Gym Etiquette- A Man's Perspective

Beth did a post on Gym Etiquette last week and I feel I should follow up with a man's perspective.  We all see “that” person at the gym.  There’s a whole laundry list of things that people do at the gym that might leave you saying “WTF” in your head.  Here are a few of the most common you might see: 1.)  The cell phone user – This person will often be doing more talking on their phone than they are working out.  Not only are they paying at least $30 a month to use the gym, but they’re walking around looking like a lost pup.  Leave your cell in the locker room and get some exercise done!  *Note*  If you use an app on your phone to track your workouts (sets, reps, weights etc), then you can make an exception.  I find it much more convenient to use an app to track workouts than an old pad and paper. 2.)  The Grunter/Screamer – Don’t get me wrong here – there is a time/place for the appropriate grunt in the gym such as when you’re pressing 315 for reps, squatting 500, when its midnight and no one else is there etc, but when you’re clearly not exerting much force, or pushing your body to the limit – try to keep the volume to a minimum. 3.)  The unintentional discus or shot-put thrower – This is the gym-goer that at the end of their set will toss whatever weight they’re using as if it was a discus or shot-put.  I personally have been hit on the foot by a 125-lb dumbbell carelessly tossed after someone wrapped up a set of presses.  I was lucky enough to get my foot out of the way in time that it barely made contact, but if I hadn’t, think of what kind of damage that much weight might do to someone’s foot.  Have a spotter, or drop the weights gently to the floor.  There’s no need to see how far you can toss weights after a set. 4.)  The interrupter – I am ALL for answering questions in the gym – but why on earth someone would interrupt a person mid-set is beyond me.  I’ve seen it several times – someone is busy doing their thing, in the middle of a set and a person walks up, and just starts talking.  Seriously - hold your tongue for 60 seconds while I finish a set.  Whatever you have to say can surely wait just a few seconds. 5.)  The dirty bird – This is probably one of the bigger pet peeves for me at the gym.  As gym-goers we work hard to be healthy and fit.  The last thing you want to do is plop down into someone else’s sweat.  There’s a reason that gyms offer towels and sanitizer spray – It’s so you can clean whatever equipment you used when you’re done with it.  Wipe down whatever you use for the next person! 6.)  And an Oldie but Goodie- The person that doesn’t rack weights – Come on, this is simple people.  You remove plates from the rack and load them on whatever bar you’re using – surely when you’re done you can physically move them back to the rack.  It’ll only take a minute and your fellow gym patrons will appreciate it. 7.) The Gossip Circle- some women (and men) just like to go on the treadmill, walk at 3mph and catch up on office gossip, family life, etc.  All in a very loud voice so that we can all potentially participate in your conversation.  If what you want is to chat and catch up, go to the bar and hang out.  Otherwise keep your 'indoor voice' in check. 8.) The Machines are for Working Out, Not For RESTING! Remember, a little common sense goes a long way in the gym.  What are some of your biggest pet peeves in the gym?  What does someone do that they shouldn’t be etc?  We want to know!  Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts!   From 9-5, Lonnie sits in front of a computer.  Outside of being an IT Geek, he’s an athlete who’s familiar with the cycle of being fit-fat-fit that so many of us struggle with.  Down from his highest weight of 300lbs in June 2009, he’s made the permanent lifestyle change to remain Big. Strong. Fit. Healthy.  When not spending time with his wife, son and daughter, he’s at the gym keeping off the fat and adding quality lean mass.