Gym Etiquette

[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.

[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).

[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?!?