I met with the gym director yesterday morning, and signs prohibitting cell phone use in the locker rooms have been posted. Mission accomplished. It will be interesting to see whether patrons actually comply with the policy ...
I've been reading a book on triathlon training for "time-crunched" athletes. I've actually been doing a good job of making time for exercise, but I've been a little piggy when it comes to food ... last weekend, I ate 6 donuts, a box of Kraft Shells and Cheese, and a couple of enchiladas from Abuelos, in addition to various other foods. Oink it out, baby. I did a better job at the grocery store last night, avoiding foods that I can't resist (or choose not to resist), so they won't be on our shelves, taunting me.
I tried making some baked sweet potato fries this past week, and they were pretty good. Satisfying and different.
Anyway, back to the book, which talks about eating for energy and quality workouts. That's the goal now (for most meals, anyway) ... eating for energy/fuel, rather than eating crap that does nothing for my mind or body. I know I'm still going to splurge sometimes, but this past week was pretty good. I'm starting to fend off cravings for crap. Just say no to cravings for crap. Pretty soon, it will become habit to just say no. Goodbye, crap cravings. Adios.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
E-mail Requesting Policy for Cell Phone Ban in Locker Rooms
Hey, y'all! Below is my e-mail to the directors of the student rec center here on campus. I've removed all identifying information. Let me know if you have suggestions for improvement!!
----
Dear _______________ and ________________,
As a faculty member who enjoys working out at the [insert name of fitness center] 5-6 days a week, I am writing to request that you consider implementing a policy that prohibits the use of all camera devices (including cell phones) in the locker rooms at the [name of fitness center].
After visiting with ______________ about my concerns related to privacy in the locker rooms last semester, I submitted a comment card to the [name of fitness center] with my name, contact information, and a request for follow-up communication in November. Since I have not heard back from anyone, I am writing again to encourage you to consider creating and posting a policy that prohibits the use of all camera devices, including cell phones, in the [name of fitness center] locker rooms.
Cell phones with cameras are ubiquitous these days; it is too easy for people to take photos or videos of other patrons (in various stages of undress) and upload them onto the internet without their consent or knowledge. This can be done in a matter of seconds.
Implementing such a policy is not about penalizing cell phone users; it’s about educating people and changing the culture of [name of university] and the attitudes of patrons who enjoy the [name of fitness center].
Patrons should not have to worry that the person texting next to them in a locker bank is actually taking their picture. I often see patrons texting in the locker room, particularly in the evenings. The cell phone users generally, though unintentionally (I hope), position their phones in such a way that a photo can easily and discreetly be taken at any moment.
Patrons should also be able to ask cell phone users to take their cell phone conversations and cameras outside the locker room (or put them away). The [name of fitness center] should have a posted policy that backs up this request.
With elementary, middle, and secondary school-age patrons using the locker rooms in the afternoons/evenings (e.g., for swim team practice), it is vitally important that this policy be implemented. These young people should not be permitted to use their camera phones in the locker rooms, nor should they (or their parents) have to fear that someone else is using a camera phone to invade their privacy.
I would imagine that [name of university] would want to be proactive in implementing such a policy, if even for the sole purpose of protecting itself from liability, should someone choose to use his/her camera phone inappropriately in a locker room.
Arizona State University has had such a policy in place since at least 2003 when I was a graduate student there. In addition, here in Kansas, Pittsburg State has a policy banning cell phone use in locker rooms and activity areas: http://www.pittstate.edu/campus-life/groups/intramurals/campusrecreation/policies.dot.
I would be happy to visit with you about possibilities for enacting such a policy and changing the culture of the [name of fitness center]so that all patrons can feel secure knowing that [name of university] has made every attempt to protect their privacy.
In fact, a few prominent signs asking people to turn off or put away their cell/camera phones before entering the locker room would be sufficient. These signs should also indicate the rationale behind the policy (e.g., that almost all phones are equipped with cameras, and that patrons’ privacy is better protected when cameras are turned off in the locker rooms). I have also included a few online resources below for your review.
Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
Grand Rapids Y banning use of all electronic devices in locker rooms after latest charges against former Muskegon Y employee
Thursday, July 22, 2010
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/07/grand_rapids_y_banning_all_ele.html
Readers' Q&A: Cell phones and locker rooms
http://athleticbusiness.com/how-to/readers/question.aspx?qid=5
Gyms ban cell phone use due to privacy
Friday, March 26, 2004
http://www.dailyorange.com/2.8657/gyms-ban-cell-phone-use-due-to-privacy-1.1246505
Potential Problems in Locker Rooms
IHRSA: Personal, Privacy and Security Issues
http://recmgmt.com/feature_print.php?fid=200403GC01
----
Dear _______________ and ________________,
As a faculty member who enjoys working out at the [insert name of fitness center] 5-6 days a week, I am writing to request that you consider implementing a policy that prohibits the use of all camera devices (including cell phones) in the locker rooms at the [name of fitness center].
After visiting with ______________ about my concerns related to privacy in the locker rooms last semester, I submitted a comment card to the [name of fitness center] with my name, contact information, and a request for follow-up communication in November. Since I have not heard back from anyone, I am writing again to encourage you to consider creating and posting a policy that prohibits the use of all camera devices, including cell phones, in the [name of fitness center] locker rooms.
Cell phones with cameras are ubiquitous these days; it is too easy for people to take photos or videos of other patrons (in various stages of undress) and upload them onto the internet without their consent or knowledge. This can be done in a matter of seconds.
Implementing such a policy is not about penalizing cell phone users; it’s about educating people and changing the culture of [name of university] and the attitudes of patrons who enjoy the [name of fitness center].
Patrons should not have to worry that the person texting next to them in a locker bank is actually taking their picture. I often see patrons texting in the locker room, particularly in the evenings. The cell phone users generally, though unintentionally (I hope), position their phones in such a way that a photo can easily and discreetly be taken at any moment.
Patrons should also be able to ask cell phone users to take their cell phone conversations and cameras outside the locker room (or put them away). The [name of fitness center] should have a posted policy that backs up this request.
With elementary, middle, and secondary school-age patrons using the locker rooms in the afternoons/evenings (e.g., for swim team practice), it is vitally important that this policy be implemented. These young people should not be permitted to use their camera phones in the locker rooms, nor should they (or their parents) have to fear that someone else is using a camera phone to invade their privacy.
I would imagine that [name of university] would want to be proactive in implementing such a policy, if even for the sole purpose of protecting itself from liability, should someone choose to use his/her camera phone inappropriately in a locker room.
Arizona State University has had such a policy in place since at least 2003 when I was a graduate student there. In addition, here in Kansas, Pittsburg State has a policy banning cell phone use in locker rooms and activity areas: http://www.pittstate.edu/campus-life/groups/intramurals/campusrecreation/policies.dot.
I would be happy to visit with you about possibilities for enacting such a policy and changing the culture of the [name of fitness center]so that all patrons can feel secure knowing that [name of university] has made every attempt to protect their privacy.
In fact, a few prominent signs asking people to turn off or put away their cell/camera phones before entering the locker room would be sufficient. These signs should also indicate the rationale behind the policy (e.g., that almost all phones are equipped with cameras, and that patrons’ privacy is better protected when cameras are turned off in the locker rooms). I have also included a few online resources below for your review.
Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
Grand Rapids Y banning use of all electronic devices in locker rooms after latest charges against former Muskegon Y employee
Thursday, July 22, 2010
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/07/grand_rapids_y_banning_all_ele.html
Readers' Q&A: Cell phones and locker rooms
http://athleticbusiness.com/how-to/readers/question.aspx?qid=5
Gyms ban cell phone use due to privacy
Friday, March 26, 2004
http://www.dailyorange.com/2.8657/gyms-ban-cell-phone-use-due-to-privacy-1.1246505
Potential Problems in Locker Rooms
IHRSA: Personal, Privacy and Security Issues
http://recmgmt.com/feature_print.php?fid=200403GC01
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Cell Phones in Locker Rooms
I'm getting ready to rumble with WSU regarding cell/camera phones in its locker rooms. I've got my letter all typed up, and I'm going to workshop it with my students during Monday's class before sending it (via e-mail, actually) to the rec center director.
Apparently, the university considered banning cell/camera phones in the locker rooms a few years ago but decided against it. Really? You've got people of all ages running around the locker rooms, including elementary school-aged kiddos on the swim team ... and you don't think it would be beneficial to have a policy that specifically bans cell/camera phone use in places where people are changing clothes? Really? That's a lawsuit waiting to happen.
And that's what I'm going to say in my letter. I already put my request in writing last November and heard nothing back. I'm taking it to the next level now. And I'm not stopping.
What do you all think about cell/camera phone use in locker rooms? What are the policies in the gyms you use? Do share!
Apparently, the university considered banning cell/camera phones in the locker rooms a few years ago but decided against it. Really? You've got people of all ages running around the locker rooms, including elementary school-aged kiddos on the swim team ... and you don't think it would be beneficial to have a policy that specifically bans cell/camera phone use in places where people are changing clothes? Really? That's a lawsuit waiting to happen.
And that's what I'm going to say in my letter. I already put my request in writing last November and heard nothing back. I'm taking it to the next level now. And I'm not stopping.
What do you all think about cell/camera phone use in locker rooms? What are the policies in the gyms you use? Do share!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Moving Day
I am pleased to report the following ...
1. Trent and I officially sold the house in Georgia this past Thursday. Woohoo!
2. My bladder was extraordinarily cooperative on the 15+ hour drives to and from Georgia. On the first leg of the trip, I drove seven hours without stopping (from Wichita through St. Louis).
3. I was surprisingly strong on moving day(s). Trent and I did a great deal of heavy lifting (and carrying of furniture down two flights of stairs) before help arrived, and I did okay. And then, we did all of the heavy lifting together back in Kansas without any assistance, as we moved most of our crap into storage. I was a little sore, but I didn't get injured ... didn't pull any muscles or strain anything. Yay! Strength training pays off.
Okay, so what is everyone doing to stay active during the winter months? I need to get some winter clothing that allows me to workout outdoors when my gym is closed. Any recommendations anyone? C'mon, help a girl out. :-)
1. Trent and I officially sold the house in Georgia this past Thursday. Woohoo!
2. My bladder was extraordinarily cooperative on the 15+ hour drives to and from Georgia. On the first leg of the trip, I drove seven hours without stopping (from Wichita through St. Louis).
3. I was surprisingly strong on moving day(s). Trent and I did a great deal of heavy lifting (and carrying of furniture down two flights of stairs) before help arrived, and I did okay. And then, we did all of the heavy lifting together back in Kansas without any assistance, as we moved most of our crap into storage. I was a little sore, but I didn't get injured ... didn't pull any muscles or strain anything. Yay! Strength training pays off.
Okay, so what is everyone doing to stay active during the winter months? I need to get some winter clothing that allows me to workout outdoors when my gym is closed. Any recommendations anyone? C'mon, help a girl out. :-)
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Happy holidays!
Alrighty. Long time, no write. I’m getting back on this horse. Not the fitness horse. No siree. I haven’t fallen off that horse. Just the blogging horse … as have all of you, I might add. What’s up, ladies? What’s going on?
Here’s what’s happening here. This has been the most stressful semester of my life. Why, you might ask?
1. Job change. I took a pay cut and got WAY MORE RESPONSIBILITY than my previous job. The hours I put in this semester are not sustainable (for me, anyway) long term. I was putting in 10-12 hours a day Monday through Friday, and taking home 5-10 hours of work on the weekends. It was complete crap. But I am optimistic that I can make some positive changes to improve my quality of life and reduce my hours in coming semesters.
2. Living apart from my spouse. Again. This time it was four months, and we had an end date (mid-November), but it was still hard. He’s my best friend, and I missed him.
3. Selling our (lovely!) home in a terrible market. It’s not official yet, but it is under contract with a closing date of Jan. 20. We’re happy about the possibility of getting out from the under the responsibility of owning a home in another state and getting our lives started here, but we’re also very aware of the financial pain this house sale is causing us. Trent and I have agreed not to discuss numbers with anyone, which is probably a good idea. It’s pretty damn embarrassing, and it’s going to hurt us for awhile. But we’re hoping that the move is worth it … being closer to our families, living in a smaller city. It’ll work out.
So this semester has had a bit of suck to it. It’s also had some highlights (see previous post). But one thing that has kept me going (even when I was seriously wondering what the hell we were thinking when we decided to move back here) was my regular workouts.
I’ve been swimming, running, lifting weights, walking, and/or biking for at least 60-75 minutes most days of the week. And that physical exertion has been my saving grace, I think, particularly now that it’s getting cold outside and I can’t spend as much time outdoors. It’s been a way to take my mind off of work, finances, and missing my honey (who’s actually back in Georgia right now, waiting to find out if the home inspection will require any additional work on the house – I hope not!!).
So, I hope you’re all getting ready for a lovely holiday this week. I’m planning to enjoy some eggnog, iced sugar cookies, and homemade chex mix. What are you all going to enjoy?
I know Honor’s going to enjoy spending time with her third grandchild. Congratulations, Honor! Love to you all!!
Here’s what’s happening here. This has been the most stressful semester of my life. Why, you might ask?
1. Job change. I took a pay cut and got WAY MORE RESPONSIBILITY than my previous job. The hours I put in this semester are not sustainable (for me, anyway) long term. I was putting in 10-12 hours a day Monday through Friday, and taking home 5-10 hours of work on the weekends. It was complete crap. But I am optimistic that I can make some positive changes to improve my quality of life and reduce my hours in coming semesters.
2. Living apart from my spouse. Again. This time it was four months, and we had an end date (mid-November), but it was still hard. He’s my best friend, and I missed him.
3. Selling our (lovely!) home in a terrible market. It’s not official yet, but it is under contract with a closing date of Jan. 20. We’re happy about the possibility of getting out from the under the responsibility of owning a home in another state and getting our lives started here, but we’re also very aware of the financial pain this house sale is causing us. Trent and I have agreed not to discuss numbers with anyone, which is probably a good idea. It’s pretty damn embarrassing, and it’s going to hurt us for awhile. But we’re hoping that the move is worth it … being closer to our families, living in a smaller city. It’ll work out.
So this semester has had a bit of suck to it. It’s also had some highlights (see previous post). But one thing that has kept me going (even when I was seriously wondering what the hell we were thinking when we decided to move back here) was my regular workouts.
I’ve been swimming, running, lifting weights, walking, and/or biking for at least 60-75 minutes most days of the week. And that physical exertion has been my saving grace, I think, particularly now that it’s getting cold outside and I can’t spend as much time outdoors. It’s been a way to take my mind off of work, finances, and missing my honey (who’s actually back in Georgia right now, waiting to find out if the home inspection will require any additional work on the house – I hope not!!).
So, I hope you’re all getting ready for a lovely holiday this week. I’m planning to enjoy some eggnog, iced sugar cookies, and homemade chex mix. What are you all going to enjoy?
I know Honor’s going to enjoy spending time with her third grandchild. Congratulations, Honor! Love to you all!!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Kansas fitness
Well, I'm officially settled in Wichita (Trent will join me in November, after his season ends and, we hope, after the house sells).
I love several things about living in a smaller city, several of which are related to fitness and my overall well-being:
1. The traffic. Or lack thereof. It is a piece of cake to get around this city. In fact, when my lovely aunt Honor came into town with her honey a couple weeks ago, I was able to meet her for dinner twice during "rush hour," and it was a breeze getting to my destination.
2. I can easily get on my bicycle and go for a ride right outside my home. I don't have to drive to a safe location to ride my bike. I can just go! And I have for the past 4 Sunday mornings. Good 60-75 minute rides in the Kansas countryside.
3. Sidewalks. YES! There are sidewalks everywhere -- unlike Kennesaw, GA. It's safe to walk and run all over the place. Yay!
4. Beautiful downtown. I took a walk along the rivers downtown yesterday, admiring the Keeper of the Plains sculpture and the rest of the city sights. Fabulous!
5. Decent university gym. The pool is fabulous. Clean. At least 8 lanes available all the time. Short course meters. The weights and cardio areas are okay. They fit my budget right now, and it doesn't hurt that it's right across the street from my building.
In other news, my mom and I are doing a 5K race in Wichita at the end of September. It's her first 5K, I think, and she's been following a walk-jog training plan I gave to her. She's doing great! Woohoo!
Here's a happy story about muscle memory --
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129359637
Apparently, if you have to take a break from your workouts (at least, your strength-training workouts), it won't take your body long to get back to its original strength, or at least close to it.
I love several things about living in a smaller city, several of which are related to fitness and my overall well-being:
1. The traffic. Or lack thereof. It is a piece of cake to get around this city. In fact, when my lovely aunt Honor came into town with her honey a couple weeks ago, I was able to meet her for dinner twice during "rush hour," and it was a breeze getting to my destination.
2. I can easily get on my bicycle and go for a ride right outside my home. I don't have to drive to a safe location to ride my bike. I can just go! And I have for the past 4 Sunday mornings. Good 60-75 minute rides in the Kansas countryside.
3. Sidewalks. YES! There are sidewalks everywhere -- unlike Kennesaw, GA. It's safe to walk and run all over the place. Yay!
4. Beautiful downtown. I took a walk along the rivers downtown yesterday, admiring the Keeper of the Plains sculpture and the rest of the city sights. Fabulous!
5. Decent university gym. The pool is fabulous. Clean. At least 8 lanes available all the time. Short course meters. The weights and cardio areas are okay. They fit my budget right now, and it doesn't hurt that it's right across the street from my building.
In other news, my mom and I are doing a 5K race in Wichita at the end of September. It's her first 5K, I think, and she's been following a walk-jog training plan I gave to her. She's doing great! Woohoo!
Here's a happy story about muscle memory --
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129359637
Apparently, if you have to take a break from your workouts (at least, your strength-training workouts), it won't take your body long to get back to its original strength, or at least close to it.
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