Stupid Things People Do At The Gym...

All in good fun...please don't be offended.

1. The soccer mom's that come with their friends who have gossip-fests while slowly walking on the treadmills.

2. Those silly girls that wear bows, earings and makeup who attempt to workout but end up "accidentally" walking past the mirrors.

3. Big, bulky guys who make loud noises when lifting weights.

4. People who sing out loud with their i-pods while working out.

5. People who come to the gym, look around at the equipment, get a protein shake...and then call it a day.

6. People who save machines for their friends! (Ahh don't do that)!

7. People who don't clean up the machine when they are done. (GROSS)! Come on now.

8. The ever-popular person who talks on the phone while attempting to work-out.

9. People who walk around naked in the locker-rooms. I know it IS a locker room...but its still a public place and some people don't really want to see that much! Haha

10. People who bring novels to read while they ride their bikes. (Sorry but I just don't get it.)

After reviewing my list...I wonder why I go to the gym sometimes. But I love the machines. I'm a small girl...but I am a hardcore running, stair-climbing, elliptical-ing, sweating freak! I go to the gym to sweat my guts out and I don't talk to anyone. The gym is not a place to mingle in my opinion.

There's my two cents! Please feel free to add to the list! :)

I guess I am one of the "barbies" I like to wear makeup when I go to the gym, I look horrible without it.  I don't go very fast on the machines yet, I am 15 and I joined the gym 2 weeks ago. I wear some jewelry, because I go to work afterwards and I don't feel comfortable leaving it in the locker room or my car, as most of the jewelry I wear is 100 to 200 year old heirloom pieces. I am not a nudist when it comes to the  locker room.

I admit that I do some different steps on the treadmill, mostly to help tone my back end. 

I agree with the cell phone thing but what I really hate is the guys who show up at the gym wearing jeans and combat boots. Umm.. what?

Omg this thread is hilarious! I still have to finish reading it though!!!

I just wanted to add that I get so peeved (there is a story behind this) when people run into your machine . . . despite the fact they have literally like 10 feet of space to get around you. Are you trying to flirt with me? Do you have poor depth perception?! DO I HAVE SOMETHING ON MY FACE I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT!?!?!? HMMM!?!??!

ANYWAYS!

My story goes as such:

I was on the end of the first row of treadmills jogging along listening to a great cd in this horribly disfuntional cd player of mine (skipped every @#$% second X_X!) When this guy totally runs into my machine!  . . . with 10 ft of space at least at his disposal! And no-one around him! I would have just been like "okk . . .." and left it at that, except when he ran into my machine my cd player popped out of its holder, hit every piece of metal possible on my machine, hit the floor, opened up, popped out the cd and the case rolled, on edge mind you, to the very back of the 1 story qym. My face was priceless to say the least. I turned around only to have everyone staring at me (pausing on their equipment with their jaws dropped . . .) and my face of pricelessness (aka horror LOL) and then we all averted our gaze onto this guy, who, mind you, was completely unfazed O_O!

It's a random thing to get annoyed at because it was most difinitely a random event that prompted it to be annoying . . . but now I get all defensive when people get close to my machine because I have an i-pod to protect xD!

Whoa! I can't believe this thread is still going! I started it a loooong time ago. I'm glad that it has revived because I have yet another stupid thing people do at the gym...

I officially have dubbed them the "Gym Police". Yes, they are those people that get all up in your business if you do something that they don't like. For instance, the other day I sat my stuff on a machine and then went over to mat to stretch before I began my workout. Umm, pretty sure some lady came up to me and had a fit. Then she accused me of doing this act EVERYDAY. Okay, I don't even see the dang lady everyday. When all was said and done, she got on the same machine and stayed on it for a whopping 10 whole minutes. Get over yourself please. Let me workout in peace.

So...I guess I myself do stupid things at the gym. But now the question is...do you verbalize your complaints to those people at YOUR gym?

I dont understand how people can read... Ive tried, but I just dont want to touch my book with sweaty hands (Im a book condition nazi) and I can never keep it open!
I dont see the problem with working out in a sports bra... Its just like a cropped tank top and is too heavy to layer, so as long as youvegot the stomach to wear it, no prob. Most of my yoga clothes is really small because I do hot yoga, so I do tend to prefer the bare abdomen to a covered one when sweating buckets.
My biggest pet peeve is outside of the gym when less fit or slim people tell you that you shouldnt work out and to be happy with your body. Uhhh... I AM happy with my body maybe I go to the gym because I *shock* actually ENJOY IT!
Nakedness is to be accepted to a degree... I mean, I take off my clothes, but I face the wall, dont sit down, and get covered quickly. Once this woman was showering naked (not a problem) but then she got some soap and just starting cleaning a little too thoroughly, legs wiiiide open. She might as well have been servicing  herself... Goahead and shower, but cleanign of that sort should be done in private.... I also find the women who put off getting dressed to the last possible moment and try to squeeze past people many more times than needed.

These are all really funny.  I agree with some of these, but I have to agree with some of the others about being naked in a locker room.  Isn't that to be expected?  And does it really matter if someone wants to walk around naked?  Just don't look!!  Also, I just can't see how someone reading a book/magazine/newspaper can be annoying, but maybe that's just me.  Also, I'm not one for judging people for actually going to the gym do something, even if it is slow and/or for a short period of time.  There are, however, people who are rude and inconsiderate or just plain peculiar that make themselves stand out, and I think this is the target for this thread.

Now, for my gym experience.  I no longer go to a gym, but this gym was just ridiculous.  Every girl was a "Workout Barbie" who were afraid to break a sweat, and were mainly there for social purposes.  The guys all looked like they were roiding, and were also ther for social purposes.  But there was one guy in particular who uhh stood out from the crowd.  It was hard not to notice him because he was constantly taking pictures of himself.  LOL  People were complaining because the flashing from his camera was so distracting, and finally the gym personnel had to tell him to stop.  He became known around the gym as the "Picture Nazi" or "P-Nazi" for short.  This guy was just a fascinating creature.  What with his bleached blonde "emo" hair, his obviously roided ripped body, and he always wore really spandexy type shorts.  He would do a few sets, and then with the sweat glistening off his skin, he would flex and take a picture of himself in the gym mirror.  Haha it was actually quite comical.  I wonder how ol' P-Nazi is these days...

Ok, so, I read at the gym, on the workout machines. What's the difference between doing that and watching some stupid daytime soap on the TV?

And, I may piss people off, but I get really sick of people who think being naked is gross. I don't flaunt my naked body in the gym locker room, but I do change in the locker room (that's what it's for) and I don't feel ashamed of it (we all have bodies, and in the gym, we all sweat, unless you aren't pushing yourself). I go to my locker, peel off my clothes, wrap in a towel, go to the shower, go back, drop the towel, put on new clothes. I don't see anything wrong with it or anything to be ashamed of. It's not "yucky" or "gross" as so many of you keep saying, especially if someone naked isn't walking around shoving themselves in your face. Even if they are doing that, it just someone who is naked. Get over it, we all have bodies, look the other way and go about your business if it bothers you. And after reading people complaining that someone sat naked on the bench to put something on or take something off or whatever, please tell me how that is any different or even worse than someone plunking their sweaty spandex-covered butt on the seat. At least the naked ones have probably just showered.

 

I don't have a problem with being naked in the locker room.  I DO have a problem with EXCESSIVE or UNNECESSARY nakedness in the lockeroom.  I have long hair, so I generally blow dry with just my pants/skirt and my bra on (I hate getting wet marks on my shirt from my hair).  However, there are several women who blow dry, put on make-up, etc. totally nude.  I've also seen a woman blow dry her nether regions with the communal blow dryer.  Nudity is fine and natural.  Rudeness is rudeness, no matter how you frame it...

This thread is hilarious!  My gym story is about a guy and a woman (we think) that use EVERY machine!  It's so annoying because they do multiple sets and are there for hours must be!  Is it really necessary to use three squat machines at once?!

Another peev is the guy who puts on 8 (I kid you not) 45lb weights to do the seated leg press just to do 1 rep.  Come on!  Every guy in the place was like "ooooo, ahhhhh, look at all his weight".  And then he proceeded to do ONE rep and leave the gym.  My b/f and I just sat there and laughed!

One last true story, we have a guy who runs on the treadmill backwards!  It's not annoying as much as distracting!  I keep watching waiting/hoping for him to fall but he's really good at it!  It just looks SO weird!

I'm off to the gym right now and can't wait to see what stupidity waits for me!

Maybe be you don't feel comfortable naked in the locker room..but it's perfectly fine for someone to walk around naked in the LOCKER ROOM

maybe your the creepy girl who stares to much.

I have one I have one!!! Taking the elevator rather than the stairs. You're at the gym!!!

Of course, I'm in a country where going to the gym seems to be more of social obligation than anything... But still. Go out for coffee to talk to your friends and not break a sweat... The gym is for a good effort. What's the point of going if you're going to do it half-assed?

Now I have another as well... Wearing a push-up bra. I understand that sports-bras aren't the most flattering things in the world, but seriously. Doesn't it hurt when everything is just bouncing around like that? And I don't even want to start about how destructive that is in terms of getting a saggy rack... Oh well. I guess in 10 years when I'm a good 31 mine will be all perky and fun while theirs are down to their belly-buttons...

I haven't been to the gym in a while, but I used to always read while on the stationary bike. I would sometimes even bringhomework and textbooks and have them spread out on my lap, hooked in the handlebars, and on the little shelf thing on the back of the bike. I WAS BUSY!!! I could either choose between hw and the gym, or I could multi task.

oh PS as a note on nudity in the locker room, there's actually a sign in mine that states "No Nudity" and there are a few little dressing rooms like there are in a department store (only nicer)...

For a liberal American this strikes me as odd... I'm surprised reading this thread how many people seem to have a bit of discomfort regarding nudity... I guess it's just something I've always been comfortable with so the thought never occurred to me. Granted I'm not one to stay naked any longer than necessary (at least not in public) but still... It's interesting...

Original Post by chrysteas:

I know this isn't at the gym...but in my cardio kickboxing class these two girls are pretty overweight and wear clothing that is wayyy too tight, and when they sit down they show their crack to everyone....nice. Also, they constantly complain on how much they hate the class because it's very intense and vigorous...and they don't do the entire routine, they try to catch up with everyone by only doing one lap of lunges instead of two or something....I don't get it....they're only cheating themselves, NO ONE is actually caring how much they do...everyone has their own pace.

 At least the overweight girls are at the gym trying to improve their health. I actually LOVE to see people who have the guts to get the hell out of the house and go to the gym! They inspire me! Especially knowing now that there are potentially others in the class that are inwardly sneering and judging them...or me. Get over yourself !

Original Post by diorbaby:

I guess I am one of the "barbies" I like to wear makeup when I go to the gym, I look horrible without it.  I don't go very fast on the machines yet, I am 15 and I joined the gym 2 weeks ago. I wear some jewelry, because I go to work afterwards and I don't feel comfortable leaving it in the locker room or my car, as most of the jewelry I wear is 100 to 200 year old heirloom pieces. I am not a nudist when it comes to the  locker room.

I admit that I do some different steps on the treadmill, mostly to help tone my back end. 

 I don't mind "barbies" as long as they aren't afraid to sweat ! I guess I don't have much respect for the ones that just walk around the gym and do nothing. It's obvious they are there for other reasons than to exercise. I think if you are there to meet men, you might have more of a chance if you have shown them that you actually work out !

lol...

biggest pet peeve?  people who circle the parking lot at local gyms waiting for someone to pull out so they can have that spot within ten spaces to the door...what's the point?

our school gym has a half hour time limit on the elipticals, and they have a sign-up sheet for them.  i hate the people who know what time they are signed up for, and purposefully go over that time.  and then, when you politely remind them their time is up, they sit there and argue about it, telling you that they only got on the machine ten minutes ago, and its not their fault that they were late getting on...don't care, pal.  your arguing is cutting into MY time...just get off!

however i am guilty of a few things.  i love going to the gym with a buddy and gossiping about nothing at all while on the elpitcal...admittedly, we sound more like "Didd (puff) you (puff) hear (puff) about (GASP) what..." but its a good way to not focus on the time or calorie counter. 

Also guilty of the book reading.  I'm a third year biochemistry major doing a minor in psych, and i plan on finishing in four years.  It's a hard program, and i hardly have time to breathe.  i don't know why my getting stuff done unobtrusively without bothering someone else would get on anyone's nerves.  As for keeping the book open, well, 2000 page hardcover books kinda do that on their own.  And as for being able to multi-task, i learned to read while doing other things years ago.  i can also read while walking through crowded hallways without getting lost or bumping into anything.  it just takes practice. 

 

:)

Omg these stories are just so funny!

I love my gym, its small and theres hardly anyone there when I go... except on Wednesdays... thats market day and the gym is full of little old ladies taking up the cardio machines, going faster for longer than me grr lol... I get a bit annoyed that I have to actually wait to use the treadmill, but still I get all the weights to myself!

I think the worst was when there was this guy there, he'd do his reps then he'd rest, do some more etc. Then I go and use the machine and he was watching me whilst sat on the machine next to it! Okay, I felt a leetle uncomortable, there is a room full of equipment he could use and no one was there, but after when I nipped to the shop, I saw him and he was staring at me! wasn't just a 'hey I recognise you' kind of stare neither... uughh...

I'd never thought of reading at the gym before, thanks for that guys n gals! But I can't imagine me taking my copy of Tipler on the bikes... tho that would be my strength training for the day, its sooo heavy hehe

Oh well, such is the joys of the gym!

It was a really busy day at our gym and I was doing my little circuit workout with the treadmill.  This lady comes in and gets on the elliptical machine in street clothes and these big ol' dress sandals.  She somehow managed to get going despite the fact that she looked like she was going to break an ankle at any moment.  Well I did my last 15 minutes on the treadmill and was just finishing up my last set of crunches when I look up and she is putting her stuff on my treadmill.  Then she asks if I was done and since I technically didn't need it I grabbed my weights and belongings but before I could step off the treadmill she practically mowed me down.  So I move on to finish with my weights and use another machine and I look back 10 minutes later and she is already gone!!  She couldn't wait 2 whole minutes for me to move and then she didn't even stay for 10. 

I also can't stand the men who run on the treadmill at the highest speed all while holding onto the machine.  I don't mean just supporting themselves, they are using it to bear their weight which makes it all kind of pointless.  It is also annoying people let their kids use the equipment in the back of the smaller cardio room because they slam the weights down constantly. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mine - I promise this to be true...

I was in the gym locker room not two weeks ago and a woman had just come out of the steam room.  She sat at the lockers and proceeded to do the not so sanitary part of a pedicure - yep you guessed it... she had one of those foot scraper things and was building a little mountain of deadness right there on the gym floor.  People were horrified to the point where one gal went and told the gym manager, and a trainer came in and told her she couldn't do that. 

EXTREME GROSSNESS!!!!

As for gym etiquette, I always love it when the uber buff guys wanna show lil' ol' me how to work the weights... Sorry buddy but I got this!  Thanks!  Toodles!

People who do curls in the squat rack.