Yesterday, I went to work out at the gym (which shall remain nameless, but it’s safe to say it isn’t 24 or Bally’s) and as I opened an unlocked locker to put my stuff into, it was already filled with someone’s clothes. Either someone has a great deal of faith in humanity or they are just too cheap to get a lock. Maybe both are equally true. Given that wallets, car keys, and mobile phones need to be protected from anyone, this is a huge risk, not to mention that someone could be malicious enough to steal their clothes. At best, a member may turn the garments in to the front desk, but that means the lockless man goes home naked.
Since someone already had their stuff in the locker I first chose, I had to move on and find out which one was empty. While I may have only lost a few seconds doing this, I find it irritating. A lock provides security for one’s belongings and it is a visual signal indicating that a locker is taken. Since I could not rely solely on the message of the unlocked locker, I had to search for a locker where I could put my stuff so I could get changed to exercise.
How difficult can it be for someone to buy a lock? One can buy a combo lock at Target in the $5 range, and a few extra bucks will get a twin set with the same combination. This is what I do. If I lose my lock, I always have a back-up. Locks can also be purchased at this gym, but they cost a few more dollars than they would at Target. If one doesn’t want to part with any money, they can borrow a lock using their ID card as collateral.
It also isn’t too hard to use a lock. A lock with a combination is the most practical option with a combination issued by the manufacturer. They are not difficult to memorize, given that most of them have odd rhythms. If one doesn’t want to use their brain power for that, the keyed padlock always work. Just make sure the key’s nearby at all times.
Tags: rant
