more devoted.
While I may not have muscles that span Herculean measurements or the waist of Kate Moss, I utilize the Plex as a way of maintaining good health - mentally and physically. I always start with some form of cardio: 20 minutes on the elliptical, 10 minutes on the stairmaster, a few evenly paced miles on the treadmill, or 15 minutes on the bike, aspiring to the Tour de France. Next, I make my way toward the crimson mats and stretch out. Here is where I can incorporate my yoga techniques and ensure that my muscles are neither too tense nor too loose. Ultimately, I do a random mix of core conditioning and free weights.
Usually, I stand clear of what I refer to as the masculine underworld. We've all been there. We all know what resides there: machismo at its finest. The smell of sweat, body odor, and a hint of Axe fills the air. The clanking of free weights and bar bells against their respective holders mars the blasting workout music of my iPod. This area is always buzzing and invites only the most courageous and physically immaculate, or those who aspire to these tenets. I've stepped in there only once before and felt the stares of a thousand eyes that pierced my very soul. I carefully returned my borrowed free weight to its home and darted out of there, for safety of my own life.
On those days that I don't feel like attempting the monotonous elliptical/free weights routine, the Plex offers a kaleidoscope of classes. (I am rather particular to the Vinyassa Yoga.) These classes incorporate physical and mental workouts that push your legs, core, or full body to an intense state. Generally, if you prefer larger classes where the attention is not on you, attend one of the Pilates, Core Board, or Cardio Cuts classes offered on Court 10 many days a week. The best part about these classes is the music. True, they offer a spectrum of different physical activities, but if you want to listen to eardrum-popping, shake-the-foundation-of-the Plex pop music (Read: "Hot N Cold" by Katy Perry, "When I Grow Up" by PCDs, and "So What" by Pink) then I suggest you hurry on down to the Plex. I'm sure those ignorami who walk by are certain that there is a rave of sorts going on; however, it's even better than the techno-ridden experience of Vouté on a Friday night. You get to wear less clothing (Please note: This is not an invitation for hedonism) and feel better, having worked out, afterward.
What I love more than the health aspect of the Plex is the people watching. Yes, I am one of those oddities who loves sitting in the airport watching the diverse travelers pass to and fro. At Boston College, these travelers are replaced with devoted Plex members and look more or less the same. Despite this factor, it is always of intrigue to me. You can always tell those people who are completely rocking out to their iPod (how many times can you listen to "Always Be My Baby"?), those who have never been before (sporting flats or the dreaded jorts), and those who think they are God's gift to the Plex (we can spot you Narcissistic types a mile away. Hint: your cut-off shirts are a dead giveaway).
No matter what time you go to the Plex, whether it be morning, noon, or night, you can always spot a variety of people who will either make you laugh, smile, or roll your eyes. Just that factor is worth the walk from Upper, bus ride from Newton, or jog from Orkney. Till the day I graduate, I will be loyal to the Plex, and bear cold winters and hot summers to reap the benefits it has to offer. So, to my fellow Plex members, I stand and say:
"I'm Jeremy, and I'm a Plex-aholic."
(Reponse: Hi, Jeremy.)
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