Poll: Giving compliments at the gym?

It would creep me out. I would think you're either weird or that you're hitting on me. Neither would be okay for me. I absolutely hate dealing with people's judgements - both good and bad. I hate the scrutiny.

I also hate people looking which is why I don't lift. Guys really need to focus more on themselves at the gym!

This is a woman talking about complimenting another woman. VERY unlikely she is hitting on her.

Personal experience: I have had a woman hit on me at the gym. More than once. You do know about lesbians, right?

I really like how full of yourself you are. Want to be friends?

I am sure that there are many thoughts on this.

However, for me, I show up and do my work out. I have zero interest in talking to anyone. I keep my headphones in and the Scorpions turned up loud to help avoid any human to human interaction!

Best!

This is so me. Focused... music.... workout... don't talk to me!

this x 100

I would still give you a compliment in the gym.

would you buy me beer and wings for the game too ??? lol

yes. and pizza.

Male to female compliment: Common. Attempt to plant a seed which may lead to sexual encounter. Actual merit to compliment not required but is helpful.

Female to male compliment: Less common but not unheard of. Reserved for uber fit guys most likely since it's difficult to tell how much money a man makes if he's dressed in workout clothing.

Female to female compliment: Stems from a woman's need to compare herself to her peers constantly (5'3" females who are 135lbs, what's your pants size?)

Male to male compliment: No happening probably. Maybe two bros comparing notes. Otherwise nope.

Headphones on. World off. Stare straight ahead. Only verbal contact is to ask for a spotter.

I am a shy introvert but I can graciously smile and say thank you to a compliment. I always wore headphones at the gym but if someone was talking to me, I would pop one out and respond. I know how to act in a social setting but I prefer to keep to myself.

And sometimes the compliment depends on the person and delivery. If its the dude that always gets on the treadmill behind me or seems to stretch the same time I do and lift on the bench next to me I am going to start wondering about his intentions.

I think the whole “rudeness” thing comes from the apparent disconnect between placing oneself in a public setting yet insisting on being left alone. It does seem somewhat impolite when people sound like they’re saying “I’m going to be out in public, but don’t you DARE talk to me”. (And it doesn’t help that internet board “discussions” lack the capacity for nuance and more frequent back-and-forth play as you find in face-to-face discussions.)

Do I think it’s rude? No, although I do see the irony in being surrounded by people yet being isolated at the same time. But I also come from a background where I was taught to greet strangers as we passed on the street, and if their response to “how are you” or “how’s it going” lasts longer than “fine” or “okay”, you take a moment to listen before moving on. Not everyone comes from that kind of background.

Myself, I’d say trying to talk to someone by interrupting them in mid-set is impolite (unless you’re my friend, in which case I reserve the right to heckle you at any and all times), but it’s fair game to have a word or two, or even a brief chat, when resting. In my situation, if I don’t want to interact with people because I’m thinking about something or because I, as an introvert, need some “alone” time to recharge, I go when the gym is empty, sometimes not hitting the running track until 10 PM. Alternatively, I work out at home because I view being in public as carrying implicit permission to approach me until I say otherwise.

Which brings me back to the OP: I’d say it’s okay to compliment someone at the gym, just wait until they’re in a resting phase, don’t draw it out too long, and don’t take offense if it seems their mind is elsewhere. Creepiness and awkwardness are all in the eye of the beholder, which is why it would be important to keep your comment brief. If they want to talk about it, they can. If they feel awkward, they can just smile, nod, and move on.

I don't give compliments besides to my workout partner if she rocks a move and I notice. I go to the gym and try to focus on me alone. Even when on the treadmill I close my eyes and mediate so I avoid people. I would be creeped if someone who I don't know comes up to me and admit they are watching me workout

it's a gym... everyone watches everyone. It's what people do- they people watch.

Male to female compliment: Common. Attempt to plant a seed which may lead to sexual encounter. Actual merit to compliment not required but is helpful.

Female to male compliment: Less common but not unheard of. Reserved for uber fit guys most likely since it's difficult to tell how much money a man makes if he's dressed in workout clothing.

Female to female compliment: Stems from a woman's need to compare herself to her peers constantly (5'3" females who are 135lbs, what's your pants size?)

Male to male compliment: No happening probably. Maybe two bros comparing notes. Otherwise nope.

or they could just be complimenting them on hard work. Seriously- STOP READING SO MUCH INTO IT- it's not ALWAYS like that.

So are people who are working hard but aren't clearly in shape getting complimented? I'm guessing nope.

I don't give compliments besides to my workout partner if she rocks a move and I notice. I go to the gym and try to focus on me alone. Even when on the treadmill I close my eyes and mediate so I avoid people. I would be creeped if someone who I don't know comes up to me and admit they are watching me workout

it's a gym... everyone watches everyone. It's what people do- they people watch.

Male to female compliment: Common. Attempt to plant a seed which may lead to sexual encounter. Actual merit to compliment not required but is helpful.

Female to male compliment: Less common but not unheard of. Reserved for uber fit guys most likely since it's difficult to tell how much money a man makes if he's dressed in workout clothing.

Female to female compliment: Stems from a woman's need to compare herself to her peers constantly (5'3" females who are 135lbs, what's your pants size?)

Male to male compliment: No happening probably. Maybe two bros comparing notes. Otherwise nope.

or they could just be complimenting them on hard work. Seriously- STOP READING SO MUCH INTO IT- it's not ALWAYS like that.

So are people who are working hard but aren't clearly in shape getting complimented? I'm guessing nope.

meh - I do. I was seriously overweight and out of shape at one point and some seriously fit dudes took me under their wings. Pay it forward

I think it would be lovely to offer a compliment. Of course, you'll make sure she's not mid-set when you offer it up. But I have worked dang hard to get where I am, and if someone stopped me on my way to the locker room to say that I've inspired them in some way or if they admired my triceps or whatever, I'd be over the moon. I'm not there fishing for compliments EVER, but wow, how awesome would that feel?

I have a friend who is marvelous at complimenting people, and she has inspired me to be more thoughtful about this and freely give more compliments. People are quick to "like" posts or videos online, but they seem so hesitant to tell someone in real life that they admire something about them. A random little girl at my boys' bus stop totally made my day by complimenting my hair. Another lady stopped me at McDonald's to offer a compliment. Most of us are reasonable adults, and if someone is giving off a unapproachable vibe, then I may rethink it, but life is too short to not throw out those warm fuzzies every chance we can get. Who knows the impact that your pleasant remark could have on someone having maybe a not so great day? So far no one has been visibly creeped out by my efforts.

I don't understand how you attend a gym regularly, and not socialize at least a little bit. I don't believe a single one of you when you say you don't notice other people. And I don't mean sexually. I notice the chubby girl who is no longer chubby and killing it in the gym now. I notice the loud douche bag screaming through his dead lifts. And I notice the newbie with bad form. And people notice me. Why? Cause we see each other at least 3 times a week, and more often than not, pass by each other and rotate equipment.

Ogling, is never ok. A "hell yeah, you killed it today," or a "beast mode *****, get it up!" Is always welcomed.

"Give it up prom date!!!"

It would creep me out. I would think you're either weird or that you're hitting on me. Neither would be okay for me. I absolutely hate dealing with people's judgements - both good and bad. I hate the scrutiny.

I also hate people looking which is why I don't lift. Guys really need to focus more on themselves at the gym!

This is a woman talking about complimenting another woman. VERY unlikely she is hitting on her.

Personal experience: I have had a woman hit on me at the gym. More than once. You do know about lesbians, right?

I really like how full of yourself you are. Want to be friends?

I'll totally be your friend if you want. Hard to test out sincerity online though. I'm not full of myself - sarcasm?

I don't understand how you attend a gym regularly, and not socialize at least a little bit. I don't believe a single one of you when you say you don't notice other people. And I don't mean sexually. I notice the chubby girl who is no longer chubby and killing it in the gym now. I notice the loud douche bag screaming through his dead lifts. And I notice the newbie with bad form. And people notice me. Why? Cause we see each other at least 3 times a week, and more often than not, pass by each other and rotate equipment.

Ogling, is never ok. A "hell yeah, you killed it today," or a "beast mode *****, get it up!" Is always welcomed.

I socialize before and after fitness class. Otherwise....I'd really rather not.

Of course you'll notice the moron who drops his weights. He probably does it for that purpose! But that doesn't mean you're also determining if he's got good arms or whatever.