To talk or not to talk, that is the question.

jlnk
jlnk Posts: 188 Member
edited October 6 in Fitness and Exercise
Inspired by another gym post, I thought it would be interesting to hear different perspectives on gym etiquette.

Talking on a cell phone while working out... Yes? No?
Carrying on a loud conversation with a workout buddy... Yes? No?

My vote is 'no' for both. A quick few words here and there, no big deal. However, to carry on a long conversation is quite distracting and, in my opinion, demonstrates a lack of consideration for others.

Replies

  • surfrgrl1
    surfrgrl1 Posts: 1,464 Member
    My vote is "no" to both.
    :mad:
  • BeautyFromPain
    BeautyFromPain Posts: 4,952 Member
    My vote is "no" to both.
    :mad:

    P.S. GET OFF THE MACHINES WHILST TALKING UNLESS YOU ARE GONNA USE IT RATHER THAN JUST SIT THERE :grumble:
  • lacroyx
    lacroyx Posts: 5,754 Member
    Talking on Phone: depends. I don't care unless you are taking up a machine that others are waiting to use and you are more into your converstation than working out.

    Loud conversation: again don't care. I usually listen to music on my ear phones so I'm not bothered.
  • weyrebel
    weyrebel Posts: 3
    If they can talk while working out then they aren't working out hard enough!! Maybe take an MP3 player and earbuds so you don't have to listen to them?
  • bjshields
    bjshields Posts: 677 Member
    Phone: no! Buddy: keep talking but keep it down, please. And be aware, you are not the only one there!:smile:
  • BobbyClerici
    BobbyClerici Posts: 813 Member
    Inspired by another gym post, I thought it would be interesting to hear different perspectives on gym etiquette.

    Talking on a cell phone while working out... Yes? No?
    Carrying on a loud conversation with a workout buddy... Yes? No?

    My vote is 'no' for both. A quick few words here and there, no big deal. However, to carry on a long conversation is quite distracting and, in my opinion, demonstrates a lack of consideration for others.

    NO and NO
    People come up to me during a workout, wanting to chat.
    "Now is not a good time; call me later" I say.
  • jlnk
    jlnk Posts: 188 Member
    If they can talk while working out then they aren't working out hard enough!! Maybe take an MP3 player and earbuds so you don't have to listen to them?

    You should hear some of the women in my gym! I totally take ear buds and yet their clucking penetrates my music! It is amazing! It is just so inconsiderate that I am in disbelief each time I encounter this. I've started to go to the gym mid-day and this seems to help...yesterday I was the only one in the cardio room :-)
  • hsk1019
    hsk1019 Posts: 235 Member
    No to both - definitely! It's one thing to do that outside on a track or jogging through neighborhoods, but not at the gym!
  • kristarablue
    kristarablue Posts: 702 Member
    Well I guess I don't care either way. Their talking on the phone while working out is not impacting me even a little. I have my ear buds in and music is loud enough that I tune everything else out. Honestly if they are using the buddy system and that is the only way they will go to the gym and catch up on the days activities, I say go for it. Rock on that they are not only socializing but improving their mental state through exercise and communication. It also may encourage someone that would not normally go. I prefer to workout alone and just listen to my music however everyone is unique. Also phone calls don't bother me either if the person is just on a cardio machine and working out, maybe it is a quick thing. I know I have recieved emergancy calls from work or information about my kids and I have taken them, don't get me wrong, I am a bit annoyed when people call me at the gym however if it is important I will take it and be brief. But even if they choose to be on the phone during the entire workout, maybe it is thier way to not focus on the task at hand and it is better they are at the gym working out than not at all....I applaud anyone that is making it to they gym and going beyond themself....just a thought
  • janf15
    janf15 Posts: 242 Member
    Leave your addiction to the cell phone outside the gym.

    As for talking - asking questions, brief exchanges yes, - conversations no.
  • Vaibhav_ace
    Vaibhav_ace Posts: 93 Member
    I try to keep my heart rate above the point where I could possible carry out a conversation with anyone while I am working out. So that by default makes it NO to both for me. I need my focus as I work out, so usually headphone are in, and that keeps people out.
  • Classalete
    Classalete Posts: 464 Member
    Don't care to both, do whatever you want...You pay for your membership with the same currency I use.

    I turn my music up and throw in my headphones...Others no longer exist at that point.
  • katemiddletonisawesome
    katemiddletonisawesome Posts: 152 Member
    NO on both of those.

    Cellphones - I'm nosey and feel the need to listen in on your conversation if you're on the phone, which distracts me from working out.

    Loud people in the gym - I HATE it when loud mouths decide to show off in front of everyone. I get made enough at the grunters and weight droppers making a racket - the sound just echoes through the whole building. The gym is not a social club, it is an exercise facility.

    In my opinion, if you want to socialize, go to a bar or a club where you actually need to be loud.
  • boxingday2010
    boxingday2010 Posts: 26 Member
    I say focus on your workout. I just leave my phone in my car; I figure I'm working out, I'm busy so I can't do anything or talk at that moment anyway so I'll call them back/meet up with them when I am done. And the loud conversation with a buddy is just common courtesy anyway in the gym or anywhere for that matter... keep it down, no one else except your friend cares what you have to say. Well... except maybe the 'town gossip'...
  • LastSixtySix
    LastSixtySix Posts: 352 Member
    Totally agree with the reasons for the "no" answers on both questions. Personally, my MP3 is on the fritz and so I've been without for a while. What I've discovered is that as I continually bump up the intensity of my workouts, I don't need the distration of others because it breaks my concentration. I need to focus on the muscles working and work them more. Talking loud anywhere is just plain rude.
  • melissaw1232
    melissaw1232 Posts: 184 Member
    A definite NO!!! like some said if your having a casual conversation then you may need to crank up the intensity. the phone shouldnt be in your presence in my opinion. I once saw two people (walking) watch a video on the treadmill :noway: I was mortified like why are you here? but then I checked myself and said not everyone is here for the same reason that I was.
    I myself have been guilty of singing phrases here and there but not loud or consistent enough to be bothersome (I hope)
  • SueGremlin
    SueGremlin Posts: 1,066 Member
    No. It is rude.
  • EuroDriver12
    EuroDriver12 Posts: 805 Member
    Talking on Phone: depends. I don't care unless you are taking up a machine that others are waiting to use and you are more into your converstation than working out.

    Loud conversation: again don't care. I usually listen to music on my ear phones so I'm not bothered.


    Agreed with this reply... N i think those r a little crazy dont ya think? Lol its a gym!!! Not a church where you need to be quiet as a mouse!! Lmao

    Gym adequet falls more under like wipe machines when ur done, dont dress like a *kitten* off the street or show up in dirty construction clothes, dont use chalk in a public gym because then next 30ppl will be covered in ur sweaty caked on white *kitten* that u could of just used wrist wraps instead!
  • jetscreaminagain
    jetscreaminagain Posts: 1,130 Member
    Talking loudly to your buddy is annoying enough. Talking loudly to your buddy about me in the weights section of the already small part of the gym isn't just annoying its rude douchebaggery. I go to a different gym now.
  • Debbe2
    Debbe2 Posts: 2,071 Member
    Don't care who's talking to whom nor about cell usage although I do find being able to talk on the phone while working out a curiosity. I'm not able to do it :D
  • EuroDriver12
    EuroDriver12 Posts: 805 Member
    Have the ppl at the gym including me have iphones n BB n track the entire workout on their; so to you may look like were sitting txting but actually were just logging our lifts...

    Also are you there to workout you ppl or are you there to stare and see what the person is like and what their doing beside you?
  • tiabirdie56
    tiabirdie56 Posts: 4,097 Member
    I see cell phone use at the gym all the time and wonder why people even bring their phones inside if they are serious about working out? It makes me think that a lot of people don't know how to concentrate their focus, not even for 30 to 60 minutes. That is sad. Yakking away while on the cardio machines, I automatically know the workout is not going to be that beneficial. BUT, Seriously? You're lifting heavy and between sets you have to make and accept social calls? That being said, it truly doesn't matter to me. These thoughts just go through my mind when I witness it happening. It could really be that these people need something else other than music and tv to power them through their routine. I just turn up the music and close my eyes, literally. MY time.

    @Eurodriver12~ I didn't even mention the workout apps. Yes, some people are using them when they lift, but you can tell when someone is following a routine.
  • EuroDriver12
    EuroDriver12 Posts: 805 Member
    Talking loudly to your buddy is annoying enough. Talking loudly to your buddy about me in the weights section of the already small part of the gym isn't just annoying its rude douchebaggery. I go to a different gym now.

    This is something thats actuly wrong... My friend actualy saw a skinny guy workin out n pointed him out to me n i told him to stfu n give the kid props for having the balls to go to a gym n try to change because most are too scared and subcontious to even start going! We all started somewhere! Noone was born 220lbs of muscle with 6%bf
  • jlnk
    jlnk Posts: 188 Member
    Have the ppl at the gym including me have iphones n BB n track the entire workout on their; so to you may look like were sitting txting but actually were just logging our lifts...

    Also are you there to workout you ppl or are you there to stare and see what the person is like and what their doing beside you?

    I wasn't referring to texting, I specifically said talking. I also log food and/or exercise, sometimes even respond to important e-mails while working out.
  • jlnk
    jlnk Posts: 188 Member
    Have the ppl at the gym including me have iphones n BB n track the entire workout on their; so to you may look like were sitting txting but actually were just logging our lifts...

    Also are you there to workout you ppl or are you there to stare and see what the person is like and what their doing beside you?

    I wasn't referring to texting, I specifically said talking. I also log food and/or exercise, sometimes even respond to important e-mails while working out.

    To be very specific, LOUD talking...
  • jessicamckay13
    jessicamckay13 Posts: 297
    Last weekend there was a guy who put his workout book/log/journal/something on a bench, water bottle right in front of the cables, towel over the bar in the smith machine, and talked VERY LOUDLY on his cell phone. He was oblivious to myself and the 3 other people in his area giving him death looks.

    I really don't care what you do as long as you don't take over the entire area and as long as you don't talk loud enough for the entire gym to hear. Conversations, answering a phone call, chatting with a friend, flirting with the hot chick, whatever. TALKING LIKE THIS, please stop.
  • missikay1970
    missikay1970 Posts: 588 Member
    i have only seen one girl talking on her cell phone while working-out, so i guess i'm lucky that my gym is quiet. she didn't bother me, i had on my headphones and was tuned-in to my iPod. i have seen buddies talking to each other, but it's never been loud enough to bother me. i guess i'll have to say it doesn't really matter to me. i'm in a zone and don't really care what others do.
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