So I’m at ScienceOnline 2011 for the weekend; I drove down Thursday, checked in and apparently missed DrSkyskull in the lobby when I went to the bar to get dinner. And then I collapsed. As I write this Friday morning I’m skipping the tours because I knew I wouldn’t be up to it; I went to the gym instead, figuring that would help me shake off my travel hangover.

The elliptical was a really fast track. Insanely fast, as compared to the one I use at work. I know that the one at work might not be calibrated properly, but I find it curious that the one at the hotel was indicating at least 10% faster than what I’ve been doing the past week. The exercise room is located next to the pool, so the air is warm and humid (somewhat less so than normal because it’s cold outside, and the window condenses a bunch of water) and that promotes sweat. Profuse sweat doesn’t help keep you cool, but it can make you feel like you’re doing really well in your workout. And the scale was reading ~3 lbs lighter than the scales at work and at the doctor’s office.

I wonder if it’s deliberate. It gives you positive feedback on your workout and makes you feel good about it, especially if you might not be at the top of your game from being on the road. Gives you a good mental association with the hotel. I read stories about how much effort goes into the psychology of casinos and all the tricks they employ, so it doesn’t seem out of the realm of possibility that someone’s gaming the exercise equipment to get a tiny edge in getting repeat business.

Or maybe it’s all about having little to think about on the machine, I had an awesome workout, and I can have the chocolate cake for dessert.