Please don't judge other people's work outs
Mustang_Susie
Posts: 7,045 Member
Awhile back, a young fitness stud asked the question here on the MFP forums, "why do people read while they're working out? How can they get a decent work out if they're reading? If you're going to come to the gym to work out, then work out!"
To a slight degree, I got his point.
I've been there, looking down through sweat-filled eyes from my step aerobics class at all the people floating around in the pool and calling it "exercise".
Heck, I was in the best shape in my 40's than I've been since I was a teenager.
At the gym three days a week, doing an hour of step aerobics followed by an hour of weight lifting.
And then...
At the beginning of the year I developed shooting, gripping pain in my right lower leg that prevented me from even sleeping.
At all.
I was a mess.
And being an RN for 26+ years, I knew why.
An MRI revealed a herniated disc and cyst on my back that were severely compressing my spinal nerve roots.
I haven't worked a full shift since December.
My toes are numb, I have lost significant strength in my right lower leg and back aches constantly.
I've been to see a neurosurgeon, am currently doing physical therapy and just had my first epidural steroid injection the other day![:\](https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/resources/emoji/confused.png ":\")
I have just been " approved" by my PT to walk, do very shallow squats and calf raises to try and prevent further muscular atrophy.
And so to my "point".
I'm sure I look like a very able-bodied individual and people may have been wondering why I was "hogging" a treadmill so I can walk at 3.0 for 30 minutes. (I tried 3.5 and I hurt like the dickens.)
We don't know everyone's story or where they are at physically.
My PT yelled at me for vacuuming for Pete's sake!
I'm sure there will always be some individuals who could push themselves much harder at the gym, but choose not to for whatever reason.
Either way, please don't judge.
To a slight degree, I got his point.
I've been there, looking down through sweat-filled eyes from my step aerobics class at all the people floating around in the pool and calling it "exercise".
Heck, I was in the best shape in my 40's than I've been since I was a teenager.
At the gym three days a week, doing an hour of step aerobics followed by an hour of weight lifting.
And then...
At the beginning of the year I developed shooting, gripping pain in my right lower leg that prevented me from even sleeping.
At all.
I was a mess.
And being an RN for 26+ years, I knew why.
An MRI revealed a herniated disc and cyst on my back that were severely compressing my spinal nerve roots.
I haven't worked a full shift since December.
My toes are numb, I have lost significant strength in my right lower leg and back aches constantly.
I've been to see a neurosurgeon, am currently doing physical therapy and just had my first epidural steroid injection the other day
I have just been " approved" by my PT to walk, do very shallow squats and calf raises to try and prevent further muscular atrophy.
And so to my "point".
I'm sure I look like a very able-bodied individual and people may have been wondering why I was "hogging" a treadmill so I can walk at 3.0 for 30 minutes. (I tried 3.5 and I hurt like the dickens.)
We don't know everyone's story or where they are at physically.
My PT yelled at me for vacuuming for Pete's sake!
I'm sure there will always be some individuals who could push themselves much harder at the gym, but choose not to for whatever reason.
Either way, please don't judge.
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Replies
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I know how tough it is to be stuck doing what we think is "easy" when we are crying inside to go harder.
You are awesome for doing as much as you can.0 -
I will admit that previously I would judge people pretty harshly based on my perception of their exertion levels. Now having gone through my own injuries I remind myself that I know nothing of that individual's situation, so who the heck am I to judge?0
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Mustang_Susie wrote: »Awhile back, a young fitness stud asked the question here on the MFP forums, "why do people read while they're working out? How can they get a decent work out if they're reading? If you're going to come to the gym to work out, then work out!"
To a slight degree, I got his point.
I've been there, looking down through sweat-filled eyes from my step aerobics class at all the people floating around in the pool and calling it "exercise".
Heck, I was in the best shape in my 40's than I've been since I was a teenager.
At the gym three days a week, doing an hour of step aerobics followed by an hour of weight lifting.
And then...
At the beginning of the year I developed shooting, gripping pain in my right lower leg that prevented me from even sleeping.
At all.
I was a mess.
And being an RN for 26+ years, I knew why.
An MRI revealed a herniated disc and cyst on my back that were severely compressing my spinal nerve roots.
I haven't worked a full shift since December.
My toes are numb, I have lost significant strength in my right lower leg and back aches constantly.
I've been to see a neurosurgeon, am currently doing physical therapy and just had my first epidural steroid injection the other day
I have just been " approved" by my PT to walk, do very shallow squats and calf raises to try and prevent further muscular atrophy.
And so to my "point".
I'm sure I look like a very able-bodied individual and people may have been wondering why I was "hogging" a treadmill so I can walk at 3.0 for 30 minutes. (I tried 3.5 and I hurt like the dickens.)
We don't know everyone's story or where they are at physically.
My PT yelled at me for vacuuming for Pete's sake!
I'm sure there will always be some individuals who could push themselves much harder at the gym, but choose not to for whatever reason.
Either way, please don't judge.
For every person who is moving "too slow" on the treadmill or who is deadlifting an empty bar, there are 50 at home on the couch doing diddly. As long as you aren't sitting on a weight bench doing your hair in the mirror, I'm not judging.0 -
Meh,
for every person who's trying to train through an injury and is taking it easy there are 50 people who are just being lazy. There are two sides to every coin.
Then again, who the hell cares what other people are doing when you're at the gym as long as it doesn't inhibit you from doing what you need to?0 -
Meh,
for every person who's trying to train through an injury and is taking it easy there are 50 people who are just being lazy. There are two sides to every coin.
Then again, who the hell cares what other people are doing when you're at the gym as long as it doesn't inhibit you from doing what you need to?
Yep
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Nope, never went to the gym to look pretty="EWJLang;31297507"
For every person who is moving "too slow" on the treadmill or who is deadlifting an empty bar, there are 50 at home on the couch doing diddly. As long as you aren't sitting on a weight bench doing your hair in the mirror, I'm not judging.
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LOL, as long as you're actually moving, judger's can f right off.
Unless you're curling in the squat rack, of course.0 -
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Im in the gym a lot, which gives me time to people watch. Whatever my opinion it doesnt matter as people o for their own reason. I admire the ones who are really overweight for doing something about it (as I have done) and I hope they will be back and stick with it.
I do find the people who just wander around and either poke at a few machines or spend 80% of their time on their mobiles as rather bizarre. If its judging to think they arent making any effort or arent going to achieve much like that, then so be it. Up to them but why waste your own time like that? Its annoying if they are taking up equipment, but not using it.0 -
Im in the gym a lot, which gives me time to people watch. Whatever my opinion it doesnt matter as people o for their own reason. I admire the ones who are really overweight for doing something about it (as I have done) and I hope they will be back and stick with it.
I do find the people who just wander around and either poke at a few machines or spend 80% of their time on their mobiles as rather bizarre. If its judging to think they arent making any effort or arent going to achieve much like that, then so be it. Up to them but why waste your own time like that? Its annoying if they are taking up equipment, but not using it.
Yes, I agree, there is gym etiquette and common sense manners.
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Good message
But, as someone who's also restricted in terms of what I can do due to injuries and arthritis, I encourage those similarly constrained to just not GAF. Put on some headphones, do what you do, ignore anything anyone else is doing or possibly thinking (you can't control it anyway). If someone goes that extra step and explicitly says something, explain.
I don't know what to think about the hogging equipment issue, though. My gym just has two bikes (comfy seat and spin). If someone needed a bike and I was over 30 mins, maybe I'd move to an elliptical if it was free, because I can use that now. But I couldn't before. (My gym has no time limit for machines but 30 mins is pretty typical and I guess fair enough.) I don't know, what do you think?0 -
"Don't judge other people" is a good rule in general. Unless you're a judge.0
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One of the reasons I don't go to a gym. While I appear to be one of the "able bodied" I have a neuromuscular disease that makes my muscles weak (Myasthenia Gravis). I would have to rest too much in between reps/sets at a gym and just hang out reading or something 'til my muscles cooperated. I do work out at home with weights, etc. and do a lot of walking.0
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Just don't tie up the circuit equipment sitting on it for 5 mins while you play with your phone! Or do your curls in the squat rack, get a bench if you need a rack! You can walk, ride, or climb at you own pace... as long as you are Moving, I don't care...
Lead, Follow, or get the hell out of my way! 
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That's kind except, I guess people are saying they do have to stop sometimes and it looks like they're not doing anything. (For me I just get on that machine and stay on it for a long time, like 45-60 mins.)
These are invisible issues0 -
Too busy judging myself harshly to judge others.0
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My gym has a 30 minute time limit on cardio machines but I think that's just mainly when it's busy. Otherwise, it doesn't really matter.Good message But, as someone who's also restricted in terms of what I can do due to injuries and arthritis, I encourage those similarly constrained to just not GAF. Put on some headphones, do what you do, ignore anything anyone else is doing or possibly thinking (you can't control it anyway). If someone goes that extra step and explicitly says something, explain.
I don't know what to think about the hogging equipment issue, though. My gym just has two bikes (comfy seat and spin). If someone needed a bike and I was over 30 mins, maybe I'd move to an elliptical if it was free, because I can use that now. But I couldn't before. (My gym has no time limit for machines but 30 mins is pretty typical and I guess fair enough.) I don't know, what do you think?
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Just don't tie up the circuit equipment sitting on it for 5 mins while you play with your phone! Or do your curls in the squat rack, get a bench if you need a rack! You can walk, ride, or climb at you own pace... as long as you are Moving, I don't care... Lead, Follow, or get the hell out of my way!
Yes, there is the testosterone factor...0 -
Just don't tie up the circuit equipment sitting on it for 5 mins while you play with your phone! Or do your curls in the squat rack, get a bench if you need a rack! You can walk, ride, or climb at you own pace... as long as you are Moving, I don't care... Lead, Follow, or get the hell out of my way!
Yes, there is the testosterone factor... 0 -
I dont know why people concern themselves so much with what other people are doing. It shoukdbt matter to anyone how someone else is working out. If its not affecting you who cares? That's how I see it anyways!0
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I didn't realize people would judge my reading at the gym. It keeps my mind occupied, the same as someone else listening to music. If I'm not reading, I'm listening to a book. It gets my mind off the fact that I feel like dying.
My husband is a major people watcher and comes home with stories from the gym. It amazes me because there is no way I can focus on my workout if I'm busy watching everyone else. On the flip side, he thinks it's amazing I can read while working out. To each their own I guess.
(Although there are two reasons I've felt judgy at the gym… one guy who was the machine next to me with the fan blowing on him to me who smelled awful, and another guy who makes crazy loud grunting and counting noises with agonized face no matter what he's doing.)0 -
makelemonade14 wrote: »(Although there are two reasons I've felt judgy at the gym… one guy who was the machine next to me with the fan blowing on him to me who smelled awful, and another guy who makes crazy loud grunting and counting noises with agonized face no matter what he's doing.)
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I judge everyone and everything. It's my pleasureful curse.0
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@Mustang Susie God bless you for what you are going through wit the back. People who have not experienced that kind of pain have no understanding of how bad it can be. Five and a half years ago I was 46 and in the best shape of my life when I became debilitated with the same type pain. Turned out I had blown out the disk at L5 S1. I went through 3 sets of epidural injections and then spinal surgery followed by a couple of months of physical therapy. It took me a full year to learn to walk normally again as every step was a conscious effort to keep my right foot pointing forward.
Who cares what anyone thinks about others in the gym. As long as you use a degree of etiquette and are not interfering with others, then what you do is none of anyone's business. So you read a book while on the treadmill. Lots of places are set up with televisions everywhere you turn. Same difference, who cares. It is unfortunate that there are so many gym snobs who feel that if you are not doing what they are doing then you are in the wrong. A lot of people lose sight of the fact that everybody has their own unique goals. After my injury, when I first began lifting again, I had some chump approach me in the squat rack while I was warming up to tell me that if I was squatting so light and not hitting depth that I should not be hogging the rack. At the time it was taking a fair amount of reps to get loose enough to hit depth. This jerk had no idea I was still in re-hab mode. Just another arrogant gym rat trying to project on someone else.
If this gives you any hope that your back issue can be resolved. I went from being almost totally debilitated when I first began lifting again with an empty bar to being able to squat to full depth 465 lbs. It took what seemed forever to get my mobility back, and I still have sciatic issues, but every day is better than the last.
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LifterDave wrote: »@Mustang Susie God bless you for what you are going through wit the back. People who have not experienced that kind of pain have no understanding of how bad it can be. Five and a half years ago I was 46 and in the best shape of my life when I became debilitated with the same type pain. Turned out I had blown out the disk at L5 S1. I went through 3 sets of epidural injections and then spinal surgery followed by a couple of months of physical therapy. It took me a full year to learn to walk normally again as every step was a conscious effort to keep my right foot pointing forward.
Who cares what anyone thinks about others in the gym. As long as you use a degree of etiquette and are not interfering with others, then what you do is none of anyone's business. So you read a book while on the treadmill. Lots of places are set up with televisions everywhere you turn. Same difference, who cares. It is unfortunate that there are so many gym snobs who feel that if you are not doing what they are doing then you are in the wrong. A lot of people lose sight of the fact that everybody has their own unique goals. After my injury, when I first began lifting again, I had some chump approach me in the squat rack while I was warming up to tell me that if I was squatting so light and not hitting depth that I should not be hogging the rack. At the time it was taking a fair amount of reps to get loose enough to hit depth. This jerk had no idea I was still in re-hab mode. Just another arrogant gym rat trying to project on someone else.
If this gives you any hope that your back issue can be resolved. I went from being almost totally debilitated when I first began lifting again with an empty bar to being able to squat to full depth 465 lbs. It took what seemed forever to get my mobility back, and I still have sciatic issues, but every day is better than the last.
Thanks, LifterDave
Same here, just turned 48 with an L5 herniated disk and S1 synovial fluid cyst.
Hoping to avoid surgery and get good results from PT and injections.
Next time feign fatigue and drop a loaded bar on the chump's foot...
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Since starting with MFP I have been walking/jogging on my treadmill using the c25k app and I love it. I am also addicted to reading so I set my treadmill up, my app up and I open my book on my iPad. I can do two things at once and it makes the time go by fast because I honestly don't pay attention to the time. I hope you are doing better and I for one am very proud of your determination - it gives us all hope!0
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Since starting with MFP I have been walking/jogging on my treadmill using the c25k app and I love it. I am also addicted to reading so I set my treadmill up, my app up and I open my book on my iPad. I can do two things at once and it makes the time go by fast because I honestly don't pay attention to the time. I hope you are doing better and I for one am very proud of your determination - it gives us all hope!
Thank you
It's been a lesson in patience if anything
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As long as I keep my thoughts to myself, it doesn't matter what I think of someone else... whether that's "why are you using such a light weight?", or "you're doing that exercise all wrong, not getting any benefit from the time you're spending", or "look at you! Yay!".
.tomatoey wrote:If someone needed a bike and I was over 30 mins, maybe I'd move to an elliptical if it was free, because I can use that now. But I couldn't before. (My gym has no time limit for machines but 30 mins is pretty typical and I guess fair enough.)
There's enough equipment at the gym I use that this isn't really an issue, but I know that the treadmills at least are programmed with a 60-minute limit, except ...Mustang_Susie wrote:My gym has a 30 minute time limit on cardio machines but I think that's just mainly when it's busy. Otherwise, it doesn't really matter.
I discovered that there's a 5K / 10K program, and that doesn't run into the time limit.
Or I just take a picture of the display at the end of 1 hour & add it to my time at the end of the next section.
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Wow. You got there first. As long as you're doing what that equipment is designed to do, and not standing around scratching yourself or playing on your phone for several minutes between lifts you have it for a reasonable time.Dave wrote:I had some chump approach me in the squat rack while I was warming up to tell me that if I was squatting so light and not hitting depth that I should not be hogging the rack.
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(OTOH, if someone else were waiting it'd be polite to let them work in if possible. I once stood & waited probably 10 minutes for a leg machine that 2 guys were using, switching off between themselves while they did hundreds of reps and probably 15 sets each. They kept telling me to move along to other machines.
It would not have been a hardship for them to let me work in between them; resetting the weight pin takes no time.) 0 -
Regardless of one's fitness levels, you shouldn't judge their workout or perceived level of exertion.
Not every person has the same mindset when it comes to fitness and that's fine.0
This discussion has been closed.
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