anti-gym snobbery

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Replies

  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    Mycophilia wrote: »
    I do not listen to cardio plebs. Nature does not have barbells and squat racks just lying around.

    I'm with the fungi
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    RGv2 wrote: »
    Ya, I see it all the time and just laugh.

    Normally is something like.

    Poster 1: I'm looking into a treadmill or joining a gym for my cardio.....

    Poster 2: Go out side, its free, fresh air, etc.......

    We'll ya, it was just 15 below where poster 1 is, where the overnight low where poster 2 is was something like 40.

    Not only weather, but safety and timing. When my husband first moved in with me, it opened up the morning time slot for the first time (so much easier than after work when your kids have extracurriculars as well) since I didn't have to be home while my child was asleep. Anyway, I had to workout at 4am to be back in time for him to head to work. I live in a low crime area, but even I'm not risking going for a run in the dark when nobody is up!

    This. Unless it's a group run, I'm not running in the dark. With life being what it is, that means I'm going to hit the treadmill sometimes. Although I love running outside, the risks just aren't worth it to me.

    Where I live it's safe enough to run in the dark, especially in the morning, but I hate it, as I get paranoid I'll step on some unseen ice and fall. Sigh.
  • Therealobi1
    Therealobi1 Posts: 3,262 Member
    I've had people kind of snigger at me and say "you're lucky you get the time!!! *Eye roll* Wait til you have kids".

    This annoys me HUGELY! I work full time, I have a house to run, food to cook, clothes to wash, bills to pay and I FIND the time because my health is important to me. No -I don't have kids. But I also know plenty of people that do have kids and still find time to get a couple of work-out's in a week..

    I can't believe people would actually say something like this--Super annoying and rude, geez! I have a toddler and go to the gym almost daily and my bambino loves it! Kids just happen to be an excuse for some people. Finding time is the key for everyone-kids or no kids :)

    agreed
    i just joined the gym recently and the lady i met has 4 children.
    i just believe everyone should mind their business. If you want to join the gym do it, if you dont dont. who cares.
  • Nuke_64
    Nuke_64 Posts: 406 Member
    I'm reading a lot of pro gym snobbery.
  • gaelicstorm26
    gaelicstorm26 Posts: 589 Member
    I go to the gym and have two kids. I work full time and my husband works full time and goes to graduate school. I still manage to fit it in although not as often as I would like. Some nights I can't actually make it to the gym (like tonight because I'll be alone with the kiddos until well after they are in bed) so I'll probably do a 1.5 mile walk outside after my husband comes home. I feel safe walking in my neighborhood after dark but I don't feel safe walking around during snowy winters because not everyone shovels and I don't feel comfortable walking on the street. I also don't want to walk around in -20 degree temperatures, so I'll be going to the gym for the winter months. That's just my own personal preference.

    So I guess I like to do both--workout outdoors and go to the gym. They each have their own appeal. People are ridiculous when it comes to exercise and telling others what they "should" be doing. Do what works for you.
  • courtneylykins5
    courtneylykins5 Posts: 168 Member
    I've had people kind of snigger at me and say "you're lucky you get the time!!! *Eye roll* Wait til you have kids".

    This annoys me HUGELY! I work full time, I have a house to run, food to cook, clothes to wash, bills to pay and I FIND the time because my health is important to me. No -I don't have kids. But I also know plenty of people that do have kids and still find time to get a couple of work-out's in a week..

    My two youngest walk with me. My 13 year old walks and bikes with me. My 16 year old hits the gym with me. I wouldn't work out at all if I didn't have such convenient and motivating excercise buddies.
    To the OP: I don't see snobbery so much as people don't understand how a gym membership is a priority to me with my already tight budget. Obviously these are people who know me well. My answer to them is that I get more from the gym than I do from cable TV.
  • MrsCaitlinBeltran
    MrsCaitlinBeltran Posts: 241 Member
    I go to the gym and have two kids. I work full time and my husband works full time and goes to graduate school. I still manage to fit it in although not as often as I would like. Some nights I can't actually make it to the gym (like tonight because I'll be alone with the kiddos until well after they are in bed) so I'll probably do a 1.5 mile walk outside after my husband comes home. I feel safe walking in my neighborhood after dark but I don't feel safe walking around during snowy winters because not everyone shovels and I don't feel comfortable walking on the street. I also don't want to walk around in -20 degree temperatures, so I'll be going to the gym for the winter months. That's just my own personal preference.

    So I guess I like to do both--workout outdoors and go to the gym. They each have their own appeal. People are ridiculous when it comes to exercise and telling others what they "should" be doing. Do what works for you.

    Agreed.
  • gaelicstorm26
    gaelicstorm26 Posts: 589 Member
    Nuke_64 wrote: »
    I'm reading a lot of pro gym snobbery.

    Unfortunately there are snobs on both sides.
  • Lounmoun
    Lounmoun Posts: 8,423 Member
    I've noticed that some people are kind of snobby about their choices being the best whether it is a gym, yoga, running or cycling. It is like what they do for exercise becomes part of their identity.
    A lot of people aren't that way. A lot of people do more than one thing or are just happy that people are doing something.

    A gym isn't an option for me at all. I don't have a bike or a pool. I am not anti-gym but I would emphasize the positives of home exercise or no equipment options if I was talking about exercise because that is what I do.
  • Jennloella
    Jennloella Posts: 2,286 Member
    are you talking about on here? it's hard to read tone/sarcasm in text. I've personally been in a gym only a half dozen times my entire life and I loathe it. But, I don't really care what others do! I'm lucky enough to have the room to have a gym set up at home, but that's not reasonable for everyone. I think gym, home, outside.....if you're working on you that's a good thing and why should anyone else care how you get it done?
  • Inkratlet
    Inkratlet Posts: 613 Member
    Mycophilia wrote: »
    I do not listen to cardio plebs. Nature does not have barbells and squat racks just lying around.

    Hands down best post on this thread
  • Jennloella
    Jennloella Posts: 2,286 Member
    I've had people kind of snigger at me and say "you're lucky you get the time!!! *Eye roll* Wait til you have kids".

    This annoys me HUGELY! I work full time, I have a house to run, food to cook, clothes to wash, bills to pay and I FIND the time because my health is important to me. No -I don't have kids. But I also know plenty of people that do have kids and still find time to get a couple of work-out's in a week..

    I can't believe people would actually say something like this--Super annoying and rude, geez! I have a toddler and go to the gym almost daily and my bambino loves it! Kids just happen to be an excuse for some people. Finding time is the key for everyone-kids or no kids :)

    it's totally my pet peeve when people use their kids as an excuse.I have four kids, the youngest two are only 1 and 2. the older two are in sports and other activities I have to get them to. I work and go to school. My husband works 70 to 80 hours a week. The time is there people just have to want it.
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    Jennloella wrote: »
    I've had people kind of snigger at me and say "you're lucky you get the time!!! *Eye roll* Wait til you have kids".

    This annoys me HUGELY! I work full time, I have a house to run, food to cook, clothes to wash, bills to pay and I FIND the time because my health is important to me. No -I don't have kids. But I also know plenty of people that do have kids and still find time to get a couple of work-out's in a week..

    I can't believe people would actually say something like this--Super annoying and rude, geez! I have a toddler and go to the gym almost daily and my bambino loves it! Kids just happen to be an excuse for some people. Finding time is the key for everyone-kids or no kids :)

    it's totally my pet peeve when people use their kids as an excuse.I have four kids, the youngest two are only 1 and 2. the older two are in sports and other activities I have to get them to. I work and go to school. My husband works 70 to 80 hours a week. The time is there people just have to want it.

    While I get this, I must admit it's a pet peeve of mine when people say I do it so there is no reason you can't. It is just another form of snobbery.
  • gaelicstorm26
    gaelicstorm26 Posts: 589 Member
    Jennloella wrote: »
    I've had people kind of snigger at me and say "you're lucky you get the time!!! *Eye roll* Wait til you have kids".

    This annoys me HUGELY! I work full time, I have a house to run, food to cook, clothes to wash, bills to pay and I FIND the time because my health is important to me. No -I don't have kids. But I also know plenty of people that do have kids and still find time to get a couple of work-out's in a week..

    I can't believe people would actually say something like this--Super annoying and rude, geez! I have a toddler and go to the gym almost daily and my bambino loves it! Kids just happen to be an excuse for some people. Finding time is the key for everyone-kids or no kids :)

    it's totally my pet peeve when people use their kids as an excuse.I have four kids, the youngest two are only 1 and 2. the older two are in sports and other activities I have to get them to. I work and go to school. My husband works 70 to 80 hours a week. The time is there people just have to want it.

    While I get this, I must admit it's a pet peeve of mine when people say I do it so there is no reason you can't. It is just another form of snobbery.

    I get both sides here.

    I do think that sometimes the phrase "I don't have the time" really means "I could make time but this isn't high enough on my priority list". And that's ok. There isn't a thing in the world wrong with having priorities that aren't exercise. I do think that there are people who could juggle things around to make room. Of course there are always those who absolutely do not have the resources to make it happen (single moms is one group that really fits here).

    So I guess there are people who could technically "make" time for the gym. In reality, it shouldn't matter. It's more important to be committed to what you ARE doing. Pick your thing and do it well. That's most important.
  • starwhisperer6
    starwhisperer6 Posts: 402 Member
    I have kids, they are a tad older.... 16 and 12, but if I didn't leave them occasionally I might lose my mind, and I don't think they would want me there all the time either :)
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    I do think that sometimes the phrase "I don't have the time" really means "I could make time but this isn't high enough on my priority list".

    Quite often, and it is okay, but it's obnoxious to then act as if someone who does do whatever it is must not have a full life or has their priorities misplaced.
  • azulvioleta6
    azulvioleta6 Posts: 4,195 Member
    I've had people kind of snigger at me and say "you're lucky you get the time!!! *Eye roll* Wait til you have kids".

    This annoys me HUGELY! I work full time, I have a house to run, food to cook, clothes to wash, bills to pay and I FIND the time because my health is important to me. No -I don't have kids. But I also know plenty of people that do have kids and still find time to get a couple of work-out's in a week..

    All this tells you is that kids are a convenient excuse

    DING! DING! DING!

  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    Jennloella wrote: »
    I've had people kind of snigger at me and say "you're lucky you get the time!!! *Eye roll* Wait til you have kids".

    This annoys me HUGELY! I work full time, I have a house to run, food to cook, clothes to wash, bills to pay and I FIND the time because my health is important to me. No -I don't have kids. But I also know plenty of people that do have kids and still find time to get a couple of work-out's in a week..

    I can't believe people would actually say something like this--Super annoying and rude, geez! I have a toddler and go to the gym almost daily and my bambino loves it! Kids just happen to be an excuse for some people. Finding time is the key for everyone-kids or no kids :)

    it's totally my pet peeve when people use their kids as an excuse.I have four kids, the youngest two are only 1 and 2. the older two are in sports and other activities I have to get them to. I work and go to school. My husband works 70 to 80 hours a week. The time is there people just have to want it.

    While I get this, I must admit it's a pet peeve of mine when people say I do it so there is no reason you can't. It is just another form of snobbery.

    I get both sides here.

    I do think that sometimes the phrase "I don't have the time" really means "I could make time but this isn't high enough on my priority list". And that's ok. There isn't a thing in the world wrong with having priorities that aren't exercise. I do think that there are people who could juggle things around to make room. Of course there are always those who absolutely do not have the resources to make it happen (single moms is one group that really fits here).

    So I guess there are people who could technically "make" time for the gym. In reality, it shouldn't matter. It's more important to be committed to what you ARE doing. Pick your thing and do it well. That's most important.

    Exactly my point. It's their choice and no reason for snobbery by them or someone that may feel their reason is invalid.
  • Jennloella
    Jennloella Posts: 2,286 Member
    Jennloella wrote: »
    I've had people kind of snigger at me and say "you're lucky you get the time!!! *Eye roll* Wait til you have kids".

    This annoys me HUGELY! I work full time, I have a house to run, food to cook, clothes to wash, bills to pay and I FIND the time because my health is important to me. No -I don't have kids. But I also know plenty of people that do have kids and still find time to get a couple of work-out's in a week..

    I can't believe people would actually say something like this--Super annoying and rude, geez! I have a toddler and go to the gym almost daily and my bambino loves it! Kids just happen to be an excuse for some people. Finding time is the key for everyone-kids or no kids :)

    it's totally my pet peeve when people use their kids as an excuse.I have four kids, the youngest two are only 1 and 2. the older two are in sports and other activities I have to get them to. I work and go to school. My husband works 70 to 80 hours a week. The time is there people just have to want it.

    While I get this, I must admit it's a pet peeve of mine when people say I do it so there is no reason you can't. It is just another form of snobbery.

    oh I'm a total snob. no doubt.

  • theawill519
    theawill519 Posts: 242 Member
    I don't understand why one is superior to the other. I have a gym membership. I use it two or three days a week for the classes, or when there's inclement weather. The rest of the time, I jog outside. I will say that I do get a better workout from jogging outside than I do on the treadmill, but the treadmill definitely has its place. People are so weirdly judgmental!
  • peleroja
    peleroja Posts: 3,979 Member
    I've gotten tons of crap here for preferring the treadmill and I just don't care.

    I can go to the gym, hop on the thing, set it to 2% incline and my desired pace, and TOTALLY ZONE OUT. I don't have to watch for cars or people, I'm a comfortable temperature (and I live somewhere that's a frozen hellscape from November to May, so that's big...like exposed skin on your face can literally freeze and die in five minutes or less some weeks in winter) and there's no snow or ice to worry about. Plus I can listen to loud music without endangering myself by being unaware of my surroundings, read an ebook even, whatever. It works for me and just because I'm not "communing with nature" or whatever (which...I live in a downtown core, so it's more like "communing with drunks and traffic and garbage") doesn't make it an inferior workout. It makes me happy. I dig having an easy way to keep my pace. I like distracting myself from what is often kind of boring once you get into the hour + type runs especially. And I don't think it makes me a better person to deal with terrible weather etc.

    Like...whatever, do whatever works for you, but I'm going to keep doing what works for me too. I've tried it the other way and it's not my thing. No big deal.
  • Therealobi1
    Therealobi1 Posts: 3,262 Member
    peleroja wrote: »
    I've gotten tons of crap here for preferring the treadmill and I just don't care.

    I can go to the gym, hop on the thing, set it to 2% incline and my desired pace, and TOTALLY ZONE OUT. I don't have to watch for cars or people, I'm a comfortable temperature (and I live somewhere that's a frozen hellscape from November to May, so that's big...like exposed skin on your face can literally freeze and die in five minutes or less some weeks in winter) and there's no snow or ice to worry about. Plus I can listen to loud music without endangering myself by being unaware of my surroundings, read an ebook even, whatever. It works for me and just because I'm not "communing with nature" or whatever (which...I live in a downtown core, so it's more like "communing with drunks and traffic and garbage") doesn't make it an inferior workout. It makes me happy. I dig having an easy way to keep my pace. I like distracting myself from what is often kind of boring once you get into the hour + type runs especially. And I don't think it makes me a better person to deal with terrible weather etc.

    Like...whatever, do whatever works for you, but I'm going to keep doing what works for me too. I've tried it the other way and it's not my thing. No big deal.

    but why should anyone give you crap for your personal preference. I dont like the treadmill because i dont feel safe, so thats my preference. I dont care if anyone chooses to use it.
  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
    peleroja wrote: »
    I've gotten tons of crap here for preferring the treadmill and I just don't care.

    I can go to the gym, hop on the thing, set it to 2% incline and my desired pace, and TOTALLY ZONE OUT. I don't have to watch for cars or people, I'm a comfortable temperature (and I live somewhere that's a frozen hellscape from November to May, so that's big...like exposed skin on your face can literally freeze and die in five minutes or less some weeks in winter) and there's no snow or ice to worry about. Plus I can listen to loud music without endangering myself by being unaware of my surroundings, read an ebook even, whatever. It works for me and just because I'm not "communing with nature" or whatever (which...I live in a downtown core, so it's more like "communing with drunks and traffic and garbage") doesn't make it an inferior workout. It makes me happy. I dig having an easy way to keep my pace. I like distracting myself from what is often kind of boring once you get into the hour + type runs especially. And I don't think it makes me a better person to deal with terrible weather etc.

    Like...whatever, do whatever works for you, but I'm going to keep doing what works for me too. I've tried it the other way and it's not my thing. No big deal.

    As someone who loves running outside but hates running around piles of vomit (I live in an area with a lot of bars and college students), I agree that "communing with nature" can be way over-rated.
  • Mycophilia wrote: »
    I do not listen to cardio plebs. Nature does not have barbells and squat racks just lying around.

    I only lift rocks and wild fauna.
  • frankiesgirlie
    frankiesgirlie Posts: 669 Member
    hamlet1222 wrote: »
    The people that do have kids and also find the time are those with a supportive partner, or extended family on hand to help. I can understand why it would be impossible to get to the gym if you don't have either. At the opposite extreme, I know guys with kids who spend most of their leisure time in the gym or doing some sport/hobby that doesn't involve their kids - seems sad to me.

    That's part of their problem, thinking that they have to go to the gym to be in shape. Got kids? Take them in the back yard and do squats. Take the family in a bike ride. Go down to your basement and use the baby to do curls and have your toddler sit in your back when you do push-ups.
    Everyone can come up with excuses if they want to. EVERYONE.
  • peleroja
    peleroja Posts: 3,979 Member
    peleroja wrote: »
    I've gotten tons of crap here for preferring the treadmill and I just don't care.

    I can go to the gym, hop on the thing, set it to 2% incline and my desired pace, and TOTALLY ZONE OUT. I don't have to watch for cars or people, I'm a comfortable temperature (and I live somewhere that's a frozen hellscape from November to May, so that's big...like exposed skin on your face can literally freeze and die in five minutes or less some weeks in winter) and there's no snow or ice to worry about. Plus I can listen to loud music without endangering myself by being unaware of my surroundings, read an ebook even, whatever. It works for me and just because I'm not "communing with nature" or whatever (which...I live in a downtown core, so it's more like "communing with drunks and traffic and garbage") doesn't make it an inferior workout. It makes me happy. I dig having an easy way to keep my pace. I like distracting myself from what is often kind of boring once you get into the hour + type runs especially. And I don't think it makes me a better person to deal with terrible weather etc.

    Like...whatever, do whatever works for you, but I'm going to keep doing what works for me too. I've tried it the other way and it's not my thing. No big deal.

    As someone who loves running outside but hates running around piles of vomit (I live in an area with a lot of bars and college students), I agree that "communing with nature" can be way over-rated.

    Right? If I had a nice nature-y path to take and weather that wasn't -30 half the year I might feel differently, but I don't, so...shrug.
    peleroja wrote: »
    I've gotten tons of crap here for preferring the treadmill and I just don't care.

    I can go to the gym, hop on the thing, set it to 2% incline and my desired pace, and TOTALLY ZONE OUT. I don't have to watch for cars or people, I'm a comfortable temperature (and I live somewhere that's a frozen hellscape from November to May, so that's big...like exposed skin on your face can literally freeze and die in five minutes or less some weeks in winter) and there's no snow or ice to worry about. Plus I can listen to loud music without endangering myself by being unaware of my surroundings, read an ebook even, whatever. It works for me and just because I'm not "communing with nature" or whatever (which...I live in a downtown core, so it's more like "communing with drunks and traffic and garbage") doesn't make it an inferior workout. It makes me happy. I dig having an easy way to keep my pace. I like distracting myself from what is often kind of boring once you get into the hour + type runs especially. And I don't think it makes me a better person to deal with terrible weather etc.

    Like...whatever, do whatever works for you, but I'm going to keep doing what works for me too. I've tried it the other way and it's not my thing. No big deal.

    but why should anyone give you crap for your personal preference. I dont like the treadmill because i dont feel safe, so thats my preference. I dont care if anyone chooses to use it.

    You'd be surprised. Every time I've mentioned preferring the treadmill on MFP, someone loses their darn mind about it and makes it a mission to educate me on how I'm working out wrong and how I should learn to love the ice and grow up about the cold and how I'm pathetic for being concerned for my safety running in my neighbourhood. I'm not sure why it matters to people that a perfect stranger is DOING IT WRONG but people get legitimately nasty about it. Generally it's older, distance-running men but I've heard it over and over from lots of people. Mostly I now avoid posting on any thread that I run almost exclusively on the treadmill.
  • dolliesdaughter
    dolliesdaughter Posts: 544 Member
    Sometimes, but that is their opinion. I don't take issue with it. I have more things going on than to debate about gym, outside, workout DVD's.
  • dolliesdaughter
    dolliesdaughter Posts: 544 Member
    I've had people kind of snigger at me and say "you're lucky you get the time!!! *Eye roll* Wait til you have kids".
    Oh, my favorite is, "I have responsibilities" as if I some how magically live and get paid for doing nothing and report to no one. I have no kids because I don't want kids, doesn't mean that I don't have responsibilities.

  • mitch16
    mitch16 Posts: 2,113 Member
    Different strokes for different folks.

    For me it's totally situational... I have a gym membership for access to certain things (classes, free weights, treadmill, pool) but I would much rather run or cycle outside if given the option--it's just not always feasible (subzero weather, darkness, icy roads).
  • Leyshinka
    Leyshinka Posts: 54 Member
    edited October 2015
    They do have broadband in Iten you know!
    [/quote]

    I was not questioning that.




    Eugene, Oregon...where Nike was born.

    It's one of those self-bestowed titles. :) Oregon is also pretty bike-friendly. Something like 9% of Portland's population commutes by bike.

    The point is that I know an inordinate number of people who run outdoors. I live in a climate where some degree of outdoor exercise is feasible for most of the year...and I still don't encounter the attitude that the OP describes.

    I see active people of all kinds supporting each other in doing a wide variety of exercises. Now active people vs. people who never exercise? That's an entirely different story. [/quote]

    Thanks:-) Just wondered.
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