So for etiquette how about:
Minimize the impact you have on the senses of others.
Clean up after yourself.
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So for etiquette how about:
Minimize the impact you have on the senses of others.
Clean up after yourself.
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.
Trainers have their own rooms and equipment. They are not on the cardio floor or in the weight room.Quote:
Originally Posted by ny biker
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.
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
This - I like this!Quote:
Originally Posted by malkin
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.
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....Quote:
Originally Posted by marni
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.
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. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Dogmama
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:(.
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!
oh amen to that! I love it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dogmama
+1. Or those who check their cell phones. Really? You're THAT important?Quote:
Originally Posted by Miranda
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.
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.
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.
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.
+1 and Amen!Quote:
Originally Posted by Crankin
(although I almost had a coffee spew when I read it)
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 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.:(Quote:
Originally Posted by Blueberry
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by kajero
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....Quote:
Originally Posted by kajero
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?Quote:
Originally Posted by kajero
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by meganm
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?!?Quote:
Originally Posted by Selkie
So the people waiting--their dues don't entitle them to access to a machine?Quote:
Originally Posted by kajero
I said the same thing. He said that we all have the opportunity to get in early enough to get a machine. :(Quote:
Originally Posted by malkin
BYW .. . we have a new manager.
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
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
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.