New Year's Gym Etiquette
Replies
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Theoldguy1 wrote: »SchweddyGirl wrote: »~ If your gym has a track, follow the flow scheme for that day. And if you are walking, keep to the right to allow runners to pass you. And if you are in a group, please only be two people wide. Taking up the whole track then giving snotty looks when someone asks you to pass is flat out rude.
This is a huge peeve of mine. I have access to several gyms with indoor tracks, and in most of them, people routinely ignore (or fail to notice) the signs about direction or which lane is reserved for runners. And even when they do stick to the walkers lanes, the slow walkers often walk side-by-side in a way that forces runners to squeeze past them.
Not to mention that on several occasions, I had to stop short because walkers would nonchalantly step in to the runners lane as they pass other people. I remember letting out a loud "Oh, come on!" one time, which the walkers discreetly ignored.
And don't get me started on this crazy woman who was jumping rope in the runner's lane.
Also be sure to notice which lanes are for runners. On tracks in my area the inside lane(s) are typically for runners (usually posted,), which is contrary to what many people think since when driving the faster traffic should be to the outside lane.
Just last night, a woman raised a fuss when I said, "You know, you're in one of the runners' lanes." I said it twice -- but only twice -- because she didn't seem to hear me the first time. So yelled, "I know! Tell that to the hundred other people doing the same thing!" Which was nonsensical, but I brushed it off.
Then she snapped my photo and said, "I'm going to report you for harassment!"
"All I said is that you're in the wrong lane," I said. "You're harassing me now!" she replied.
Yes, some people just fail to notice the signage, no matter how large it is. Through the years though, I have learned that a lot of people just don't care.
Hope your facility has a rule regarding taking member's pictures without permission
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Theoldguy1 wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »SchweddyGirl wrote: »~ If your gym has a track, follow the flow scheme for that day. And if you are walking, keep to the right to allow runners to pass you. And if you are in a group, please only be two people wide. Taking up the whole track then giving snotty looks when someone asks you to pass is flat out rude.
This is a huge peeve of mine. I have access to several gyms with indoor tracks, and in most of them, people routinely ignore (or fail to notice) the signs about direction or which lane is reserved for runners. And even when they do stick to the walkers lanes, the slow walkers often walk side-by-side in a way that forces runners to squeeze past them.
Not to mention that on several occasions, I had to stop short because walkers would nonchalantly step in to the runners lane as they pass other people. I remember letting out a loud "Oh, come on!" one time, which the walkers discreetly ignored.
And don't get me started on this crazy woman who was jumping rope in the runner's lane.
Also be sure to notice which lanes are for runners. On tracks in my area the inside lane(s) are typically for runners (usually posted,), which is contrary to what many people think since when driving the faster traffic should be to the outside lane.
Just last night, a woman raised a fuss when I said, "You know, you're in one of the runners' lanes." I said it twice -- but only twice -- because she didn't seem to hear me the first time. So yelled, "I know! Tell that to the hundred other people doing the same thing!" Which was nonsensical, but I brushed it off.
Then she snapped my photo and said, "I'm going to report you for harassment!"
"All I said is that you're in the wrong lane," I said. "You're harassing me now!" she replied.
Yes, some people just fail to notice the signage, no matter how large it is. Through the years though, I have learned that a lot of people just don't care.
Hope your facility has a rule regarding taking member's pictures without permission.
Some of the gyms that I attend do have that rule. I don't think this one does, though. (I have a multi-gym pass.)
Thankfully, I spoke to the staff before she could. Later, I was told that she did speak to the manager. I don't know how that went, and I'm sure he told her that walkers should use the walkers-only lanes. I'd wager that he was probably too soft on her, though.
Based on my conversation with him, he's very much of the "Everyone has their own perception" mentality. That's not totally without merit, and she *could* conceivably have thought that I was yelling at her. Harassment implies a continuing pattern though, and there's no way that merely saying, "You know, you're in a runners-only lane" twice constitutes harassment. And of course, if you're willfully ignoring the gym rules (as she was), then you really have no basis for standing your ground.
I've learned that a lot of gym managers are weak when it comes to enforcing such rules, though. Most gym goers -- and certainly most track users -- are casual users rather than people seeking a vigorous workout. As a result, gym management usually enforces rules in a manner that favors the casual gym goers, so they seldom care about people standing on the track, walking in the wrong way, or even walking in the wrong direction.1 -
Please wipe your sweat off the equipment when you’re done. Don’t sit on a piece of equipment staring at your phone for 10 minutes (or more).1
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Here's one not mentioned - if there is a row of about 20 treadmills and only 1 is being used, don't pick either of the treadmills right next to the one being used. (ie same for elipticals, bathrooms, etc)
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Theoldguy1 wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »SchweddyGirl wrote: »~ If your gym has a track, follow the flow scheme for that day. And if you are walking, keep to the right to allow runners to pass you. And if you are in a group, please only be two people wide. Taking up the whole track then giving snotty looks when someone asks you to pass is flat out rude.
This is a huge peeve of mine. I have access to several gyms with indoor tracks, and in most of them, people routinely ignore (or fail to notice) the signs about direction or which lane is reserved for runners. And even when they do stick to the walkers lanes, the slow walkers often walk side-by-side in a way that forces runners to squeeze past them.
Not to mention that on several occasions, I had to stop short because walkers would nonchalantly step in to the runners lane as they pass other people. I remember letting out a loud "Oh, come on!" one time, which the walkers discreetly ignored.
And don't get me started on this crazy woman who was jumping rope in the runner's lane.
Also be sure to notice which lanes are for runners. On tracks in my area the inside lane(s) are typically for runners (usually posted,), which is contrary to what many people think since when driving the faster traffic should be to the outside lane.
Just last night, a woman raised a fuss when I said, "You know, you're in one of the runners' lanes." I said it twice -- but only twice -- because she didn't seem to hear me the first time. So yelled, "I know! Tell that to the hundred other people doing the same thing!" Which was nonsensical, but I brushed it off.
Then she snapped my photo and said, "I'm going to report you for harassment!"
"All I said is that you're in the wrong lane," I said. "You're harassing me now!" she replied.
Yes, some people just fail to notice the signage, no matter how large it is. Through the years though, I have learned that a lot of people just don't care.
Hope your facility has a rule regarding taking member's pictures without permission.
Some of the gyms that I attend do have that rule. I don't think this one does, though. (I have a multi-gym pass.)
Thankfully, I spoke to the staff before she could. Later, I was told that she did speak to the manager. I don't know how that went, and I'm sure he told her that walkers should use the walkers-only lanes. I'd wager that he was probably too soft on her, though.
Based on my conversation with him, he's very much of the "Everyone has their own perception" mentality. That's not totally without merit, and she *could* conceivably have thought that I was yelling at her. Harassment implies a continuing pattern though, and there's no way that merely saying, "You know, you're in a runners-only lane" twice constitutes harassment. And of course, if you're willfully ignoring the gym rules (as she was), then you really have no basis for standing your ground.
I've learned that a lot of gym managers are weak when it comes to enforcing such rules, though. Most gym goers -- and certainly most track users -- are casual users rather than people seeking a vigorous workout. As a result, gym management usually enforces rules in a manner that favors the casual gym goers, so they seldom care about people standing on the track, walking in the wrong way, or even walking in the wrong direction.
I feel it's somewhat like the rules (other than the ones against actions that could clearly get someone hurt) are there more as a "suggestion" and a way to defend asking one to stop a behavior and/or kicking a troublemaker out if a lot of people are complaining about the troublemaker's actions. If nobody complains, they can do their thing. What is "excessive" noise when lifting?
Sort of like dress codes at some bars requiring "appropriate attire", without really listing what "appropriate attire" is.2 -
Theoldguy1 wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »SchweddyGirl wrote: »~ If your gym has a track, follow the flow scheme for that day. And if you are walking, keep to the right to allow runners to pass you. And if you are in a group, please only be two people wide. Taking up the whole track then giving snotty looks when someone asks you to pass is flat out rude.
This is a huge peeve of mine. I have access to several gyms with indoor tracks, and in most of them, people routinely ignore (or fail to notice) the signs about direction or which lane is reserved for runners. And even when they do stick to the walkers lanes, the slow walkers often walk side-by-side in a way that forces runners to squeeze past them.
Not to mention that on several occasions, I had to stop short because walkers would nonchalantly step in to the runners lane as they pass other people. I remember letting out a loud "Oh, come on!" one time, which the walkers discreetly ignored.
And don't get me started on this crazy woman who was jumping rope in the runner's lane.
Also be sure to notice which lanes are for runners. On tracks in my area the inside lane(s) are typically for runners (usually posted,), which is contrary to what many people think since when driving the faster traffic should be to the outside lane.
Just last night, a woman raised a fuss when I said, "You know, you're in one of the runners' lanes." I said it twice -- but only twice -- because she didn't seem to hear me the first time. So yelled, "I know! Tell that to the hundred other people doing the same thing!" Which was nonsensical, but I brushed it off.
Then she snapped my photo and said, "I'm going to report you for harassment!"
"All I said is that you're in the wrong lane," I said. "You're harassing me now!" she replied.
Yes, some people just fail to notice the signage, no matter how large it is. Through the years though, I have learned that a lot of people just don't care.
Hope your facility has a rule regarding taking member's pictures without permission.
Some of the gyms that I attend do have that rule. I don't think this one does, though. (I have a multi-gym pass.)
Thankfully, I spoke to the staff before she could. Later, I was told that she did speak to the manager. I don't know how that went, and I'm sure he told her that walkers should use the walkers-only lanes. I'd wager that he was probably too soft on her, though.
Based on my conversation with him, he's very much of the "Everyone has their own perception" mentality. That's not totally without merit, and she *could* conceivably have thought that I was yelling at her. Harassment implies a continuing pattern though, and there's no way that merely saying, "You know, you're in a runners-only lane" twice constitutes harassment. And of course, if you're willfully ignoring the gym rules (as she was), then you really have no basis for standing your ground.
I've learned that a lot of gym managers are weak when it comes to enforcing such rules, though. Most gym goers -- and certainly most track users -- are casual users rather than people seeking a vigorous workout. As a result, gym management usually enforces rules in a manner that favors the casual gym goers, so they seldom care about people standing on the track, walking in the wrong way, or even walking in the wrong direction.
I feel it's somewhat like the rules (other than the ones against actions that could clearly get someone hurt) are there more as a "suggestion" and a way to defend asking one to stop a behavior and/or kicking a troublemaker out if a lot of people are complaining about the troublemaker's actions. If nobody complains, they can do their thing. What is "excessive" noise when lifting?
Sort of like dress codes at some bars requiring "appropriate attire", without really listing what "appropriate attire" is.
Valid point. You could be right.
In principle, track usage would be a lot smoother if they would require patrons to stay within their proper lanes. In most cases, it'd be a win-win situation for everyone. After all, walkers seldom need to use the runners' lanes except when overtaking someone -- and that can be done carefully. Runners would be free to use their own lanes without interference.
That requires pro-active effort to enforce though, and you'd get opposition from people who want to do their own thing "just because." The gym might also lose revenue from the rulebreakers. So yeah, the rules could very well be nothing more than a way to justify dealing with a troublemaker when enough people complain.0 -
Theoldguy1 wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »Theoldguy1 wrote: »SchweddyGirl wrote: »~ If your gym has a track, follow the flow scheme for that day. And if you are walking, keep to the right to allow runners to pass you. And if you are in a group, please only be two people wide. Taking up the whole track then giving snotty looks when someone asks you to pass is flat out rude.
This is a huge peeve of mine. I have access to several gyms with indoor tracks, and in most of them, people routinely ignore (or fail to notice) the signs about direction or which lane is reserved for runners. And even when they do stick to the walkers lanes, the slow walkers often walk side-by-side in a way that forces runners to squeeze past them.
Not to mention that on several occasions, I had to stop short because walkers would nonchalantly step in to the runners lane as they pass other people. I remember letting out a loud "Oh, come on!" one time, which the walkers discreetly ignored.
And don't get me started on this crazy woman who was jumping rope in the runner's lane.
Also be sure to notice which lanes are for runners. On tracks in my area the inside lane(s) are typically for runners (usually posted,), which is contrary to what many people think since when driving the faster traffic should be to the outside lane.
Just last night, a woman raised a fuss when I said, "You know, you're in one of the runners' lanes." I said it twice -- but only twice -- because she didn't seem to hear me the first time. So yelled, "I know! Tell that to the hundred other people doing the same thing!" Which was nonsensical, but I brushed it off.
Then she snapped my photo and said, "I'm going to report you for harassment!"
"All I said is that you're in the wrong lane," I said. "You're harassing me now!" she replied.
Yes, some people just fail to notice the signage, no matter how large it is. Through the years though, I have learned that a lot of people just don't care.
Hope your facility has a rule regarding taking member's pictures without permission.
Some of the gyms that I attend do have that rule. I don't think this one does, though. (I have a multi-gym pass.)
Thankfully, I spoke to the staff before she could. Later, I was told that she did speak to the manager. I don't know how that went, and I'm sure he told her that walkers should use the walkers-only lanes. I'd wager that he was probably too soft on her, though.
Based on my conversation with him, he's very much of the "Everyone has their own perception" mentality. That's not totally without merit, and she *could* conceivably have thought that I was yelling at her. Harassment implies a continuing pattern though, and there's no way that merely saying, "You know, you're in a runners-only lane" twice constitutes harassment. And of course, if you're willfully ignoring the gym rules (as she was), then you really have no basis for standing your ground.
I've learned that a lot of gym managers are weak when it comes to enforcing such rules, though. Most gym goers -- and certainly most track users -- are casual users rather than people seeking a vigorous workout. As a result, gym management usually enforces rules in a manner that favors the casual gym goers, so they seldom care about people standing on the track, walking in the wrong way, or even walking in the wrong direction.
I feel it's somewhat like the rules (other than the ones against actions that could clearly get someone hurt) are there more as a "suggestion" and a way to defend asking one to stop a behavior and/or kicking a troublemaker out if a lot of people are complaining about the troublemaker's actions. If nobody complains, they can do their thing. What is "excessive" noise when lifting?
Sort of like dress codes at some bars requiring "appropriate attire", without really listing what "appropriate attire" is.
Valid point. You could be right.
In principle, track usage would be a lot smoother if they would require patrons to stay within their proper lanes. In most cases, it'd be a win-win situation for everyone. After all, walkers seldom need to use the runners' lanes except when overtaking someone -- and that can be done carefully. Runners would be free to use their own lanes without interference.
That requires pro-active effort to enforce though, and you'd get opposition from people who want to do their own thing "just because." The gym might also lose revenue from the rulebreakers. So yeah, the rules could very well be nothing more than a way to justify dealing with a troublemaker when enough people complain.
Yep. Guessing there are a lot of people walking in running lanes who are also driving 55 in the left lane when the speed limit is 75.1 -
Ok, story time. Monday we started to get a trickle of new members at my gym. Noticed this older skinny guy come in and bee-line to the db area. He takes over the preacher bench and loads a curl bar with two 45's. I'm curious now because that isn't a trivial weight for an obviously new lifter. Well, he doesn't preacher curl it or even curl it at all. He uses the pegs on the bench and the curl bar to do some kind of romanian DL variation. I went back to doing a set and there is a sudden bang and I look to find that the curl bar is now two benches over and the guy is holding his side and rubbing his shoulder. Wife told me he was unloading one side and the bar flipped and smacked him on it's way over.
Guy showed up yesterday again with a bee-line to the preacher bench. Loads it with 25's this time and just leaves it on the pegs. He goes over to the "Yes/No" machine and does a set then gets a mat and starts doing stretches. Well, the loaded bar he left is in the way of the rack that holds the plates for the hammer press I'm about to use so I unload it and rack everything. He comes back about 30 minutes later, loads the bar back up and then leaves it. He never came back so I ended up racking the weights again an hour later before I left for the day.
Then we have MMA guy. Another older dude in an MMA branded hoodie who took one of the benches and spent the entire two hours I was in the gym doing nothing but 95# flat bench. I lost track of how many sets he was doing. I kinda admired his tunnel vision and determination.
Chicken lady is back too - every year. She was flapping some 2.5# plates around while duck walking with a band doing laps around the gym. She then proceeded to hump the cable machine for 20 minutes - with not a single plate engaged on the mechanism. She also likes to turn every tv onto CNN or MSNBC and then proceeds to hide the remotes. I've gotten pretty good at finding them.
Besides the obvious dangers posed by folks who don't know how to use equipment - it's highly entertaining seeing the new routines and exercises people invent.3 -
jseams1234 wrote: »Ok, story time. Monday we started to get a trickle of new members at my gym. Noticed this older skinny guy come in and bee-line to the db area. He takes over the preacher bench and loads a curl bar with two 45's. I'm curious now because that isn't a trivial weight for an obviously new lifter. Well, he doesn't preacher curl it or even curl it at all. He uses the pegs on the bench and the curl bar to do some kind of romanian DL variation. I went back to doing a set and there is a sudden bang and I look to find that the curl bar is now two benches over and the guy is holding his side and rubbing his shoulder. Wife told me he was unloading one side and the bar flipped and smacked him on it's way over.
Guy showed up yesterday again with a bee-line to the preacher bench. Loads it with 25's this time and just leaves it on the pegs. He goes over to the "Yes/No" machine and does a set then gets a mat and starts doing stretches. Well, the loaded bar he left is in the way of the rack that holds the plates for the hammer press I'm about to use so I unload it and rack everything. He comes back about 30 minutes later, loads the bar back up and then leaves it. He never came back so I ended up racking the weights again an hour later before I left for the day.
Then we have MMA guy. Another older dude in an MMA branded hoodie who took one of the benches and spent the entire two hours I was in the gym doing nothing but 95# flat bench. I lost track of how many sets he was doing. I kinda admired his tunnel vision and determination.
Chicken lady is back too - every year. She was flapping some 2.5# plates around while duck walking with a band doing laps around the gym. She then proceeded to hump the cable machine for 20 minutes - with not a single plate engaged on the mechanism. She also likes to turn every tv onto CNN or MSNBC and then proceeds to hide the remotes. I've gotten pretty good at finding them.
Besides the obvious dangers posed by folks who don't know how to use equipment - it's highly entertaining seeing the new routines and exercises people invent.
I changed the time I go to the gym to an off-peak time, so I don't see any of the fun stuff.1 -
Will_Run_for_Food wrote: »This is more about change room etiquette, and while not my #1 piece of advice, it's top of mind because there's a woman who does this every morning in the change room:
If you're showering at the gym, bring a towel. Don't waste an entire roll of paper towel to dry yourself off every single day because you're too lazy to bring your own towel. And the constant *rrrrrrrrip* of the paper towel is also incredibly annoying.
WTF. This is the weirdest thing I’ve ever heard. And I assume said woman has hair? Why would this ever be better than packing a towel?
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