it's a pain.. some people would say ask to work in, but when you are just starting out and your weights are tiny compared to them that isn't much of an option, and if there are 3 of them already working in.. well at least they are being efficient with the equipment (probably take the same amount of time for the 3 of them as one person alone). I'd ask 'have you got many left' and get an idea, then say 'give me a shout when you're done please'.. and go off and do some dynamic stretching or gently cycling/cross trainer, then come back and lurk until they were done!

it is a frustration though, the squat rack should be mine, all mine!!

Yep, my gym is pretty large, like 28,000 square feet and they have ONE squat rack and a bunch of bro's that seem to have all the time in the world. So frustrating to have to wait for one squat rack when there are 3 of each type of machine sitting unused.

I have figured out that earlier Saturday and Sunday morning at 9am is a great time- I've never had to wait or share then. I'm hoping to figure out other lighter use times too that fit my schedule (I bet Friday night, for example, after they have all puffed themselves up to go out to a club might also be ok).

If it is busy, I have done some light cardio and waited. If I don't have that much time, I have reorganized my schedule, made that a cardio day and tried again the next day. I don't like that option, but working in wasn't really an option either. I am not a happy girl when that happens. I always stop by the desk and fill out a suggestion card to get another rack. They usually tell me "well, we have a Smith machine, have you tried that?" I just shake my head and leave.

yes, Friday night is a good time although I've found it takes until at least 8pm for it to really quieten down - but if I get there around 7, I usually hit it when the after workers are finishing and before the after dinnerers (I know that isn't a word!) get there.. I end up with dinner really really late, but it means the huz gets a run in and then gets home to throw the kids in bed.. so my workout days are usually Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, avoiding the hideousness of Monday and Tuesday!

I think the this to do is politely let 'em know you are waiting by asking how many sets they have left.

Sort of amusing story: I had to do this yesterday. We have 3 squat racks, but they were all in use. I went up to the middle guy, who was doing shrugs with, like, 4 45-lb plates on each side, and asked how many sets he had left. He looked kind of sheepish and said, 'Well, I can quit now, if you need the rack.' I assured him that I didn't want to rush him, just checking, but he said he was worn out and had been looking for a reason to finish. I helped him unload the plates, and he asked me how many of them I wanted to leave on there. Alas, I can't even squat 135 yet (I'm 5'4" and about 127#, and squat around 105#), so we had to take them all off, but I felt kind of flattered that he assumed I was stronger than I am. Of course, this was probably because he was a giant beefy guy and thinks 135 is nothing, rather than anything personal