Gym Etiquette

[finnmcool]

I haven't been in a gym for a while, can't afford it. But one thing that used to irritate me at smaller, less equipped gyms was people that get on a bike/treadmill/stepper with a book and then make the book the main event. They set the piece of equipment so they can keep going for an hour or more when people are waiting for a turn.

Finn

[Aldershot]

so glad i have gym equipment at home now. this thread makes me miss the public gyms so much. sorry guys and good luck.

[jtb]

For me it's all of the above, what's funny is I had to keep looking at the posters location cause I could swear we're at the same gym.

[RichGem]

I haven't been in a gym for a while, can't afford it. But one thing that used to irritate me at smaller, less equipped gyms was people that get on a bike/treadmill/stepper with a book and then make the book the main event. They set the piece of equipment so they can keep going for an hour or more when people are waiting for a turn.

Finn

Reminds me of another annoyance.... those (usually women) who constantly yammer to their friend on the next treadmill or on the cell phone. If you can carry on a conversation while doing cardio, you're not doing it right. And shut the h311 up anyhow! No one cares!

[professorchaos]

For me it's all of the above, what's funny is I had to keep looking at the posters location cause I could swear we're at the same gym.

Now that is funny!

[noahpictures]

For me it's all of the above, what's funny is I had to keep looking at the posters location cause I could swear we're at the same gym.

I used to work at a gym through out college and reading the posts brought back memories. I saw the same people year after year looking the same and not getting any results. I am sure I will never join another gym. I work out at home and it's great.

If you belong to a 24 Hour fitness you might not want to read this:

At least half of the staff are former felons; guys who have been to prison, not jail, PRISON. Here is my advice when joining a gym: pay cash if possible and never ever give out your social security number.

[dreadwing]

I agree with all of the above, but not whiping down your own machine is the biggest offender in my gym

[Stubblefield]

Using the communal gym hair dryer to dry off your privates after a shower.

Backwards treadmill walkers.

Anyone that uses wraps or a suit to squat or DL a puny weight. Seen it too may times.

[smalltank]

I almost forgot...texting in between reps on the machines and looking around like a deer in headlights!....

Mostly everything that annoys me has been mentioned.

The one that gets me the most is when someone sits for a good 10 minutes between sets and ties up the machine for way too long. I belong to a small gym and commonly have to adjust my routine because some is sitting there gawking, jawing, or leering at others. I understand a short minute to recuperate between sets, but yesterday, a guy was tieing up the preacher curl rack for enough time for me to finish bench, incline, rows, and shrugs.

[Go West Young Man]

If you belong to a 24 Hour fitness you might not want to read this:

At least half of the staff are former felons; guys who have been to prison, not jail, PRISON. Here is my advice when joining a gym: pay cash if possible and never ever give out your social security number.

Um, what?

[professorchaos]

Using the communal gym hair dryer to dry off your privates after a shower.

That is fantastic. As if the average gym locker room needs help smelling funky.

[RichGem]

Using the communal gym hair dryer to dry off your privates after a shower.

Backwards treadmill walkers.

Anyone that uses wraps or a suit to squat or DL a puny weight. Seen it too may times.

Is there a point to doing it that way?

[professorchaos]

Is there a point to doing it that way?

Actually, yes. You burn slightly more calories going in reverse.

[RichGem]

Actually, yes. You burn slightly more calories going in reverse.

Huh. Seems like a great way to hurt yourself too. But, then, I'm not that co-ordinated.

[Pebcak]

Um, what?

Ya that one definitely needs an explanation.

[The Nid Hog]

Using the communal gym hair dryer to dry off your privates after a shower.

When I was in the Marines, we made the privates dry themselves off.

[RichGem]

When I was in the Marines, we made the privates dry themselves off.

[professorchaos]

Huh. Seems like a great way to hurt yourself too. But, then, I'm not that co-ordinated.

Those who do it are a little mentally uncoordinated. They probably do hours of crunches and wonder why their abs are invisible.

Speaking thereof, another gym pet peeve of mine are the personal trainers who treat the gym as their private studio. I don't think it is cool when they give members the stink-eye for using equipment that is part of their cookie-cutter training plan. I pity the n00b standing on a ball trying to balance on one leg and struggling to press 15s.

[Stubblefield]

When I was in the Marines, we made the privates dry themselves off.

Treadmill or no treadmill?

[IndyChick]

Women tend to be more comfortable asking other women for help. (1) if I am on a cardio machine please don't ask for my help mid-run and (2) if a trainer is present please ask them for help, even if they are guys. I pay to go to the gym while they are paid to be there. That being said, I am glad to help when the trainer is busy and if you are considerate enough to ask me between sets.

Every January I seem to get a small group of new girls who follow me around and hassle me for help. I hate to tell them no, but they constantly interrupt me and it drives me crazy!