What does your favorite gym say about you?

Some University of Iowa students may claim that their choice between the two is reasoned because of location and convenience, but after closer examination, many claim to like a certain atmosphere more than the other.

Glass vs. Cement

The rec center is an open environment. Its windows give lifters a full view of the outdoors. It has many levels and sections which are perfect for the creative mind. Most of the construction of the rec center is made so that everything and everyone can be seen.

Sectors are divided by glass to remove boundaries on vision. While field house goers see these as distractions, rec center folk see inspiration. Their creative mind doesn’t like to feel limited. These people like to see everything, and don’t mind knowing that they can be seen by others.

The field house is constructed in the exact opposite way from the rec center. The field house is built with division as a priority. Cement walls sector each activity in the field house which means that if you go there to lift, 100% of your energy will be focused on that.

One big room is dedicated only to machines, barbells and weights. Most of their equipment is relatively close to limit walking very far from exercise to exercise. The field house does a good job of limiting distraction to the focused ones. Plain walls and basic equipment lets these people get in, do their thing, and get out as efficiently as possible.

The Creative vs. The Doer

Most people who choose the rec center say that it’s because of the free thinking and creative atmosphere. The field house seems a bit too enclosed and straining on these minds. People who tend to work out at the rec center like to explore the lifestyle that lifting provides for them as it applies to them as a whole. These people are very open to helping others in their exploration of lifting, as they see the positive effects that working out can have on not only the body, but also the mind and spirit.

University of Iowa student, Allan, is an avid rec center goer.

“I love the lifestyle of body building, and the rec center makes me feel more connected with the community.”

Working out seems to become more of a philosophy for these people, rather than a daily chore.

One word perfectly describes those who choose the field house. Grind. These people are there for one purpose, and one purpose only – to grind. These people tend to be a bit more narrow and focused when lifting. They have a schedule to follow, and gains to be met.

This seems to come from its “basement” type feel which limits distractions. These people love noise canceling headphones and anything that keeps them focused on their next set. Business major Derick, the man in the green shirt in the photo above, says that he comes to the field house for “Its basement-y environment.”

The freshman said: “The rec takes too much time to walk to each machine.” To him, time is money, and the field house keeps his workouts efficient.

Do not interrupt these people, their goal is to grind, and nothing will stop them.

My bias tends to side with the recreational center, but of course that’s just me.

Where do you work out and why?