Everyone you see at the UNC gyms

The enthusiastic Campus Rec. workers

These helpful folks just want to make sure that you have a towel. And they want to make sure that you have a good workout– unless you forget your onecard, of course.

The girl who goes hard on the stair-stepper

This girl has got it going on. Her legs move up and down faster than you can move forward. Sweat is absolutely pouring down her face but she is smiling like a psychopath. Somehow she has the mental capacity to focus on the HGTV on the television screens even though her legs are absolutely screaming– you can tell because she mouths along to the words. But her thighs are impeccable and she inspires you to change your cardio workout up. Maybe you shouldn’t just do the elliptical for 30 min every time you’re at the top of the SRC.

The guy who loves to look at himself in the mirror

This guy wears muscle tanks because he knows that he looks good– his not-so-secret nickname is ‘Muscle Man’. He snorts pre-workout because he loves the grind. He likes to grunt when he lifts because it reminds himself (and everyone around him) that he’s working hard. And every time you look over from your rack, you see him checking out his triceps in the mirror. I guess if my arms looked like that, I would do it too. You go, man.

The ones who are very dedicated to Zumba

Otherwise known as the ‘Zumba Zealots’ you know who these people are the second that you step into the Zumba class you attend casually. They are warming up, stretching their arms and legs, then they nail every single dance because they have seen it all a million times before. They even accomplish the extra steps– when the instructor calls out “throw a spin in!” they get it on the first try while everyone else stutters over their grapevine.

The best friends

These are the two guys help each other bench while making jokes about their night out or the girls who attend every muscle cut class together. They are always there to encourage each other, share their water with each other, or remind each other when they’re being lazy pieces of shit. Bobby, you can do those three extra reps! Honestly, you feel lonely when you look over at them from your bubble of self-consciousness caused by lifting by yourself. You really need to force Becky to start working out.

The girl with perfect workout clothes

She might be sweating on the treadmill or dying in absolution at the SRC, but wow, are her clothes perfect. You don’t want to know what she looks like on a night out if she kills the gym game so well. Somehow her fitted tank top and leggings are color-coordinated with her headband. And look at that trendy bralette with the criss-crossed back. You have never really considered a membership to Kate Hudson’s Fabletics before but this woman has inspired you. You might even run to lululemon after your workout.

The guy whose only exercise is pick-up basketball

While everyone else on the Woolen court emulates the Harlem Globetrotters, this guy acts like he is trying to beat China in the final game of the Olympics. He goes hard– so everyone wants him on their team until he is screaming from the sidelines for Matt to block the damn ball. He is always down to stick around after the game to work on your three-pointer but beware giving him your phone number– he will text 24/7 for a shooting partner.

The professor on the rowing machine

After the fifth time seeing a professor on a rowing machine, you start to wonder why the faculty isn’t competing for UNC during rowing season. This one is easy to admire– its probably hard to run into a bunch of your students while you’re trying to get your workout in. You’re must be the subject of at least one Snapchat video every time you go. That’s true dedication.

The one who has your dream body

You probably noticed while he was doing squats that the man is ripped. Or you might have noticed while struggling through 3-2-1 that she has the perfect arms. Some days, this can really get you down. But other days, it is easy to remember that you can work hard to achieve your best. You might never have calves like her or quads like him, but you can be fit with some major motivation.

Looking to be your best self? Check out the Campus Recreation website for facility hours and programming.