gym competition

So i have noticed that i am extremely competitive while at the gym. If somebody happens to get on the maching next to me, no matter what it is, i feel the need to compete with them. I will not get off my maching until they get off their first, no matter how long i have been working out. I can not help it...

Any of you guys the same way?

Well, if someone is lifting weights next to me, I usually don't feel competitive because it is usually a guy who is lifting about 3x what I am.

But I have noticed that if I am on the elliptical and someone gets on next to me. I feel like I have to be on a harder level and push myself harder in case they happen to look at my screen. I'm not sure what it is that makes me do this.

Oh, it's even worse if it's a sports game. Even if it's a casual thing, I feel like I have to win and losing isn't an option.

the only time i get that is if i am using some of the circuit machines for my legs and a guy was on before me. i usually try to do his weight regardless of what it is, sometimes without looking. more than half the time it is ridiculously light.

i guess men are fooled by the 'toning' myth and was doing many reps at light weight? i like when i go to move the lever and he had it so stacked i can hardly budge it though!  otherwise, i could care less what others are doing on the cardio. free weights are so personal, i ignore/admire only.

OK, I have to say it and I hope you don't get offended...People that try to "peek" at my machines or keep looking at me while I'm working out at the gym piss me off. 

I get a treadmill, mind my own business, and run between 7-11 miles depending on the day.  I couldn't care less if the person next to me goes faster or further than me.  My goal is distance right now, not speed, and I determine my workouts based on my goals not based on what the person next to me is doing.  

I despise when I keep catching the person next to me trying to check out my speed or distance on the treadmill screen.  Its annoying.  Just friggin ask if its that important to you.  I'll tell you everything you need to know if you promise to just stop trying to peek at my screen.  I have even noticed that some people will come back like 10 or 15 minutes after they have completed their run and linger around behind me for a few minutes- especially on my long run days when I'm on the treadmill for over an hour.

Why does it matter how far I've run, how many calories I've burned, or long I've been working out?  Will it help you lose weight - NO!

EDIT: Sorry to go off like that - I just reread my post and realize how mean it sounds, but that is my biggest gym annoyance.   And I do notice that people are trying to compete with me because I do such long workouts.

cukimber,

It is excellent that you are motivated in your fitness efforts by competition. Fortunately, there are *tons* of opportunities to compete in the athletic world.  There are running races, bike races, triathlons, weightlifting competitions, not to mention many team sports.   When you sign up for a competition, you will be competing with a lot of people who will also be competing with you. 

However, people who happened to have gotten on the treadmill next to you have not signed up for a competition. If you try and compete with them, you run the risk of annoying them like minie. And, what happens if you get to a weight station after a bodybuilder, or happen to get on a treadmill next to a marathon runner or track star?

I strongly recommend that you take advantage of your competitive motivation by participating in sports where you're competing with others who are competing with you. 

i am naturally a very competitive person. I used to play softball, show horses, play volleyball, and ride my bike cross country.

I can no longer play softball, volleyball, or even do anything involving running like on a treadmill. I have a hip injury and i want to hold off getting a hip replacement for as long as possible. I am hoping to make it through my undergrad...

At the gym, i ride the stationary bikes. I am training for a 100 mile ride called the Iron Man in April. The bikes that i ride in the gym are the kind used in a spinning class. They do not have any of the moniters telling you your resistence or how long you have been riding. If i have been riding a bit and somebody gets on the one directly next to me, i will usually not get off mine until that person gets off theirs. I am not staring at them or glancing over at all....but when they are 4 feet from you its hard to not notice them there. I do not do this on the ellipticle or weights....only the bikes.

I was just curious...I didnt want to get people's panties in a bunch...

...because of my competitiveness, i am also always comparing my body to others. If i go in public, i will see who is bigger or who has nicer calves, etc etc....i cant help it i guess....

Kim

 

 

I might be one of those people that piss off minie uh oh lol

I do try to be discreet though. I certainly don't crane my neck or stand behind the person. I'm not being competitive, I just like to see what others are capable of doing. Minie, you should take it as a compliment. I am only curious with people who seem to have a lot of speed and/or endurance. I find it impressive!

I do feel a little competitive though when I get on a weight machine and have to double the amount of weight the last person used. I like that :)

Original Post by minie13:

People that try to "peek" at my machines or keep looking at me while I'm working out at the gym piss me off. 

 

I'm exactly the same. What's it to anyone else what I'm doing? People 'competing' really aren't doing themselves any favours. Stick to your own routine or stick to what you can physically do. Honestly, if people notice you're peeking or competing they probably just think you're a loser anyway, regardless of whether you're doing better than them. I don't mean to have a go at anyone or single anyone out, but it's just really off putting.

I go to a locally owned gym. It's really nice there. I think I'm probably the youngest member there. Most folks there are 18 and above.

When I'm on the treadmill, I'm usually going next to a middle aged man and somebody's grandma. I don't mind it at all, because I'm already going twice (or more) than they are.

I'm one of those people that has to be ahead of everyone else, or at least neck-and-neck. This gym is good for me.

Though, on Saturdays, I'll frequently get a 18 (or so) year old guy. And, of course, he has to match my speed. I do tend to watch my alignment and form when someone closer to my age is watching. Especially when it's a guy.

I like the bit of competition, though. It pushes me to my limit, and forces me to do a better job.