Gym Social Norms

[Venom]

It is really important that the ABC members are educated on gym social norms, so that non of us act like a gym moron in any way whatsoever. Therefore, this thread is dedicated to gym social norms.

I was motivated by a situation the president and I ran into tonight.

This guy started a conversation with us, and went on and on about his philosophy on how to write an effective paper. And then…he followed us around the gym lol! So we could not shake him. It was horrible.

So there are two principles I want to get across here:

1. Never get into a philosophical discussion with someone in the middle of their workout
2. NEVER EVER follow someone around the gym and try to strike a conversation with them.

[Down 2 Die]

Don't try talking to people in the middle of their set! I had this fat guy come up and start talking to me about soccer, and he didn't even know anything about it! (This was before I started my set mind you) He was like, "Oh boy, I hope they get a break. They look really tired. I could never do that. Hopefully they get a break soon. Do they get a break soon?" And I was just like "I don't know man." So I start my set of seated curls. The guy is just standing there, probably 3 feet away (1 foot away if you include his stomach) watching me. Then he's like, "Gosh, you're strong. 100 pounds. Jeez louise. Hopefully you don't break your arms in half. That's what I did." I didn't say anything and he left. I think it's kinda like when you see a bear in the wild.. just be real still and don't make any noise.

[Venom]

LMAO! I have tried the silence approach as well--you don't want to reinforce them! It works sometimes, but with the guy I mentioned above, it did not. I swear we said 3 words the entire time, and he kept going on and on. /forum/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Here is another one similar to what you said:


The same guy I mentioned above, on another workout day, asked Jake a philisophical question about biomechanics in the MIDDLE of a strip set on leg press.

So if you don't talk to someone during a normal set, DEFINITELY don't talk to someone during a strip set lol. /forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[Down 2 Die]

Haha! What a moron! "Yeah uh, let's ponder on wormholes and time travel while you finish your 3RM deadlift attempt." Yeah, no talking during a set or a strip set. But you know if you're doing a drop set using different dumbbells they are gonna get you when you go to switch em up.

I forgot to mention that there was a TV in the weight room due to the World Cup. I'm pretty sure that fat guy never actually works out. I have only seen him bothering other people, reading the newspaper, and waddling around. I mean, not to make fun of the guy or anything, but dude, you're a nasty slob.

Thou shalt not give others unsolicited advice.

And I hate it when I'm finishing up a total reps set or a drop set and people sneer at the weight I'm struggling with at the end. It shouldn't bother me though, because my intelligence on physiology and kinesiology probably far exceeds theirs.

[War5475]

Aww guys maybe he was just lonely. /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[TheShanMan]

One thing that bugs me is when people don't return equipment to the right spot. "Gee, I guess the last guy thought I'd want this here." /forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif And then when I see some girl having to peel 45's off of the leg press or something I realize it must tick girls off even more because it's much harder to handle the heavy weight.

[Qester]

[ QUOTE ]
One thing that bugs me is when people don't return equipment to the right spot. "Gee, I guess the last guy thought I'd want this here." /forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif And then when I see some girl having to peel 45's off of the leg press or something I realize it must tick girls off even more because it's much harder to handle the heavy weight.

[/ QUOTE ]

That can work two ways though..I hate having to rack up the squat rack or such, i'd much rather someone have just left a 45 plate on and then people could add weight from there..It would inconvience people less if a 45 was on the bar and a few girls had to take it off, then countless others having to search for a free 45 to put on it.

[Growth In Motion]

[ QUOTE ]
One thing that bugs me is when people don't return equipment to the right spot. "Gee, I guess the last guy thought I'd want this here." /forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif And then when I see some girl having to peel 45's off of the leg press or something I realize it must tick girls off even more because it's much harder to handle the heavy weight.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, very true. I've never actually worked out in a commerical gym, ive always worked out at home. But i guess you get the annoying ones who just want the next person who will be using the piece of equipment to think 'gee, the guy who was on here last must be pretty strong'. Those people who do that need to get a life...

[TheShanMan]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
One thing that bugs me is when people don't return equipment to the right spot. "Gee, I guess the last guy thought I'd want this here." /forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif And then when I see some girl having to peel 45's off of the leg press or something I realize it must tick girls off even more because it's much harder to handle the heavy weight.

[/ QUOTE ]

That can work two ways though..I hate having to rack up the squat rack or such, i'd much rather someone have just left a 45 plate on and then people could add weight from there..It would inconvience people less if a 45 was on the bar and a few girls had to take it off, then countless others having to search for a free 45 to put on it.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sounds like someone who leaves the weights on. /forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif Seriously though, that's selfish in my mind, and you're missing part of my point... if people returned equipment to the right spots, then why would it be hard to find 45's? Does your gym really have so few 45's that they're that hard to find?

Sure it's nice if the barbell magically has exactly the weight you want on it, but that doesn't make it right. If you're getting ready to pull weights off to put them away and someone says "go ahead and leave it" because they're going to use it after, that's one thing, but thinking you're doing a favor for people by leaving the weights on is just rationalizing inconsiderate behavior.

[Venom]

I think it depends on the apparatus.

On things such as leg press, I have seen maybe 2 people in my gym do less than a plate or two. So I will usually just leave a plate or two on, that way people don't have to unrack it. Same thing with the shrugs machine. I saw that Jay Cutler did this in one of his videos (and used the same logic), so I figure it is not too bad. /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

But for the squat rack, bench, etc. I usually take those off, because a lot of people can't even do a plate. Or, they may not like the bar that is being used (there are 3 different types of bars in my gym).

I want to know what the consensus is though, so I can abide by our social norms. /forum/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[TheShanMan]

I'll have to start paying attention to how much weight women use on the leg press, so perhaps that is a partial exception. But a number of times I've seen women pulling 45's off and one time a woman even came over to me and asked for my help pulling them off.

[dalvare1]

how about the guy who can do an entire workout in a cable station? I have a guy in my gym who is like the cable king. If he is down there, you can bet @ss no one will be using the cable station. and anytime you ask to get in, no joke he is like ummm well i just have a few sets left....... and he will sit there and glare at you the entire time your using it. god it makes me mad just thinking about him!

[hoffmag2]

THOU SHALT NOT PASS GAS IN THE GYM

The other day I was working in with some random guy at the squat rack when he let one rip. It wasn't just a normal "stick around for a few seconds" kind of gas, but more like a "i haven't crapped in three days and have been eating nothing but beans" kind of gas. HORRIBLE. For the sake of others in the gym, please, hold it in.

[TasteLikeChicken]

The not taking plates back is starting to be a problem at my gym. Sometimes, half of the gyms plates are on different bars all ove the place.

One time my mom did a set of standing calf raises not realising that she was lifting an additional forty-five pounds(an extra plate)!

I have gotten a lot of comments during sets, that is what gets on my nerves. What does that work? or the less polite WHAT are you doing?!?!???! Questions and what not during intense sets. I also don't like comments, when people think they are encouraging me, they are really ruining my concentration and will to complete a certain ammount of reps.

Another thing that gets on my nerves is when people do triceps extensions on the high pulley in the cable crossover station when there is an idividual high pulley somewhere else in the gym. There is only one cable crossover station in the entire gym and it is used for cable crossovers, chin-ups, any low pulley exercise, there is no need to do anything else in there.

[Venom]

Wow, the tempers are starting to flare in here lol. /forum/images/graemlins/ooo.gif /forum/images/graemlins/blush.gif

[Qester]

[ QUOTE ]
I think it depends on the apparatus.

On things such as leg press, I have seen maybe 2 people in my gym do less than a plate or two. So I will usually just leave a plate or two on, that way people don't have to unrack it. Same thing with the shrugs machine. I saw that Jay Cutler did this in one of his videos (and used the same logic), so I figure it is not too bad. /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

But for the squat rack, bench, etc. I usually take those off, because a lot of people can't even do a plate. Or, they may not like the bar that is being used (there are 3 different types of bars in my gym).

I want to know what the consensus is though, so I can abide by our social norms. /forum/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

That is semi what i do, ill noramlly leave 2 plates on leg press, 1 plate on the squat..and ill derack any bench or shoulder machines or anything like that.. Im not saying that i leave all the weight on, if im squatting 3 plates i will take off 2 of them just my logic i guess, it may be flawed but meh

[Down 2 Die]

I normally leave one plate on the leg press... however, at my gym we have the 100 lb. plates and I am constantly seeing women having to struggle with them. I have been asked numerous times to help.

[Venom]

Yeah, I never leave the 100 pound plates on. I think that is wrong.

[Armor for Sleep]

On leaving weights on -

It depends on the apparatus we are discussing. For the leg press, as stated above VERY FEW people will use less than one 45lb plate (including women). The only situation I can imagine is some sort of rehab. So I leave one plate on after doing this exercise.

For a cage or rack, I would say take ALL the weights off. Yes, most people (well depending on the gym you go to - LOL) use it for squats, and of course they can start at one plate for a warmup and such. But there are still a lot of people that don't (far more than leg press). Not to mention the variety of exercises you can do here, such as lunges that you might desire a lower weight. Also - remember height. I am pretty short, 5'7, so when a 6'6 dude leaves the bar 1 foot above my head (his squat start height) with the weights on it does become a chore to have to take them off before readjusting the clips lower.



Other things that piss me off -

people leaving their towels, music players, car keys, etc on a bench THEY ARE NOT USING. They can be doing curls standing up but they leave their items on the bench 1 foot away from them. There is no reason for this, I have to ask them if I they are using the bench and they say 'no' and look all annoyed as they pull their things off.

[book]

The only thing that I find real annoying is the Sceamers in my gym. From reps 1 through to 10, they will scream their lungs out. It's so pathetic and annoying too - mainly the reason why I got earphones that block out all outside noise.

[TheShanMan]

[ QUOTE ]
For a cage or rack, I would say take ALL the weights off. Yes, most people (well depending on the gym you go to - LOL) use it for squats, and of course they can start at one plate for a warmup and such. But there are still a lot of people that don't (far more than leg press). Not to mention the variety of exercises you can do here, such as lunges that you might desire a lower weight. Also - remember height. I am pretty short, 5'7, so when a 6'6 dude leaves the bar 1 foot above my head (his squat start height) with the weights on it does become a chore to have to take them off before readjusting the clips lower.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep - I agree, should never leave weights on in a cage. More often than not I will reposition the rack either because of a difference in height or because I'm doing a non-standing exercise like heavy bench without a spotter or seated BB military presses.

Even though I can see the logic behind leaving a plate on the leg press, my philosophy is that I'd rather just ALWAYS return the weights because I'd rather not presume that the next person will want it like that and then be wrong. I think it's better that the next person has to load the weights, than the next person has to remove the weights.

But hey, we're only touching on part of what my original thought was. And I hope we can all agree on this next part... people leaving dumbells or plates on the floor, by the benches or whatever, rather than returning them to the racks they belong to (please tell me you all agree /forum/images/graemlins/confused.gif).

[TheShanMan]

[ QUOTE ]
The only thing that I find real annoying is the Sceamers in my gym. From reps 1 through to 10, they will scream their lungs out. It's so pathetic and annoying too - mainly the reason why I got earphones that block out all outside noise.

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh, man, there's a guy in my gym that continually makes these loud high pitched grunts - doesn't matter what exercise he's doing. I refer to him as "girlie grunt" when I'm talking to my partner. It is hilarious, but obviously can be distracting during a set. That's when headphones turned up loud come in handy. /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Qester]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
For a cage or rack, I would say take ALL the weights off. Yes, most people (well depending on the gym you go to - LOL) use it for squats, and of course they can start at one plate for a warmup and such. But there are still a lot of people that don't (far more than leg press). Not to mention the variety of exercises you can do here, such as lunges that you might desire a lower weight. Also - remember height. I am pretty short, 5'7, so when a 6'6 dude leaves the bar 1 foot above my head (his squat start height) with the weights on it does become a chore to have to take them off before readjusting the clips lower.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep - I agree, should never leave weights on in a cage. More often than not I will reposition the rack either because of a difference in height or because I'm doing a non-standing exercise like heavy bench without a spotter or seated BB military presses.

Even though I can see the logic behind leaving a plate on the leg press, my philosophy is that I'd rather just ALWAYS return the weights because I'd rather not presume that the next person will want it like that and then be wrong. I think it's better that the next person has to load the weights, than the next person has to remove the weights.

But hey, we're only touching on part of what my original thought was. And I hope we can all agree on this next part... people leaving dumbells or plates on the floor, by the benches or whatever, rather than returning them to the racks they belong to (please tell me you all agree /forum/images/graemlins/confused.gif).

[/ QUOTE ]

That i definately agree on

[*DyLan]

Theres a Girlie grunter in my gym! every rep every set eeeeehhhhaa! so funny. Also, from now on, I will leave 45s on the leg press so I can help a lady out and start a conversation with her /forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Gain_is_Pain]

When you are in the middle of a set and someone comes along and says "Excuse me" and tries to get past you (my gym is small).

DRIVES ME MAD!!! I'm halfway through a set!!!

How long would you have had to wait?

Should I stop my set just because you've decided to walk through the weight room on your way to the sauna or reading the newspaper or anything else other then hard work.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....

Why doesn't ABC start it's own Gyms? Globally!!

[TheShanMan]

Thought you guys might want to know... I saw a woman (quite a fit one at that) using 35's on the leg press. So I revert back to my prior stance that all weights should be removed. /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[XenoWang]

I'm a "screamer", but only on my heaviest squat and deadlift sets. I find that the scream really helps me focus on the rep. I even do a warthog-like grunt before the set to charge myself up, hehe. Let's not even talk about setting my mp3 player to some choice songs that inevitably cause me to headbang for a couple of seconds before I approach the bar /forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[book]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm a "screamer", but only on my heaviest squat and deadlift sets. I find that the scream really helps me focus on the rep. I even do a warthog-like grunt before the set to charge myself up, hehe. Let's not even talk about setting my mp3 player to some choice songs that inevitably cause me to headbang for a couple of seconds before I approach the bar /forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

O yea squats/deads are a give in if there heavy sets or if you're really pushing it. Also if Ronnie Coleman was in the gym I don't think anyone would have the balls to do anything even if he yellwed continously lolol (same for you /forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif)

[XenoWang]

It just seems like if I don't get really really REALLY charged up before the set, which may include a couple of snorts and preliminary grunts, it feels like I'm not running at full capacity. I don't do it for the attention (for the most part, hahaha..... lame). I did scare a poor girl while screaming during deadlifts though. She literally moved across to the other side of the gym after that set of deadlifts. She had the most incredulous "wtf" look on her face when I glanced at her, haha.

[Growth In Motion]

Im sort of weird when it comes to screaming. I dont usually do it, but sometimes it comes out. When i try to scream though, it sort of stuffs me up lol Guess i only do it when i need to, and even then i dont know when that is /forum/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[book]

O nah I'm not against screaming when your seriously going hard. But doing machine shoulder presses or extrme partial rep 140lb barbell curls (examples ive seen) is not cool.

[XenoWang]

I'm in complete agreement with ya there. If I'm not doing squats or deads, I never go and scream during a set. The most I'll do is a short grunt.

[Whey Man]

Going back to the discussion about leaving weights on the machines...

I don't really like that way of doing things. Usually at my gym when any weight is left on, it means that it's still being in use and that the person is just off doing a superset or getting water or something and will be back shortly. So it drives me insane when people leave weights on the benchpress and no one's touched it for about an hour because everyone who walks by assumes it's being used. You wouldn't believe how many people have asked me, "Is someone using this?" and I ALWAYS say, "No, it hasn't been touched for awhile now."

[TheShanMan]

Yeah, that's a great point, Whey. That drives me crazy too. If someone walks off after using equipment that I want to use and I don't catch them before they walk to the other end of the floor, I am left wondering "is he done"?

[Whey Man]

[ QUOTE ]
Yeah, that's a great point, Whey. That drives me crazy too. If someone walks off after using equipment that I want to use and I don't catch them before they walk to the other end of the floor, I am left wondering "is he done"?

[/ QUOTE ]

Tell me about it. It's just such an uneasy feeling. Even though I don't work at my gym anymore, I find myself going around picking up after people so no one else gets confused.

I might as well add something else that annoys me too...I just hate it when people stare at me. This has probably been mentioned in this thread already...but man alive. I mean sure, I accidently catch myself glancing at people too once in awhile, but only a quick one if I KNOW they can't or haven't seen me. Anything longer than one second is just bullcrap IMO. I'm tired of being stared at for 7+ seconds. Then I just have to look at them so they'll stop, and they immediately turn the other way like, "Hey, he didn't know I was looking at him." But I did! I DID know you were looking at me! My gosh. And I REALLY think it's funny when they're "pretending" they're not staring.

So in my opinion, quick glances = ok. It's natural. Staring...not good. Not good at all...

[XenoWang]

Maybe OT, but...

The strangest, creepiest thing I've seen is this one guy who works out at UPenn's gym... I honestly think he has some kind of degenerative disease and for that I feel really bad for him, but he literally looks like he has no muscular LBM beyond what is necessary to live and breathe! He's really just one step from being a skeleton- it's almost like his skin is shrinkwrapped around his bones and it's really freaky to see. What's more, on every single rep he does he lets out the most disturbing sound. Not quite a scream, not really a grunt... More like a "uuuunnnnnnnnnnnggggggghhhhhh." Think of a cross between a constipated dude and some guy "doing the deed." Yeah, sorry for that (auditory?) visual, but it's the closest I can get to describing the sound. Freaky...

[kwood34]

This thread is awesome because I know others go through my agony, haha.

I HATE when strangers come up and talk to me. If they just ask a question or something it usually isn't a problem. When they start rambling on and on I usually give them no feedback whatsover. I don't make eyecontact or respond and it takes them forever to get the idea! And I can totally relate when people try to talk to you during a set.

I actually had an old guy one time ask me to race him around the track in my gym! This dude had to be at least 75 and he said he needed someone to push him, haha. The funny thing was I did it, haha.

One other thing I will add that I don't like is when people walk around me too close. You will be doing a set of DB flies and someone walks so close to your bench you have to change your form. Its not that hard to walk around and give people an extra 5 feet to workout.

[TheShanMan]

Xeno, that was a bigtime lol - I can just picture and hear that guy in my mind /forum/images/graemlins/shocked.gif.

[Whey Man]

[ QUOTE ]


I actually had an old guy one time ask me to race him around the track in my gym! This dude had to be at least 75 and he said he needed someone to push him, haha. The funny thing was I did it, haha.



[/ QUOTE ]

LOL that reminds me of when old guys want me to play basketball with them. So what'd you do? Did you take it easy on him, or did you waste him?

[kwood34]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]


I actually had an old guy one time ask me to race him around the track in my gym! This dude had to be at least 75 and he said he needed someone to push him, haha. The funny thing was I did it, haha.



[/ QUOTE ]

LOL that reminds me of when old guys want me to play basketball with them. So what'd you do? Did you take it easy on him, or did you waste him?

[/ QUOTE ]

Haha, no, I kept it close to try and push him. It would have been funnier though if I would have just took off and lapped him.

[Whey Man]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]


I actually had an old guy one time ask me to race him around the track in my gym! This dude had to be at least 75 and he said he needed someone to push him, haha. The funny thing was I did it, haha.



[/ QUOTE ]

LOL that reminds me of when old guys want me to play basketball with them. So what'd you do? Did you take it easy on him, or did you waste him?

[/ QUOTE ]

Haha, no, I kept it close to try and push him. It would have been funnier though if I would have just took off and lapped him.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well that's good. /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif that was nice of you.


Say guys, I have another one for you...

So there's this guy I've seen at the gym everyday, and he has one artifical leg. I've course I've always been curious about how he lost it, but I wouldn't dare ask. Well inbetween one of his sets today, some dude asked him, "How'd you lose it?"

I don't know...I guess it might not have been too bad, but I myself would just never do something like that. I would hate to remind him AGAIN that he lost his leg. I think he's probably tired of hearing about it and just wants to move on. I would only ask him if I knew him and was close to him.

[gauol]

Here’s one that bothers me; I’m right in the middle of a set (of anything) and using the mirror to watch my form, I’ve stepped back a few feet so people can get around me and to the dumbbell rack. Some meathead comes up grabs some dumbbells and starts a set of his own directly in front of me. This drives me nuts because you don’t realize how help the mirror is until it’s blocked by some jackass.

[Adam Knowlden]

I think a lot of gym ethics are relative to the type of environment. In a hardcore gym, I don't see a problem leaving "normal" starting weight on a machine. In fact most people who are waiting for the machine will say "go ahead and leave that on". Its almost disrespectful to leave a machine naked, like an insult someone would use less than a plate. But in a place like lifestyle fitness, its considered discourteous. People will give you dirty looks.

Also, I've noticed in my gym everyone is germ conscious. I guess if someone sweats then moves on it doesn't bother me (as long as they're not nasty, or sweating excessively). But for some people, they sanatize the entire machine before they get on, then again when they get off. Too me that's a waste of time when I'm in a groove. I also don't remember anyone caring about such protocols at the hardcore gym I used to work out at.

Finally, people trying to carry on a conversation with you in a gym is annoying. That's why I just wear headphones, and enter the pain zone. I don't have much to say when I'm working out and it distracts my attention and visualization techniques.

[rickck48]

hey now, ya'l know you suppose to take it easy on us old guys! We have a hard time, keep up wiht speed and bulk,,right? I get beat up in karate class all time,,,,but it sure is good exercise!,,lol,,, /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[DirtbagDan]

I'm coming into this thread late, but here's some things i've encountered...

The Laughing Man - This guy at my gym who laughs whenever he does an exercise... he laughs during his sets. The first time I encountered this was when I was with my friend at the cable station and the guy went to use the bench press machine which was right next to the cable station. Anyhow, my friend is on the chubby side and is very self concious, so when we heard laughing behind us, he whispered to me "is that guy laughing at ME?". I looked behind me and the guy was staring forward into space and laughing as he was doing his set. He went on to to more sets, and laughed constantly through them EVERY TIME. To this day he still does it with every exercise and it is just very strange.

The Guy That Smells Horrible - Not much to say here. I'm pretty sure everyone has at least one of these in every gym. The guy who has some horrid smell coming from him, it smells like he took a dump in his pants. Very very strange...

Mr. 70s/80s retro - This is pretty hilarious. There used to be a guy at the gym who would look like he came straight from the 80s and 70s. You know, the knee-high socks, the nylon very very short shorts, the headband, etc. It was pretty funny.

Big Ego Showoff - Everyone's got at least one of these guys. In my case, it was this guy who came in with his girlfriend or something and heads to the legpress machine. He must have loaded something like 800 lbs. on there, when it looked like he obviously couldn't do it. He gets on while his girlfriend watches, and struggles out 1 rep. It's so heavy that he cant hold out before he can engage the lock on it, and the thing comes crashing down making the loudest noise in the gym and almost destroyed the machine. Guess who's the moron.

Eat-While-You-Train - I think i've told you guys about this person before. He's a good friend of mine, but I just had to put him in here because it's that strange. He cooks up food like steak, potatoes, etc. and eats WHILE he is training. He's got his reasons about how he believes pre-workout and post-workout meals dont really do anything or something. Pretty crazy.

That's all for now. I'll put more up later. This is a great thread!

[Grizzly]

I had to put my 2 cents in because of something that recently happend at a gym I go to:

I had to go to the gym rather late, round 7ish, and it was packed. The flat bench stations were all taken, so I go up to one kid and ask how many sets he has left. He says 3. I figure, ok, it's gonna be awhile so screw it, i'll do some seated calf raises which was right near the bench. So He does 1 set, then his friend comes over and starts talking to him.

5 minutes later, they are still talking, and he hasn't done another rep. Meanwhile i've done like 8 sets of calfs. I'm PISSED at this point. I can't believe the lack of consideration. I usually keep to myself, but I had to go up to him because I was so ticked. I told him that I wanted to get in there and asked if he would finish anytime that night. He apologized, did one set, then apologized again and left.

Hopefully he learns to never do this again as it's ridiculous and is right up there with replacing your weights. Get me mad just thinking about it...

[Birthright1]

Hey i thought talking was part of the 4th horsemen; oh your right after checking it is all about lifting my bad. These people make me angry they should join a book club so as not to get in our way with there inconsiderate babalings.

[LayWarrior]

I was going to make my own post about this but i reckon i'll just stick it in here.
Dont get me wrong or anything, my gym is really good and theres alot of good atheletes in there but all I often see in there is the monsters, who are far bigger than I'll ever be, talking to each other casualy during their sets and during their 10 minute rests between sets! and they all talk over scrawny little me, in my way whilst I'm supersetting heavy flies with press ups.
Theres this kinda pack of about 8 in my gym with all the big guys, who "train" together. Anyway theres the kinda 'silverback' of the group and hes a pretty big guy like 6"5 300lbs, and there always asking for tips on training and who he beat up last night, for looking at his car or somthing. He has alot of these sorta stories.
I dont really care about other people in the gym, if anything these people motivate me. What gets on my nerves is the lack of discipline they have. I personnally do not see lifting and fitness just as somthing to use to intimidate others and look cool, but as a discipline and to test myself, many of these people dont.
Another kinda funny one is the guy that looks like a sorta neolithic John Travolta and walks around drinking tea during his session with a cup and saucer. Anyone else have the 'tea party' guy?

- Matt

[TruthlessHero]

Tea? No, but I see a lot of idiots walking around with smoothies during their workout. It's more like a milkshake (ice cream, milk, etc).

One thing that really gets me is the ignorance of some of the lifters who seem more "senior". The big guys with belts, straps etc. They start talking to me in the middle of a set, where I'm clearly struggling. The one guy asks me about once a week "Dude, do you think I have big arms?" or "Dude, do you think my arms got bigger?" and then one of his buddies says "Of course he's going to say yes. What do you think his answer would be if you said 'Do you get a lot of (!@#$%^&*)?'"

Everything else that you guys talked about gets me too. There's this one old lady that goes in everyday and thinks everyone likes to talk to her, but she's just really annoying. She uses the lightest dumbbells for an hour hogging the same bench. I've noticed a lot of people lolly gagging lately, wasting time, hogging benches, etc.

[Baugh]

Well, working out in a college gym, I've pretty much seen every and all of the things that have been mentioned above. Some personal favorites though, that haven't been mentioned (I think)

The Ogler: This guy will show dedication that few could match in coming to the gym every day. However, once there, he'll proceed to do nothing but stare at the girls trying to work out. He'll pump out a few reps of bicep curls but then do nothing but wander around, trying to get a peek. It's gotten so bad at times that I've been forced to confront him at the behest of some of my girl friends who get so creeped out it begins to affect their workouts.

The Jerk: This can be anyone really, but for me it's a guy I met a month or so ago at a party. Not really a friend of mine, more of an acquaintance. But anyways, I go to the gym the next day and he's there. We exchange greetings but then we go our separate ways(Or so I thought) I'm in the middle of a dumbbell set when this kid walks up and starts rattling off the funniest anecdotes from last nights festivities. Needless to say, my concentration is ruined. The worst part of it is, even though I haven't seen this guy at parties since then, he still approaches me in the gym and relates HIS experiences from the weekend or whatever. I'm convinced it's karma getting at me for getting drunk...

[Birthright1]

Alright i think i have the winner. Us guys at the gym call him the naked shaver. He gets done with his workout goes into the locker room stripes down heads to the sink with his shaving gear puts his junk on the counter and shaves. Everyday, i didn't really notice him at first because i am always looking up in the locker room due to the people who can't seem to wrap a towel around themselfs when they leave the shower but this guy is a freak.
I was getting dressed one day and a guy passes me butt (!@#$%^&*) heading to the sink the guy changing next to me says, there goes the naked shaver and starts laughing. I said what? Then he told me he had been coming to this gym for 3 years and for all 3 of those years this dude has been shaving naked so he calls him the naked shaver, like that naked cowboy guy who plays the guitar on the streets. I started laughing so hard i almost cried.
So this is the story of the naked shaver, you never want to see him, and you **** sure don't want to use his sink.

[dashforce]

Lol that's hilarious.

We've got a couple people at our gym that we have names for --

"The Gazelle" -- named for her galloping trot on the treadmill

"The Turtle" -- named for his famous move (involves lying on a bench with two 10lb dumbells and making a crawling motion like a turtle or beetle on its back)

"Napoleon Dynamite" -- I swear, could win a look-alike contest, and always does some exercise that involves 10 lb dumbells, lunging, and flexing in the mirror

"Arnold Yabernator" -- This extrodinarily large Navajo fellow whose war-cries terrify the old ladies on the arm-powered bicycle machines

There are more, but those are my favorites.

[LayWarrior]

Lol, "Arnold Yabernator", I have a few of those at my gym, Although I think the naked shaver is just wierd, Hopefully mine hasn't got one of those.
Another one thats probably been mentioned is the 'all the gear, no idea' guy who has all the latest nike and addidas sports equipment but only seems to know how to work abs.
Also theres the 'has beens' who seem to have forgotten alot of training rules since their glory days they always rattle on about.

- Matt

[richnewton]

There's a few types at our gym I don't like..

1. The naked shaver (already mentioned). These guys usually stand bare naked at the sink and shave either their face or their entire body. Doesn't fail that everytime I go to the restroom one is in there.

2. The guy who HAS to shower at the one shower head visible from the entire bathroom. The entire shower area EXCEPT this one part is blocked by a wall - WHY use that one if the whole place is empty? Why! I swear some of the older guys just want to be naked in front of people. I really don't understand it and just walk with downcast eyes whenever entering the restroom because it doesn't fail there are a couple of bare naked old guys just standing around waiting for somebody to catch a peek.

3. If I miss my usual work out time 1-4pm (gym is empty) then I have to come in later at 6pm or later and its usually crowded which doesn't bother me except for the group of 3-8 guys who just stand around the entire time. They lift heavy and do some absurd amount of reps but then they rest for 10+ minutes while the other 8 guys do their set (screaming the entire time of course). I have no doubt the entire group of them uses steroids and/or pro-hormones as I know 2 of them personally and they use. Man those guys bug me..

4. The cell phone people. I'm sorry but you're at the gym - put the cell phone away. My now ex-girlfriend does this all the time and it bugs me really bad. She would be at the gym for an hour and be on the phone for 30 minutes of it atleast.. what can be the important that you can't put the phone away for an hour or so and focus?

[Growth In Motion]

[ QUOTE ]
what can be the important that you can't put the phone away for an hour or so and focus?

[/ QUOTE ]

lol true. If there are more important things dont bother going to the gym

[Whey Man]

Lately at the gym, if I'm doing a superset on another machine...the original machine I was on gets stolen from me literally 90% of the time. I mean I know I didn't claim it, but shoot...why does it have to happen basically everytime? And then of course they use it for the next 10 minutes and guard it inbetween sets that takes like 3-5 minutes...

Sorry...just had to vent.

[Njari]

[ QUOTE ]
Lately at the gym, if I'm doing a superset on another machine...the original machine I was on gets stolen from me literally 90% of the time. I mean I know I didn't claim it, but shoot...why does it have to happen basically everytime? And then of course they use it for the next 10 minutes and guard it inbetween sets that takes like 3-5 minutes...

Sorry...just had to vent.

[/ QUOTE ]
I know exactly what you mean! Althought , I can see their point of veiw, too. I imagine them posting somehere:

"Yeah, and every time I try to use an unoccupied machine, some guy swoops out of nowhere like a ninja on speed, and claims that he was using it. Whatever."


Now that I've aknowledged the other point of view, I'm definitely on your side. We need to collectively find an unmistakable (but socially acceptable) way to, umm, mark our territority.

Maybe we should print up a bunch of hardcore-looking ABCBodybuilding towels that we could leave on the equipment.
(Hey mods--free advertising!)

[DieselMofo20x]

theres this one guy who has pretty decent size and definition..decent..anyway this guy thinks he is the reincarnated version of ronnie coleman..before every set he screams, "YEAH BUDDY LIGHT WEIGHT!" im thinking in my head, this guy is a **** joke..hes about 225 and he cant even bench 315..he slaps on 3 plates, starts screaming and then goes down like a quarter of the way..its pretty bad..

what i REALLY cant stand is the ppl who bother me between sets..i mean ok you want to ask for a little advice thats cool, but i dont need to hear your life story on how you used to look as good as me and all this bs..there is this one guy at my school who always needs to reassure me that he is quote "just getting back into it" i swear it pisses me off i tell him that he just needs to stick with it instead maybe that will help your gains..this kid is a nice dude and all but he always needs to tell me all of his stats and how all of his numbers have went down bc hes gotten injured or some bs like that..it is SO **** annoying bc he keeps going and going! i will just be standing there saying, ok, yeah, ok, oh..and he doesnt stop..ill start my set and hes still going! i really need a pair of headphones or something lol

[rickck48]

I have built pretty much own gym in back of my house with not however, the equipment I need. I hear these stories of some of these folks at gym kinda makes me glad I don't go. I would love to join a gym all we have though is Family Fitness gym near us but I wouldn't want to hear all this Tarzan type stuff i don't think. I commend you guys and gals on some of your patience! /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[Adam Knowlden]

Speaking of stealing machines. There are limited incline benches in my gym. Out of courtesy, I set my water jug on a nearby ledge. I get up to take a drink and the bench is gone! Oh well, I guess the moral to the story is if you get up you're done with the machine. Also, its New Years season, a lot of people have no idea about gym norms. Give it a few months and it will be back to normal /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I like the towel idea!

[the alchemist]

Post deleted by the alchemist

[rickck48]

Lordy after reading this makes me feel good that i workout in my own place out back! My dog just lays there and watches like him stupid,,and he never gets loud or anything.
As the brother up above said he never passes off the extras while I'm in middle of workout, come to think of it he never aks any questions either! Great gym buddy huh? /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[ehlpitel]

The worst are people who fill up their water bottles when there's a whole line of people standing waiting for the fountain.

[Venom]

[ QUOTE ]
The worst are people who fill up their water bottles when there's a whole line of people standing waiting for the fountain.

[/ QUOTE ]

I disagree. I think filling up your water bottle is very time efficient. If you use this method, you probably only need to use the fountain once per workout, for 20 seconds max. Whearase, if you keep sipping from the fountation, you will have to use it numerous times.

[richnewton]

^ depends how many times you fill up :P

I just keep an eye out and let people go ahead if they are just getting a sip.

[aaronethc]

[ QUOTE ]
Here’s one that bothers me; I’m right in the middle of a set (of anything) and using the mirror to watch my form, I’ve stepped back a few feet so people can get around me and to the dumbbell rack. Some meathead comes up grabs some dumbbells and starts a set of his own directly in front of me. This drives me nuts because you don’t realize how help the mirror is until it’s blocked by some jackass.

[/ QUOTE ]


Man I hate that too. It happens all the time

[Whey Man]

Ok....so this dude comes to the gym...and there's always one popular machine this guy always holds up whenever he comes in for an hour and rarely ever uses (usually the bench press or squat rack). He comes in and puts all of his stuff on it, and then only does about 3 total sets on it probably. And what's really annoying is that he talks to people all the time. Just talking talking talking. And it sucks because our gym only has two bench press benches and one squat rack. Then the punk left his cell phone next to the squat rack when he left and I had to hand it in. Serves him right. He basically made the squat rack his personal closet. There was so much stuff on or around it that he missed something. Heh.

And then there was another guy once who decided to do weighted ball crunches RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE DUMBBELL RACK. And in front of the 40s-60s no less...the most used... I was so teed off.

[Down 2 Die]

**** everybody here has little characters and nicknames.. and u know I do too. I used to work at Bally and there were some strange characters.. like this short cat who would come in and defecate all in the showers and urinals. And then at the gym I lift at we have:

Grand Daddy Hamstrings- this guy is probably pushing 85 and comes in to do hamstring curls only, laying on the machine between all 3 sets. Then he leaves. A few times my training partner and I thought he had fallen asleep on the machine or just died.

Mix Master Jordan- another old guy who thinks he's 25 and comes in COMPLETELY decked out in Jordan gear, down to the socks and sweatbands. Also doesn't workout.

Loyal Warrior- this guy is middle-aged and has done the exact same workout everytime I've seen him for the last 3 years, with the same weight.

Let me think of more

[Venom]

[ QUOTE ]

A few times my training partner and I thought he had fallen asleep on the machine or just died.

[/ QUOTE ]

lol
[ QUOTE ]
Loyal Warrior- this guy is middle-aged and has done the exact same workout everytime I've seen him for the last 3 years, with the same weight.

[/ QUOTE ]

I knew one guy like that at my old gym. He trained really hard-core. But just did the same thing everytime. /forum/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[archangel_15]

I have to dispute one of these...although it seems like several people here agree with me.

I'll go ahead and scream during the last few reps of a set, I don't care what movement it is, if I'm pushing myself to the point that I have to let out some noise everyone else can just get over it. I don't scream for every rep, and certainly not every set...but at least once or twice every workout. One of my friends actually got kicked out because he was screaming during a set. I think that is just ridiculous, it pisses me off being in some pansy gym where the girls get freaked out because someone is actually having a real workout. So my pet peeve isn't the screamers, it's the people who get angry at the screamers.

Another thing...

There is this lady that would sit on either the leg extension or leg curl machines...and she would sit there and read a freakin book! wtf. She would do 1 rep every 30 seconds or so, one day I was in the middle of my leg workout and I just walked up to her and told her to get the **** out of the gym. I mean, come on.

And another...

Gyms that don't maintain their equipment. I work out at an LA Fitness, and yes...I am about to bash them publicly because this has become ridiculous...I used to work out at a Gold's but I switched because LA was supposed to have more amenities (i.e.-basketball court, swimming pool, sauna...etc.) The sauna breaks once a month, and is usually down for at least a week. The basketball court has been down for over 2 months. First, someone broke the backboard and LA Fitness dragged their feet for about a month before they got a new one. Second, there was a leak in the floor so they had to tear the whole thing up...except that the guys they hired are freakin lazy and spend more time using the weights in the gym than doing their job.

Finally...

I used to work in the training dept. at the LA Fitness where I workout but I quit because the Manager was lying and stealing from customers and employees... (btw- he is currently on an "extended leave of absence" during an investigation that is going on)...anyway, one of the guys that still works there likes to come up to me during my sets and whine about how much he hates working there, about how he knows more than anyone about training (he might weigh 150 @ 6'...maybe), about all of this crap...meanwhile...I'm trying to work out. I quit for a reason, I don't want to hear about that bs anymore.

Anyway...it's pretty annoying to be paying for a gym membership while I am only receiving a portion of what that gym was supposed to offer...and still paying the full membership. LA Fitness sucks.

[ehlpitel]

lol, I was at my buddy's gym the other day and there some was random middle aged lady there with her husband.

She proceeds to complain about the gym, saying how the DBs aren't calibrated...

lol

[Dzoni]

Bicep curls in squat racks. When there is about 3-4 bicep curling racks, preacher curl racks, machines and cables. Why do it in a squat rack/s when you know guys are waiting to squat (we got 3 racks for squats and one cage, one time 2 racks were occupied for bb curls, 1 rack was occupied for push ups and the cage was being squatted in).

This brings me to second point, push ups in squat rack? Why?

This doesn't really annoy me, but it's funny. Guys who stack on weight and do 2-3 inch drops on leg presses and squats then rack it and act all big. Too **** funny.

Weight on the bar doesn't really bother me, mostly because I do all my work in the leg room (has smiths for benches and shoulder presses) and room for rows and deads. So that's empty 70% of the time. I do take my weight off due to females at the gym tend to use a lot of the leg room equipment.

That's about it. Everything else seems to be fine. I really hate bicep curls in the squat racks..... that annoys the hell out of me.

Oh and I dislike guys who do bicep curls in squat racks /forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[downtown04]

I got to the gym yesterday and there was a guy in one of the squat racks doing some sort of yoga or something and all I could think of was if that's how you felt about someone doing curls in the rack what would happen to someone to someone streching in the rack if you were around. Gave me a good chuckle and in his defense there were other racks availble at the time so it wasn't that bad.

[Bahir]

People who leave dumbells, barbells and weights lying around after they are done. There is nothing worse than that in a gym, in my own experience.

[Venom]

I hate when people set their stuff--towels, water bottles, even weights like dumbbells--on equipment they are not even using--benches, stands, etc. So annoying! I just set my stuff on the ground right next to me.

[Dzoni]

I usually got my stuff on the floor next to me, but a towel here, bag there, log book over there, bottle here /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif I just make sure it's out of everyones way and doesn't bother anyone. Cause I'd want the same treatment.

[diatribe]

When you hit the gym showers, close the door, or shower curtain. I don't want to be flashed by anyone when I go to the locker room.
And don't make noises when you shower. It's disgusting. A guy got evicted for misconduct in the showers at a gym I used to go to.

[ChosenSoldier]

LOL this stuff is just to funny i miss being at a gym back home. Although i dont have to deal with most of the stupidity in my current iron dungeon we have here in my outpost here in iraq. We have only 2 types of people those that are hardcore or those that dont lift at all. Thx for the laugh guys

[Whey Man]

Is it just me or is it ridiculous to have 5 and 10 pound plates in the way of the 45 pound plates when you're wanting to load up the leg press machine? I mean for Pete sake go to the 5 and 10 pound rack if you want those weights...don't leave them on the leg press rack!

I'm not referring to the rack that you load the weight onto, I'm referring to the rack that holds all the weight that's on the leg press machine. Know what I mean?

[RyanS]

Something I hate is seeing guys with bigger muscle than me swinging their weights around, using far too much weight, just showing off.
It's not because they're on their final set, they start off that way and it really annoys me, considering I keep my weights under control and am not as big.


Yesterday I finished my squats and turned around to use the leg press behind me and some guy got to it. Ok, he was first.
Except his first set involved no weight?!?
His second set he used two 5.5lb plates, his 3rd set he used two more 5.5lb plates and he was done.

I don't mind having to wait for equipment, but when it's someone who is doing such stupid sets, it's annoying.

[RyanS]

Oh, the other week I was doing shrugs, 110lb dumbells. I lack the lower back strength to pick them up one at a time, (the twisting motion) so I had to put my foot on the rack bend over and pick them both up.
No problem, except this was my first time actually trying to pick them up with this method and the 220lb swung behind me and I stepped back 3 steps and got my balance and noticed a woman one step behind who was sitting there between her benchpress sets.

Whoops.

My fault, she accepted my apology though. /forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[PaulD9160]

the worst is people who sit at a machine for the whole time of their 3-4 sets.

Another tough group is the 6-10 guys who workout together, if they are on a machine I find another exercise to do, because I wil;l m ost likely be done with my workout before they are done with that one piece of equipment.

The "coach" who spends an hour+ everyday at the gym showing everyone what to do but you could count the number of sets HE does on one hand.

And a funny one, this old dude who puts way too much weight on the lat pulldown machine. Every time the bar goes up, his arms are jerked terribly ..... I am convinced one day his arms are just gonna rip off.

[RyanS]

Yesterday I finished my squats and loaded up the leg press with 8 44lb plates. Decided that now was a good time to grab a quick drink from the water fountain.
Came back and started my set, hmm, this feels a bit light.

This guy took two of my plates for his preacher curl (which he probably did really half assed, I didn't watch) when literally 2 feet away from the leg press machine is the weight stack with other 44lb plates.

Absolutely no reason at all to take my weights, my towel, gloves, etc, were at the leg press, so he knew someone was using them.


The good news is I increased my leg press weight for the second week in a row and absolutely murdered my legs.
They haven't been this sore since I first started back at the gym.

[Trench]

I can't stand guys who do not use deodorant while working out. do they not know that they stink up the gym? The one older guy walked around in one of those muscle tank tops sweating purfusely while stinking up the entire gym with his underarm funk...

We all need to control are breathing and take those deep breaths, and was it a bad experience. My partner and I kept giving these hints but he didn't seem to get the picture. Next time he does it, I'm going to tell it like it is. What a terrible experience.

[rickck48]

I read these and I am so glad I built my own workout building in back of my house! I can sweat,, get my plates and not worry about ym dogs stealing them! I can play my music and none has to listen, wow I just realized I have it made in the shade and didn't evne know it! I save on membership too! /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[HELLO77]

There are a couple people in my gym who you know are going to hog a machine for a long time if you dont beat them to it. I understand it takes a while to get the sets in; but these people won't let you work in while they rest and just sit there for like 5 minutes in between sets (and they are not going that heavy so i dont quite understand the long ri between sets). Whats even worse is when they have there buddy with them or start talking to other people, then its like they have set up home at one workstation which can last my entire workout. When ever these people are in the gym, I will quickly alter my routine and go to the machines that there are only one of (the lat pull down, leg press, and a couple others) other wise I am screwed as I sometimes had to wait for like 20 or 30 minutes for my final exercise after I have otherwise completed my workout.

I have always pulled off my 45's after the leg press, but usually left one 45 on; but think i will pull the last one off as well after reading some of the comments in here. Never thought of somebody doing leg press with less than a 45 on each side; but anyone not being able to do one 45 on each side would not be able to pull off this weight so I think i will pull them all off just to be sure as there are a lot of women in my gym. There are times when an in shape person is waiting for the machine; in this case I usually ask if he wants me keep all the weight as I know if it was me I would not want to have the machine stripped of all weights where I have to reload.

[Down 2 Die]

I love the social aspects of the gym. I could never leave!!!!

[airborneninja]

Oh man the memories here, right now im in Afghanistan and our gym really doesn't have many people doofing around they all research their material or someone shows them how to correct things and since we mostly know eachother the mannerisms are good but my old gyms oh man....

1. Theres this guy who would come in and I kid you not stand on the squat rack and hold it practicing some kind of chuck norris move circle kick up in the air. Once he finished his kicks or felt adequatly badass (these people have to be delusional) he moves on to the bench press and puts like 225 on it and he lifts it maybe twice and i swear you could put 2 feet between the bench and his back hes so arched. After that set he always put like 3 or 4 plates on the bench press then sat there like he was gonna lift it for around 20 minutes then moved on. He never unracked the weight, a symbol to us of how awesome he was because I would guess he thinks if he sat there long enough we would just miss his massive set. Yea right.

2. People who use machines on light weight and talk on cell phones while they do it. If you are having a phone conversation while weight lifting you are A. not lifting enough weight, even if your going for higher reps. B. Socially insecure C. Retarded (all of the above) -- Oh and PS -- Your cell phone made you cool 15 years ago we all have one now!

3. Teenagers/Kids in the gym. Now I support high schoolers in lifting but sometimes you gotta draw the line. One kid in particular in my old gym, good kid really no one minded him... UNTIL his friends came in off the basketball court. Everyday nearly it seemed like someone (usually me) had to tell them to calm down or leave the gym they would be throwing the swiss ball at eachother and all sorts of crap. One time I saw one of his friends on the running track (goes around the top of the gym) drop a medicine ball on the kids stomach in the middle of dumb bell bench press movements. I took him to the attendents at the desk and they didn't even take his membership for a day.

4. Alcohol - if you smell like alcohol im gonna ask you to leave the gym, thats uncalled for and definitly pisses me off.

5. Meat shop - We all have seen them and im sure most of us detest them -- The window shoppers. Mostly the younger crowd its people who don't come to the gym to workout, I think they come to the gym mostly because they aren't old enough to go anywhere that sells alcohol. They are the people who come in and just mess around maybe taking the bench for a 1 set 1 rep lift when some girl or some guy is watching or take the curl bar (their favorite) and do the same and just in general look like asses. Their most hideous move? Taking their shirt off in the gym and laying on the bench. The source of this crap? Usually the basketball court.

Man luckily we have the squat rack.

6. I left the best for last -- we had this guy in my old gym that used to talk to himself while working out. He was like his own personal workout partner like pat from saturday night live talking in the mirror lol. This guy would be busting out curls saying things like "good job man you got it" to himself in the mirror. Once bluetooths came out for cellphones this guy got one and kept it in his ear while he worked out so it looked like he wasn't talking to himself lol. The great thing about that is he was normal enough to realize how insane he must look talking to himself!

[Ohlmin]

Being in the Army i go to one of the gyms on post. Every single afternoon when i get off work and finally get to the gym all of the units around post who have soldiers on the overwieght program are in the gym taking up every piece of equipment in there. Its obvious that most of them know nothing about how to use the equipment. The people in charge of these soldiers just dont wont to do their job and have a scheduled program wrote up for these guys and just have them floundering around in the gym. Getting really frustrating

[jlands]

I use a small gym that is literally the next door over from my office. Not much there, but it's convenient and has showers. Well the locker room is nice and bigger then the gym. Everyone seems to run (military base). We have one guy there that wraps his shins. Well there is a bench near the entrance to the locker room and you have to come around the corner from the lockers or the entrance to get to the showers. He walks around naked for about 15 minutes before getting in the shower. Then just before he showers he stops at the bench bends over and takes off his wraps. So if you come around the lockers or in the entrance you basically get a full view of old man butthole. Very traumatizing

[airborneninja]

I know what your talking about now that I think about it ohlmin! Back in the rear (im guessing they are all the rear D guys now) theres always the fat kids program at the gym and I like how they roll in like 5-10 deep too. I personally liked the way my old unit did it -- The low pt scores / failures all did PT in the morning then during lunch they all changed into their PT uniform and did remedial PT right there. Nothing motivates like taking an hour of lunch away.

Something that really bothers me about that is how they aren't good at PT from not trying in the first place yet they are gonna be at the gym lifting weights not working on pushups/situps/running which is a totally different animal. If you failed your tape test thats just another story though.

[Ohlmin]

yup,
i get ready for the APFT and i prepare myself to stay around an extra hour to an hour and a half because there is no way im going to make weight. Maybe when i was a junior in highschool i could have lol.

[dalvare1]

There is this poor kid at my gym who is being "trained" by this personal trainer who is about 80. I feel so bad for him, his workouts are awful.

I want to step in and say something, but at least he is consistently going to the gym right? Maybe if he comes in alone one day I will offer some advice.

[RawIron]

Why are there always naked old men, at all times, in every locker room. They want to stay naked and in view of the maximum amount of people at all times. WHY? I used to go to this very fancy, expensive gym years ago when I was in highschool and I saw this constantly. The funny thing is, I rarely saw any of them ever working out. I used to show up at random times between like 8-10 so its not like I always got there when the same ones were leaving. Plus, after my workout I would see old guys, who I knew I did not see working out that afternoon, walking to and from the showers. It really seemed like some of them just went there to stand naked for 15 minutes and talk to other naked old guys.

Are we going to become like these guys some day? Please say no!

[airborneninja]

NO!

[Ratcat]

I can handle most things. I give folks their space and I keep to myself.I can even handle the gym music. I need to carry my phone for work reasons and I'm one of the few who carry a water bottle. But I'll move away if somebody smells like an ashtray. I can't stand that. /forum/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[Algavinn]

Ughh...Most annoying thing for me was people not using a bloody gym towell! Once in particular I was using a machine waiting for the ab machine to open, and there was another guy waiting behind me for it, and so after about 10 minutes this 70+year old guy gets up and walks off...and there was a puddle of sweat there....not a few drops...but like 3oz+ of sweat....it was disgusting....I look up at the guy behind me and say "go ahead" and he just laughs and walks off....we weren't going to use that machine anymore.

Lesson of the day-"Keep a clean towell with you ALWAYS to whipe off the seats and proper places when you're done with a machine, especially if you sweat profusely, aren't clean, or are going to offend people and possibly even close the machine for the day while they sanatize it!.

[Boka]

Working in a gym I think I've seen more then enough bad, bad gym educate but every so often someone come along and takes the cake.

Last week I had a gym member try and pick a fight with me because I did not allow them to change (i.e. get buck naked) on the gym floor, because they did not feel like walking up the stairs to the change room.

[Stian]

In my gym I'm one of the only people who ever rack up the weight's.. I find it really annoying, even tho I usually can take the weight that's on anyway. Unless you are in a gym without girls\guys who ain't as strong as yourself, you should really rack back at least most of the weight (I normally take off everything, except for leg press)

[joneser3eb]

Im glad I dont have to bother with other people, I love having my own gym at my house. No annoying people to bother me, no smelly people, dorks who ask dumb questions. just me my weights and my choice of music.

[NoExcuses]

[ QUOTE ]


I want to know what the consensus is though, so I can abide by our social norms. /forum/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Leaving a plate on a heavy lift apparatus I think is ok. I'll leave a 45 plate on the leg press b/c most everyone can do that. I mainly lift at a Y so pretty much all the other lifts (even bench) I un rack. I always try and remember it helps the employess at the gym as well.

I guess norms can vary depending on location and gym patrons. If the gym is full of beasts then leaving two plates on a leg press might be normal. /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[tyciol]

In regards to unloading the plates on machines/bars, I think we should do these for weight stacks as well. Weight stacks should always be set to 0 or the lightest weight.

I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, but we should always be conscientious of the difficulties others may have. The heavier weights have the pin stuck lower down, this means more bending or squatting needed to put the pin there but also to remove the pin.

This could be difficult for older people who could have trouble bending over that far to remove the pin we leave at a heavy weight stack.

It's also like a taunt like 'look how much I do'. If we set it to 0, I think it encourages people to properly adjust the machine alignment and even to do warmup sets.

I just keep an eye out and let people go ahead if they are just getting a sip.Yeah, I usually have my back to the wall that the fountain is attached to so I can see if anyone is approaching. If you're like that, people will see you're receptive and out of the way and will defer to their sipping.

Heck, even if I'm sipping from the fountain I try to do that as much as possible. I have this fear of, if someone isn't staring at my ***, then they'll try to shoulder tackle me into the fountain and I'll chip a tooth or something.

random middle aged lady there with her husband proceeds to complain about the gym, saying how the DBs aren't calibratedDid she bring a scale?


Bicep curls in squat racks. When there is about 3-4 bicep curling racks, preacher curl racks, machines and cables.Well, preacher curl, cables and machines are different moves. Some people might have a hard-on for barbell curls or something. What's a bicep curling rack? I don't think I've seen one. Of all the stuff that probably wouldn't suffer from using a machine though it's probably elbow flexion.

This brings me to second point, push ups in squat rack? Why?Maybe they're afraid of someone accidentally tripping over them, the cage would probably decrease the odds of that happening. Most gyms will have a secluded corner that could serve the same purpose though.

This doesn't really annoy me, but it's funny. Guys who stack on weight and do 2-3 inch drops on leg presses and squats then rack it and act all big. Too **** funny.They're proud to be battling osteoporosis bro.

there was a guy in one of the squat racks doing some sort of yogaAll I can figure is they're trying to find somewhere out of the way, people feel vulnerable while stretching and may not want people to walk into them by accident. I can't really say since I don't know what your gym's layout was like and if they had an aerobics studio since that's the ideal place to do stretching what with the steps and foam blocks and all.

People who leave dumbells, barbells and weights lying around after they are done. There is nothing worse than that in a gym, in my own experience.What about people who put the dumbbells back in the wrong spot? =)

I remember when I was a gym member I spent like 10 minutes trying to sort out the giant dumbbell racks. Was a rather fun warmup, or in some cases a total workout when the 105s were out of place.

Something I hate is seeing guys with bigger muscle than me swinging their weights around, using far too much weight, just showing off. It's not because they're on their final set, they start off that way and it really annoys me, considering I keep my weights under control and am not as big.I'm not sure why this is upsetting, throwing around a big weight means they're generating extra momentum through a more intense contraction in the stretched position. Is that bad?

Oh, the other week I was doing shrugs, 110lb dumbells. I lack the lower back strength to pick them up one at a time, (the twisting motion)Can't this be avoided by using both hands? Like just use thumb and two fingers each hand, I find that lessens the twisting thing. It won't be perfectly balanced but much closer.

the 220lb swung behind me and I stepped back 3 steps and got my balance and noticed a woman one step behind who was sitting there between her benchpress sets. My fault, she accepted my apology though.Did you ask her out?


Absolutely no reason at all to take my weightsIs it possible that it might have been easier for him to lift the plates off the sled than off the tree? I'm trying to picture it but it's hard since there's variability, but maybe because they're higher up or something. Usually the heavier plates are placed on the bottom of the tree, could he have been apprehensive about bending over to get them, whereas your sled plates were up nice and high, less stooping and easier on his back to get them?

I'm not saying it excuses things, like he should have looked to see if they were in use and asked, just saying it might not have been completely unreasonable or spiteful or whatever. Not to mention, sometimes we get tunnel vision when we exercise hard or get depressed so it's plausible people don't even notice weight trees.

I can't stand guys who do not use deodorant while working out. do they not know that they stink up the gym? The one older guy walked around in one of those muscle tank tops sweating purfusely while stinking up the entire gym with his underarm funk...

We all need to control are breathing and take those deep breaths, and was it a bad experience. My partner and I kept giving these hints but he didn't seem to get the picture. Next time he does it, I'm going to tell it like it is. What a terrible experience.I'm not sure this is the issue, I think it's guys who go for time without bathing. Fresh sweat doesn't smell that bad, does it? I think it's when it combines with old sweat or burned-in BO is when it's bad.

It's not like we can put deodorant everywhere, but we should have showered before exercising if we had sweated previously. Maybe look after health issues which could cause BO, can we alter our diet to stink less?

6. I left the best for last -- we had this guy in my old gym that used to talk to himself while working out. He was like his own personal workout partner like pat from saturday night live talking in the mirror lol. This guy would be busting out curls saying things like "good job man you got it" to himself in the mirror. Once bluetooths came out for cellphones this guy got one and kept it in his ear while he worked out so it looked like he wasn't talking to himself lol. The great thing about that is he was normal enough to realize how insane he must look talking to himself!This guy sounds cool, how come you didn't make friends with him? Talking to yourself is awesome, it shows courage and wisdom to pursue power.

[westlondonflex]

Epic last post!