Dealing with Gym Jerks? How do you handle it?

stryder77

I have a question to ask those that have been going to the gym and have more experience with dealing day in and day out with people there.

I go to a small gym that is 24 hours. Due to schedules with my job, wife, and kids daycare, I can only go to the gym between 5 and 6ish pm every day. Each day during that time there are 3 college kids that show up and hog all the weights I use, all the equipment I use, and tend to just stand around chit chatting instead of working out. They talk loud enough that I can hear them over they heavy metal music on my earphones.

The first couple times this happened, I would try to do other exercises while they finished what they are doing. This didn't work because I wouldn't get anytime on that equipment I needed to use. I tried to ask if I can work in my sets and they always say, 'we are in the middle of this and we will be done when we're done" and given flat looks for interupting their workout. I finally gave up and brought it up with the club manager and the club owner and they say I need to get along with them. I usually get the feeling that they are friends with the club manager so he doesn't say anything to them when they take over the equipment and weights like this.

I finally got fed up a month ago and blew up at the 3 of them for not getting their work done and hogging the equipment. That promptly got me a phone call from the club owner for not trying to work it out calmly.

Yesterday, i was running on the elliptical for my normal 35 min and at min 21, they walked in and took over the butterfly chest machine i use. The 3 of them then stood around and did 1 set a piece between themselves while they talked loud enough that I can hear them over the music in my headphones. They just sat around at this machine for almost 15 min talking to each other instead of working out. When I finished my elliptical workout and they happened to walked away from the machine for a minute, i jumped on it to get my stuff done. I got ugly looks from them for taking it over without asking but I was frustrated by then.

How do the folks that have more experience with gym etiquette and dealing with people like this handle it? I know I shouldn't lose my temper or get frustrated. I can do other workouts till they are ready but seems like these guys are young and don't really care to show any other of the gyms members any respect for what they are trying to do. I'm there to work hard, get my stuff done and get out to get my kid from daycare before it closes. I don't have time to wait around for these 3 jerks to do their thing. I've also tried to be patient with them but my patience is wearing very thin.

Thank you for any advice in advance.

GiddyupTim

Sounds impossible. Guys sometimes linger and socialize in the gym. But then, they definitely should let you work in. Maybe you just have to find another gym.
And, write the owner or manager a letter, carefully detailing why you are leaving, with specifics (guys spent 15 minutes on this machine on this date, not working; and people need to be able to come in and get their workouts done in a reasonable amount of time.) Let them know that you are going to go out of your way, every time you get a chance, to dissuade others from joining their gym. You'd be burning your bridges there. But who cares? If you cannot get what you want out of a gym, it is not the place for you.

RGv2

Sounds impossible. People sometimes linger and socialize in the gym. But then, they definitely should let you work in. Maybe you just have to find another gym.
And, write the owner or manager a letter, carefully detailing why you are leaving, with specifics (guys spent 15 minutes on this machine on this date, not working; and people need to be able to come in and get their workouts done in a reasonable amount of time.) Let them know that you are going to go out of your way, every time you get a chance, to dissuade others from joining their gym. You'd be burning your bridges there. But who cares? If you cannot get what you want out of a gym, it is not the place for you.

Fixed.

stryder77

well as much as I want to leave, i'm tied into a contract with them till next year. I have to find a way around these guys till i can pay to get out of the contract or find someone to take it over.

gemmamummy

I would suggest they are all acting so macho as there are three of them. I expect there are other people around the gym who think the same as you. Is there anyone you can buddy up with and play them at there own game? Or even get your buddy to complain to the manager, he might take more action if he knows that a few members are getting cheesed off with them.

deviant_illusion

What about changing up your weight training and going to more free-weights and dumbbells? I personally think you will see better results than using a machine.

WakkoW

I'm not sure what your goals are, but I would suggesting using the cardio machines after lifting weights. From your example above, you could have had 30 minutes of lifting in peace.

Personally, I never do cardio before lifting because it makes me too tired and lifting is more important to me than cardo. I will, however, do some walking after lifting if I have time.

GiddyupTim

Thanks, RG. I was using "guys" as an inclusive term. Did not mean to imply it was exclusively male.

WakkoW

What about changing up your weight training and going to more free-weights and dumbbells? I personally think you will see better results than using a machine.

This also. I don't have a clue how to use most of the machines and I have been at this for a while. Stick with dumbbells and barbells.

Cherimoose

Learn new exercises, so you're not married to certain machines. Besides, the butterfly machine isn't the best choice if your goal is fat loss or functional strength.
Also, do weights before cardio. It's generally better.

RGv2

Thanks, RG. I was using "guys" as an inclusive term. Did not mean to imply it was exclusively male.

It's all good, I had a solid LOL over it. At my facility, the "ladies" do all of the socializing, standing over equipment, and talk so loud I can hear them over my headphones.

stryder77

I've always done my cardio first. I'm just used to doing it that way.

As for new exercises, i tend to do several different free weights and machines. This is a small gym and they only have one pair of 30lb weights, 35lb weights, etc. They only have 1 straight bench and 3 adjustable.

From what y'all are saying though is to switch gyms some how. I haven't seen any other solutions as to how to deal with them.

Without highjacking the thread, why do weights before cardio? the trainer i went to said it didn't really matter since i'm doing HIIT (high intensity interval training.) Getting my heart rate up from cardio before my weights makes it easier to keep my heart rate up while i lift. My heart rate also stays high well after i'm done for the day.

I'm also seeing good results from how I'm currently doing it so I don't want to change too much till i have to. I'm mostly trying to address how to deal with these 3 college jerks that apparently only go to this gym to bull**** instead of do any real work.

Thanks.

dixiewhiskey

I would try talking with them and ask if you can work a set during their rest... BS I know but atleast they get the hint nicely that they need to hurry the f up. I agree with everyone to go with free weights and dumbbells but sometimes people hog up those too.

I should take my own advice though, I still have trouble dealing with this:

MinnieInMaine

I'd try to have another talk with the gym manager and/or owner in a calm, clear manner (maybe even write all our points down and bring that with you to the meeting so you have soemthing to go by and something to give them as well). Be clear that you have tried to politely ask to work in with these guys and they refused and this is why you finally blew up. You pay dues just like they do and have a right to use the machines. Maybe even site the rules if that helps. And if a resolution can't be found, you'd like to be able to quit without penalties.

dixiewhiskey

I'd try to have another talk with the gym manager and/or owner in a calm, clear manner (maybe even write all our points down and bring that with you to the meeting so you have soemthing to go by and something to give them as well). Be clear that you have tried to politely ask to work in with these guys and they refused and this is why you finally blew up. You pay dues just like they do and have a right to use the machines. Maybe even site the rules if that helps. And if a resolution can't be found, you'd like to be able to quit without penalties.

Great advice

brizzeem

All you have to do is be confident in yourself in which will show confidence and appreciation to others in the gym.....don't complain to the owner....change your routine just because of someone else....write a letter....it will get you no where.......

If you have to use equipment in which someone else is "using" simply approach them and ask how many more reps. This provides you witha time estimate so you can move to other equipment depending how many more they have AND it makes them aware that someone is in line waiting to use the equipment.

It's that simple...disregard your history with them and apply the above.

wolfsbayne

I would try talking with them and ask if you can work a set during their rest... BS I know but atleast they get the hint nicely that they need to hurry the f up. I agree with everyone to go with free weights and dumbbells but sometimes people hog up those too.

I should take my own advice though, I still have trouble dealing with this:

I just saw this the other day in my gym.

Deipneus

well as much as I want to leave, i'm tied into a contract with them till next year. I have to find a way around these guys till i can pay to get out of the contract or find someone to take it over.

I would go to the owner and say that while I agree that I shouldn't have lost my cool, it's a real problem. I'd say: "I should have come to you first. Well, I'm here now. What can you do?'

If he isn't helpful, I'd tell him that since you aren't getting full use of it, you would like to end the contract. If he says no, there's always small claims court. That and blistering online reviews plastered from A to Yelp.

Commander_Keen

I would say turn about is fair play.
take some time off of work, get to the gym early and hug the equipment, do exactly what they do to you,
and let them say something to you.

The other route, is to say this.
Look I think we got off on the wrong foot, we both belong here and I need access to the equipment just as much as you do.
We can either play nice, or I can be an *kitten* too, I get here early and just hug the equipment just like you do.
and bull **** around, just like you do.. its a social hall. Its up to you.

dixiewhiskey

I would try talking with them and ask if you can work a set during their rest... BS I know but atleast they get the hint nicely that they need to hurry the f up. I agree with everyone to go with free weights and dumbbells but sometimes people hog up those too.

I should take my own advice though, I still have trouble dealing with this:

I just saw this the other day in my gym.

Makes me angry beyond belief. I went to my gym super early in the AM and two jerks were curling in both squat racks like it was normal. They would rest for 5 minutes then start curling again. I know I could do something else but still... no curling in the squat rack!!

__freckles__

Is it like 24 Hour Fitness where you can go to another gym in the area? What about working out after the kids go to bed? Before? Is there really no other time you can workout?

WakkoW

I've always done my cardio first. I'm just used to doing it that way.

As for new exercises, i tend to do several different free weights and machines. This is a small gym and they only have one pair of 30lb weights, 35lb weights, etc. They only have 1 straight bench and 3 adjustable.

From what y'all are saying though is to switch gyms some how. I haven't seen any other solutions as to how to deal with them.

Without highjacking the thread, why do weights before cardio? the trainer i went to said it didn't really matter since i'm doing HIIT (high intensity interval training.) Getting my heart rate up from cardio before my weights makes it easier to keep my heart rate up while i lift. My heart rate also stays high well after i'm done for the day.

I'm also seeing good results from how I'm currently doing it so I don't want to change too much till i have to. I'm mostly trying to address how to deal with these 3 college jerks that apparently only go to this gym to bull**** instead of do any real work.

Thanks.

I always lift first because my focus is on technique and strength. My current goals revolve around the Olympic lifts and I'm simply too tired after cardio to perform them properly.

If you're seeing the results that you are after then don't change is up.

I don't know what to tell you about how to handle these guys. The only time I ever had any trouble was when I first started lifting in my 20s and had no idea what I was doing. I just ignored the guy and he finally quit the gym or just stopped coming. But then, I'm a female who is very comfortable around a weight room.

Cherimoose

Without highjacking the thread, why do weights before cardio?

Because 1) it may unsync your schedule with theirs, and 2) It can be harder to lift safely and with the proper effort level after doing 35 minutes of HIIT.

Getting my heart rate up from cardio before my weights makes it easier to keep my heart rate up while i lift. My heart rate also stays high well after i'm done for the day.

The purpose of lifting isn't to keep your heart rate up - that's what's cardio is for. It's perfectly acceptable for the HR to go down between sets. The difference in calories burned is negligible.
By the way, fit people have a lower resting heart rate, not an elevated one. I would suspect a lack of sleep, but that's getting off topic..

This is a small gym and they only have one pair of 30lb weights, 35lb weights, etc. They only have 1 straight bench and 3 adjustable.

Inmates workout in prison cells with no equipment, so you can certainly workout in that gym without ever waiting for anyone. You just need to diversify and learn new options. For example, weighted push-ups, bodyweight rows, goblet squats, and other compound movements. If you're a creature of habit, you will encounter lots of frustration in gyms.

Laquincy

I would try talking with them and ask if you can work a set during their rest... BS I know but atleast they get the hint nicely that they need to hurry the f up. I agree with everyone to go with free weights and dumbbells but sometimes people hog up those too.

I should take my own advice though, I still have trouble dealing with this:

I just saw this the other day in my gym.

I dealt with this the other day as well. Not only was he curling in the squat rack...he would sit down after 1 set for like 5 minutes and mess with his phone. I wanted to break him.

JMoore221979

I can't say I have ever had this problem. If the gym is worth going to the manager/owner would be on them about it. I tend to agree with a previous poster and switch over to free weights if they are using the machines you want and vice versa. I usually have a backup plan if certain things are being used but maybe that's harder for newer people. Unfortunately in the end the guys are just being jerks and it doesn't sound like anything then quitting and paying off a early termination fee or switching your routine will work. If you do quit and go to another gym I would talk to the owner and tell him exactly why you are leaving and that you tried to work it out with him/her.

stryder77

My wife goes in the evening so I'm stuck at home with the kids and can't leave.

It is like anytime fitness but there is only 1 gym of theirs in town at this time. I heard they might build another but i'll hopefully be out of my contract with them by then.

Madame_Goldbricker

OP if you are wanting to switch gyms & get out of the contract you could; explain to the manager its not fit for purpose as you can't use the equipment. If its a franchise get in touch with the HO & say the manager didn't help you resolve the issue. Or go to your Dr with an injury & ask for a letter stating you have the said injury & can't work out for 3-6mths (most gyms have this in the cancellation clause)

*The last option may technically not be that ethical - but if you can't find another resolution its an option.

Gearjammer71

I would challenge them to combat! No I really wouldn't... I would just find something else to do until they were done snuggling and moved on. If you feel the gym is not able to provide the services that they've outlined in your contract start complaining in writing. Make sure your complaints are specific and detailed and state your expectations and give deadlines. State that your intent is to terminate the agreement if the deficiencies are not met. Terminating deficient contracts is part of my responsibility at work and I have never failed provided that our complaints were legitimate, documented, and an attempt was made to remedy the deficiency.

JoRocka

I would try talking with them and ask if you can work a set during their rest... BS I know but atleast they get the hint nicely that they need to hurry the f up. I agree with everyone to go with free weights and dumbbells but sometimes people hog up those too.

I should take my own advice though, I still have trouble dealing with this:

I just saw this the other day in my gym.

I dealt with this the other day as well. Not only was he curling in the squat rack...he would sit down after 1 set for like 5 minutes and mess with his phone. I wanted to break him.

WOWO back up boys.
You do realize EVERYONE rests between sets. That's really normal. Lots of people sit down or on stuff between sets.
I sit down between my sets- so what- I'm not holding any body up- and if I am- they can come ask me how much more I have.

The guy next to me deadlifting pulled 345 for several sets of several reps.... after he finished his deadlift sets- he did his curls. In the squat rack- no one was waiting. I gave him some mild ribbing (he offered the rack to me if I needed it) but we had a fun joke about it and moved on. Seriously- get over it.


OP- you were wrong. Instead of handling it politely- you blew up at them with no prior conversation (least the way I read that)- you should have asked first.

Besides- it's not YOUR equipment- it's the gyms. They have a right to use it to. Either find a way to play nice or get your own gym.

ahamm002

As for new exercises, i tend to do several different free weights and machines. This is a small gym and they only have one pair of 30lb weights, 35lb weights, etc. They only have 1 straight bench and 3 adjustable.

A few benches and dumbells are more than enough to get a great workout. In fact, it'll probably be a better workout then you're getting with the machines. You can easily do supersets or circuit training with the benches and dumbells. Those college morons might be doing you a favor by nudging you away from machines.

You could also try exercising before work. I now get up at 5am to hit the gym in the morning b/c I can't do it after work anymore. There are FAR less people at the gym in the morning and the crowd is much more mature.

WakkoW

I would try talking with them and ask if you can work a set during their rest... BS I know but atleast they get the hint nicely that they need to hurry the f up. I agree with everyone to go with free weights and dumbbells but sometimes people hog up those too.

I should take my own advice though, I still have trouble dealing with this:

I just saw this the other day in my gym.

I dealt with this the other day as well. Not only was he curling in the squat rack...he would sit down after 1 set for like 5 minutes and mess with his phone. I wanted to break him.

WOWO back up boys.
You do realize EVERYONE rests between sets. That's really normal. Lots of people sit down or on stuff between sets.
I sit down between my sets- so what- I'm not holding any body up- and if I am- they can come ask me how much more I have.

The guy next to me deadlifting pulled 345 for several sets of several reps.... after he finished his deadlift sets- he did his curls. In the squat rack- no one was waiting. I gave him some mild ribbing (he offered the rack to me if I needed it) but we had a fun joke about it and moved on. Seriously- get over it.


OP- you were wrong. Instead of handling it politely- you blew up at them with no prior conversation (least the way I read that)- you should have asked first.

Besides- it's not YOUR equipment- it's the gyms. They have a right to use it to. Either find a way to play nice or get your own gym.

Yeah, I was just about to reply to this.

If you're not in need of the squat rack, why get all bent on how someone else uses the equipment?

And if you do want it to do squats, just nicely ask the person using it how long they will be and let them know you want to do squats. I have never once had anyone refuse this type of request before.