Smokers outside the cardio room

I don't know if this is the right forum to post this on, but I need peoples opinions. Someone(or someones) are going right outside the cardio room windows at my gym and smoking. The smoke filters in through the vents and the open windows and I am getting super frustrated with smelling it while I am doing my cardio. I don't know if I should complain to the gym owner or if I should just deal with it? I hate the smell of smoke and I'd rather now inhale it as I am trying to run!!! What do you think? I hate to be the only one complaining about it, but it makes me sick.
Plus, why are they going to the gym only to smoke after or before their workout???

Absolutely complain.  If nothing is done, take your business elsewhere.

Exactly.  Smokers are quick to defend their "rights" to smoke and that's fine as long as it doesn't interfere with another's.  Smokers can go elsewhere to smoke, and since they're not, then they're interfering and you're well within your rights to complain to the property manager.

And I speak as an ex-smoker myself, lest all the other smokers start coming with all the tired and played-out arguments that I've heard (and used) all too often in the past.

Original Post by meowphotog:

Plus, why are they going to the gym only to smoke after or before their workout???

On this one, though, it's possible (not saying it IS, but that it CAN BE) that they're trying to quit.

But it's also possible that they have all the excuses ready to go in their heads.  But to give them the benefit of the doubt, it's possible that they're hoping that exercising will aid in the determination and willpower to quit smoking.

It's also possible that they're not smoking outside the cardio room but near an intake vent somewhere which will easily carry the smoke right in.

I would definitely let the owner know, what they do about it wll determine whether or not you continue with them.

I smoke before/after my workouts. I'm not ready to quit yet, but I am getting back into shape before I do. I don't think its fair to judge someone for trying to better their lives, while they still have a ways to go. They have to start somewhere, and quitting smoking is not always the easiest first step.

I don't care if people smoke, as long as I don't have to be around it. Unfortunately, a lot of smokers don't really care if their habit bothers you. I always seem to be stuck walking behind someone who is puffing away... Grr. Anyway, it's a personal choice, and while it's horrible for their bodies, it's up to them to make it.

I would definitely speak up; clean air is important when working out. There is probably even a regulation that states they have to be a certain number of feet from the building. I said something about the fumes from the cleaning supplies the staff was using in the elliptical area while people were working out there. That stuff was STRONG, and they used rubber gloves to handle it. And they actually have stopped using the chemicals, at least when I'm around.

Original Post by mabenner1:

I don't think its fair to judge someone for trying to better their lives, while they still have a ways to go. 

I totally agree, but I don't think she is trying to judge anyone. I think she is just watching out for her own lungs.

Original Post by delaney86:

Original Post by mabenner1:

I don't think its fair to judge someone for trying to better their lives, while they still have a ways to go. 

I totally agree, but I don't think she is trying to judge anyone. I think she is just watching out for her own lungs.

I found the statement Plus, why are they going to the gym only to smoke after or before their workout???" to be pretty judgemental. You don't know why I work out. You don't know why I smoke. So don't worry about it. Granted, you shouldn't have to breathe in the smoke, but don't worry about someone's reasons for smoking.

wow oh my god! DEFINATELY  complain!

I'm not sure what state you are in but in some states (like Ohio and I am aware of others) it is actually illegal to smoke too close to an entrance.  I think you should mention it to the owners but suggest that the smokers smoke in a designated area that doesn't lead to the smoke going inside the building.  Many people like yourself don't like the smell and to some people who have quit, it can make sick.  No ones rights will be threatened.

I would complain. Chances are, the smoker(s) don't even realise that the smoke is even getting you, and would move their "hangout" (not sure what to call it...) without a problem. If you don't say anything, they will never know.

As an occasional smoker, this issue is not about whether or not someone smokes, but WHERE someone smokes.

Yes, complain. That is awful. I live in IL and they passed the no smoking law a couple years ago in bars and restaurants and I couldn't be happier. I couldn't imagine trying to workout with the stuff around me (after my runs I find my neighbor lighting up in the hallway and asked him to stop bc I'm allergic to it..I'm not, and I smoke sometimes, but it worked!).

I think the owner will completly understand and designate a new area for smokers that works out for them and non-smokers.

Definately complain. 
You're paying money for a clean & healthy atmosphere to work out in.  The gym wants to keep you, they will make efforts to make you happy.

Allot of smoker's sense of smell is so degraded they have no idea what it really smells like to the rest of us. 

Ok,

well, fortunately I don't have smokers around the gym, however, what drives me nuts is that the locker room is carpeted! People drip their chlorine filled swimsuits all over it and the showers are right there. I hate chaning and being barefoot on it. I know that sounds petty, but I complained! LOL. I'll make the suggestion again if it bugs me.