Gym Etiquette: Weight-Dropping... Really Necessary?
I am not an anal person. I can tolerate a lot. I don't let the little things (usually) get to me. But when it comes to the gym, there are certain things that bother the crap out of me...
- Talking on your cell phone while working out. I get it - some people's iPods are also their phones, so they have to bring them on the floor. Fine. But turn your freaking phone off and disconnect for an hour. That's right. You read that correctly. The woman who refuses to vacation any place that doesn't have WiFi said, "disconnect for an hour." No one wants to hear you obnoxious dribble. And no, we can't just turn our iPods up louder... Because (one) it could cause hearing damage and (two) because it wouldn't do any good. You are, in fact, that loud.
- Wipe the freaking equipment down after you use it. Don't want to use the disinfecting spray? Fine. But at least take the free towel the gym provided to you and wipe your sweat away. No one should have to have to deal with cleaning up someone else's puddle.
- No loud moaning. I've had to deal with other gym go-ers at 6am moaning like they were having sex in a gay porno. It's kinda funny and kind icky. If you must grunt when you lift weights or do pull-ups, do it softly. I should have to shower after a workout because I was working hard, not because I feel dirty from getting worked over by your moans and groans.
- Put the weights back where they go. This means, "If the free weights you are using are 15-pounds, you put them back on the marker that reads, '15 pounds.'" No one should have to go hunting around for the weights they want when a system of labeling is established and easy to follow. And speaking of weights...
- Is it really eff-ing necessary for you to drop the weights on the floor, or slam them down when using the machines? Seriously, jack ass, if you HAVE to drop the weights or slam them down... Guess what? THEY'RE TOO FUCKING HEAVY FOR YOU! Lighten the hell up! You should be handling weights that, yes, challenge you... But you should be able to use your strength to PLACE THEM DOWN GENTLY! Otherwise, use a spotter to assist you with your workout.
That's it. For now. I reserve the right to bitch about this topic again in the near future. Anyone else have any gym pet peeves?
Comments
1.) No smelliness. I mean like no crazy overly perfumed people or nasty smelling bo peeps.
2.) No hoarding weights and crowded them around you so others trip over them trying to properly put their weights back.
3.) Rerack your damn weights when you're done especially men who use the squatting bar, because while I probably lift more than you (I squat 280-300lbs and leg press 630-720), it's just damn rude not to strip the weight.
4.) Put your duffle bag or backpack in a locker in the lockerroom, don't go leaving your crap all over MY cage/bar area b/c I will step on it and if your cool sunglasses are in there, well too effing bad.
I especially get mad at guys who stare at women who workout. Seriously, I came to get strong and workout, not talk to you or be your eye candy.
Here are a few of mine :
- Yappers. Seriously, I don't want to know where you go shopping for groceries. Or how your husband earns enough money to go to Paris, or your latest splurge on some Coach bag that is probably fake. Do. Not. CARE.
- Men who flex in front of the mirrors. Seriously! Can't they do it in the privacy of their own homes?
grr.
The grunters always get to me. ESPECIALLY if they're in a Bikram class! It's Bikram Yoga, not Bikram "I sound like I'm a hippo having sex" Yoga.
Kind of scary how many irritating behaviors we're faced with each time we just go to work out, huh?
http://www.typinginstereo.com/?p=265
I missed the weight-dropping. Perhaps it's time for an update!
Leha, excellent additions! (Impressed with your squatting and pressing numbers!)
Mei: I can't believe I forgot to add in "gawkers"! I had one scrawny guy checking me out last night while I was balancing and lifting. Eww!
Hannah & Oliveira: I have a whole separate post I intend to do about locker room etiquette. LOL!
Hil: There used to be an old woman at the Equinox I went to in Boston who would SIT DOWN on the Power Plate - you know, that thing that vibrates? She would turn it on and sit for like five minutes. It was creepy and funny.