In the gym: your guide to what's happening in the gym today. And remember, you heard it here first

Muscle & Fitness/Hers, August, 2003 by Kristina Haar

Q There's a guy at my gym who absolutely reeks! It's like he doesn't wash his workout clothes or something. Should I say something to him, or maybe to the front desk?

--S.D., Woodland Hills, California

A What do you expect? You're at a gym, not a nightclub! I think some men may be a little more focused on their appearance, so they neglect their olfactory appeal. But since the stench was bad enough to drive you to write this letter, you need to take action. Perhaps just seeing your complaint here in writing will help your cause in general. However, I think your best bet is to inform someone at the front desk. Maybe they'll put up a cute little sign.

Q The other day, my friends and I were using a machine and this guy wanted to work in with us. I told him no, since there were already three of us on it. He got pretty ticked off. Was that wrong?

--M.M., Santa Monica, California

A I like to call this problem "Testy Teste." In other words, that was his testosterone talking. A good workout gets a person's hormones flowing, so emotions can run high--especially a guy's. Don't you just hate finding an empty seat in a crowded movie theater only to find out that it's saved? That's probably how he felt. I don't think you did anything wrong except feel guilty about it--assuming you were polite in your denial. Maybe next time you could ask him if he would mind waiting until you're done with the machine. Batting your eyes wouldn't hurt, either.

Q It never fails: I'm in the middle of a heavy set and this one guy always starts talking to me right at the most inopportune moment. What should I do?

--B.H., Madison, Wisconsin

A Think of it as a test of wills. You went to the gym to work out. You should focus on your workout. So if you're silently counting your reps when Johnny Yapperstein moves in, continue your count out loud. Also, play up your grit and determination as if it's the hardest set you've ever done. If you feel rude for not answering, just remember how rude he is for interrupting. If he hasn't gotten the hint by the time your set is done, kindly tell him that you'd rather not talk during a set but would be happy (if you are) to talk between sets.

Q A woman was lying on her back on the gym floor, her head toward the cable station and one ankle attached to the high pulley. Then she started moving her leg up and down, which looked very strange. What is she doing, and why?

--S.R., Columbus, Ohio

A She's showing her fellow gym-goers that she's not afraid to look ridiculous. She is also flaunting the fact she has so much free time, she can work the back of her leg in a less efficient way than a number of other methods. More effective ways to accomplish this would be with lunges, the butt blaster and the hip extension/flexion machine.

If you have a burning question about something you've witnessed at the gym, mail it to "In the Gym," Attn: Gym Goddess, M & F HERS, 21100 Erwin St., Woodland Hills, California 91367.