Gym Etiquette

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

*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.

[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?

[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.