1. the overachiever – always alone. always intense. usually a smelly, smaller (in stature) dude.
2. the girl who looks like she might die at any moment – this one’s a doozy. she’s clearly anorexic and really actually looks like she might die at the drop of a hat. a friend and i were so grossed out / concerned one time that we actually talked to the staff about her – they told us they were aware of the problem and that it was being handled…. i remain unconvinced….
3. the cheerleader – she’s allllllways wearing high school cheer tshirts, is always wearing too much makeup, and always graces everyone with the loud + clear presence of her butt cheeks hanging out of her shorts. cute!
4. the athletes – these are former athletes who still work out like they’re current athletes. they’re more inspiring than intimidating.
5. the old guy - he’s a ringer! you don’t know how he does it, since he looks super frail and like he should need a walker to get around, but this dude runs on the treadmill and does yoga poses like you can’t believe.
6. the socializers – they’re not there to work out, really. they’re there to chat… and maybe do a few situps, too.
7. the student – you’re not quite sure how or why, but he’s always got a textbook open when he’s on the treadmill/stairmaster. it’s impressive. and terrifyingly stanford.

yep. it’s a special gym crowd. many many more stereotypes, but i stand by my list of seven M.O.