By : KARINA FOO
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There’s one in every gym, a Mr (or Miss) Inconsiderate. KARINA FOO lists out the profiles.
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| Have a fun sweating it out, but with consideration for others. |
You move to another machine, but there’s a guy curling his biceps and sounding like he’s in labour.
How about migrating to the the free weights area. Oh, the bench is occupied by someone who’s taken up permanent residence, performing never-ending reps.
The cardio machines? The same few people have been at it for what seems like hours (at some gyms, you must queue just to use one).
There are signs imploring users to be considerate, but people seem too busy working out to read them.
Etiquette in the gym is just as important as anywhere else. Have basic consideration for others and for the equipment. Most people, though, seem too caught up in their own exercise world to realise that there are others there too.
You may recognise these familiar characteristics, not just at the gym, but at work, too. Here are a few; take these as gentle reminders to create a better and more comfortable environment for you and everybody else.
THE WWF CONTESTANT
Spotted at: Weights machines or free weights area
Traits: As described above, someone who sounds like he’s going through immense pain. There are also other traits like dropping or throwing the barbell on the floor or swearing loudly when he’s had enough.
These people are usually really nice (and gentle), they just use all their strength on weights and express their “pain” when they’ve reached the maximum limit of what their bodies can take. It’s OK to grunt and swear a little (just as long you don’t share that with the entire gym).
Next time you encounter this, wait for the guy to finish and approach him when he looks relaxed or is taking a long break.
Tell him nicely: “Hi, you’re doing great but I would really appreciate it if you could lower your tone of voice because it is distracting my workout too, thanks.” Don’t accuse him of being a loud-mouthed freak because that might start an unnecessary argument.
THE HUMAN HOSE
Spotted at: Everywhere, but most commonly the cardio sections or during group exercise classes.
Traits: This person either is working out very hard or has lots of sweat glands. It’s a really icky feeling to think you won’t be drenched in only your own perspiration.
They could also be the culprits who leave sweat puddles on the machines. An add-on feature: sometimes they have body odour and (most of the time) don’t have a clue!
Gym towels are provided to wipe sweat off yourself and the equipment. If you’re caught in a “sticky situation”, pick another machine (or move to another one) or go to the other side of the studio.
Or take extreme measures: Be really daring to offer him some deodorant, then tell a white lie by saying you use it too because it’s really good!
THE AMNESIC HERCULES
Spotted at: The free weights area.
Traits: Now this person is strong, his legs can push 150kg effortlessly, but when it comes to putting back the weights, he conveniently forgets!
No, he’s neither amnesic or is suddenly too weak, he’s just being inconsiderate. It is annoying for the next person to see weights still stacked on the machine, without knowing who was responsible. Ask an instructor for help to remove them. And remember, yourself, to put the weights back. It sets a good example and hopefully others will remember and follow suit when they use the weights.
MR/MRS UNIVERSE
Spotted at: Anywhere with mirrors
Traits: These people can be good looking and they want to believe it. They strut their stuff and usually spend eons in front of the mirrors, flexing, comparing muscle size or running their fingers through their cheese-grater abs.
Sure they can be inspiration for a fitter-new-you, but don’t follow in their footsteps thinking that the gym is a runway.
Yes, mirrors are there for you to look at yourself, but when you block other people (those who are really checking their form), then you’re not going to score many favourable points.
Use the changing room mirrors if you want to indulge in self-admiration, and leave the gym mirrors for proper gym work.
THE DURACELL BUNNY
Spotted at: Every machine
Traits: If you could earn a dollar for each rep or each minute this person is at the machine, you’ll make Donald Trump look like a pauper!
This is a hog who tries to forget that others who need to use the machine, too. Most gyms have time limits on the cardio machines (usually 20-25 minutes at a time), but some people think they’re being smart by covering the time monitor with their towel!
When the gym is crowded and you’re nearing the time limit on the treadmill, move to another cardio machine, maybe the elliptical trainer or even an exercise class — it’s also an added bonus because it gives variety to your workout!
THE BOOKWORM
Spotted at: Any place or any other area that obstructs other members.
Traits: He brings a book or magazine, sits on a bench or machine and reads for what seems like the duration of your entire workout.
He could be taking a break between sets, but a ‘break’ isn’t one when it’s more than 10 minutes long and he’s absorbed in features like “How To Satisfy Her” or other articles unrelated to gym time.
It’s OK to have a read between sets but if you’re going to veg out in front of the pages, do it outside, like at the gym reception room or in the changing rooms.
JOHHNY BRAVO/ JESSICA RABBIT
Spotted at: Any place where there are people.
Traits: A man or a woman (but it’s more noticeably the guys) who goes around trying all sorts of ways to chat up the opposite sex.
They could pose as someone trying to ‘correct’ your already correct form (and invades your comfort zone), compliments you endlessly, and just flirts shamelessly. But there are just so many ways they do it and you’ll soon know what they’re trying to do.
While the gym is a great place to socialise, it’s not cool when you’re totally dying during your workout, and someone tries to hit on you.
They also think you’re free to talk or listen to the story of their lives. Just tell them: “Sorry, I can’t talk now, am trying to finish a workout. I’ll see you later.”
It is hard to brush people off, but you do want to get on with your workout. You can always wear an in-your-face shirt which says: “Come this close and you won’t look straight again!”. But no, just be cordial and they’ll understand (hopefully).
BUT IT’S STILL A BOTHER!
IF these people don’t budge when you’ve already told them (nicely), let the gym staff know, by word or a letter. If the gym cares for its members, they’ll take action but if not, maybe it’s time for a change.
But note that in every gym, there will be some people who work you up the wrong way. The deal is to learn how to work out alongside them, agree to something and comply with it.
If everyone co-operates with each other, the gym should be a pleasant place to go to.
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