Gym Etiquette - Weight Lifting

TluvK · August 2011

Hi all,

The weight lifting area of our gym is pretty small. We just have one, maybe two of each of the bigger pieces of equipment.

I start with my chest press - do my 3 sets, then move on to my squat press, 3 sets, then move over to that platform thingy that you stand on and pull the weight up toward you, etc. Anyway, I always start and finish my sets at one "station" and then move on to my next exercise. Today there was a guy lifting some heavy weight and he had most of the equipment set up for himself. And then he just traveled around the room, almost like a circuit. So, when it was my time to go over the the platform thingy, he had all this weight on it, so I waited and just did something else. I kept checking back periodically but he still had the weight on it and every now and then he'd do a set.

SOOOOO - my question is: is traveling around the room like that typical? Was I supposed to ask him if I could squeeze in my sets? I ended up not doing anything because I didn't want to offend. Thanks Mucho.

AlsDonkBoxSquat · August 2011

Hi all,

The weight lifting area of our gym is pretty small. We just have one, maybe two of each of the bigger pieces of equipment.

I start with my chest press - do my 3 sets, then move on to my squat press, 3 sets, then move over to that platform thingy that you stand on and pull the weight up toward you, etc. Anyway, I always start and finish my sets at one "station" and then move on to my next exercise. Today there was a guy lifting some heavy weight and he had most of the equipment set up for himself. And then he just traveled around the room, almost like a circuit. So, when it was my time to go over the the platform thingy, he had all this weight on it, so I waited and just did something else. I kept checking back periodically but he still had the weight on it and every now and then he'd do a set.

SOOOOO - my question is: is traveling around the room like that typical? Was I supposed to ask him if I could squeeze in my sets? I ended up not doing anything because I didn't want to offend. Thanks Mucho.

You gotta share the room, so if he's doing circuts and you're doing circuts you figure out how to accomodate each other. Next time just ask "are you still using this, I need xxx minutes on it."

batlou · August 2011

I would have politely said excuse me and if he did not respond or move then I would have just started working out on the equipment that I needed anyway. Our gym is pretty big and not a problem with weights but does get dicey at the pool sometimes. I will typically let a swimmer know I wish to enter their lane, if they do not respond or whatever then I just get in and start swimming. You pay your membership just like he does and if it's a problem then address it with Management.

Coltsman4ever · August 2011

He should absolutely not be claiming the equipment if he's not using it at the time. You pay for your membership just like everyone else. I run into the same problem at every gym I go to. People don't pick up after themselves and they're rude when they're there. You have to step in and tell him, or anyone else, that you'd like to get your sets in as well.

JME67550 · August 2011

I agree with the others. Just ask. He may not have known his "reserving" the equipment was hindering your workout. Most people I've ever encountered in this situation have been willing to work with me so we both get what we need.

kneeki · August 2011

Traveling around the room like that is pretty common, depending on the workout style. I do a lot of "supersetting" at the gym as well; which it sounds like this man was doing. A lot of the time however, you can usually just say "Hey, can I get a set in?" and it shouldn't be a problem. If it is, he's a ....

corpus_validum · August 2011

He's gotta understand that he can't hog up several stations, so just politely ask him if you can work in to finish out your workout. He should be understanding and say yes of course.

If he's a *ick about it, then you may need to find another exercise/station to hit your back...traditional deadlift, mid-row machine, incline lever row...which is actually good for the muscles (an occasional change-up that is). If he continues to be a *ick in future encounters, I'd inform management so that they can remind him of proper gym etiquette.

TluvK · August 2011

Thanks everyone. I will work up my nerve next time - although it really helps my confidence knowing that I should ask. I know it's silly that I feel weird about asking, but the weight room is relatively new territory for me. I kick people off the treadmill all the time!

dad106 · August 2011

I'd def ask next time.. or my general rule is, if people are not using at the time, then I just hop in.

My pet peeve with weight lifting is, I'll want to use a machine or w/e and people are just chilling on it between their sets or they'll do like one set with like two reps then sit there texting for 5 minutes.. I want to just go over there and be like um excuse me, if your not actually going to use the machine then please move..

AlsDonkBoxSquat · August 2011

Your other option is to do the same thing I do when someone's been on the treadmill too long. Stand there with your arms crossed giving him the evil eye until he says "oh, were you waiting on this?"

starwhisperer · August 2011

I use two machines or a machine and some free weights at one time. That way I can, for instance, do a chest set, and the go straight into a shoulder set thus keeping my heart rate up. Lots of times I end up sharing a machine with someone else. THe general unspoken rule in these situations is to set the machine back to the other person's weight in between sets. I have never had anyone get upset as long as you keep moving at a normal pace.

jonniemarie1 · August 2011

yeah, thats totally not cool of him! I wokout at two different gyms, one which I work at, which is relatively new and small, so i have the ability to get on the treadmill for 5 minutes, get off and do a circuit of exercises, and then get back on the treadmill for 5 minute cardio intervals, and doing my weight training inbetween... But the other gym I workout is very large, and I usually just complete my sets on one machine and then move on to the next, because i don't want to be rude...
and don't be scared or intimidated in the weight room! It's the most effective way to work out... weights are amazing! even for women!! If you are very new, I would recomend working out with a trainer for a few sessions just to learn how to correctly use each machine

thetrishwarp · August 2011

I'd def ask next time.. or my general rule is, if people are not using at the time, then I just hop in.

My pet peeve with weight lifting is, I'll want to use a machine or w/e and people are just chilling on it between their sets or they'll do like one set with like two reps then sit there texting for 5 minutes.. I want to just go over there and be like um excuse me, if your not actually going to use the machine then please move..

My gym actually has signs everywhere saying (in different words): If you're done your set, get off. When you need to do your next set, get back on.

TluvK · August 2011

I'd def ask next time.. or my general rule is, if people are not using at the time, then I just hop in.

My pet peeve with weight lifting is, I'll want to use a machine or w/e and people are just chilling on it between their sets or they'll do like one set with like two reps then sit there texting for 5 minutes.. I want to just go over there and be like um excuse me, if your not actually going to use the machine then please move..

I had a guy do his entire workout on the one machine I was waiting for. It's the one where you can change all the attachments and do pull-downs?\. Do you know the one? I use it for my triceps. Anyway - 45 minutes he spent on that thing....lots of breaks. I should have known he would pi$$ me off - he was wearing cut off jeans and Teva sandals. :laugh:

dad106 · August 2011

I'd def ask next time.. or my general rule is, if people are not using at the time, then I just hop in.

My pet peeve with weight lifting is, I'll want to use a machine or w/e and people are just chilling on it between their sets or they'll do like one set with like two reps then sit there texting for 5 minutes.. I want to just go over there and be like um excuse me, if your not actually going to use the machine then please move..

I had a guy do his entire workout on the one machine I was waiting for. It's the one where you can change all the attachments and do pull-downs?\. Do you know the one? I use it for my triceps. Anyway - 45 minutes he spent on that thing....lots of breaks. I should have known he would pi$$ me off - he was wearing cut off jeans and Teva sandals. :laugh:

Yea I know that one.. I've never used it because my trainer hasn't showed me how yet, but I'm sure i will one day.

I also like the people that never clean up after them selves and leave weight plates on the assisted pull up machine.. I almost got whacked by the part you put your knees on trying to lug a 25 weight plate off of it.

ShannonMpls · August 2011

I do fast circuits, and I always unrack my weights between sets. I fully expect that other people will need to use those areas in between my sets. I do not own them when I'm there! I think people who leave them racked during peak hours, or sit on the bench for 15 minutes between sets, are jerks.

rock127 · August 2011

Hi all,

The weight lifting area of our gym is pretty small. We just have one, maybe two of each of the bigger pieces of equipment.

I start with my chest press - do my 3 sets, then move on to my squat press, 3 sets, then move over to that platform thingy that you stand on and pull the weight up toward you, etc. Anyway, I always start and finish my sets at one "station" and then move on to my next exercise. Today there was a guy lifting some heavy weight and he had most of the equipment set up for himself. And then he just traveled around the room, almost like a circuit. So, when it was my time to go over the the platform thingy, he had all this weight on it, so I waited and just did something else. I kept checking back periodically but he still had the weight on it and every now and then he'd do a set.

SOOOOO - my question is: is traveling around the room like that typical? Was I supposed to ask him if I could squeeze in my sets? I ended up not doing anything because I didn't want to offend. Thanks Mucho.

There are often some people like those in the gym.Since you are paying gym fees you would need to come out of your shell and request gently if you can use the equipment as well with a nice smile.... it works.

It can be even more annoying when 2-3 people(often new and in a hurry to look like arnie in a month or so) come together in a group and start using one equipment... one set after another.This can simply put off other people from using the equipment.

Due to those reasons if possible go to the gym in non-peak hours.

SoCalSwimmerDude · August 2011

In terms of 'gym etiquette' its normal to ask if you could work in a set or alternate w/ him. Heck, the other day some guy kept asking me to spot him in the middle of my workout. Its also normal for him to go from one thing to the next unless someone asks to 'get in'. Now, if he unwilling, then as others have said........

Gym Etiquette - Weight Lifting

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