Gym Etiquette Rant
Replies
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if you're "doing your thing" so close to the racks of weights that people have to wait for you to finish or squeeze in front of you to get to the dumbbells or plates, you're doing your thing in the wrong spot and you're the rude one, not the other person. yes, they should wait, but no, you should not be in a place that prevents other people from accessing the equipment.
Once again, 'my thing' is my lifting time. The end of the rug/area was just behind me and the weights in front of me. There are only two proper places for lifters. In the middle and taking up most of the room is the bench press. Not my fault if my gym is set up like that.
There is no "proper place for lifters"
unless we are talking about squatting, OHP, or bench in which case.. you squat in the squat rack- over head press in the squat rack or bench on the bench.
seriously- you can pick up DB's and move them anywhere- I dead lift anywhere- we have like 8 benches- and 3 squat racks. I will only monopolize the squat rack for squatting and OHP and occasionally for my full dead lift sets depending on how crowded it is- I *prefer* to do them at the racks- but I have no shame moving the bar somewhere else to free up space.
PS- this has nothing to do with you being a woman.And contrary to what one of the above posters said, I find the guys in the free weight area to be incredibly polite and friendly. Of course, I'm a 6'1" 230 lb black guy with huge arms and a shaved head, so YMMV. No, but seriously, when I've watched other guys at the gym interact with women, noobs, smaller lifters or whatever, I've found everyone to be extremely courteous. The trick is, almost no one LOOKS courteous and polite. Headphones on, aggressive music playing loudly, mind focused on defeated the iron, none of us looks like a Wal-Mart greeter. But if you ask someone for help, or space, or a spot, or how many sets they have left, they snap out of it and will answer you politely.
I'm pretty much the opposite of you- white- hair- pasty... and only 5'8". I bump chests and rough house with the best of them for iron.... some of my best friends there are your size. I would fully concur with what you said- they LOOK mean- but everyone is often SUPER helpful- and super nice.
The regulars anyway... yeah there are ALWAYS a few douchcanoes but it happens. When I do walking lunges- usually by the time I'm done- I can't lift the bar over my head- someone always helps... and often it's not someone I actually know. Usually just some stranger. And I've come to aid more than one person who needed a spot or a lift.
It is what it is- that's the gym community.
If I had to rant one thing
it would be women who tend to ***** about "all the guys in the free weight section" and "lack of smaller weights' who bogard all the 10-20 lb weights and walk off with them to some recessed corner and then don't feel like they are obligated to bring them back... same said people ***** about never having weights.Like I've said before, a lot of these gym etiquette rants really come down to the ranter not knowing what gym etiquette actually is
grumble0 -
Wait, so the problem is that they blocked the view of yourself in the mirror? THAT'S the issue here? Lol. You only get the space where you're standing, not the entire plane in the front of you.
Double lol at a gym noob criticizing form and saying who is going to get hurt or not. The good people of this forum just gave you free advice to prevent you from hurting yourself by stretching before lifting and you seem put out by it. I'd concentrate on not getting hurt yourself if I were you.
Like I've said before, a lot of these gym etiquette rants really come down to the ranter not knowing what gym etiquette actually is
Uh yeah! Sorry but standing in front of someone for a fecking long time like that is rude, not just in a gym but anywhere! Focusing on form is my main goal at the moment and with someone in the way it becomes difficult no? Why are mirrors there in the first place? Not so someone can stand in front of it all day deciding what weight to use. Most of the other lifters there, having been there more than a week have common decency. Maybe I don't know everything about gyms but I know when someone is being rude to me.
No, I'm not an expert, I've only just started lifting heavy, but I've been doing weights and been in this gym for months now so I do know a thing about gym etiquette. Standing around huffing and puffing, waiting for a spot is RUDE. Standing in front of someone when they're clearly lifting weight and watching themselves in mirror is RUDE. Almost hitting the person holding heavy weights is RUDE. I'm not being vain, I'm focusing on not hurting myself.
And well done on your intelligence when you have to resort to calling someone a noob. That's very helpful.0 -
There is no "proper place for lifters"
unless we are talking about squatting, OHP, or bench in which case.. you squat in the squat rack- over head press in the squat rack or bench on the bench.
seriously- you can pick up DB's and move them anywhere- I dead lift anywhere- we have like 8 benches- and 3 squat racks. I will only monopolize the squat rack for squatting and OHP and occasionally for my full dead lift sets depending on how crowded it is- I *prefer* to do them at the racks- but I have no shame moving the bar somewhere else to free up space.
PS- this has nothing to do with you being a woman.
If I had to rant one thing
it would be women who tend to ***** about "all the guys in the free weight section" and "lack of smaller weights' who bogard all the 10-20 lb weights and walk off with them to some recessed corner and then don't feel like they are obligated to bring them back... same said people ***** about never having weights.Like I've said before, a lot of these gym etiquette rants really come down to the ranter not knowing what gym etiquette actually is
grumble
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We do have a designated area for weight lifting as that's the only place with mirrors. Seriously there are only about 3-4. It wasn't about being a woman to me, but people in my area are like that unfortunately. It doesn't usually bother me, but yesterday it did.
I'll get a pic of my gym if I can to prove how small it is as everyone seems in doubt. I would take weights with me to the stretching area but I don't like interrupting people lifting when I have to return the weights.0 -
Wait, so the problem is that they blocked the view of yourself in the mirror? THAT'S the issue here? Lol. You only get the space where you're standing, not the entire plane in the front of you.
Double lol at a gym noob criticizing form and saying who is going to get hurt or not. The good people of this forum just gave you free advice to prevent you from hurting yourself by stretching before lifting and you seem put out by it. I'd concentrate on not getting hurt yourself if I were you.
Like I've said before, a lot of these gym etiquette rants really come down to the ranter not knowing what gym etiquette actually is
Uh yeah! Sorry but standing in front of someone for a fecking long time like that is rude, not just in a gym but anywhere! Focusing on form is my main goal at the moment and with someone in the way it becomes difficult no? Why are mirrors there in the first place? Not so someone can stand in front of it all day deciding what weight to use. Most of the other lifters there, having been there more than a week have common decency. Maybe I don't know everything about gyms but I know when someone is being rude to me.
No, I'm not an expert, I've only just started lifting heavy, but I've been doing weights and been in this gym for months now so I do know a thing about gym etiquette. Standing around huffing and puffing, waiting for a spot is RUDE. Standing in front of someone when they're clearly lifting weight and watching themselves in mirror is RUDE. Almost hitting the person holding heavy weights is RUDE. I'm not being vain, I'm focusing on not hurting myself.
And well done on your intelligence when you have to resort to calling someone a noob. That's very helpful.
No, but how do you REALLY feel about this :huh:
:laugh: I keed I keed :blushing:
Apparently you feel very strongly about this, and so either decide it's a deal breaker and look for other viable options or start throwin' 'bows
Either way, it'll work itself out.
Don't let it get you all riled up, there's plenty in the world to get your dander up about, this at least you have some control over if you choose to :drinker:0 -
Sorry, I was editing and a lot of the quotes got cut out, but that's all quote before my reply. -_-'0
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Weider 25 lb SpeedWeight Adjustable Dumbbell $59.00 x2
Universal UB300 Flat/Incline/Decline Bench $110.00
Gold's Gym Door Gym $19.97
Total $247.97
My suggestion is to replace the cost of your gym with a selective weight set like above and do your thing at home. Add an incline/decline bench and it will fit into your living space easily. Drop a mirror in front of you and problem is solved.
Spend a bit more for a better set and you can do any workout you want.
My space is mine. When I was young I could go to a concert and get bumped around smashed like sardines and didn't care much. Now, my arm distance is your danger area. Stay out of my arm distance, or lose a finger or something more.
People today have lost all sense of common decency, I think the constant rude behavior is attributed to non stop reality TV and glorified outbursts that dominate the news...But hey that's me.
I've used weights for over 30 years and I have always stretched out prior to and during working out. Maybe because it's been 30 years, but my muscles need stretching to work right. For me, I'll tear something or pull something if I don't.
Thank you, I'll have a look at getting my own weights at home. Also I 'm glad someone else stretches beforehand. Everyone's acting likes it the end of the world or something. I do a warm up first then static stretches after lifting for a cool down. That what I've been taught by my dad (PT) but if it's not for everyone then fine.0 -
so......
it's rude to call a noob a noob? it's not a criticism, it's what you are. we were all noobs once.
and get over the mirrors. mirrors aren't some gym right. my gym has a wall of windows across the two longest sides of the lifting area. lots of gyms don't have mirrors on many walls but that doesn't mean it's not a lifting area. it's a gym. any area that is safe to lift in IS the lifting area. access to mirrors has nothing to do with whether a spot is "designated for lifting" or not. Mirrors are nice and all, but there are a ton of exercises where staring at yourself in the mirror is a good way to lose your form.0 -
We do have a designated area for weight lifting as that's the only place with mirrors. Seriously there are only about 3-4. It wasn't about being a woman to me, but people in my area are like that unfortunately. It doesn't usually bother me, but yesterday it did.
I'll get a pic of my gym if I can to prove how small it is as everyone seems in doubt. I would take weights with me to the stretching area but I don't like interrupting people lifting when I have to return the weights.
But everyone has to deal with this at some point. We have the rack of dumbbells with the mirror behind it and benches in front, just like every gym I've ever been in and people have to get their weights, and they have to return them. You shouldn't be hesitant to do that in front of someone's workout, it's a necessity. And if that is what was happening in front of you that has you all twisted, you may need to step back and consider that this is how people have to share space sometimes.
So this is what I am coming to understand, you are set up in this same sort of area doing your squats and are upset that people are stepping in front of you to get the weights they need and they are blocking your access to a mirror so you can check your form, right? Well, forget watching yourself in the mirror because that is a good way to not be in correct form. See Dave's comment about losing form. This is the absolute truth and he knows what he is talking about. I go out of my way to avoid looking in the mirrors or my form goes to crap. If you want to really make sure you are set right, you need to be video taping yourself and you don't need a mirror for that. Problem solved.0 -
We do have a designated area for weight lifting as that's the only place with mirrors. Seriously there are only about 3-4. It wasn't about being a woman to me, but people in my area are like that unfortunately. It doesn't usually bother me, but yesterday it did.
I'll get a pic of my gym if I can to prove how small it is as everyone seems in doubt. I would take weights with me to the stretching area but I don't like interrupting people lifting when I have to return the weights.
But everyone has to deal with this at some point. We have the rack of dumbbells with the mirror behind it and benches in front, just like every gym I've ever been in and people have to get their weights, and they have to return them. You shouldn't be hesitant to do that in front of someone's workout, it's a necessity. And if that is what was happening in front of you that has you all twisted, you may need to step back and consider that this is how people have to share space sometimes.
So this is what I am coming to understand, you are set up in this same sort of area doing your squats and are upset that people are stepping in front of you to get the weights they need and they are blocking your access to a mirror so you can check your form, right? Well, forget watching yourself in the mirror because that is a good way to not be in correct form. See Dave's comment about losing form. This is the absolute truth and he knows what he is talking about. I go out of my way to avoid looking in the mirrors or my form goes to crap. If you want to really make sure you are set right, you need to be video taping yourself and you don't need a mirror for that. Problem solved.
I can understand what you're saying and thank you for putting it a bit nicer. Yes it's the internet but I still prefer talking to people who talk to me, not at me. Am I getting too hung up on my form then? I have a tendency to arch my back and bend my head down if I'm not watching myself. Maybe I was hyped up on adrenaline so it all became skewed. My point still stand though. If you can see someone is looking in a mirror, don't just stand there. In fact don't stand around the weights at all! Pick em and move on.0 -
What is wrong with these people?
They are male, Magenta. They think they have more right to be there than you do - simple!0 -
What is wrong with these people?
They are male, Magenta. They think they have more right to be there than you do - simple!
Sometimes I get crappy service at a restaurant and I wonder if it's because I'm black. Maybe. But most of the time it's just a crappy restaurant or server and everyone is getting treated to crap service. Those guys at her gym would have done the same thing if I was trying to look in the mirror. No one owns mirror rights. It's not a man vs woman thing0 -
What is wrong with these people?
They are male, Magenta. They think they have more right to be there than you do - simple!
That's not been my experience at all actually. Not saying it doesn't happen, but it's a pretty generic stereotype. Also, the girls are much worse than the guys at my gym. They are hardcore and pretty awesome.0 -
So, I have a solution.
Find a gym like this.
http://www.chromepersonaltraining.com/
Cost will prevent pile ups, and you can get your liftin' on without having to worry. Plus, when you have a question, the folks there will be on point with answers. Done and done.0 -
What is wrong with these people?
They are male, Magenta. They think they have more right to be there than you do - simple!
That's not been my experience at all actually. Not saying it doesn't happen, but it's a pretty generic stereotype. Also, the girls are much worse than the guys at my gym. They are hardcore and pretty awesome.
Unga, me man. Me have club. Me own world.
Unga. Boobs.0 -
What is wrong with these people?
They are male, Magenta. They think they have more right to be there than you do - simple!
And with that kind of attitude you will likely find it to be the case.
I work in a male dominated profession. I never approach a situation with the attitude that I am being treated different because I am a woman. Surprisingly, I've never found that I am treated differently because I am a woman.0 -
What is wrong with these people?
They are male, Magenta. They think they have more right to be there than you do - simple!
That's not been my experience at all actually. Not saying it doesn't happen, but it's a pretty generic stereotype. Also, the girls are much worse than the guys at my gym. They are hardcore and pretty awesome.
Unga, me man. Me have club. Me own world.
Unga. Boobs.
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They should have waited until you were completely done with your workout before they went and got weights for themselves that is so frikking rude omg!!!!0
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What is wrong with these people?
They are male, Magenta. They think they have more right to be there than you do - simple!
Wow, that's quite the sweeping generalization you have there. You might want to get that checked out.0 -
What is wrong with these people?
They are male, Magenta. They think they have more right to be there than you do - simple!
And with that kind of attitude you will likely find it to be the case.
I work in a male dominated profession. I never approach a situation with the attitude that I am being treated different because I am a woman. Surprisingly, I've never found that I am treated differently because I am a woman.
^This is an excellent point. I have noticed this for myself at well.0 -
That rocks!0 -
if you're "doing your thing" so close to the racks of weights that people have to wait for you to finish or squeeze in front of you to get to the dumbbells or plates, you're doing your thing in the wrong spot and you're the rude one, not the other person. yes, they should wait, but no, you should not be in a place that prevents other people from accessing the equipment.
I agree with OP - In my gym there isn't another place to "go". They will not let you take the free weights or the barbells out of the "cushioned" area...and they just keep encroaching on the free weight/bench area with silly machine thingys that no one uses! drives me nuts...do we REALLY need a ladder hanging from the sky?? Instead, we just stand around and wait for each other and YES there are the occaisional Poo Heads that think they own the world; and yes, there are days i threaten to go to a different gym. However, i have learned to put up with the inconvenience becasue the price is right, the location is great and the cardio room kicks butt.0 -
When I lift my sessions are front ended with a larger muscle group and my warm up is lighter to heavier sets of that, so don't judge based on what you think is acceptible warm up.
As far as shuffling around, I suppose I'd need more information, but I workout in a small gym and a large gym. The large gym is nice, but at the small gym we tend to jockey around each other to exercise. You get it in where and when you can, that's it. It's funny because instead of scowling at each other it's become a really comfortable environment where we all lift, occassionally ask about the kids or holiday plans or whatever, and get along all friendly like.0 -
What is wrong with these people?
They are male, Magenta. They think they have more right to be there than you do - simple!
I was unaware that being male was a problem- it's just a state of being- plumbing issues as it were.
It isn't a problem. You're high horse though on the other hand... might be more of an issue- how do you get any lifting done up there on that thing?
thisAnd with that kind of attitude you will likely find it to be the case.
I work in a male dominated profession. I never approach a situation with the attitude that I am being treated different because I am a woman. Surprisingly, I've never found that I am treated differently because I am a woman.
to the millionth degree. I've been working/living/functioning in a male dominated world since I was 18. I have never been treated any differently as long as I assume we are all there to get a job done.0 -
They are male, Magenta. They think they have more right to be there than you do - simple!And with that kind of attitude you will likely find it to be the case.
I work in a male dominated profession. I never approach a situation with the attitude that I am being treated different because I am a woman. Surprisingly, I've never found that I am treated differently because I am a woman.
to the millionth degree. I've been working/living/functioning in a male dominated world since I was 18. I have never been treated any differently as long as I assume we are all there to get a job done.
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Can't agree enough - male dominated world here too. Honestly, the women that have the "I have to prove something, because I am a woman" are the biggest pains in the butt for everyone. I'd much rather just work with the guys.0 -
dup. I suck at quoting.0
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[quote
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just add an end brackets- should do it for you.0 -
Well, this thread got interesting.
I'm a woman in my early 40's (41 to be exact, yeah I'm getting old), and I have never once felt out of place or intimidated in the gym lifting weights. I started in my late 20's.
Regarding form: the only way to check your form is to video yourself or have someone qualified to watch you. If you're relying on the mirrors, your form will not be correct. You will injure your neck.
Also, as a noob, please don't assume that someone else's form is off. I was doing heavy clean pulls once and someone (well meaning I'm sure), told me I was doing deadlifts wrong. I simply explained that I wasn't doing deadlifts and told him about clean and snatch pulls. I also know my form on these is fine because I take olympic lifting classes twice a week and have a coach to critique me.
My current gym is small and I have had problems with the elderly walking behind me while doing heavy overhead squats. And people woking out right in front of the dumbbells! That is the worst. ! My solution is to find another gym. I love the hours of my current gym, I just want something that is more suited to my current goals. I will miss the old folks, but if I want to improve my snatch, I need a place with platforms and bumper weights.
So, OP, if your current gym isn't suited to you, find another place.
(And don't stretch before working out, really a good way to injure yourself).0
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