Gym Etiquette

[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.

*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.