Gym Etiquette

[mandiam]

With the gym being in my morning routine and even getting ready for work there everyday--I have come to notice little things that just bug me...

Is there anything that just BUGS you at the gym?? I don't want this thread to just be a compaining one--but m hope is that maybe we can come to a little gym etiquette list and everyone can be happy gymmers. :D

I'll start.

Obnoxious grunting. LOL--it kind of just makes me laugh--and then another side of me is just thinking what the heck!!! I understand when something is difficult, a little grunt is sometimes necessary--but if you are belting out songs in grunt form with every rep you take--maybe we should lower the weight just a tad hahahaha..

How about you girls? Find anything entertaining at your gym? or just plain gross?

[Veronica]

I work out in a small, private gym with a personal trainer. I've discovered grunting is sometimes necessary; it just happens. Same thing with funny faces, there are times you just can't avoid making them.

Lifting heavy is required if you want to build muscle.

When I worked out in a public facility, bad form bothered me, as did dropping weights.

Veronica

[PirateKitty]

+1 on dropping weights

Also, wiping down machines after use.
It's quick, easy, and most gyms supply the sanitizer and napkins.

[Blueberry]

Those who ignore the 30 minute time limit for cardio machines (and/or cover the time up with their towel). Last time I was waiting for a machine, there was someone who had been on the machine well over 30 minutes (she ended up stopping after an hour).

I'm never sure whether to say something. I usually end up just waiting and someone else will give it up. But - when there are multiple people doing the long workout thing, it can be a 20+ minute wait. I get that people need to workout longer than 30 minutes - when I do, I get off, wait for another machine, get back on. Not sure what the correct etiquette is.

[Veronica]

I'm never sure whether to say something. I usually end up just waiting and someone else will give it up. But - when there are multiple people doing the long workout thing, it can be a 20+ minute wait. I get that people need to workout longer than 30 minutes - when I do, I get off, wait for another machine, get back on. Not sure what the correct etiquette is.


That's a toughie because if your training plan calls for doing a longer workout... but I think I'd still do the polite thing and get off if there were people waiting.

When I have to do cardio at the public gym I belong to, I try to be there when it's not crowded so I can be on as long as I want. Not a luxury everyone has, I know.

Veronica

[Veronica]

Unavoidable funny faces... You can't see the 30 pound dumbbells I'm holding. :D

Veronica

[skhill]

Biggest annoyance: folks who have the volume on their devices so high that it's audible to others. Of course, with it turned up that high you might not notice the dropped weights...

[OakLeaf]

Biggest annoyance: people who can't keep their hands off the thermostat and/or fans, who make everyone else work out with stiff, cold muscles because of their pathological need never to sweat.

Close second: people who wear perfume or strong-scented products, either while working out or applying them in the locker room.

[Blueberry]

That's a toughie because if your training plan calls for doing a longer workout... but I think I'd still do the polite thing and get off if there were people waiting.

I really, really try to be sympathetic to that - with my own workouts and when others are working out. I do my bike workouts at home on my trainer and I'm still banned from running - so I'm talking about elliptical trainers on my "off" days for extra cardio. There are giant signs with the time limit posted, though - so it's not like it isn't an "official rule." Gym officials have definitely asked people to stop before, but they don't do it regularly.

My gym is affiliated with a major university, so most of the people working out are students. The people I mentioned are working out while reading magazines, chatting with friends, talking on cell phones and otherwise not really focusing on their workouts. My own perception and prejudices coming through - but I find it hard to believe that what they're doing is part of their training plan....

[mandiam]

Unavoidable funny faces... You can't see the 30 pound dumbbells I'm holding. :D

Veronica

LOL i love that photo. The annoyance I have with the grunts is mainly pointed to a certain gentleman at my gym. He grunts---when he walks. He grunts--when he sits. It's not the normal "this is heavy" type grunt. It's the loud obnoxious ones. I didn't mean to not use heavy weights--I know it sounded as such!

and 30lb dumbbells? what were you doing with those bad boys?!

[Catrin]

LOL i love that photo. The annoyance I have with the grunts is mainly pointed to a certain gentleman at my gym. He grunts---when he walks. He grunts--when he sits. It's not the normal "this is heavy" type grunt. It's the loud obnoxious ones. I didn't mean to not use heavy weights--I know it sounded as such!

and 30lb dumbbells? what were you doing with those bad boys?!

He may not even be aware that he does it, I know a couple of people who does the same thing and I am convinced that at least one of them isn't even aware of it. It is the kind that certainly gets the attention of everyone else around!

My current annoyance are a couple of members who provided unsolicited "guidance" because they don't seem to like what I am doing. Outside of that I can't think of much else, I tend to reserve my cardio for the bike outside or the Helix Lateral Trainer - and the latter doesn't appear to be very popular outside of cyclists (and there are three of them).

[Veronica]

and 30lb dumbbells? what were you doing with those bad boys?!

Dead lifts on a step - sets of twenty. That round also had single leg hamstring curls, side to side jumps, lunges with a 20 pound vest and running with high knees (also while wearing the vest.)

Veronica

[Crankin]

I don't do anything except walk into the group exercise room at my gym, for my strength/core class. I also went to a few spin classes this winter. Nothing has really annoyed me there, except for the perceived cheapness of the owners, but at the last gym I went to (12 years), there were lots of things. This was a huge, multi-purpose club, with tennis and swimming, lots of trainers and lots of classes. People routinely bugged me there, as in the woman who ran on the treadmill all morning, every morning, in full make up. I wanted to say "go outside." Sometimes, I would have to wait for ellipticals or treadmills in the late afternoon, but they really did a huge number of pieces of equipment.
People in spin class bothered me a lot. There was the fan issue, as has been discussed on another thread and more annoying, the "mommy crowd," who talked incessantly through classes. I still belonged to this gym during my first year of grad school and sometimes I went in the mid morning and it was soooo annoying. Then there was the guy who wore the same ripped sleeveless t shirt every single class for like 4 years. He smelled, too. Now, this guy has an $7K bike, he can afford a jersey.
At first, the women in the classes I am taking at the new place were not too friendly, but now that it's been 6 months and I am still there, they talk to me occasionally.

[Tri Girl]

I really only go to our gym to swim anymore, but when I used to go daily for Body Pump and running on the treadmill (before we got one of our own), there was this HORRIBLY annoying perky cute young little thing next to me (how she ALWAYS wound up next to me or near me, I'll never know). Anyway, when she ran, she would grunt with EVERY footstrike. And not an angry grunt from exertion, more like the kind of grunt/moan you would hear in the bedroom. Oh good gravy- it drove me insane. I would often stop my run and move to another treadmill just to get away from her. Thankfully our gym has 2 dozen treadmills to choose from. I thought "man- she *really* likes running". I couldn't run and concentrate with that going on next to me! Jeez! :rolleyes: Now, there were always a few young male things that would inevitably wind up running near her. Go figure...
Now the only grunting I hear is from our chocolate lab who sits at the front of the treadmill looking at me and grunting because she wants me to take her outside and run.
So I guess I'm saying that it would be good to keep your treadmill moans to yourself. ;)

[Pax]

People who don't re-rack their weights!

I work out at a University gym and end up following very young fit guys from station to station, they will load up the bar with anywhere from 200-500 lbs. of weights (depending on the station), do their set, and walk away. I end up getting most of my workout re-racking their weights.

[nscrbug]

Oh gosh...where to begin!

1. The lady who stomps on the treadmill while running...SO annoying! And she is a tiny lady, too...can't see how someone so small, can make so much noise with their feet.

2. People who are clueless on using weight machines. For example...we have a seated calf machine, whereby you sit on it and push a bar with your TOES to engage the calf muscles. I cannot tell you how many people I see on a daily basis, use this machine as a LEG PRESS! Ya, I shouldn't care...but it bugs me to no end.

3. People who are wearing headphones and SINGING OUT LOUD. Just stop...okay.

4. Guys who refuse to strip the 10 45lb weight plates off machines that they have just used. If you can load it up, then you can strip it down.

5. Women in the locker room who spread out all of their stuff on the one bench that we have to share, leaving no room for anybody else to put their belongings on, while changing.

6. Another locker room issue...people who put their coats in a locker and then DO NOT lock it! This drives me crazy, because then I have to go hunting around for an open locker because half of them have crap in them and aren't locked. Grrrrrrrrrr!

7. The guy who always ends up on the elliptical next to me, and proceeds to make these horribly gross-sounding snorting sounds...you know that noise you sometimes hear when people are about to hock up a loogey. Disgusting!

These are just the ones off the top of my head (since I just got home from the gym and they are fresh in my mind). I'm sure there are many more. FWIW...the grunting doesn't really bother me much. It kind of goes with the territory if you're working out in a co-ed gym. I just ignore it.

[mandiam]

I really only go to our gym to swim anymore, but when I used to go daily for Body Pump and running on the treadmill (before we got one of our own), there was this HORRIBLY annoying perky cute young little thing next to me (how she ALWAYS wound up next to me or near me, I'll never know). Anyway, when she ran, she would grunt with EVERY footstrike. And not an angry grunt from exertion, more like the kind of grunt/moan you would hear in the bedroom. Oh good gravy- it drove me insane. I would often stop my run and move to another treadmill just to get away from her. Thankfully our gym has 2 dozen treadmills to choose from. I thought "man- she *really* likes running". I couldn't run and concentrate with that going on next to me! Jeez! :rolleyes: Now, there were always a few young male things that would inevitably wind up running near her. Go figure...
Now the only grunting I hear is from our chocolate lab who sits at the front of the treadmill looking at me and grunting because she wants me to take her outside and run.
So I guess I'm saying that it would be good to keep your treadmill moans to yourself. ;)

Yay! another bodypumper---how do you like it? i do it twice a week to keep my upper body going strong. I actually really like it. I am more in love with crossfit--but bodypump is great too!

In the winter, I like to do spin classes to let my legs fly...and when i go, i wear my team bibs--i get the weirdest look. I hope they dont think i'm "trying to be better than them" bc my bibs have sponsors on them. I get that vibe a lot. I try to just keep to myself in a corner bike. I'll go every now and again during other seasons and i get the same vibe and weird looks.

bothers me. ha!

[ny biker]

People who don't re-rack their weights!

I work out at a University gym and end up following very young fit guys from station to station, they will load up the bar with anywhere from 200-500 lbs. of weights (depending on the station), do their set, and walk away. I end up getting most of my workout re-racking their weights.

YES YES YES YES YES. I hate these people. HATE THEM.

I also refuse to touch their weights. My back can't handle taking 45-lb plates off a bar and putting them away. So I have to go upstairs to the front desk and ask someone who works at the gym to put them away for me. Waste of my time, waste of their time, rude rude rude selfish self-centered wake up and realize you're not the only person using this gym and I'm not your damn servant.

Sorry this has been driving me crazy for years now.

Those of you who are parents: please teach your kids not to be that a$$*&^%.

Also: what's with all the slamming of locker doors? It makes such a loud sound, it hurts my ears. Stop slamming!!

[Pax]

YES YES YES YES YES. I hate these people. HATE THEM.

I also refuse to touch their weights. My back can't handle taking 45-lb plates off a bar and putting them away. So I have to go upstairs to the front desk and ask someone who works at the gym to put them away for me. Waste of my time, waste of their time, rude rude rude selfish self-centered wake up and realize you're not the only person using this gym and I'm not your damn servant.

Sorry this has been driving me crazy for years now.

Those of you who are parents: please teach your kids not to be that a$$*&^%.

Also: what's with all the slamming of locker doors? It makes such a loud sound, it hurts my ears. Stop slamming!!
The re-racking weights issue is why we put a home gym in our house. I still keep a membership to swim though (whole other set of issues there :p ).

[Crankin]

Re: people who sing out loud w/ their I pods. I once had a woman come to my aerobics class and do this while I had my own music blasting and I was teaching the class :).

[shootingstar]

I really only go to our gym to swim anymore, but when I used to go daily for Body Pump and running on the treadmill (before we got one of our own), there was this HORRIBLY annoying perky cute young little thing next to me (how she ALWAYS wound up next to me or near me, I'll never know). Anyway, when she ran, she would grunt with EVERY footstrike. And not an angry grunt from exertion, more like the kind of grunt/moan you would hear in the bedroom. Oh good gravy- it drove me insane. I would often stop my run and move to another treadmill just to get away from her. Thankfully our gym has 2 dozen treadmills to choose from. I thought "man- she *really* likes running". I couldn't run and concentrate with that going on next to me! Jeez! :rolleyes: Now, there were always a few young male things that would inevitably wind up running near her. Go figure...
Now the only grunting I hear is from our chocolate lab who sits at the front of the treadmill looking at me and grunting because she wants me to take her outside and run.
So I guess I'm saying that it would be good to keep your treadmill moans to yourself. ;)

Funny, Tri Girl...Hopefully someone will tell her one day. I'm trying imagine this when she hits...40,60 yrs. It ain't too flattering as the years march by, for exercising purposes only. You should write this up on your blog....educate some folks.

[DarcyInOregon]

I walked out of the gym I was a member of for quite a few years. I went down the road to the Y, joined, and I have now been a member of the Y for over 6 months. My only regret is that I didn't join the Y years ago.

The old gym was small, with one large main room that housed the weights, cardio equipment, stretching area, etc. The owner of the gym started up these group training sessions and put them in the same main room, moved around a lot of equipment to make the space. A group session was a personal trainer with anywhere from two to twelve people learning how to do basic exercises with basic machines, small weights and stretch bands, and the members paid hundreds of dollars each month to participate, so it was a real money maker for the owner of the gym. The reality is that for most of the group members, they stood around and chatted during each training session, never broke a sweat, and it is doubtful if their heart rate went up very much. No gym etiquette was taught to these people, about not talking, respecting the space around other gym members, not talking on the cell phone, wiping down the equipment after use, etc. The noise level inside the gym became unbearable, and pretty much the gym turned into a social recreational outlet for more and more members, rather than as a place to focus on getting fit and healthy.

The final straw for me was when I was on an elliptical doing running intervals, therefore I was doing counts in my head. Several of the females from one of these group training sessions got on treadmills next to me, were gripping the sides of the rails, had the speed set at 1.5 mph, and proceeded to chat with each other at a high volume. I complained to the management and I was told that members have the right to work out as they wish, including talking next to others who were working out.

I walked out, joined the Y, and the Y has signs posted on the walls that there are no cell phones, no talking, respect the rights of others, and other nice signs like that. And there is a weight room with even more signs about replacing equipment, etc. Plus the spin bikes are in good condition so spin class is a joy. It is the smartest thing I did, was to leave the gym that was really about socializing and not working out, and get into the Y that is serious about health and fitness for all ages and socio-economic groups, plus other nice features that I can use if I ever get the time, like the swimming pools, dozens of classes other than spin, etc.

[nscrbug]

I walked out of the gym I was a member of for quite a few years. I went down the road to the Y, joined, and I have now been a member of the Y for over 6 months. My only regret is that I didn't join the Y years ago.

The old gym was small, with one large main room that housed the weights, cardio equipment, stretching area, etc. The owner of the gym started up these group training sessions and put them in the same main room, moved around a lot of equipment to make the space. A group session was a personal trainer with anywhere from two to twelve people learning how to do basic exercises with basic machines, small weights and stretch bands, and the members paid hundreds of dollars each month to participate, so it was a real money maker for the owner of the gym. The reality is that for most of the group members, they stood around and chatted during each training session, never broke a sweat, and it is doubtful if their heart rate went up very much. No gym etiquette was taught to these people, about not talking, respecting the space around other gym members, not talking on the cell phone, wiping down the equipment after use, etc. The noise level inside the gym became unbearable, and pretty much the gym turned into a social recreational outlet for more and more members, rather than as a place to focus on getting fit and healthy.

The final straw for me was when I was on an elliptical doing running intervals, therefore I was doing counts in my head. Several of the females from one of these group training sessions got on treadmills next to me, were gripping the sides of the rails, had the speed set at 1.5 mph, and proceeded to chat with each other at a high volume. I complained to the management and I was told that members have the right to work out as they wish, including talking next to others who were working out.

I walked out, joined the Y, and the Y has signs posted on the walls that there are no cell phones, no talking, respect the rights of others, and other nice signs like that. And there is a weight room with even more signs about replacing equipment, etc. Plus the spin bikes are in good condition so spin class is a joy. It is the smartest thing I did, was to leave the gym that was really about socializing and not working out, and get into the Y that is serious about health and fitness for all ages and socio-economic groups, plus other nice features that I can use if I ever get the time, like the swimming pools, dozens of classes other than spin, etc.

Good grief!!! Are you serious? It's not a library or church, for crying out loud. If my gym enforced a "no talking" rule, they'd have ZERO members. I simply don't agree with nor would I ever adhere to such a silly rule as that. Sure, I think primarily the gym should be a place where one puts focus on getting their workout in, but I don't see why talking cannot have its place there, as well.

[lph]

Well, I don't really go to a gym any more, but when I did attend aerobics class I always got a giggle out of the teenage girl mafia who stormed in as soon as humanly possible to get the very best spots up in front, holding spots for their very best friends with towels and water bottles... and then did the entire class in spotless makeup and without breaking a sweat. And without breaking eye contact with themselves in the mirror.

Funny, I always ended up with more than enough space around me, I tended to be a bit, uh, expansive once I got going :D

Now I get to gripe about the habits of the co-workers I share showers and a changing room with instead. We have a sort of complicated system because of how the building is designed, so first we have a large shared drying room intended for hanging up jackets, over-trousers, leaving outdoor shoes, bike helmets, other messy stuff that takes space. Then inside each changing room there are two drying racks for towels, and a small drying room intended for under-clothes only. The idea is to keep dirty and wet stuff out of the rather small changing rooms, and to be able to hang damp under-clothing out of "display", as it were. The women seem to have no trouble with this system. The guys however, have filled their entire inner drying room with towels, refuse to use the towel racks, and carry out armfuls of smelly socks and bib shorts and whatnot out to the shared drying room, where the aroma gets to entertain all of us... :rolleyes:

[Pax]

lph - you have showers and changing rooms at work? Cool!

[westtexas]

Lifting heavy is required if you want to build muscle.


Veronica - not to nitpick and not to go off topic, but I thought you might find this article on Sweat Science interesting:

Light weights build muscle as effectively as heavy weights. (http://sweatscience.runnersworld.com/2012/04/light-weights-build-muscle-as-effectively-as-heavy-weights/)

The writer does a good job of summing up the science from the paper (I think) and found that fatiguing yourself was actually a better way to build muscle rather than lifting heavy loads.

Anyway, just an interesting aside...

[Jolt]

People who don't put things back when they're done, causing others to have to spend extra time looking for equipment or use things that aren't quite right (like a stability ball that's too big b/c somebody has "hidden" the right sized one). Also people who get on the treadmill/bike right next to the one I'm using if it's not crowded and they could get on one where they're NOT right next to someone. Fortunately I don't use the treadmills/bikes very often since I'm usually outside.

[ClockworkOrange]

Unavoidable funny faces... You can't see the 30 pound dumbbells I'm holding. :D

Veronica

Have you cropped the photo so we can't see how long your arms are, I mean 30 lbs, that must be stretching your arms!

[ny biker]

re: singing out loud -- I lip-sync while I'm working out. I assume the other people at the gym think I'm insane for it.

(I sing out loud when I'm riding my bike, but only when no one else is around.)

[ClockworkOrange]

Only just started using the gym, now hoping I am not going off Topic too much but it's etiquette in the swimming pool that is my number one annoyance.

When I go it is never busy but the majority of the male swimmers (this is in the non-laned area) just swim in a straight line, regardless of anybody swimming towards them. If both swim at a slight angle, it is nice and straight forward, it's not rocket science. :eek:

So there are 3 or 4 men all doing front crawl and then I come along, doing my slow but extremely effective breast stroke and go past them all and lap them, got to confess to grinning under the water, now that's bad. :p

[DarcyInOregon]

Good grief!!! Are you serious? It's not a library or church, for crying out loud. If my gym enforced a "no talking" rule, they'd have ZERO members. I simply don't agree with nor would I ever adhere to such a silly rule as that. Sure, I think primarily the gym should be a place where one puts focus on getting their workout in, but I don't see why talking cannot have its place there, as well.

The Y where I am doesn't allow talking or cell phone use on the cardio floor or in the weight room. It is a big building, three floors, plus wings on each side. The lobby is huge, easily the size of the main room at my old gym, with couches, chairs, tables, and vending machines, and that is where people socialize, plus the Y has social events like dances and game night, where it is about socializing. The cardio floor and weight room is where people work out, each individual's workout is respected, so socializing is not allowed. The silence is pure bliss.

If anyone Google's gym etiquette, there are rules of etiquette posted on the internet that list not chatting in workout areas as one of the rules, and this can be found on multiple sites.

When I am on road trips, I will buy a guest pass and work out at different gyms. The best gyms are the ones with the posted signs, the same ones as at the Y: no talking, no cell phone use, and respect other's workouts.

However there are lots of gyms where it is about socializing, where people do talk while working out, like my old gym, and just goes to show, the market place has a gym for all types of people.

[lph]

lph - you have showers and changing rooms at work? Cool!

Oh yes :) The coolest part is I sort of got to be a part of designing them when the building was completely re-done.

[Pax]

Oh yes :) The coolest part is I sort of got to be a part of designing them when the building was completely re-done.

That's neat! Only place I could shower or change is 1/2 mile away at the gym.

[ny biker]

The Y where I am doesn't allow talking or cell phone use on the cardio floor or in the weight room. It is a big building, three floors, plus wings on each side. The lobby is huge, easily the size of the main room at my old gym, with couches, chairs, tables, and vending machines, and that is where people socialize, plus the Y has social events like dances and game night, where it is about socializing. The cardio floor and weight room is where people work out, each individual's workout is respected, so socializing is not allowed. The silence is pure bliss.

If anyone Google's gym etiquette, there are rules of etiquette posted on the internet that list not chatting in workout areas as one of the rules, and this can be found on multiple sites.

When I am on road trips, I will buy a guest pass and work out at different gyms. The best gyms are the ones with the posted signs, the same ones as at the Y: no talking, no cell phone use, and respect other's workouts.

However there are lots of gyms where it is about socializing, where people do talk while working out, like my old gym, and just goes to show, the market place has a gym for all types of people.


If there's no talking allowed, how are trainers and their clients supposed to communicate with other?

I have no problem with people talking while doing cardio or between sets of weight training. Standing around and taking up space would be another issue.

[Veronica]

Veronica - not to nitpick and not to go off topic, but I thought you might find this article on Sweat Science interesting:

Light weights build muscle as effectively as heavy weights. (http://sweatscience.runnersworld.com/2012/04/light-weights-build-muscle-as-effectively-as-heavy-weights/)

The writer does a good job of summing up the science from the paper (I think) and found that fatiguing yourself was actually a better way to build muscle rather than lifting heavy loads.

Anyway, just an interesting aside...

I just looked at it quickly and it seems to me that either way you have to lift to failure in order to build mass. That means fewer reps with heavier weights, as opposed many reps with lighter weights. The time crunched athlete who wants to increase mass is going to go for heavier weights, fewer reps.

If I were only using a 3 pound dumbell instead of 20, I'd have to do a LOT of bicep curls before I'd even feel it. BTW I have no idea what my one rep max is for anything. :D

Veronica

[Tri Girl]

Yay! another bodypumper---how do you like it? i do it twice a week to keep my upper body going strong. I actually really like it. I am more in love with crossfit--but bodypump is great too!



I used to love it. Haven't done it in 4 years now. :o I just really can't stand people at the gym anymore. I do bodyrock (www.bodyrock.tv) right now instead in the privacy of my own home. Much more enjoyable for me.

[sookiesue]

Perfume at the gym. Ugh.

People on cell phones at the gym. Ugh.

There was one day where I spent my whole workout breathing through my sweat towel because the guy next to me was, shall we say...expelling air...not from his mouth...dude, just because we can't HEAR you do it doesn't mean we don't all know you're doing it...Unfortunately it was a busy day at the gym and there were no other ellipticals available or I would have moved.

The gym I belong to recently changed owners, too. It used to be a low-key place where people came in, did their workouts, sometimes socialized in a friendly manner, not too chatty, not too silent. Now everywhere is some poster advertising spray tanning, or tanning beds, or frightening weight loss plans (HCG!). They fired all the old employees and brought in a bunch of big dudes with spray tans that never smile.

I am sad that my safe place to work on my fitness when I can't be outdoors is changing into this type of environment. However, I have such a great deal on my membership that I can't afford to move anywhere else now! So, I just keep my head down, get in, work out, get out.

[Kiwi Stoker]

People turning up wearing street clothes and a pair of jandals/thongs/Havanas (or whatever you call beach slip on shoes). There's heaps of signs saying closed toe sports shoes only WITH pictures.

People (and so far it's only men) that sit down on the gym equipment and don't use it. Hey there's two couches to sit on in the corner. If you need a rest, sit over there. I shouldn't have to ask you to move so I can use the machine!

[Jolt]

There was one day where I spent my whole workout breathing through my sweat towel because the guy next to me was, shall we say...expelling air...not from his mouth...dude, just because we can't HEAR you do it doesn't mean we don't all know you're doing it...Unfortunately it was a busy day at the gym and there were no other ellipticals available or I would have moved.


Ugh. Sounds like somebody shouldn't have eaten that second helping of baked beans and coleslaw before his workout!!

[malkin]

People who gas the whole locker room with spray deodorant.

Moms who are in a hurry and then are mean to their kids. (Your toddler will not hurry no matter how grumpy you get. Ripping a comb through your pre-teen daughter's hair will not get you to your next thing any more quickly.)

[malkin]

So for etiquette how about:
Minimize the impact you have on the senses of others.
Clean up after yourself.

[Bike Chick]

Loading up the bars with weights and not removing them when they (the big dudes) are finished and mothers who bring their sons over the age of 4 into the ladies dressing room. Grrrrrrr.

[DarcyInOregon]

If there's no talking allowed, how are trainers and their clients supposed to communicate with other?

I have no problem with people talking while doing cardio or between sets of weight training. Standing around and taking up space would be another issue.

Trainers have their own rooms and equipment. They are not on the cardio floor or in the weight room.

I should say another thing I like about this Y is there is no loud music blaring over loud speakers, and yet another is that the classrooms for group fitness like Zumba and Pump and Total Body are all sound proofed. And when members break the rules, they have to sit down with an administrator and are reminded of the Y's rules and policies.

Everyone works out differently, and has different fitness and health goals. It is why the no talking and no cell phone usage rules are enforced. What doesn't matter to one person might be really rude to another gym member, and highly distracting. I can tune out most noise, but when it is right next to me I can't focus, and if I am doing intervals with specific counts, it is even more difficult to concentrate with people chatting right next to me. I imagine there are lots of scenarios similar to mine, which is why the policies are in place. I love working out without the distraction of constant noise, it is extremely relaxing, almost yoga-like, and the quality of my workouts have increased since moving to the Y, which means I am more time efficient too.

[marni]

in general my gym is a pretty sane place. Yes there are some crashers and some grunters and then there is the halelujah corner in the stationary bikes where the ladies of a certain color and persuasion come fully made up and in their fashion diva outfits and ride and chat while watching the local joel osteen style church channel, with frequent exclamations of "priase the lord" and the like. Fortunately it is a large enough space that you can always find a bike with a bit of space. The thing that particularly annoys me, is when I am working with a trainer and the piece of equipment we want to use is occupied by a woman, just sitting there chatting on her cell phone. Yes the trainer very politely asks them to move and sometimes they do, but really, why don't they go sit on the couches, or go to the dressing room or to the side out of the traffic flow? Gym equipment is meant to be used, not to just be sat on until someone in authority asks you to move. That and the ones on the elliptical who either play their music so loudly I can hear it or talk endlessly, and mindlessly on their cell phones. These are the same ladies who spread their stuff out over one more benches in the dressing room, while getting changed, still talking endlessly on the cell phone.

People are so self centered sometimes.

marni

[Catrin]

So for etiquette how about:
Minimize the impact you have on the senses of others.
Clean up after yourself.

This - I like this!

I had to chuckle reading the comments Darcy made about the signs at her Y for quiet - every fitness facility has a different environment and compared it with where I go. My own facility is a university fitness and sports research-based facility and is HUGE. Outside of a large free-weights room and a small studio, everything is in one massive room with a ceiling that is WAY up there. Lots of weight machines, cardio machines, TRX, lots of space for every type of training imaginable. This place is just huge, did I say that already?

All of the members are focused on their workout - I've never seen such focus from everyone at other places I've been a member of. Because of how this place is constructed it is very loud. The massive open space carries and amplifies all sound - which in an odd way seems to help me to focus. With the noise level it seems to be easier to focus on what I am doing than it would be if it were quiet enough for me to hear this person's over-loud iPod music or that person's conversation. No place is perfect, and that applies to this facility, but it has been a surprise to me how the noise level actually seems to become white noise and fades into the background.

[pll]

Gym equipment is meant to be used, not to just be sat on until someone in authority asks you to move.

Oh, Marni... don't you know that you burn calories just by being in contact with sports equipment? This does not happen if you sit on a couch....

Ok, sarcasm aside, most people are very self centered and not just in the gym. Everywhere, from the supermarket to the sidewalk, there are people who will block the way, completely unaware that they are not alone.

[Dogmama]

I just joined a gym that has the following sign:

"If you're grunting, you better be in labor"

[nscrbug]

I just joined a gym that has the following sign:

"If you're grunting, you better be in labor"

Now THAT is hilarious! Seeing that sign would put a smile on my face everyday...and I'm one that isn't bothered by grunting. ;)

[Miranda]

Here's my #1...people who won't STFU:mad:.

*ahh there I feel slightly better after vomitting that unattractive, but straight-forward, bile out of my system*

I'm an instructor. Spinning is what I teach.

I hate people who will not shut up in class while I am trying to teach (and in general).

Due to some medical issues I can't seem to shake, I'm down to one class at one gym that holds my only option to work-out free (can't afford to pay for membership now). And that class has a problem-child member that has caused me to grow such hatred in my heart at showing up to teach. The managment is an unsupportive joke. So, I've held on for now, with hopes I can figure something else out next season. I have a couple more winter schedule classes to teach before my class is cut for the summer. Really looking forward to that.

Also, there are a couple of those people in the weight room. I can not shake them. As an instructor, it's expected that you are the "up energy", and many times provide the happy entertainment for people. Well, when I'm off the clock, and want to re-charge and take care of myself...I want a break from entertaining people. It's not that I don't love my good members, but I don't get anything done. Thus, I've stopped working out at the gym at all.

*sigh*

Kinda sad situation:(.

[smittykitty]

Well, my beagle grunts all the time too!!!


But, there is the guy in Body Pump class that always seems to set up in front of me. He is off in his own world doing his own thing. Seriously, if you have no intention of following the instructor, why are you there? And obviously you can't handle all that weight. You have to stop after of couple of reps and drop your bar to the floor with lots of drama.

Oh, and pull up your shorts! PLEASE. And was that your sweat that just landed on me???

When I can stay away from HIM, I love the class!

[marni]

I just joined a gym that has the following sign:

"If you're grunting, you better be in labor"

oh amen to that! I love it.

[Dogmama]

I'm an instructor. Spinning is what I teach.

I hate people who will not shut up in class while I am trying to teach

+1. Or those who check their cell phones. Really? You're THAT important?

[Raindrop]

After teaching classes for 14 years, I can attest that those people who REALLY need to be in touch ( and I have them in my classes...doctors, detectives, moms etc.) know enough to keep their phones on vibrate, or in such a position that they can check them unobtrousively.

I sincerely dislike the people that will belittle the members of the gym that don't "look" like they belong there; people that are older, not dressed in the latest gym fashion, overweight, or people in general that are new and probably already stressed about being in a location that they aren't used to.

Last time I checked, gyms were in the business of helping people to get into better condition. It's not about being in condition before you get there, wearing the "right" stuff, or even knowing what you're doing.

I've been a personal trainer since 2001 and a gym rat since 1992 so I've made assumptions that I've lived to regret. My whole business revolves around making people get healthier and unfortunately many fitness facilities don't foster that idea. That is why I'm an in-home trainer.

[Crankin]

Miranda and Raindrop, this is why I stopped teaching.
Why do people have to talk so much? As I said earlier, it was only in the day time classes at my old gym. Never in the early AM crowd or after work.
Yes, what Raindrop says is true. You'd better be fit *before* you join. When I first joined the place I am at now, I quickly realized that the classes I go to are not for new exercisers. No one shows any modifications. Heck, I felt like keeling over at first. Everyone in this class (weights, core, boot camp like) looks like me; fit and thin. Anyone else who comes never lasts.
I liked teaching beginners for this reason. They appreciate you. Same when I lead rides.

[shootingstar]

Gosh, after reading parts of this thread with a mixture of bewilderment and curiosity, I have to say I am not motivated to buy a fitness gym membership.

Yes, take a course or so which I have in the past for 2 months or so. And then work out on my own.

[Dogmama]

I just joined a gym called Chuze. They are a family owned business from So. California. They cater to the middle age want-to-get-back-in-shape crowd. It's clean, big, a TON of equipment (25 treadmills, 4 step mills, a bunch of different kinds of bikes, weight machines, etc.) & offer the basic fitness classes (but not spinning :(). This is the gym with the "grunting/labor" sign. They also have another sign, "The only weight you can drop is from your belly."

No squat rack or oly bars but I imagine that will keep the steroid muscle heads away. They have Livestrong spinner bikes with the TV thing where you can be led through your ride. The staff is extremely friendly & helpful.

They have the rules posted & the first one is, "Enjoy your workout & let others enjoy theirs."

So far, I really like it. Took a great Pilates class where she showed modifications for beginners.

Best part - to join is $29 & monthly fee is $9.99 with NO CONTRACTS. If you think you'd like a Chuze in your area, Google them & let them know. I hope they don't fizzle out like so many others.

[malkin]

...
Why do people have to talk so much?...

+1 and Amen!

(although I almost had a coffee spew when I read it)

[Selkie]

We have fitness facilities at work, but I only use the locker room to change/shower before/after I head outside to run.

Same issues there: self-centeredness, lots of talking, and there is even a woman who grunts when she's changing & showering. They stake out their territory on the benches, spreading their towels/belongings. I put my stuff in a locker and stand before it to change---it takes me about ten minutes to change, shower, get dressed, and get the hell out of there.

This week, I went to freshen up before I headed outside and there are three sinks in the bathroom area. Two women claimed the outside sinks, putting on makeup. One of them had their g-d hairdryer in the middle sink, so after I used the facilities, I stood there, waiting for one of them to leave so I could wash my hands. Luckily, one of them was kind enough to move aside so I could use the sink. She even commented about the dryer in the sink, which belonged to the princess (who ignored the comment, of course).

[kajero]

Those who ignore the 30 minute time limit for cardio machines (and/or cover the time up with their towel)

I complained about this to the manager one time. He said that they pay their dues and are entitled to stay on the machine for as long as they want. I guess in a way, he is right. We know it is proper etiquette to share, but I guess you have paid for something you really don't have to share if you don't want to.:(

[kajero]

Another thing that I really hate is when I was attending spin classes at 6:00 a.m. in the morning there would be a lot of "saved" bikes with towels by friends for people who came in around 6:00a.m. It was frustrating because I was always there at 5:45 and sometimes although there were maybe 5 actual people in the room, there would be only one or two bikes left.

Sometimes the bikes that were saved were never used. Many people were often turned away and they shouldn't have been.

I've made numerous suggestions to the management on how this situation could easily be resolved, but nothing ever came of it.

[pll]

Another thing that I really hate is when I was attending spin classes at 6:00 a.m. in the morning there would be a lot of "saved" bikes with towels by friends for people who came in around 6:00a.m.

Oh, that has happened to me one too many times. It drove me crazy. I no longer do spin classes and I no longer belong to a gym. What I miss the most about it is the sauna, though.

[Blueberry]

I complained about this to the manager one time. He said that they pay their dues and are entitled to stay on the machine for as long as they want. I guess in a way, he is right. We know it is proper etiquette to share, but I guess you have paid for something you really don't have to share if you don't want to.:(

There's a giant red sign that says 30 minute time limit. But for that, I wouldn't get upset. I've been chased off at 29:59 before by the students who want to get their workouts in. The gym does enforce it - but very selectively. I think that's why people cover up the timers....

[winddance]

Another thing that I really hate is when I was attending spin classes at 6:00 a.m. in the morning there would be a lot of "saved" bikes with towels by friends for people who came in around 6:00a.m. It was frustrating because I was always there at 5:45 and sometimes although there were maybe 5 actual people in the room, there would be only one or two bikes left.

Sometimes the bikes that were saved were never used. Many people were often turned away and they shouldn't have been.

I've made numerous suggestions to the management on how this situation could easily be resolved, but nothing ever came of it.

I just visited a gym while away where you had to register online for 6am spin, which I did. The class was full with people waiting who said they'd registered and the instructor had to go fetch the roster and TAKE ROLL before the people who hadn't registered would leave. Seriously? Like you're not going to get caught?

There were also no fans in that room. I almost floated away in a pool of sweat and was so glad I'd thought to put electrolytes in my water bottle.

I appreciate my gym. It's a very supportive place for people of all ages and levels of fitness. I've been encouraged to try lots of new things, e.g. joining Masters Swim in the slow lane even though I'm not the greatest swimmer. But I've never felt unwelcome, just supported and coached.

And we have fans in our spin room.

[meganm]

I have a few things that annoy me in gyms.

- people that don't clean the machines after using them. Yes, you sweat too, but dont make others clean it up
- men grunting when they lift
- people (mostly men) that drop weights
- parents who let their kids run free after or before going into the child care area
- moms that bring their boys into the ladies locker room (a 6 year old can wait outside)
- perfume or cologne... Ick

[Irulan]

I have a few things that annoy me in gyms.

- people that don't clean the machines after using them. Yes, you sweat too, but dont make others clean it up
- men grunting when they lift
- people (mostly men) that drop weights
- parents who let their kids run free after or before going into the child care area
- moms that bring their boys into the ladies locker room (a 6 year old can wait outside)
- perfume or cologne... Ick

What about women that grunt? ;) If you were doing ball pike pushups you'd grunt too.

[ny biker]

We have fitness facilities at work, but I only use the locker room to change/shower before/after I head outside to run.

Same issues there: self-centeredness, lots of talking, and there is even a woman who grunts when she's changing & showering. They stake out their territory on the benches, spreading their towels/belongings. I put my stuff in a locker and stand before it to change---it takes me about ten minutes to change, shower, get dressed, and get the hell out of there.

This week, I went to freshen up before I headed outside and there are three sinks in the bathroom area. Two women claimed the outside sinks, putting on makeup. One of them had their g-d hairdryer in the middle sink, so after I used the facilities, I stood there, waiting for one of them to leave so I could wash my hands. Luckily, one of them was kind enough to move aside so I could use the sink. She even commented about the dryer in the sink, which belonged to the princess (who ignored the comment, of course).

I would have just moved the dryer out of the sink. After unplugging it first -- who the hell puts an electric appliance in a sink?!?

[malkin]

I complained about this to the manager one time. He said that they pay their dues and are entitled to stay on the machine for as long as they want. I guess in a way, he is right. We know it is proper etiquette to share, but I guess you have paid for something you really don't have to share if you don't want to.:(

So the people waiting--their dues don't entitle them to access to a machine?

[kajero]

So the people waiting--their dues don't entitle them to access to a machine?

I said the same thing. He said that we all have the opportunity to get in early enough to get a machine. :(

BYW .. . we have a new manager.

[Tri Girl]

The 30 minute treadmill time limit:
THIS is why we bought a treadmill that sits in our living room (because really, we do lots of living on that treadmill).
We still pay for our gym membership (mostly to use the pool and weight room). My DH was *very* slow in agreeing to buy one, because we DO have a gym membership, but once we got it home he fell so in love with that thing I can't get him off it sometimes. It's SO nice to get up, put on a bra and compression shorts and run without anyone looking at me and without feeling self-conscious. But mostly I love to be able to run for 2 hours if I want without anyone kicking me off. :p

[Tri Girl]

The 30 minute time limit: THIS is why we bought a treadmill that sits in our living room (and although some of our friends have pointed out that it's tacky to have it in the living room- we do plenty of living on that treadmill).
We still pay for our gym membership (mostly to use the pool). My DH was *very* reluctant to agree to buy one, but once we got it home he fell so in love with that thing we have to fight over using it sometimes. It's SO nice to get up, put on a bra and compression shorts and run without anyone looking at me and me feeling self-conscious about running in what is most comfy.
But mostly it's nice to be able to run for 2 hours if I want without anyone kicking me off. :p

[Crankin]

We bought a treadmill a couple of years ago, when I had given up my gym membership. We bought it even before either of us really ran. But, I used it a lot when I didn't have the time to go outside and do a ride, walk or hike. I did a lot of hill walking on that thing.
I belong to a gym again and I would never go there for the treadmill! Only to warm up for a class. It's raining this morning; normally I would have gone outside for a run or ride at 5 AM, but instead, I ran on the treadmill. I'm glad I have it.