How to look less approachable at the gym?

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  • MikePfirrman
    MikePfirrman Posts: 3,307 Member
    Bring a significant other with you! Had a lady kept on talking to me at the gym. She was so over the bounds of gym etiquette it wasn't funny. I felt sorry for her the first time -- you could tell she was just one of those lonely people but after a few times it was crazy! I wouldn't give eye contact, I would have headphones in, I literally would see her mouth moving and walk the other direction. My son worked out with me for a while and witnessed all this and found it incredibly funny -- funny enough to tell me wife that this woman would not leave me alone.

    Then, one day on the weekend (as I'm doing sprints on the rower -- not exactly an opening for a conversation), this woman stood behind me in the mirror and was trying to say "hi". My wife introduced herself to her! I thought I was going to dodo my pants! You don't mess with my wife!

    Funny thing is, then this woman tried to be HER best friend but at least she wasn't talking to me any longer!!! Success!
  • midlomel1971
    midlomel1971 Posts: 1,283 Member
    I'm really stunned that you have this problem. No one ever wants to approach me at the gym....lol. Like, I am heads down doing my thing, looking gross and trying to get it down and get out. I never see people socializing at all.
  • Kimmotion5783
    Kimmotion5783 Posts: 417 Member
    Hi Sam! I can appreciate where you're coming from- I don't mind a little small talk every now and then, but it's not a good time for a full-on conversation. Sure time is precious, but the gym is also my much-needed "me time" where I vent my frustrations of the day and recharge. There's nothing wrong with saying something like "I'm sorry, but I have to complete this workout and have limited time to do so" or "I don't mean to be rude, but I have to concentrate right now", etc. You're there for you, not them.
  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    mrsnattybulking wrote: »
    I find not wearing matching crop sweaters and tights helps. Also say no to pink Beats. Should do it!

    I think Pink beats, a crop top and tights might work for a dude :)
  • RachelElser
    RachelElser Posts: 1,049 Member
    Remember YOU are NOT there to provide chit chat.

    If someone tried to engage, say "I need to focus on my workout and can't talk" and then ignore them. No apology, no 'sorry' because you are not doing anything wrong.
  • Tacklewasher
    Tacklewasher Posts: 7,122 Member
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    mrsnattybulking wrote: »
    I find not wearing matching crop sweaters and tights helps. Also say no to pink Beats. Should do it!

    I think Pink beats, a crop top and tights might work for a dude :)

    But then they would be all sweaty for going out Friday night........
  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    edited March 2018
    Tacklewasher wrote: »
    stanmann571 wrote: »
    mrsnattybulking wrote: »
    I find not wearing matching crop sweaters and tights helps. Also say no to pink Beats. Should do it!

    I think Pink beats, a crop top and tights might work for a dude :)

    But then they would be all sweaty for going out Friday night........

    Is that a bad thing? ;)

    Cue Macklemore and Thriftshop.
  • bedwellchris
    bedwellchris Posts: 57 Member
    No eye contact works for me.
  • mulecanter
    mulecanter Posts: 1,792 Member
    Nobody ever talks to me at the gym, what am I doing wrong? Could it be that at 58 with graying hair and 30 pounds to lose that I am not as attractive as I think I am? Lol.
  • wellthenwhat
    wellthenwhat Posts: 526 Member
    I've got limited time, and I'm here, to work out, not chat, so have a great day
  • Keto_Vampire
    Keto_Vampire Posts: 1,670 Member
    Super set almost every exercise, making minimal eye contact, pay attention to who is working close by you, shift locations in the gym (away from groups if possible). People are hard pressed to talk when you are taking practically zero rest between sets (might not be feasible to do this though based on goals/fitness level).

    Lifting @ odd times (1am in 24 hour gyms, 5am was my standard in non 24 hour gyms) helpful too (time of day crowd really matters - mostly intense, veteran, get-in get-out lifters). Be good & spot should someone be hinting at you (pay attention to those around you, but don't make too much eye contact, just the minimum - you using X equipment? Spotting, work-in, etc.)

    I find wearing dull color clothing (black, grey mostly) and nothing too revealing (no tank tops, short shorts, etc.) helps too (hoodie/sweatshirt is also good if weather permits).
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