Gym Protocol

Maybe the person feels more motivated to have someone next to them working hard. I wouldn't do that, but I also realize there are no rules or "etiquette" about such things. Anyone is free to take any open equipment. Keep working!

Mouse_Potato wrote: »

PressingPatience wrote: »

So, I've been thinking about this question. I'm an introvert by nature but I will also probably pick the machine next to the only person in the room rather than the opposite side of the room. At the very least, I'd chose one near to the only person in the room. I'm not sure why actually. Maybe there's still a pack mentality deep down in my psyche... I dunno.

I think a lot of people do have that mentality. I'm kind of the opposite, but I've noticed some people just seem to like being close to other people, even strangers. Even in odd situations. Like, there are five stalls in the ladies room at my office. I have observed there is about a 90% chance that the person who comes in after me will pick a stall right next to mine. This happens consistently, regardless of which stall I choose. I don't know if it's a safety in numbers instinct or what.

In my office there are often stopped up stalls ready to dibble over with one more use, forcing people to find one that works, even if it's next to an occupied stall.

I like my personal space so if it happens to me I feel annoyed for a fleeting moment and then just laugh at myself for how ridiculous I’m being, it’s no big deal I don’t suppose but I invariably think it!
My husband and I often comment on how humans very often seem to be pack animals. It’s quite amusing behaviour to watch. Like if you’re in an almost empty car park and someone parks right next to you. Or if you’re on an almost empty train platform someone will come and stand right next you, it’s almost guaranteed!

amy19355 wrote: »

I'm curious about something:
How do the "want to work out without neighbors" group handle the situation when all the machines are occupied except one?
Do you wait until there are a bunch of empties before working out?
Or do you grit your teeth and suffer?

I'm really intrigued by this pack vs not-pack mentality that is being brought out by this thread!

Personally, I do prefer a bit of personal space but don't mind if someone is on a machine next to me (as long as they aren't on their cell phone the entire time!) so if all the machines were full except one I'd quickly grab the free one because my workout takes priority over perceived gym etiquette.

Although those with social and anxiety issues may answer differently and I understand their stance.

amy19355 wrote: »

I'm curious about something:
How do the "want to work out without neighbors" group handle the situation when all the machines are occupied except one?
Do you wait until there are a bunch of empties before working out?
Or do you grit your teeth and suffer?

I'm really intrigued by this pack vs not-pack mentality that is being brought out by this thread!

I hate having people near me when I run, but in a full gym, I have no choice. I just suck it up and deal.

janejellyroll wrote: »

crazyravr wrote: »

annaskiski wrote: »

So..

You are at the gym, there are 50 empty treadmills.
You jump on the one about halfway through. Another person walks over and gets on the one next to you, ignoring the 48 other empty choices.

Annoying? Or am I too much of an introvert?

#1. What are you doing on a treadmill that you cannot do outside.

In December and January? Keeping my fingers and toes.

Bah, no such thing as too cold in the Continental US; just inadequate gear

amy19355 wrote: »

I'm curious about something:
How do the "want to work out without neighbors" group handle the situation when all the machines are occupied except one?
Do you wait until there are a bunch of empties before working out?
Or do you grit your teeth and suffer?

I'm really intrigued by this pack vs not-pack mentality that is being brought out by this thread!

Completely different situation. Where there is one machine free one had the choice to use it, or do something else.

As originally described, it's about needless proximity, and a perception of loss of agency.

..still better than the hampster wheel. (+ they were actually kind of lucky had they been prepared with adequate gear- you rarely have consistent snow/ice cover like that which is perfect for traction devices...usually one gets stuck with mixed conditions, opts to forgo the spikes due to mostly bare pavement and goes down crossing the icy street (ETA: black ice)...or you get to trudge/bunny hop through snow).

amy19355 wrote: »

I'm curious about something:
How do the "want to work out without neighbors" group handle the situation when all the machines are occupied except one?
Do you wait until there are a bunch of empties before working out?
Or do you grit your teeth and suffer?

I'm really intrigued by this pack vs not-pack mentality that is being brought out by this thread!

If the gym is busy, then personally, I've already adjusted to the fact that people are going to me near me, but it doesn't feel as weird and personal if there's a crowd as when I'm more or less alone and someone needs to park themselves RIGHT NEXT TO ME. I was always fine to go for a quick lunchtime run with people on either side of me because then it's necessity rather than a weirdly deliberate choice to be unnecessarily barging into into my bubble.

I also wanted to add to this to say that for some of us, working out is a good opportunity to mentally recharge and get some quiet time. I very much value solitude when I work out because I am a textbook introvert (that is, someone who can find social interaction tiring rather than energizing, even with loved ones) and it's one of the only parts of my day where I don't have to talk to anyone if I don't want to. The gym didn't offer me that consistently, and so I was happy to build a home one and stop having to work out in public.

One of the reasons I now bike commute year-round (in a snowy part of Canada with long, cold winters) is because it offers me some time to be alone, rather than pressed up against strangers on a train. It's very valuable to my mental health and I am a happier, healthier person when I get some time totally to myself, away from my boss, my coworkers, random strangers, and even my husband.

(Also, I am one of those Millenials that Boomers hate because I wear headphones a lot in public. Not while I'm paying for my groceries or buying a coffee and need to interact politely with someone, but certainly when I'm walking down the street or store aisles or taking transit or going for a run. I need the armour.)

annaskiski wrote: »

#1. What are you doing on a treadmill that you cannot do outside.
#2. I would not care for the proximity at all. Its like peeing at the urinal. I am comfortable with myself lol

Existing as a female. The difference between a gym and outside is that at least at a gym the intent of other gym-goers is to workout, whereas outside you can't eliminate creepers who creep just because you are there and because they can.

For me, I do get bothered, but it really depends on the circumstances. I'm quite extroverted, but I have introverted tendencies when I am actively not hanging out with friends or family (recharging), and am quite self-conscious at the gym so I do get annoyed if there's a completely empty row and someone parks it right next to me. But at my gym some of the treadmills suck and have broken features, so I get it. It's not enough to ruin my day or make me move, per se, but it's enough to annoy me.