Saturday Morning Ritual

Commingled human sweat permeates the atmosphere. Grunts and clanging iron greet the ear. Leotard clad women, without body fat, spring. Pumped up upper bodies of tattooed men expand. The smoothie bar dispenses recovery drinks. Stationary bicycles travel miles, without leaving the room. Joggers hypnotized by music turn treadmills. The pulleys of the muscle machines sing. The locker room calls after a brief and intense workout. Does the fattest guy in the building have to walk around naked? The jets in the spa remedy any muscle pain. Relaxing, I watch an old woman pacing the bottom of the lap pool. The heated pool is occupied by goggled children, their swimming lessons taught by a woman in a sensible swimsuit. They must conquer natural fear of the water, and demonstrate proper swimming form, as parents look on. A steam room awaits those who can stand the intense, wet heat. The wooden walls of the sauna room smell of eucalyptus oil. Water thrown over hissing, heated stones creates a wall of vapor. They say the perspiration it induces cleanses toxins. I am not so sure……but I will return next week.