Gym etiquette
Replies
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joemac1988 wrote: »aliencheesecake wrote: »I think when gym’s sign up new members they should give them a gym etiquette lesson along with the tour of the gym. Maybe post up signs too for old members to remind them of things like:
Rerack your weights
Don’t stare
Don’t interrupt people when they are in the middle of a set
Wipe equipment don’t after use (nobody wants to lay in your sweat & dandruff)
If the row of cardio machines is empty, don’t get right next to the one person on the treadmill.
Don’t think it’s okay to use 3 machines at the same time when people are waiting to use them.
If you are just sitting on a machine to use your phone or chit chat with your friend. Get off of it until you are ready to use it.
I’m sure I’ll get criticized for this post. But it honestly seems like common sense & courtesy to me.
YES! And "No loud grunting or dropping weights!"
FFS it's right there on the wall. I hear dudes practically having anal aneurysms and then drop their weights and it annoys the *kitten* out of me.
Grunting: There are scientific studies that show if you grunt, you get a burst in strength. Google it.
Dropping weights: To quietly lower a weight (the eccentric portion) that is at or near your 1 rep max on a movement like deadlift, you would be putting yourself at high risk of injury.
I agree, some people grunt and bang unnecessarily but a gym is not meant to have a spa-like atmosphere. If you want serenity when you workout, maybe yoga is up your alley? Or, throw on some headphones and drown em out!
Not entirely untrue, but for about 95% of lifters, it’s 5% science and 95% affectation. Like wearing weight belts.
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joemac1988 wrote: »Can we add old dudes hanging out nude in the locker room? Ok, it's not just old dudes, but they're the overwhelming majority. The other day, this dude is blow drying his hair for like 5 minutes in the buff...seriously? You can't do that with underwear on?
Old dude law states you have to be naked for 98% of your time in the locker room. It's suggest you always have your leg propped up so your ancient bean bag can sway freely.
Dang. I didn't know that. What age does that kick in?2 -
joemac1988 wrote: »aliencheesecake wrote: »I think when gym’s sign up new members they should give them a gym etiquette lesson along with the tour of the gym. Maybe post up signs too for old members to remind them of things like:
Rerack your weights
Don’t stare
Don’t interrupt people when they are in the middle of a set
Wipe equipment don’t after use (nobody wants to lay in your sweat & dandruff)
If the row of cardio machines is empty, don’t get right next to the one person on the treadmill.
Don’t think it’s okay to use 3 machines at the same time when people are waiting to use them.
If you are just sitting on a machine to use your phone or chit chat with your friend. Get off of it until you are ready to use it.
I’m sure I’ll get criticized for this post. But it honestly seems like common sense & courtesy to me.
YES! And "No loud grunting or dropping weights!"
FFS it's right there on the wall. I hear dudes practically having anal aneurysms and then drop their weights and it annoys the *kitten* out of me.
Grunting: There are scientific studies that show if you grunt, you get a burst in strength. Google it.
Dropping weights: To quietly lower a weight (the eccentric portion) that is at or near your 1 rep max on a movement like deadlift, you would be putting yourself at high risk of injury.
I agree, some people grunt and bang unnecessarily but a gym is not meant to have a spa-like atmosphere. If you want serenity when you workout, maybe yoga is up your alley? Or, throw on some headphones and drown em out!
Not entirely untrue, but for about 95% of lifters, it’s 5% science and 95% affectation. Like wearing weight belts.
Ahhhhh...the "unnecessary weight belt" crew. They're special.2 -
joemac1988 wrote: »Can we add old dudes hanging out nude in the locker room? Ok, it's not just old dudes, but they're the overwhelming majority. The other day, this dude is blow drying his hair for like 5 minutes in the buff...seriously? You can't do that with underwear on?
The generational divide on this issue amuses me to no end. (I don’t have a position either way). It’s like the guys who have the most appropriate bodies for walking around nude are not interested, and the old physical wrecks can’t wait to let it all hang out—and hang, and hang, and hang.
So many things I have seen that can’t be unseen.
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joemac1988 wrote: »joemac1988 wrote: »aliencheesecake wrote: »I think when gym’s sign up new members they should give them a gym etiquette lesson along with the tour of the gym. Maybe post up signs too for old members to remind them of things like:
Rerack your weights
Don’t stare
Don’t interrupt people when they are in the middle of a set
Wipe equipment don’t after use (nobody wants to lay in your sweat & dandruff)
If the row of cardio machines is empty, don’t get right next to the one person on the treadmill.
Don’t think it’s okay to use 3 machines at the same time when people are waiting to use them.
If you are just sitting on a machine to use your phone or chit chat with your friend. Get off of it until you are ready to use it.
I’m sure I’ll get criticized for this post. But it honestly seems like common sense & courtesy to me.
YES! And "No loud grunting or dropping weights!"
FFS it's right there on the wall. I hear dudes practically having anal aneurysms and then drop their weights and it annoys the *kitten* out of me.
Grunting: There are scientific studies that show if you grunt, you get a burst in strength. Google it.
Dropping weights: To quietly lower a weight (the eccentric portion) that is at or near your 1 rep max on a movement like deadlift, you would be putting yourself at high risk of injury.
I agree, some people grunt and bang unnecessarily but a gym is not meant to have a spa-like atmosphere. If you want serenity when you workout, maybe yoga is up your alley? Or, throw on some headphones and drown em out!
Not entirely untrue, but for about 95% of lifters, it’s 5% science and 95% affectation. Like wearing weight belts.
Ahhhhh...the "unnecessary weight belt" crew. They're special.
You mean the “I’m curling 20s so I need to pure the 1.5” wide does nothing weight belt on” guys?
I love whipping out my Inzer when they’re around. I always feel like crocodile Dundee. “That’s not a belt, this is a belt”
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There are a few members who literally wear the same exact outfit to the gym every single day like it’s their uniform. Hey whatever you are comfortable wearing, I don’t treat the gym like a fashion show either. But I do secretly wonder if they wash it between visits.2 -
That's not my clothes... although I prefer to crop dust by the cardio machines and not the free weight area.
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I have a favorite treadmill and I don't care who is next to it or if there are hundreds that are empty. I am so going on my favorite. And I will give a person the stink eye if they are on my treadmill!!! LOL!
What makes a treadmill a favorite? I’m not trying to be funny, I’m genuinely curious.4 -
Also don't try to advise, train, correct other people unless you see something obviously dangerous (like an impending accident) or asked. Maybe not even then, that's what actual trainers are for. I have lower back and hip issues so I have to modify a lot of back exercises and cannot lunge or squat to parallel. I'm sick of random people who obviously don't know me or my issues telling me I'm doing it wrong because the broscience, magazine or their friend says so.
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jseams1234 wrote: »I lift heavy. I rest two minutes between sets. I use an app called "Strong" to track my workout and it comes with a rest timer. I usually just stare at my phone and that timer between sets - otherwise I might stare at someone in my vicinity.
I'm not getting off the bench or machine until I'm done with all my sets. However, if you want to "work in" please ask, I have no problem with that... it's also a great time to ask me how many sets I have left. This is also, in my opinion, common gym etiquette. Not everybody just runs around hitting every machine or bench in random order doing quick single sets with light weights.
Hey as long as you are willing to share the bench/machine & you clean up after yourself I don’t see anything rude or inconsiderate about that.3 -
joemac1988 wrote: »Can we add old dudes hanging out nude in the locker room? Ok, it's not just old dudes, but they're the overwhelming majority. The other day, this dude is blow drying his hair for like 5 minutes in the buff...seriously? You can't do that with underwear on?
The generational divide on this issue amuses me to no end. (I don’t have a position either way). It’s like the guys who have the most appropriate bodies for walking around nude are not interested, and the old physical wrecks can’t wait to let it all hang out—and hang, and hang, and hang.
So many things I have seen that can’t be unseen.
Amen. I get it...we're showering and changing. But I swear, there will be like 5 dudes in their 70's talking football for 10 minutes just danglin'.2 -
joemac1988 wrote: »joemac1988 wrote: »Can we add old dudes hanging out nude in the locker room? Ok, it's not just old dudes, but they're the overwhelming majority. The other day, this dude is blow drying his hair for like 5 minutes in the buff...seriously? You can't do that with underwear on?
The generational divide on this issue amuses me to no end. (I don’t have a position either way). It’s like the guys who have the most appropriate bodies for walking around nude are not interested, and the old physical wrecks can’t wait to let it all hang out—and hang, and hang, and hang.
So many things I have seen that can’t be unseen.
Amen. I get it...we're showering and changing. But I swear, there will be like 5 dudes in their 70's talking football for 10 minutes just danglin'.
I’m very grateful I don’t have to see any danglings in my locker room5 -
I have a favorite treadmill and I don't care who is next to it or if there are hundreds that are empty. I am so going on my favorite. And I will give a person the stink eye if they are on my treadmill!!! LOL!
What makes a treadmill a favorite? I’m not trying to be funny, I’m genuinely curious.
Sometimes it’s the “feel” of machine. My reason is more obscure. At my little gym, the cardio machines were purchased in stages. Two of cross trainers are side by side—they look and feel exactly alike—but one has a different software that calculates the calories more accurately. I’m a big data guy so I want my numbers to be consistent. So even though there might be 2 open machines across the room, and one person is on the CT next to the one I want, I use “my” cross trainer.
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joemac1988 wrote: »joemac1988 wrote: »aliencheesecake wrote: »I think when gym’s sign up new members they should give them a gym etiquette lesson along with the tour of the gym. Maybe post up signs too for old members to remind them of things like:
Rerack your weights
Don’t stare
Don’t interrupt people when they are in the middle of a set
Wipe equipment don’t after use (nobody wants to lay in your sweat & dandruff)
If the row of cardio machines is empty, don’t get right next to the one person on the treadmill.
Don’t think it’s okay to use 3 machines at the same time when people are waiting to use them.
If you are just sitting on a machine to use your phone or chit chat with your friend. Get off of it until you are ready to use it.
I’m sure I’ll get criticized for this post. But it honestly seems like common sense & courtesy to me.
YES! And "No loud grunting or dropping weights!"
FFS it's right there on the wall. I hear dudes practically having anal aneurysms and then drop their weights and it annoys the *kitten* out of me.
Grunting: There are scientific studies that show if you grunt, you get a burst in strength. Google it.
Dropping weights: To quietly lower a weight (the eccentric portion) that is at or near your 1 rep max on a movement like deadlift, you would be putting yourself at high risk of injury.
I agree, some people grunt and bang unnecessarily but a gym is not meant to have a spa-like atmosphere. If you want serenity when you workout, maybe yoga is up your alley? Or, throw on some headphones and drown em out!
Not entirely untrue, but for about 95% of lifters, it’s 5% science and 95% affectation. Like wearing weight belts.
Ahhhhh...the "unnecessary weight belt" crew. They're special.
You mean the “I’m curling 20s so I need to pure the 1.5” wide does nothing weight belt on” guys?
I love whipping out my Inzer when they’re around. I always feel like crocodile Dundee. “That’s not a belt, this is a belt”
Yeah, and the "I'm deadlifting more than my form can handle, better wear a belt" guys, or the "benching 225 for the first time, let's wrap up in this floppy walmart belt first" guys.
Inzer all the way but I rarely wear mine. My max deadlift is 520 and my form is fine and feels better strapless and beltless IMO... I'll throw it up near my squat max occasionally.2 -
jseams1234 wrote: »I lift heavy. I rest two minutes between sets. I use an app called "Strong" to track my workout and it comes with a rest timer. I usually just stare at my phone and that timer between sets - otherwise I might stare at someone in my vicinity.
I'm not getting off the bench or machine until I'm done with all my sets. However, if you want to "work in" please ask, I have no problem with that... it's also a great time to ask me how many sets I have left. This is also, in my opinion, common gym etiquette. Not everybody just runs around hitting every machine or bench in random order doing quick single sets with light weights.
Hey as long as you are willing to share the bench/machine & you clean up after yourself I don’t see anything rude or inconsiderate about that.
I do clean up - sometimes before.
What I've found surprising is that when it comes to people asking to "work in" it's usually women who have no problem asking. The guys just wander around giving me side-eye until I'm done. It's always made me wonder, as my wife says I look like I'm being tortured and in pain when I workout - perpetual scowl.
I do sometimes feel a bit uncomfortable when I'm resting and staring at my phone so I try to make the timer visible and obvious.0 -
There is this guy that makes the most disturbing noises while he showers, ie, grunting, moaning, violently blowing snot-rockets, blowing his nose, hoarking loogies, gagging, wheezing, etc. The few times that I have been in the locker area when there was another gym member we have looked at each other like "WTF is going on in there, should we call emergency services?" I get that taking a hot shower breaks things up, but seriously, it is a common area we all use, so maybe reserve the deep sinus-clearing for home? Also, for people who don't wear shower shoes in public showers, keep in mind that you are standing in some of that residue when you shower.4
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I have a favorite treadmill and I don't care who is next to it or if there are hundreds that are empty. I am so going on my favorite. And I will give a person the stink eye if they are on my treadmill!!! LOL!
What makes a treadmill a favorite? I’m not trying to be funny, I’m genuinely curious.
I use the one closest to the Wifi node and wobbles the least. I hate the feeling of "she shook the treadmill loose".
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I have a favorite treadmill and I don't care who is next to it or if there are hundreds that are empty. I am so going on my favorite. And I will give a person the stink eye if they are on my treadmill!!! LOL!
What makes a treadmill a favorite? I’m not trying to be funny, I’m genuinely curious.
For some odd reason it is more level and feels better on my knees when i run. It could be me but I try other treadmills and certain ones I just don't like. That particular one feels great on my knees when i run.4 -
I have a favorite treadmill and I don't care who is next to it or if there are hundreds that are empty. I am so going on my favorite. And I will give a person the stink eye if they are on my treadmill!!! LOL!
What makes a treadmill a favorite? I’m not trying to be funny, I’m genuinely curious.
Sometimes it’s the “feel” of machine. My reason is more obscure. At my little gym, the cardio machines were purchased in stages. Two of cross trainers are side by side—they look and feel exactly alike—but one has a different software that calculates the calories more accurately. I’m a big data guy so I want my numbers to be consistent. So even though there might be 2 open machines across the room, and one person is on the CT next to the one I want, I use “my” cross trainer.
I can definitely understand that. At my gym it’s huge & there are literally rows of treadmills & other cardio machines. It’s a brand new gym & so no equipment is old or has wear & tear. They are all exactly the same at this point. So it does confuse me when I'm one person on a treadmill that has 15 other open machines in the row & someone has to get on the one right next to me. I’m just thinking “Really?!”.0 -
newheavensearth wrote: »I have a favorite treadmill and I don't care who is next to it or if there are hundreds that are empty. I am so going on my favorite. And I will give a person the stink eye if they are on my treadmill!!! LOL!
What makes a treadmill a favorite? I’m not trying to be funny, I’m genuinely curious.
I use the one closest to the Wifi node and wobbles the least. I hate the feeling of "she shook the treadmill loose".I have a favorite treadmill and I don't care who is next to it or if there are hundreds that are empty. I am so going on my favorite. And I will give a person the stink eye if they are on my treadmill!!! LOL!
What makes a treadmill a favorite? I’m not trying to be funny, I’m genuinely curious.
Sometimes it’s the “feel” of machine. My reason is more obscure. At my little gym, the cardio machines were purchased in stages. Two of cross trainers are side by side—they look and feel exactly alike—but one has a different software that calculates the calories more accurately. I’m a big data guy so I want my numbers to be consistent. So even though there might be 2 open machines across the room, and one person is on the CT next to the one I want, I use “my” cross trainer.
I can definitely understand that too. But, at my gym it’s huge & there are literally rows of treadmills & other cardio machines. It’s a brand new gym & so no equipment is old or has wear & tear. They are all exactly the same at this point. So it does confuse me when I'm one person on a treadmill that has 15 other open machines in the row & someone has to get on the one right next to me. I’m just thinking “Really?!”.1 -
My gym does post rules but it doesn't mean people think they apply to them personally.2
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newheavensearth wrote: »I have a favorite treadmill and I don't care who is next to it or if there are hundreds that are empty. I am so going on my favorite. And I will give a person the stink eye if they are on my treadmill!!! LOL!
What makes a treadmill a favorite? I’m not trying to be funny, I’m genuinely curious.
I use the one closest to the Wifi node and wobbles the least. I hate the feeling of "she shook the treadmill loose".I have a favorite treadmill and I don't care who is next to it or if there are hundreds that are empty. I am so going on my favorite. And I will give a person the stink eye if they are on my treadmill!!! LOL!
What makes a treadmill a favorite? I’m not trying to be funny, I’m genuinely curious.
Sometimes it’s the “feel” of machine. My reason is more obscure. At my little gym, the cardio machines were purchased in stages. Two of cross trainers are side by side—they look and feel exactly alike—but one has a different software that calculates the calories more accurately. I’m a big data guy so I want my numbers to be consistent. So even though there might be 2 open machines across the room, and one person is on the CT next to the one I want, I use “my” cross trainer.
I can definitely understand that too. But, at my gym it’s huge & there are literally rows of treadmills & other cardio machines. It’s a brand new gym & so no equipment is old or has wear & tear. They are all exactly the same at this point. So it does confuse me when I'm one person on a treadmill that has 15 other open machines in the row & someone has to get on the one right next to me. I’m just thinking “Really?!”.
Same thing happens to dudes in urinals...lol3 -
joemac1988 wrote: »joemac1988 wrote: »Can we add old dudes hanging out nude in the locker room? Ok, it's not just old dudes, but they're the overwhelming majority. The other day, this dude is blow drying his hair for like 5 minutes in the buff...seriously? You can't do that with underwear on?
Old dude law states you have to be naked for 98% of your time in the locker room. It's suggest you always have your leg propped up so your ancient bean bag can sway freely.
Dang. I didn't know that. What age does that kick in?
i think it's based on the length of the ba11sack, not time spent on earth.
5 -
AGREE. Many of these are why I built a home gym because enough is enough. I just wanted to be left alone and ignored. I wiped machines before and after every use because people are gross.
The only one I would say be careful of judging is the phone thing. Some people enter workouts on their phones. That said, if they're sitting on a machine for more than 90 seconds on their phone, they're not checking the weights from last sesh.
Perhaps the proposed induction could include explaining to people why there is a need and purpose behind recovering between sets when lifting heavy?
And explaining that's the time to ask how many sets you have left or if you would be happy for someone to work in - not when you are mid-lift and trying to avoid being pinned to the bench (again).8 -
joemac1988 wrote: »If you believe the problem is a lack of knowledge, then your suggestion would work. However, if the problem is a lack of caring, it won't. I often will sit on the bench press bench, stand by the weights at the squat rack, keep my barbell at my feet during curls or barbell rows, between sets , but will yield to a "work in" request if made.
If someone has to ask, you've already been inconsiderate/unaware in my opinion. Kind of like being behind someone in the left lane, then since they're not moving over you pass them on the right and THEN they move over. Great; you realized you screwed up but only after I had to go around you.
So, somehow we are supposed to know when someone wants to "work in" on our ongoing use of an apparatus? Between sets, on the bench press, am I also to unload all the weights on the chance someone else wants to also use that bench, and reload when my recovery time is ending? I don't understand your objection, joemac.10 -
canadianlbs wrote: »joemac1988 wrote: »joemac1988 wrote: »Can we add old dudes hanging out nude in the locker room? Ok, it's not just old dudes, but they're the overwhelming majority. The other day, this dude is blow drying his hair for like 5 minutes in the buff...seriously? You can't do that with underwear on?
Old dude law states you have to be naked for 98% of your time in the locker room. It's suggest you always have your leg propped up so your ancient bean bag can sway freely.
Dang. I didn't know that. What age does that kick in?
i think it's based on the length of the ba11sack, not time spent on earth.
Wow, didn't know they were measured by length! I though it was area. I'm learning all sorts!0 -
I can definitely understand that too. But, at my gym it’s huge & there are literally rows of treadmills & other cardio machines. It’s a brand new gym & so no equipment is old or has wear & tear. They are all exactly the same at this point. So it does confuse me when I'm one person on a treadmill that has 15 other open machines in the row & someone has to get on the one right next to me. I’m just thinking “Really?!”.
The herd must stick together in case a lion springs out of the supply closet.11 -
FireOpalCO wrote: »nakedraygun wrote: »
Where should these guys grunt instead? Oh I know, perhaps when they at the library or church — maybe during a funeral — because a gym isn’t the place to exert yourself apparently.
It's one thing to make a noise while lifting weight. But if people can hear a person over the sounds being pumped out by their own earbuds way over in the cardio section, that's not exertion, it's a desperate cry for attention.
Well thank you for the arm chair psychology. I bet, in addition to this mind reading feat, you’re an amazingly qualified brain surgeon too.6 -
joemac1988 wrote: »If you believe the problem is a lack of knowledge, then your suggestion would work. However, if the problem is a lack of caring, it won't. I often will sit on the bench press bench, stand by the weights at the squat rack, keep my barbell at my feet during curls or barbell rows, between sets , but will yield to a "work in" request if made.
If someone has to ask, you've already been inconsiderate/unaware in my opinion. Kind of like being behind someone in the left lane, then since they're not moving over you pass them on the right and THEN they move over. Great; you realized you screwed up but only after I had to go around you.
So, somehow we are supposed to know when someone wants to "work in" on our ongoing use of an apparatus? Between sets, on the bench press, am I also to unload all the weights on the chance someone else wants to also use that bench, and reload when my recovery time is ending? I don't understand your objection, joemac.
Maybe I misunderstood. What I have an issue with is when someone is using dumbells and they take them off in the corner and they're doing 5 sets with a couple minutes rest in between. Great, you monopolized them for 15 minutes. What they SHOULD do, is bang out a set and re-rack them so they're available before their next set. If no one hoards, you will never be more than someone's single set (what, 45 seconds max?) away from being able to use them again.
Agreed, things like squat and bench you're going to tie up until you're done that movement. I've just never been asked to let someone work in because my weights are likely going to be different from yours. Usually when I've had to ask someone if I can "work in" it's when someone is texting while sitting on the chest fly, using a machine or bench strictly as a seat or place for their water bottle, or is hoarding a bunch of dumbells. And in those instances, me asking to "work in" is the polite version of "quit being a dick".5
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