I’m a 28-year-old gym-rat who’s been working out for years. I’m also a veteran from the U.S. Marine Corps, so it’s safe to say I know my way around a gym.

To get to the point, I was recently told I wasn’t allowed to workout in jeans at the Preston Center. I understand that their rules are for our safety, but, please, give me a break. Some of these rules are for the birds.

To give a clear picture of the situation, I was walking on a tread mill at a staggering 1.5 mph while I was reading a textbook. I was wearing my safety clip so the machine would at least stop itself in the case that I was flung off.

I was told I could’t wear jeans or my Dr. Scholl’s shoes in the gym, only athletic wear. When I asked why, I was told my shoes would tear up the treadmill and that I had belt loops.

My shoes, however, have the same soles as a pair of gym sneakers.

The Preston Center seriously needs to revise these rules, or at least enforce all of the rules. I know someone other than me has had to wait behind another patron talking on their cell phone.

To sum up my frustration in one word: BOOOO! I was irritated with too much extra energy that day.

Derek Wester

Madisonville senior