Dry Drowning
Dry drowning. It sounds terrifying like it has to be a work of fiction, but recently dry drowning has been a buzzword that’s circulated through mom groups and Facebook posts. I recently was scrolling through my Facebook feed when a mother from my mom’s group posted this outrageously titled article. “Dry Drowning.” I laughed to myself thinking it was another scare tactic that I had become all too familiar this past year after having my first child. But, for once, I had time to kill waiting in the pediatrician’s office. As I read, my attitude changed from slight indifference to absolute horror. When they called my daughter’s name I couldn’t have flown quicker through that door.
When the physician finally arrived she only got out a “How is…” before I cut her off.
“Dry drowning, is this a real thing? Should I not be letting her get in the pool this summer since she’s only a baby? I was thinking of doing a mommy and me swimming class, but CLEARLY that’s not an option. Why have I never heard of this before?” My torrent of questions filled the room quicker than you could come up for air.
But alas, like every physician mine was no different in calming my well warranted but rather unnecessary concerns. She was quick to point out that there are two types of “dry drowning” (greaaat), but the amount of children that are affected are so low that there aren’t even statistics on the matter.
The Breakdown
Secondary drowning only occurs when your child is around a body of water, whether it’s the pool, lake, or bathtub. They’ll inhale a small amount of water, cough it up, and then proceed on their merry way. The water that they’ve inhaled, which you think they’ve coughed up, can sometimes become trapped in their lungs. When the body cannot efficiently remove the water the lungs become irritated and secrete a fluid, as a result children drown, not in water, but in their own bodily fluids. Dry drowning occurs when water is inhaled, but it doesn’t make its way into your child’s lungs. It instead causes a spasm that eventually causes the airway to become constricted and closed (CBS).
Recently, there have been stories across media outlets with mothers posting pictures and stories in order to raise awareness of these tragic situations because they can be so easily prevented. Since there is hardly any dialog about this type of drowning, unnecessary deaths have occurred. It sounds incredibly scary, but it’s actually very easy to spot and even easier to fix.
Signs
Signs may appear hours or up to a day after the incident. If you noticed your child spluttering in the water it’s important to keep this type of disaster in the back of your mind, and if you see any of these signs you should IMMEDIATELY take your child to the ER instead of the pediatrician. Dry or secondary drowning will typically present itself with one or more of these symptoms after a close call in the water:
-Coughing: if your child continues to cough and wheeze with labored breathing then he or she needs to be evaluated.
-Working for breath: rapid shallow breathing, intense concentration, overly pronounced movements between their ribs or above their collarbones, and nostril flaring are all signs that your child is struggling for breath. This is not normal if they’re at a resting period or if it goes on longer than a minute.
-Sleepiness: it’s normal for your child to be whipped after a day at the pool. However, there’s a big difference from being sleepy and needing a nap, to being incredibly lethargic and unable to do normal activities. If you feel like your child is abnormally tired it’d probably be a good idea to get a green light from a physician before putting them to sleep.
-Forgetful or odd behavior: if your child is losing oxygen he or she may begin to act erratically. They can forget things, feel sick, woozy, or becoming increasingly agitated.
-Vomiting: throwing up is a huge red flag that should instantly be taken seriously. This is a definite sign that they’re not getting enough oxygen and the vomiting can result from their short breaths, gagging, and inflammation in the lungs (Parents).
What’s Next
There’s not a set cure-all for this type of situation. Once your child has been inspected at the ER the physician may just have you keep an eye on him or her. This can be rather nerve-wracking and you can always opt for an overnight for safety precautions. In other cases, if their oxygen levels are too low they may bive them oxygen until their levels become stabilized. In situations where their respiratory functions are failing, they may hook them up to a ventilator, but again this is a very extreme and rare scenario.
Prevention
The best way to prevent this kind of scare is to enroll your children in swimming lessons. Clearly mishaps may happen in these as well, but if they’re better equipped to fair water then the chances of this happening down the road are even slimmer. It’s also important to not leave young children unattended next to a lake or pool as they can quickly topple in at the blink of an eye. Flotation devices are another method that ensures water safety. Overall, dry and secondary drowning are incredibly rare, but it is extremely important to educate yourself so that you can identify this situation not only in your child but other children as well.
Hopefully, you’ll be able to educate other mothers with this information and be able to breathe easier next time you’re out for some swim time fun!
Author: Staff Writer
Just about anyone over the age of 10 can tell you the dangers of being overweight or obese: increased risk of developing arthritis, breathing problems (such as sleep apnea), cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and more. Then then there are the quality of life issues: anxiety, depression, shame, guilt, sexual problems, discrimination (including lower salaries), and others.
Given all that, it’s no surprise that at any given moment, tens of millions of people are on some kind of diet. But diets by themselves don’t work. In fact, they may do more harm than good (more on that below). So if the prospect of a longer, healthier life doesn’t motivate people to lose weight—and keep it off—what does? Two words: Carrots and sticks (we’re talking metaphors here, not food groups).
The Carrot: Money and Stuff
“Portion sizes at U.S. restaurants are often two or three times what they were 20 years ago, which is also distorting how much we eat at home,” says Deborah MacInnis, a professor of marketing at the University of Southern California (USC). “The increase in portion size directly parallels the increase we observe in obesity.” Quite a few studies have shown that it’s possible to incentivize people to skip the super-size portions and eat smaller meals by offering them non-food incentives, such as money or products.
For example, MacInnis and her colleagues at USC and the University of Arizona ran several experiments. In one, the team offered sixth-graders a choice between a 9-inch sandwich and a 4.5-inch sandwich plus a pair of earbuds. Most went for the earbuds. In another, they got adults to cut their portions in half by dangling the possibility of winning a $100 Amazon gift card or 10,000 frequent-flyer miles.
In 2011, the British National Health Service started a program called “Pounds for Pounds,” where they flat out bribed people to lose weight. 400 participants enrolled in the program and chose a weight-loss plan based on their target weight. The financial pounds ranged from £70 to £425 (roughly $108 to $650). Nearly half of the participants (44.8 percent) lost more than 5 percent of their starting body weight, and 23.6 percent lost more than 10 percent. The average weight loss was 8.8 pounds and the average payout about 180 pounds ($277).
The Sticks: Pay Up, Buddy
The biggest objection people have to “we’ll-pay-you-to-lose-weight” programs like Pounds for Pounds is the fear that the weight will come rolling back as soon as the payments stop. That could be true. But most people (estimates range from 90 percent to 98 percent) who lose weight on a diet slap the pounds back on for reasons having nothing to do with money. In fact, many dieters end up actually gaining weight.
Here’s how it works: When dieters shed pounds, they’re losing a mix of both fat and muscle, according to Mark Hyman, MD, bestselling author and director of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine. But when they start putting those pounds back on, it’s nothing but fat. “And since muscle burns seven times as many calories as fat, their metabolism is slower than when they started the diet,” says Hyman. The result? They gain weight more quickly because they aren’t burning it off.
So while throwing money at the problem might get people to stick to their diets—at least in the short term—adding in penalties for not hitting their weight-loss targets might be the most successful approach.
The Mayo Clinic did a fascinating study that proved that exact point. The researchers followed 100 otherwise-healthy-but-obese employees for a full year. Everyone had a goal of losing four pounds per month, monthly weight-loss counseling, and a gym membership, but half also got a financial incentive.
The participants were all weighed every month. The ones in the financial group would receive $20 at each weigh-in if they met the 4-pounds/month target; if they fell short, they’d have to pay $20 into a pool. At the end of the year, everyone who completed the study would be entered into a lottery to win the pool. Here’s how it went:
- 62 percent of those in the incentive group completed the study compared to only 26 percent of those in the non-incentive group
- Those in the incentive group lost an average of 9 pounds over the year vs. only 2.6 pounds in the non-incentive group
- Those who paid any penalties along the way were especially likely to complete the study
Wanna bet that I can lose more than you?
So far, we’ve been talking about individual incentives and penalties. But what would happen if we added in an element of competition? Researchers from the University of Michigan, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Pennsylvania decided to find out.
They had two groups of clinically obese subjects (those with a BMI of 30 or more). Each one was given a specific weight-loss goal that was based on their BMI. Then they were assigned to one of two groups. In one, individuals would receive $100 for each month in which they met their weight-loss goals. The other group was divided into subgroups of five. Each person in the subgroup could receive $100 for hitting the monthly target.
But the five were also competing against each other to get up to $500 for the month. For example, if everyone in the group met the goal, each would get $100. But if only three did, they would split the $500 three ways. (None of the group-incentive people knew the identities of any of the others they were competing against. Can you imagine how much sabotaging there would have been otherwise?)
Participants in the individual incentive group lost an average of 3.7 pounds over six months. They put half of that weight back on over the next 12 weeks. The group incentive participants lost an average of 10.6 pounds and kept it off for longer.
Group Support vs. Incentivizing Yourself
One of the reasons so many people fail to lose weight on diets is that they’re trying to go it alone, without support. Having someone in there with you can make those goals a lot easier to reach and a lot more likely to stay reached over time.
If you can’t get anyone in your corner, there are a number of apps and online programs that will pay you for reaching goals you set (whether that’s for weight loss or gym workouts) and penalize you when you fall short. Some also incorporate friendly competition. But if necessary, you can do it yourself.
Rather than set a huge goal of losing 100 pounds, set small ones—maybe losing one pound every week. At the same time, reward yourself along the way with things other than chocolate cake, such as seeing a movie or going fishing.
The original Star Trek series took place in the mid-2200s, and to the television audiences of the 1960s, the technology in the show was pure, jaw-dropping science fiction. But in the 50 years since Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) of the U.S.S. Enterprise first uttered the immortal words, “Beam me up, Scotty,” a lot of what then seemed like fantastical technology has actually materialized—200 years early.
Those communicators the crew used every day? You’ve probably got a better one in your pocket right now–and so does everyone you know. Phasers set to stun? We call them tasers now and they do pretty much the same thing. Computers that respond to voice commands and speak to us? Just say “Siri,” “Cortana,” or “OK Google” and you’re on your way. The universal translator is still a ways off, but there’s plenty of software that does a pretty good job of translating to and from a variety of languages. Want to put someone from another ship or planet “on screen”? No problem; Just fire up Skype or Google Hangout or FaceTime. Tricorders and diagnostic beds? Between MRIs and a variety of handheld diagnostic devices, we’re nearly there. Oh, and let’s not forget about GPS, Bluetooth headsets, touchscreen computers, and even floppy—and jump drives—all of which were pipe dreams in the 60s but yawn-inducingly common today.
At least two pieces of Star Wars tech have stubbornly remained out of reach: warp drives and transporters. But a third, the replicator, which produced meals and objects on demand, is here now and has the potential to save millions of lives. We call it 3D printing.
3D 101
3D printing (sometimes also called additive fabrication) has actually been around for decades and was used in manufacturing to produce complex prototypes. Most non-engineers had never heard of it, but when Cody Wilson, a student at the University of Texas showed off the Liberator—a 3D-printed, working handgun—everyone started to pay attention, and the technology is getting cheaper and better every day.
On its most basic level, 3D printing uses a digital 3-dimensional model of an object, and “prints” it by applying hundreds or thousands of incredibly thin layers of material (often some kind of quick-drying liquid plastic or metal) on top of each other until the object is complete. The applications are endless—3D printers can now print almost anything you can imagine (including personalized bobbleheads based on pictures you take) using gold, silver, chocolate, wax, ceramics, and even animal and human cells. These last bits—the cells—have the potential to quite literally change the world we live in.
Let me give you some examples of the absolutely amazing ways doctors and scientists are using 3D printing to improve—and save—lives. We’ll start with “that’s cool,” move on to “wow!” continue through “awesoooooome,” touch on slack-jawed, stunned silence, and finish up with a look into what’s in the pipeline.
Training
A 5-year old boy in Barcelona, Spain had a tumor that was dangerously close to an artery. After two attempts, the surgeons thought it was inoperable. But, unwilling to give up, they 3D printed a detailed model of the tumor that they used to develop—and practice—a new approach. The third surgery was a success. Doctors around the world have used similar modeling to practice dangerous and highly complex surgeries on fingers, hips, optic nerves, heart valves, and others.
Tuning
Scientists treating cancer in the UK have begun using CT scans to print exact replicas of patients’ tumors. They then fill those models with liquid and are able to see how chemotherapy drugs would flow through the tumor. This one’s not quite ready for prime time, but the hope is that oncologists will be able to use this technique to precisely target the best places to deliver those drugs.
Bracing Yourself
Have you ever seen anyone using Invisalign—an alternative to traditional metal braces? Orthodontists create a model of the patient’s current bite, then 3D print a series of clear plastic “aligners” that gradually—and more aesthetically—move his or her teeth to where they’re supposed to be.
Other Braces
Scoliosis patients often have to wear back braces for hours every day. Until recently, those braces were bulky, uncomfortable, and impossible to disguise—a highly embarrassing combination that keeps many young people from wearing them enough to see the benefits. It’s now possible to print up a lightweight, breathable brace that fits the patient’s body perfectly. And it’s so thin that it can be worn under the clothing so it’s less visible. The same basic technique is being used to create splints and casts.
Skull and Bones
Surgeons in several countries have used 3D printing to create skull segments and facial bones that don’t exist (such as a jaw in a baby who was born without one) or have been badly damaged by trauma (like a motorcycle accident) or disease. They use the patients’ own intact bones as models to create replacements that perfectly match the patient’s face or skull. Sometimes the 3D printers use titanium, but they often use calcium phosphate, one of the major ingredients in our natural bones. That helps the implant fuse together with the surrounding bones.
Iron Man and Beyond
Very few people use prosthetic limbs to make a fashion statement. But thanks to 3D printing, a boy born without an arm now has a prosthetic one that looks just like Tony Stark’s, responds to movements, and even has a superhero grip. How cool is that. Making a prosthetic limb the soon-to-be-old-fashioned way can take weeks, but with 3D printing, we’re talking days. Regular prosthetics also tend to be expensive, routinely costing thousands—sometimes tens of thousands—of dollars. That’s a particularly big obstacle when a child is the patient, since kids outgrow their devices and regularly need new ones. Printed prosthetics typically cost hundreds, not thousands. Patients around the world are now wearing prosthetic arms, legs, hands, and feet. 3D printing is also being used to produce lifelike skin, noses, ears, and other external appendages that have been lost to disease, trauma, or birth defects.
Inside Out
It’s a lot easier to print replacements for bones or external body parts than internal ones. Putting any foreign object inside the body involves the risk of infection or rejection. But scientists and doctors are on the case and have already made amazing progress. Researchers have developed 3D printers that print with the patient’s own cells. Using that technique, they’ve successfully grown—and then implanted—veins, bladders, a trachea (a procedure that saved a baby’s life) and a few other not-very-complex organs.
The Holy Grail
In the U.S. alone, there are about 120,000 people on organ transplant lists. Every day, 79 people receive a transplant, but 22—more than 8,000 per year—die. Being able to print customized, rejection-proof organs is the ultimate goal for man researchers. But with complex organs like livers and kidneys, one of the biggest challenges is replicating an organ’s vascular structure (the system of veins and capillaries that keep it supplied with blood and oxygen). If you don’t get that right, the patient dies. But the advances are coming fast and furious. Labs in China and the U.S. have printed miniature, fully functional livers and kidneys (they’re great for research, but we’re still pretty far from human trials). It’s all about when, not if.
Categories
Dominating the Lunch Break Workout
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that all adults need at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. This can easily be broken down into five 30-minute sessions. Exercise is proven to improve people’s physical and mental health, but if you’re anything like me, finding the time is harder than actually exercising.
I personally prefer doing outdoor activities, but motherhood has made me prioritize my time in ways I never imagined. It’s easy to say that I’ll whip out the jogging stroller once I’m home, but something always seems to prevent me from leaving. Instead of waking up at 5 a.m. to get in a workout, I’ve discovered an even more time-efficient way to get in my cardio: lunch breaks.
This takes a lot more planning than you might imagine. Not only do I have to have an exact plan for my regimen, but time is of the essence. In addition to this constraint, heading back to the office post-workout is tough because I want to appear professional. We all know that even after a shower, you won’t look the same as when you left your desk.
I’ve gotten some of my friends into working out during lunch too, so I thought it was time to share some secrets on how to squeeze in the best workout during your lunch break and still head back to the office looking runway ready.
Plan Ahead
The night before, I always organize my gym bag, making sure I have all of my essentials: shoes, clothes, and shower gear. It’s easy to forget deodorant when bustling around in the morning, so this is a stress and time reducer.
Next, it’s important to figure out where and what type of workout I want to do. Is Tuesday cardio? If so I’ll decide ahead of time if the treadmill, bike, or elliptical is my best option. If there’s a class I’ll grab that because I have no room to drag my feet. Interval or hill workout? It doesn’t matter, but I make sure I’ve decided before getting there. There’s nothing worse than standing aimlessly in the gym. Free weights are ideal when I’m doing strength training. Typically, there are multiple dumbbells with my preferred weight, as well as jump ropes, resistance bands, and whatever else I enjoy. (P.S. Always make sure to have a backup plan in case the equipment is taken.)
You know what really gets my heart rate pumping? Playlists. I cannot get enough dubstep or hip hop. It keeps me on beat while I’m running, but there is nothing more frustrating than having a poor playlist or, worse, none at all. Quite frankly I don’t have time to be switching from song to song. Plus it’s going to take away from my focus. I always make sure that my tech gear is cued up so this trip doesn’t end with me flying off the treadmill or staring at my phone for minutes at a time.
Leg Day
So the day has arrived. I’m swamped with work, but I know that my midday break won’t be in the typical stuffy room or crowded outdoor patio. One tip I always follow is wearing something to work that’s both work and workout appropriate. This easily saves five minutes since I don’t have to worry about changing beforehand. I also use bracelet-like hairbands. They don’t crimp my hair, which I really appreciate if I’m going to wear it down afterward.
Shower Time
Now it’s the dreaded shower time. To me, showering is a time killer, so I cut corners as much as possible. I keep my hair up in a bun and quickly rinse off. I always bring my own soap, because chances are the gym’s is out, plus it tends to dry my skin. Showering should only take about 90 seconds. I hop out, dry off, and–this is the most crucial part–apply baby powder. I toss some baby powder on my underarms and any other body part that tends to sweat post-shower. Then I swipe on some deodorant and reapply my makeup.
I find that it’s easiest to wear minimal makeup on gym days. I’m obviously going to take it off before my workout (using disposable makeup wipes), but having to take the time to reapply it is killer. However, if I have a meeting that day, or just feel like being extra fancy, it can most certainly be done.
Now that my body is dry and my face is ready, it’s time to tackle the mane. I have no problem braiding it or doing a topknot. But that gets old if I decide to work out every day. In this situation my best friends are dry shampoo and texturizer. I’ll spray my roots with the dry shampoo to absorb any sweat, then I’ll flip my hair upside down and spray till there’s a cloud of texture. I like the “piecey” and effortless look, and these sprays have always done the trick.
These are the steps that I’m religious about. If you have tricks of your own, comment below! I’m always interested in improving my game in and out of the gym.
Tossing unwanted trash is a part of our daily routine. It’s so easy to drop that apple peel down the disposal, or trash that unwanted pillow right into the garbage. But let’s get to the real nitty gritty. Show of hands, how many of you flush down your tampons, cotton balls, or even Goldy the goldfish? Come on, don’t be shy. Well, you probably want to pump the breaks on this. Although no one wants an acetone soaked cotton ball or “moist towelette” littering their trash bin the results of flushing them down the loo are actually catastrophic.
Chemicals are being eliminated into the water polluting water systems and killing animals. And remember good ol’ Goldy that you thought was dead? Well, many sewer inspectors say that they’ve found massive goldfish just living down there breathing in all of those fumes. Can you imagine a more horrifying existence than that? Oh don’t forget the condoms you or your significant other have been flushing. Ya, those bad boys are not biodegradable and have a tendency to clog pipes and once again eliminate small ecosystems.
Here’s a quick and easy list of items you should most definitely NOT be flushing.
Tampons: Tampons are the bane of plumbers’ existence. Tampons clog toilets; they’re not even meant to be flushed. So stop, just stop.
Cigarette butts: Not only are they just bad for you, but there are a ton of really disgusting chemicals inside them. All of those toxins that are released into the water eventually have to be filtered out again and chances are some of them are gonna squeeze past that filtering process.
Dental Floss: Even though it’s minuscule in size it is NOT biodegradable.
Animals: No animal should be flushed down the toilet. Whether it’s a minnow to an alligator. We’ve all heard the horror stories. Just don’t do it.
Prescription medicine: You know those climactic scenes in movies where the drug addicts flush their pills? This is extremely harmful on the environment. These drugs kill bacteria, will contaminate groundwater supplies, and can have terrible effects on wildlife downstream. There are various services, such as takebackyourmeds, that will dispose of your meds properly.
Condoms: Condoms don’t break down in water. Enough said.
Wet wipes: Even though they claim to be biodegradable this is when they’re observed for an incredibly long time. Sydney Water claims that 500 tons of wet wipes are removed from Sydney’s sewer each year. Pretty gross, huh?
Hair: Hair clogs showers so what makes flushing hair down the toilet any different? Over time all of that hair you’re flushing will turn into one giant ball that will not only clog major pipes, but the smell that’s been accumulating over time…pretty horrendous.
Cotton balls: Cotton balls are another one of the offenders that don’t break down just piling up bigger and bigger until the entire sewer system just explodes with soggy cotton balls. And let me tell you, no one wants to be around for that!
Some of these are pretty common knowledge while others…not so much. So what’s a good rule of thumb? If it’s not your bodily waste or toilet paper…just chuck it in the trashcan. Wouldn’t you rather whisk it outside than risk it coming back up all over your floor?
Categories
Unearthing Urban Rooftop Farming
After a day filled with blistering heat, Mary Ostafi, Executive Director & FOOD ROOF Facilitator, sits down with me for a chat about rooftop farming. Ostafi has been cultivating the FOOD ROOF Farm, located in Saint Louis, Missouri, for three years and has been elated at the growing success and support they’ve received. She was kind enough to take time out of her schedule to explain rooftop farming and the rise of urban agriculture, a relatively new way to bridge cities and organic-based food systems.
When I initially thought of a rooftop farm I envisioned a few pots with the casual tomato and pepper plant. However, this is nowhere near the scale of the modern day urban farm.
There are different variations for rooftop gardens across the country, but Ostafi introduced me to the most prevalent: rooftop soil farms, hydroponic greenhouse farms, aeroponic farms, and raised bed / container gardens. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these different models as it can help determine which farm would be a good fit for you.
Rooftop Soil Farms: These farms utilize a green roof system. Ostafi describes it as several layers of material, which end up being about four inches thick. They consist of a root barrier that keeps the roots from reaching the rooftop and causing leaks. Then there is a second layer that uses separation fabric followed by a water retention board that hold excess water after rainstorms. Lastly, a thin layer of fabric is installed to keep the soil from penetrating into the layer below.
Essentially a rooftop farm mimics a typical garden you’d have only it’s located on top of a structure. Successful examples are the FOOD ROOF Farm and Brooklyn Grange whose total rooftop farm space ranges from 10,000 to 108,000 square feet. Both farms practice organic commercial urban farming.
Hydroponic Greenhouse Farms: Greenhouses were originally designed so that the farmer has complete control of the growing environment. This ranges from nutrition that the plants receive to the CO2 levels.
Hydroponics is the practice of growing plants using liquid nutrient solutions eliminating the need for soil. A prime example is Gotham Greens, who’s first farm in Greenpoint, Brooklyn was the first commercial-scale rooftop greenhouse in the United States.
Gotham Greens now owns and operates four greenhouse farms totaling over 170,000 square feet in New York and Chicago. Their second greenhouse is located on top of Whole Food Market’s flagship Brooklyn store and is the first example of a commercial scale greenhouse implemented into a supermarket. Their third farm is a 60,000 square foot rooftop greenhouse in Jamaica, Queens and the fourth is a 75,000 square foot rooftop greenhouse on top of the new Method factory in Pullman, Chicago. Their Chicago greenhouse is set to produce over 1 million pounds of fresh produce per year for the local Chicago market and is considered “The World’s Largest Rooftop Farm.”
Aeroponic Farms: Aeroponics is a growth system where plants have the potential to grow vertically. This specifically appeals to farmers who have limited space. Aeroponics and hydroponics are both grown in a nutrient solution, but while hydroponics is grown in a constant stream of water, aeroponics is on a timer.
Raised Beds: These are typically the most economically feasible gardens to create. They’re a stand-alone structure for soil and plants, but the downfall with them is they are not the most efficient. Some planter boxes are on casters, which can be easily rearranged if needed. Uncommon Ground, an eatery in Chicago with an emphasis on the organic, has utilized the beauty that rooftop farms can afford.
They employ planter boxes and earth boxes, which provides them with over 1,000 pounds of produce from their 700 square foot growing space. Placing great importance on seasonal, regional, and organic ingredients this could only have been made possible by utilizing their rooftop. They’re famous for being the “1st Certified Organic Roof Top Farm in the US” and have now clinched the title for “The 1st Certified Organic Brewery in Illinois.” With two local locations, this restaurant is setting the precedent for organic gardening within restaurant quarters.
Normally, farmers focus on one method, but in Ostafi’s case she decided to take a different slant by experimenting with several types of farming styles to find one that’s most suitable for STL.
“We’re trying to figure out the microclimate here and what’s the most successful [for providing results]. Essentially what we have here is a living laboratory of a green space. This is crucial when people begin experimenting in rooftop farming because climates are so variant and what works for one city’s farmers may release opposite results in another.”
Urban agriculture is a rising trend with tangible economic and ecological benefits.
Some experts say 40-50% of energy costs are reduced when a green roof system is used. The layers, and especially the soil, act as an insulator keeping the cool air in during the summer and out during the winter. Another perk is the automatic protection the roof membrane receives. No hail damage or wind damage can occur, increasing its lifespan.
From an ecological standpoint, the organisms that are being produced are able to utilize many components found in the outside environment. The FOOD ROOF Farm and other green roof systems collect water within a retention board that has been designed underneath the soil. The FOOD ROOF Farm serves as a perfect example to the benefits of a retention board. Collecting up to 17,000 gallons of water per storm this life source is readily available for plant roots to wick up through capillary action. In other situations, such as a greenhouse, cisterns are relied upon where water is collected and then used to water the greenhouse.
But what’s one natural energy resource that’s not dispersed? Heat. Across the nation, urban heat islands have been destabilizing the already precariously balanced climate. With the mix of concrete and black rooftops, heat is collected and increases in temperature as the day progresses. Once nightfall hits the heat continues to radiate increasing the surrounding temperature. This is why cities are typically warmer, even if it’s a few degrees, than rural areas.
Not only is urban heating uncomfortable, but it’s causing tangible problems, such as increased chances of extreme weather patterns. Due to our energy outputs, we’re changing natural weather patterns in our cities setting up perfect conditions for tornados and other natural disasters. When soil covers the rooftops it decreases the urban heating therefore stabilizing the environment to a relatively normal temperature.
Urban agriculture is slowly gaining popularity, and Ostafi is witnessing this firsthand through direct conversations from other farmers.
“Now people are coming to us with interest. Our motto is build it, and they will come. Our focus is building rooftop farms in STL, but our reach goes everywhere. There aren’t a lot of people who have expertise in this area. We are providing consulting services for future rooftop farmers and presenting our knowledge at urban agriculture forums and industry trade shows.”
Commercial sized rooftop farms are maybe a dozen with no specific coalition. Urban farms are starting off small, but with enough hands you too can be involved in building something beautiful. Not only will people in your community enjoy the fruits of your labor, but you’ll be surprised just how many people are eager to become involved.
I’ve always been a light sleeper. The tiniest speck of light, and I’d be done for. But a few years ago it became worse. Even with my eye-mask (yes I had resorted to an eye-mask), I was still tossing and turning. Melatonin helped, but it wasn’t something I wanted to rely on every evening.
I started to delve into possible contributors: stress, mood, and room temperature were a few of the very non-helpful reasons. However, I wasn’t buying it. I had burned lavender incense, started listening to tranquil new-age music, and created a perfect climate in my room. Nothing was helping, but then I stumbled upon a study that gave me pause.
In 2007, researchers from across the globe came together to study communication signals on self-reported symptoms and sleep. What they uncovered was troubling. Essentially, people who are exposed to wi-fi, cellphone waves, and any type of artificial energy have a more difficult time reaching their first cycle of sleep. In addition, participants in the study suffered from more self-reported symptoms, such as headaches, as well (Progress in Electromagnetics Research Symposium).
I’ve always felt uncomfortable standing near a running microwave and this latest tidbit confirmed the suspicion I had regarding those unnatural rays. However, I felt that it was a bit of a stretch to say that the waves from my cellphone were causing me to stay awake. I used to sleep with my phone under my pillow, but even by moving it to my dresser there was no perceivable difference.
It was an interesting theory, but could it possibly be true? Over 65% of Americans own a smartphone, so that couldn’t be a correct assumption, right (Pew Research Center)?
In 2008, one of the first studies was published which confirmed that radiations emitted from mobile devices were giving consumers headaches and interrupting vital sleeping patterns. To say this was slightly disturbing would be an understatement. Studies before had been merging cell phones, internet, microwaves, and any other energy frequency into one group. But now research had been breaking them down into specifics. (The Economic Times ).
I had never had a headache after I talked for hours on my phone. I mean of course I’d get a slight twinge after I’d been on my laptop, but this was just because I’d been squinting my eyes. I may have trouble sitting still at work, but I can easily pass three hours online shopping or planning for my next vacation at home.
I knew that there was zero chance I would give up my smartphone, so I disregarded it as a reason for my sleepless habits.
Flash forward a few years. It was still just as difficult to fall asleep. I was laying in bed, the blue light illuminating my room when I saw a Facebook post declaring cell phones to be the root of recent sleeping disorders. With a title like that of course I clicked.
A 2013 study performed by Dr. Charles Czeisler, a professor of sleep medicine at Harvard Medical Center School, revealed a problem that’s been associated with all phones – electric lighting.
Czeisler presents the idea that our eyes have two purposes: vision and sleep inducement. When light begins to slip away, at dusk, sleep-promoting neurons are activated. However, when we are staring at our phones at this hour chemicals are released that nullify the natural melatonin our body exudes when it’s time for sleep. All of these factors, when combined together, reduce sleepiness, increase awareness, and ultimately interfere with sleep (Charles Czeisler).
People that use smartphones after 9 pm, which would most definitely be me, have found that they receive a decreased sleep quantity and quality at night. This then transfers over to the next day at work. So you can guess what comes next, work productivity decreases and the cycle continues.
So I decided to test out this theory. I put my phone down around nine or nine-thirty. I didn’t necessarily go to bed, but I just engaged in a smartphone and television-free evening.
That evening I slept the best I had in weeks. It was a delightfully delicious slumber. I tried this for a few more days and from then on I have never turned back.
Electric lighting…who would have thought that was a real thing, but it makes sense.
So tonight, try sleeping without your phone. I know it’s a security blanket but trust me. A week from now you’ll be one of the perkiest people at your work, and your productivity will skyrocket.
Even if it doesn’t, your body will be thanking you.
Take a minute and think back on all the women you’ve dated. How many of them look–even just a little–like your mother? Probably more than you think (or than you’d like to admit). That may be a little off-putting to contemplate, but it’s nothing to be embarrassed about; we all do it. It may be politically incorrect to say so, but we’re biologically wired to like the people we spend the most time with. In our early years, that’s mom or dad. We trust them, and as we get older we have a tendency to see people who look like them as more trustworthy. And according to psychologist David Perrett, trustworthy develops into “mateworthy.” So if you’re not already in a relationship with someone who looks like your opposite-sex parent, chances are very good that you will be soon.
In a series of studies, Perrett and his colleagues discovered that when it comes to finding romantic partners, we’re most attracted to the features our opposite-sex parent had when we were born (unfortunately, there hasn’t been any research on gay couples and whether they’re attracted to features of the same-sex parent).
In one study, the researchers found that our romantic partners and opposite-sex parents are likely to share the same eye and hair color. In another study, Parrett and his team found that we’re even drawn to people who are the same age our opposite-sex parent was when we were born. Using computer graphic faces, “we found that women born to ‘old’ parents (over 30) were less impressed by youth, and more attracted to age cues in male faces than women with ‘young’ parents (under 30),” Perrett wrote in the study. “For men, preferences for female faces were influenced by their mother’s age and not their father’s age.”
The traits we seem most attracted to are more than just superficial. In one study, strangers were able to match photos of women with their mother-in-law “at a significantly higher rate than expected by chance.”
Nature Vs. Nurture: It’s Not So Simple
If you’re thinking that this sounds like we’re careening through our love life on some kind of biological autopilot, you’re right. Partly. There’s plenty of Nurture to go along with all that Nature.
A team of researchers at the University of Pécs in Hungary found that heterosexual individuals use their opposite-sex parent as a “template for acquiring mates” even if they were adopted or raised in a loving foster home. In addition, the relationship between the child and his or her opposite-sex parent played an important role.
Women who “rated their childhood relationships with their father highly” were much more likely to rate as “attractive” photos of men who resembled their father than were women who rated their father “less highly,” according to Agnieszka Wiszewska, lead author of a 2007 study published in the journal Evolution & Human Behavior. Similarly, women who “received more emotional support from their adoptive father were more likely to choose mates similar to the father than those whose father provided a less positive emotional atmosphere,” according to researcher Tamás Bereczkei.
Blueprint for Love?
Oh, and we’re not the only ones in the animal kingdom who are attracted to the familiar. Most of us have seen videos of “animal imprinting.” That’s when newborns—usually ducks or geese—happy follow around the first living thing they see, whether that’s their own mother, some other animal, or a human. (If you don’t know what I’m talking about, go to YouTube, search for “duckling imprinting,” and get ready to say “awwwww.”)
This type of cross-species nurture-based imprinting is nothing new. According to Keith M. Kendrick of the Babraham Institute in Cambridge, England, “Young male sheep raised from birth by female goats develop a social and sexual preference for goats when they mature … [T]he emotional bond between a mother and her male offspring, rather than other social and genetic factors,” he adds, “may irreversibly determine these species’ social and sexual preferences” (I know what you’re thinking–stop it right now).
Mirror, Mirror On The Wall… The Final Piece Of The Puzzle
Narcissus—the character from Greek mythology who fell in love with his own reflection—may have just been doing what we’re all wired to do: fall in love with ourselves. In fact, that may be exactly what’s happening when we’re (subconsciously) selecting mates who look like Ma or Pa. After all, they probably look a little like us, right?
If you’re a Justin Timberlake fan, you’ll recognize these slightly narcissistic lyrics from his love song “Mirrors.”
It’s like you’re my mirror
My mirror staring back at me
I couldn’t get any bigger
With anyone else beside of me
And now it’s clear as this promise
That we’re making two reflections into one
‘Cause it’s like you’re my mirror
My mirror staring back at me, staring back at me
Sounds a little creepy—and vaguely incestuous—doesn’t it?
Psychologists R. Chris Fraley of the University of Illinois and Michael Marks of New Mexico State University did several fascinating experiments aimed at figuring out why we find ourselves so enchanting. In one, Fraley and Marks divided a number of volunteers into two groups. The control group was to evaluate the sexual attractiveness of a number of images that were graphically designed composites of the features of various strangers. The second group saw similar images, except that up to 45 percent of the features were from the subject’s own face. The individuals in that group were more sexually attracted to the images that contained pieces of themselves than they were to the other images.
Here’s the kicker:
Fraley and Marks ran another experiment. This time they showed a new series of composite images to both groups. They told half that the images contained elements of their own face (although none of them actually did). The people who believed they were looking in part at themselves rated those images as less sexually attractive than did the volunteers who thought they were looking at randomly assembled faces.
The point? It could be Nature’s way of keeping us from taking our love for ourselves and those who look like us too far: When we’re aware of the connection, we feel a sexual aversion.
Burnout is nature’s way of telling you, you’ve been going through the motions your soul has departed; you’re a zombie, a member of the walking dead, a sleepwalker. False optimism is like administering stimulants to an exhausted nervous system. “Fire in the Belly: On Being A Man”
Burnout is becoming increasingly common in today’s workforce. Burnout is a feeling of dread and anxiety that begins in your workplace and ends up seeping into every aspect of your life. Not only is burnout emotional, but it also affects you physically and mentally due to overwork, demanding situations and instances where the outcome didn’t turn out as expected (Mind Tools). Burnout can affect relationships and your health in the blink of an eye so it is wildly important that you be on the lookout for the common signs.
Taking preventative measures can be incredibly helpful, but a lot of times you need to focus on coping. Stress is usually the main reason for burnout so, although it’s normal to feel mild stress, if it becomes all consuming this is extremely problematic.
9 Signs Of Burnout
1. Fatigue: An overwhelming desire to lay on your couch with a snuggie and box of pizza.
2. Lack of excitement: No longer do you get thrilled by sample sales or trips to the winery.
3. Pessimism: You’re lying at the pool and it’s too sunny, too hot, and the beer doesn’t taste quite right.
4. Lack of focus: Your favorite series premiere came on, but you’re more focused on the crack in the ceiling than the big reveal.
5. Work decline: When your job performance slips from amazing to awful.
6. Withdrawal: When people have to say your name fifty times before you process they’re not talking to your pet rock.
7. Lack of personal care: Yoga pants are always a chill idea, but not when it’s for the fifth day in a row.
8. Bringing work life to your home life: Instead of ordering your favorite cocktail for your Sunday brunch you accidentally order a copy of your social media outreach spreadsheet. Well, that just got awkward.
9. Health decline: Before running three miles was a breeze, now it’s a miracle if you can take the stairs without falling into a heap.
How To Avoid It
1. Slow and steady wins the race: Look at the bigger picture of your goal. Although, it may seem like the best idea to put in a quadruple amount of overtime to get ahead you also need to remember that “you” time is important. Success doesn’t happen overnight, so don’t force it. And what’s the point of missing out on that float trip? If you’re so involved with your work you’re going to miss the surrounding lifeblood around you.
2. Pump some iron: Studies show that exercise is one of the BEST ways to reduce stress and keep one healthy. So grab your cutest Lululemon gear, press play on your favorite workout playlist, and go for a jog. Once you’re done you’ll feel happier and probably more fulfilled.
3. Indulge: Like we said before, “you” time is mega important. It’s important to indulge on the weekends. Turn off your work computer and don’t worry, your phone won’t all of a sudden disintegrate if you ignore it for an hour.
4. Namaste: Managing stress is crucial if you’re going to avoid the burnout bug. Take a yoga class, read a self-help book, even going for a stroll outside can help reduce those stress levels. *HUUUUUM*
5. Early bird gets the worm: Time management is key. If you’re feeling overworked try spreading it out over a longer period of time. Waking up an hour early can do wonders for your productivity. Enjoying the silence with some coffee and early morning sunshine makes that to-do list not quite so ugly.
Recovering from Work Burnout
1. Vacation: A vacation is a great first step in recovering from work burnout. It’s crucial to disengage yourself from the problem at hand. Going on a vacation is the best way to refresh yourself and breath life into your daily habits. Wiggle your toes in that white sand and sure, why not have a second mai tai.
2. Lists: Next make a list of your work goals. What was your intention when you accepted this position? Have you reached your goals or made any headway? Are you strutting your stuff or still in that dusty corner cubicle?
3. No Means No: Learn to say no. When you overcommit this can lead to a burnout. Just say, “No Margery, I will not take on your 30-hour project.”
4. Reprioritize: Discover what really matters to you. If your job is no longer making you happy see if there’s ways you can shift and refocus. If not then maybe it’s time to look into other jobs. No harm in looking. I mean LinkedIn was created for a reason.
5. Be Positive: This is A LOT easier said than done, but once you start it becomes easier. When you feel like you’re at a breaking point try to step outside, grab a drink, and just clear your head. You know what that feeling is? Yes, that’s the feeling of happiness.
Work burnout is a very real and frustrating problem, but if you follow some of these tips and create a good support system you can get out of this slump in no time at all.
No one human is alike, and this is remains true when we step foot into a gym. All the possibilities to be had for workout drills, clothing choices, and protein shakes end up resulting in a huge melting pot of personalities to dissect. In just one quick glance, you can easily tell the college has-beens from the business professionals and the tomboys from the primadonnas.
Sure, sure, everyone knows that the gym isn’t about what you wear but how you work out. But you know you’d be lying to yourself if you didn’t put some thought into what you wore out or judged someone for something they put on just to hit the treadmill.
There’s quite an array of characters you’re going to run into at the gym, and the majority of the time you’ll be able to peg their personality on their threads alone. Whether they’re sporting a neon headband or the latest pair of Yeezys, there are only a handful of niches for them to fill.
1. The Greek
Outfit: Oversized, neon fraternity tank. Black cropped leggings from lululemon or Nike. Neon shoes. Plastic thermos with a Vineyard Vines sticker. Philanthropy fanny pack.
Outfit Vibe: Always down to socialize with their brothers and sisters or relive the glory days.
You’ve seen these guys and girls at least once exercising at your local gym. They’ll come in flashing their letters and muscle tees all while taking the elliptical more seriously than their five-year plan. Flocking to the gym in a moderately sized herd, the girls typically can be found attending their favorite yoga class before Monday night’s chapter meeting. Their shirts hardly seem worn and somehow continue to get brighter every week. The messier the hair and the higher the bun, the older they are.
There’s also another type of Greek that isn’t often discussed but can be found at almost any gym on a weeknight. They’re known as The Alumna. This person is someone who can’t let go of the good ol’ glory days. They’ll be representing their faded Greek tank in hopes that they’ll be mistaken for a current member. And yes, the amount of frat tanks directly correlates to how many different “visits” they took.
They’re not people you should feel bad for though—they’re proud of their accomplishments and all of the humanitarian accomplishments they made in and around their rec center.
2. The Tomboy
Outfit: Tank top. Baggy shorts. High socks. Black sneakers.
Outfit Vibe: Don’t mess with her.
Backwards baseball cap, baggy shorts, and a surprising knack for climbing trees—the stereotypes for tomboys have been around for years. But there’s no denying it, these women can be very intimidating at the gym. They’re not to be messed with because they’re there to get a job done.
Typically sporting no-nonsense attire, their aptitude for all things physical puts a lot of men to shame. And girl push-ups? Yeah, they’re not even touching those. Tomboys don’t have to be ‘roided out either—it’s more their attitude than anything else that really sets them apart from the other gym-goers.
You can easily tell who the girls are that find themselves in their element as they walk through the gym door. They’ve used the machines and mats a thousand times and have the worn kicks to prove it. Tomboys are typically easygoing, but make sure to give them the respect that they rightfully deserve.
3. The Macho Man
Outfit: Muscle tee. Short shorts. Blender bottle.
Outfit Vibe: You’ll be crushed if you step in his way.
Taking his time very seriously at the gym, this guy will definitely be walking in with a protein bottle in hand. Lugging a huge duffle bag with lifting gloves peeking out, bodybuilder type men are the easiest to spot.
It’s not so much the attire they choose but their physical appearance as a whole. Their muscles are larger than life, and the groans they let loose while they lift border on mildly disturbing. Some people even refer to these guys as the “nudists” due to their affinity for constantly being shirtless while they workout. Whether it’s more comfortable or just another way to show off remains to be determined.
When you see one of these characters, you’re not far off if you assume that his personality is commanding, to be polite. He’s used to sticking out in a crowd, and he embraces it. Why wouldn’t he, when he’s clocking so many hours at the gym? It takes a lot of discipline and diligence to sculpt your body into that chiseled form, so cut him some slack when he decides to strut around.
4. The Athlete
Outfit: Nike Dri-Fit gear. Apple Watch. Custom arch shoes.
Outfit Vibe: They’re about to get down to business.
Athletes are distinct: They’re in impeccable shape and have a no-nonsense air about themselves. You can tell that they know exactly what they’re doing, whether it’s a lunge or pull up.
When you’re jogging and let your eyes creep over to the athlete to your right, you can almost feel your spine straighten as you observe their form. Their focus and acumen for excellence is palpable and gives you serious goals.
Their gear isn’t an exception. Sure, they like being on trend, but they’re more concerned about the durability and performance level of the product. Any sort of combination product is key and the more versatile, the better. It’s unlikely you’ll see them repeat an outfit anytime soon—they have more pullovers and race shirts than you have socks.
Athletes are typically judged as being snobby, but it’s rightfully earned. They’ve sunk time and money into excelling at their chosen craft and refuse to be sidetracked when they’re working on achieving a new record. Just like perfectionists in other areas of life, the gym athlete is very motivated and goal-oriented.
If you ever find yourself in the market for some new cross-training gear, your best bet would be to hit up this group of people for their expert opinion.
5. Dazed And Confused
Outfit: Sweatpants or boxy shorts. Worn out t-shirt. Beat up sneakers. Water bottle that leaks.
Outfit Vibe: They clearly have no idea what they’re doing
Anyone who takes up a new hobby has experienced that moment of anxiety when you’re a bit unsure about what to expect. Unfortunately for a workout newbie, it’s very apparent when they don’t know the ropes. First of all, the workouts they select are very telling. (Pro tip: setting your resistance to zero on an elliptical gets you nowhere fast.)
But what really makes them stick out is their wardrobe. This isn’t to say that everyone needs to attend their workouts looking primped as can be (we’ll get to this person later), but there should at least be some sort of thought behind the process of when choosing your gym attire. After all, no one likes getting the hem of their pants caught in the elliptical.
These poor, confused souls will typically wear something that’s less than effective for comfort and ease. The materials they sport are typically too warm and overly baggy. They know that having enough mobility is key, but this is usually taken to an unnatural extreme.
But the best part is their personalities. They exude tepidness, not fully engaged in the task at hand. In the hopes that they’ll be able to pick up pointers from other gym-goers, they can be overly friendly. This is, of course, a big no-no. People working out are in a zone—they don’t want to take time out of their routine to coach newbs on the finer points of the treadmill. (Pro-tip: bring a friend if you’re new.)
These dazed gym-goers will either fizzle out after a week or end up conquering their awkwardness. As they do, you’ll watch their style evolve into something of a more polished and self-assured individual. It’s literally survival of the fittest.
6. Perfectly Polished
Outfit: Matching pants and top. Complementary headgear. Eco-friendly water bottle.
Outfit Vibe: They have their life together in every way you can imagine.
Someone in full matching gear at the gym is a sight to behold. They’re always on trend and their tops and bottoms complement one another perfectly. Whether their hair is pulled back into a tight pony or they’re wearing a baseball cap just slightly off-kilter, everything is very intentional. Even the amount of sweat they exude seems carefully calculated.
They’re the type of person that makes you feel bad when you show up in your worn out shoes and unflattering tank. They may very well be the reason why you’re now sporting a vest to the gym instead of your trusty hoodie.
You can already guess that their personality screams Type A—they have full command over their life. At first it may appear that they’re going strictly for fashion, but that’s not the case. They just enjoy looking put together and giving their best in every aspect of life.
7. The Serial Dater
Outfit: Leggings or Nike basketball shorts. Lululemon tank or muscle tee. Ankle socks. Black cross-training Nikes. For guys, it’s Nike basketball shorts, muscle tee, socks that hit the calves, and dark kicks.
Outfit Vibe: They’re on the prowl for love.
Everyone has that one friend that’s constantly on the search for love. Whether they’re at the grocery store or gym, they make sure to put their best face forward because, hey, you never know when you’re going to meet your soul mate.
These type of people who are always looking for their next relationship—at the gym, no less—are an interesting breed. Just throwing something on for a quick workout is never a viable option. The outfits of choice need to have just the right amount of “oomph” to leave a lasting impression. Plus, their form is always on point. They make sure to avoid looking like a fool at all costs.
There are multiple personalities that an attractive, put together person may have. Unfortunately, there’s the likely chance that they’re over-eager.
8. The Overworked
Outfit: Wrinkled Target shorts. Well-worn t-shirt. Mismatched socks. Messy hair. iPod shuffle.
Outfit Vibe: Hyper alert and in desperate need of stress relief .
It’s pretty easy to tell the stressed from the relaxed at the gym. You almost find yourself involuntarily tensing up when their frantic energy makes its way into your space. Even if you were to close your eyes you can hear their rapid breaths as they try to get more zen.
First key is when they come rushing in with a duffel bag that’s bursting with clothes. Then they beeline it to their go-to machine where they frantically burn as many calories as possible in 30 minutes. Lastly, there’s the mad dash back to the locker room where a quick rinse is sometimes ignored.
Sure, fashion isn’t the first thing on their mind, but they are a business professional, after all. Their style is no-nonsense and can easily be paired with each another. It withstands multiple wears before it becomes limps and somehow never smells.
These people are more likely to engage in interval training and give the gym everything they have. Their personalities are fiery and serious. There’s no time for nonsense when the gym is the only luxury they afford into their busy schedule. They expect success, and yes, they will achieve it as well.
9. The Socialite
Outfit: Anything trendy.
Outfit Vibe: These people are meant to be seen, both on and off screen.
Everyone has that friend who knows the Instagram filters in alphabetical order and snaps anything and everything. If it’s not captured on their phone, did it ever really happen? This same mentality goes for the gym. They’ve been known to “check-in” for some cardio time and are the rulers of the gym selfie.
They typically go for darker clothes, trying to draw away from the fact that they’re glued to their phone in between reps. Their fashion sense is understated, but that doesn’t mean their personality is. Going to the gym is just one of the highlights of their day and they love being surrounded by all the bustling activity.
Beware of making eye contact. They’re dying to chat and engage, going on about just how many times they’ve been there this week. They’re also itching to spill their latest dating story because, why not? Of course everyone wants to listen to what they have to say, right?
Even though the socialite may get a little obnoxious, they grow on you. They truly mean well and just have a love for socializing and being seen. In moderation, they can make a great workout partner.
10. The Hippie
Outfit: Tie-dye shirt. Well-worn shorts. Chacos.
Outfit Vibe: You can almost smell the incense wafting off them, throwing you into an involuntary downward dog.
There’s nothing worse than stretching out next to a person who uses “natural” deodorant. No one enjoys the mix of sweat and B.O. But in order to ensure that you’re not the unfortunate one who posts up next to them, just keep your eyes peeled for someone who looks like they have a stash of vegan yoga mats in their car.
They’re generally pretty unoffensive and you can tell from their fluid gym moves that they’re in a permanently relaxed state. They typically flock towards the core station, so if you end up seeing a free spirit, just be warned that it may not end in the most pleasant of experiences.
However, they will always be willing to give you a lending hand and explain to you how a deeper stretch can be reached at the end of a fitness cycle.