We have had it etched into our brains since kindergarten that we learn something new everyday. Whether it be a new word, a new song, a new fun fact or a new way to lose weight while still eating pizza for every meal (if you have learned that please enlighten the rest of us) we are always learning.

The world is your classroom, they say. I think.

But today, the gym was my classroom. I learned three really valuable lessons that I can’t wait to share with you all.

Valuable lesson #1: You actually can judge a book by its cover

As I was running on the ‘mill, looking down at the world of young men trying to get swole, (shoutout to the three ladies down there) I saw a male looking at himself in the mirror. Many of them do that as they are lifting weights, I guess to see how big they could potentially become? Not sure never done it. But. You see the thing is, this male in particular wasn’t holding any weights. In fact, he wasn’t doing anything at all EXCEPT lifting up his shirt and looking at his “abs”. I swear people. You just can’t make this stuff up. It is an absolute definite no from me dawg.

Valuable lesson #2: Def Leppard is the ultimate gym jam

I have this uncle named Preston, Uncle P, P-Diddy. Kidding it’s just Preston. But, ever since I was younger, he has always tried teaching me the importance of learning and appreciating rock and roll. ACDC, U2, The Stones, Def Leppard and all the other greats in his eyes. He cringes at the sight of young girls wearing vintage concert tees from HIS bands, knowing that they can’t even name one song. I can say that I have been victimized by his interrogations, having me name three songs by his boys. I didn’t know any songs. He was probably disgraced to have me as a niece. But, now that I’m older and wiser, I have come to understand the greatness behind DL. Anything of theirs is the ultimate gym jam. May I recommend Photograph or Rocket? Just did. Now go. Hope I’m making you proud, Uncle P, after a long 18 years of you listening to me rave about country and Z100 hits. It’s your time now.

Valuable lesson #3: Watch out for the quiet ones. And the ones who run with their hair down

I will literally never understand girls who do any sort of exercise with their hair down. It blows my little paranoid mind.

When I was younger and just started playing soccer as a wee 5-year-old, my mom did my hair in a little half-up half-down hairdo. Super cute, super youthful, super appropriate for a young athlete like myself who just stood there watching her dad try and teach little girls how to kick a ball.

When I was 12, there were STILL girls on my soccer team who played with their hair down. Just embarrassing. Makes you look so unprofessional in my professional opinion.

Now, I am 18. I unfortunately don’t really play soccer anymore, but I frequent the school gym. Today, I saw a girl, clearly older than I, step onto the treadmill with her hair down, airpods in, ready to roll. Is she kidding? She can’t be for real. Doesn’t the back of her neck get sweaty? I simply will never understand.

So there. Three very valuable and important things for you to takeaway and apply to your everyday life. Until next time.