When you spend as much time in a gym as I do, you come across individuals and
circumstances which like any place of employment, make you crazy. Some of these
infractions were pointed out by you guys and others I've witnessed myself. I'm
convinced if someone put video cameras around the gym, you would have a hit
reality show!!!! The following is a second installment of "Things That Make Me
Crazy in the Gym".
1. Social Workout. That guy who spends three hours in the gym to complete three
or four exercises. He is so busy talking with everyone (usually members of the
opposite sex) that he ties up the equipment, is loud and distracting. He's also
that guy who talks to the women but when their husband or boyfriend arrives
makes a hasty retreat on to the next person. This guy will interrupt you midset
to strike up a conversation. Do not engage the Social Workout person...
2. Side Boob!!! When did men start cutting the sleeves off their t-shirts all
the way down to the waist? I don't want to see a man's side boob, ribs and
waist! MODESTY PEOPLE!
3. Trainer Wannabe. Everyone who lifts a weight thinks they're a trainer! It's
usually that guy who walks around talking to everyone who is giving advice and
telling people how to workout! Personal Trainers have training to know how to
work around people's injuries and develop programs that are safe and effective.
Just because a certain workout gets results for you, doesn't mean its acceptable
for someone else. If you injure someone with a bad back, knee or diabetes etc.
you're well intentioned exercise tips may find you in court defending against a
lawsuit! And shame on you for listening to their advice, you're part of the
problem not the solution! GRRRRR!!!!!
4. The Streaker. Lack of locker room etiquette. I very rarely enter the locker
room for this very reason. Why is it that people walk around completely naked?
And, get this, that's when they want to ask me questions about fitness and
diet!!!! Please, for the love of god... put a towel around your waist and save
the questions for outside the locker room! I had a guy start a full
conversation with me at the urinal, followed me to the sink and I finally
excused myself and left... True story. That's just plain creepy and
uncomfortable!
5. Mirror Hog. I like the fact women feel comfortable lifting free weights. I
think this is great! However, the mirrors are not there for you to check your
hair or do a side turn, look over your shoulder and check to see if your butt is
still back there! This is usually done while blocking someone who is actually
using a piece of equipment. The mirrors are there to check your form, make sure
you're not swinging the weight up etc. Guys are just as bad by the way!
6. The "BeeBoppers". Lately the gym is looking more like a club! Ok, I love
music as much as the next person, but please don't break out into dance and sing
off key when your favourite song comes on your ipod! Yes, we all see you! We
know you have sweet dance moves... save it for the night club please! You are
very distracting and usually are dancing in front of a piece of equipment I
would like to use or the mirror while you check your booty out!!!! ha ha
7. Captain Commando. Ok... I'm gonna say it... you all know it's the "pink
elephant" in the room nobody talks about. PLEASE wear proper clothing! Come on,
you know when you're inappropriately dressed. This is for men and women! Don't
be upset when people stare at you! It's more than likely not because people are
infatuated but rather looking in disbelief! I don't want to see things bouncing
around, or your clothing up your butt. It just can't be comfortable! Save that
for the club as well... it's usually the "BeeBoppers" who violate this and then
dance around!
8. People who don't put their weights back when they are done! There is even a
trainer who will remain anonymous who is famous for taking kettlebells and
dumbbells to other parts of the gym and leaving them. Nothing is more
frustrating than having to go on a treasure hunt to find dumbbells and
kettlebells etc during your workout! Along the same line, strip your weights
please! Many times women have to strip the weights left on by some muscle head
who loaded a bar up did one partial rep and left it on for everyone to see!
9. Why do all the belts skip on just about every treadmill in every gym I've
ever been in? Two bolts at the back of the treadmill... quarter turn and bang,
belt is tight again! While I'm on the cardio equipment... ever notice the back
row of bikes is "senior ally" all the people over the age of 60 hang out
talking and occasionally will crank a pedal! Altho, in fairness, I have learned
how to fix the medical system in America, who I should vote for, how to balance
the national debt, and many other of life's mysteries from that gang!
10. The Swooper. That's the person who stands over your shoulder when you're
working on a piece of equipment. As soon as you're finished your reps and set
the weight down, the Swooper slides in and either adjusts your machine and takes
it over for 20 minutes or removes the handle and takes to it another piece of
equipment!
Have something that makes you crazy in the gym? Like say... ooooh... the trainer
who is loud and obnoxious and hogs all the equipment? ha ha Send me a text or
email and I will feature it in the next "Things That Make Me Crazy".