Group cycling instructor Darryl Gaines never expected to see his idol Diana Ross pop into his class at the Sports Club/LA, but there she was. Not only did she pedal her way through the entire class, but she reveled in exercising to some of her hits, then stayed for a bit to bask in the adulation of her fellow cyclists.
As Gaines tells it, "It was almost like a dream. It was a dream. She was so nice to everyone. They all went up to her afterward and told her how they had gone on their first date and heard 'Baby Love.' It was amazing. Amazing."
Don't think for a moment, however, that this is typical of celebrity encounters at gyms. Ross obviously set the tone for the visit, which happened a few months ago. Most stars don't invite that kind of attention, instead preferring to keep to themselves, or going so far as to hide behind hats and sunglasses.
Any savvy Angeleno will tell you that the etiquette of celebrity-spotting in general usually requires a discreet reaction. No fawning, no gushing -- just a silent acknowledgment (and maybe an elbow nudge to your friend) that, yes, you are in the presence of somebody really, really famous. It's no different at the gym.
But star sightings at health clubs are inevitable in this company town, and those who work out in the L.A. area have tons of stories to tell, such as spotting rocker Dave Navarro pumping iron solo at Crunch (sans wife Carmen Electra) or seeing Jessica Simpson doing cardio at the Sports Club/LA Beverly Hills.
It's a unique situation, because celebrities are often makeup-less, hairdo-less and stylist-less, with no obsequious flack around to fetch them a Fiji. You and they are almost like peers. So there'd be no problem taking the next elliptical over and starting a schmooze-fest, right?
Uh-uh. Approaching a star at the gym just for the sake of approaching a star at the gym isn't done. Just because you're both members doesn't entitle you to a private audience to talk about your latest script or comment on their latest romantic escapade.
Don't just take my word for it. The official scoop from etiquette expert Jeanne Hamilton is this: "I believe they should be treated no differently from other people when it comes to basic courtesy," she says. In other words, if you regularly nod and smile and say "Good morning" to your sweat-mates, you can do it to famous people as well. Do not, advises Hamilton, interrupt their conversation, stare, or strike up an intimate chat.
