Much is written about the burgeoning night-life in Waukesha. Little is written about the early morning risers who also inhabit the same ground.
Specifically, I’m talking about the morning crew at the
Wisconsin Athletic Club – Waukesha (WAC). This is a real cross-section sampling of the best (and “not so best”) people you will find prowling Waukesha streets at say…
4:30 – 5:00AM !Start with your stop at the front desk. This has been a real breeding ground for unusual characters: Assuredly you might be slightly “off” if you enjoy getting to work at 3:00AM and being chipper and polite at 4:30AM to customers. Indelible, not-so-pretty images remain of “Rabbit”, Chris, and now Tommy. Unfortunately, their sense of humor towards the “early risers” in designating locker locations includes
an all-too-close proximity to one another…
Over the years, the cast has changed often in the early mornings. My workout “partner”, Jim, and I have been going there for over 17 years. The “Gentleman’s Gentleman” – Mr. Dick Price, has been there for most if not all of that time (He was probably already retired when they built the club…) . Dick perpetuates his long-suffering, “working too hard” role while eliciting sympathy form the considerably younger females. Mike, a rookie with “only" a dozen or so years in, joins Jim and myself in pursuit of bad humor and derogatory comments towards other, more “healthy-looking” individuals. Along with John, we were all founding members of the “Fat Boys Club”. Assuredly not one of us has ever appeared in, much less ever been asked to be in a WAC Club promotional ad…
The personalities truly gain diversity when you include Dale, Ron, Ken, Don, Patty, and Kay. Affectionately known as the “Kaffee-Klatschers”, these individuals provide a backdrop for much of the back-biting, sarcastic, judgmental, and light-hearted humor which permeates the “workout” area. Dale often wears earplugs (unwired to any devices that we can see) while smiling and pretending to enjoy the others. Ron and Don always raise the bar of “bad jokes” when least expected. Nurse Patty, who works-out harder than anyone, tries to maintain a sensible air while we
“not quite as fit as Patty” types sit on the sidelines and throw jabs at her. Kay, a friend of Patty and recent addition to the club, has her moments of absolutely brilliant sophomoric humor sandwiched between long stretches of “not so brilliant” looks of bewilderment towards the comments surrounding her. And Ken…
Ken is in a league of his own. While structurally sound, Ken maintains a workout pace readily interrupted by even the most casual of glances or comments. Ken has examined every piece of workout equipment to find the best “leaning” spot. He finds no conversation is too trivial; no tee shirt marking too obscure; and no joke too oft-repeated. Ken remains the poster child for
"workoutus interruptus” for others.
For sure, there are others rich in personality (while small of brain) who contribute to the wacky spirit of the WAC Early Risers. The only criteria for joining is a complete disregard for common sense while getting-up at a ridiculous hour to enjoy the camaraderie and good cheer of other like-minded individuals. Oh…And the workouts are probably healthy for us…
