Opportunity + Perseverance = Success
Top 10 Most Annoying Things People Do at the Gym (And How to Address Them)
1. Hogging Equipment During Peak Hours
-Why It’s Annoying: We’ve all seen that person who spends an eternity on a popular piece of equipment, especially when the gym is crowded. This slows down others’ workouts and is inconsiderate of others.
Solution: Most gyms have policies about time limits on machines during peak hours. If someone overstays their welcome, kindly remind them or notify the gym staff. Alternatively, consider planning your workouts during off-peak hours when equipment is more available.
2. Not Wiping Down Equipment After Use
-Why It’s Annoying: Leaving a machine sweaty is gross and unsanitary. It’s always unpleasant to approach a bench or machine only to find it drenched in someone else’s sweat.
Solution: Always have a towel with you and use the provided sanitizing sprays or wipes that most gyms offer. If someone forgets, it’s okay to remind them kindly. Gyms can also put up signs to remind members to clean after use. The problem is people are oblivious to the signs.
3. Loud Grunting or Dropping Weights
-Why It’s Annoying: While everyone understands the gym is a place for hard work, excessively loud grunting or consistently dropping weights can be disruptive and even intimidating to others.
Solution: If you’re lifting heavy weights, consider using a spotter for safety and to reduce the need to drop weights. If someone is being particularly loud, you can use headphones to drown out the noise or politely ask them to be mindful of others. Because surely, they have no idea what they are doing.
4. Using Equipment as a Personal Rest Area
– Why It’s Annoying: Sometimes, people use equipment like benches as their resting or phone-checking areas, preventing others from using them for their intended purpose.
Solution: Always be aware of your surroundings and ensure you’re not unintentionally preventing someone else from working out. If someone else is doing this, a friendly “Hey, are you still using this?” usually does the trick.
5. Giving Unsolicited Advice
– Why It’s Annoying: While intentions might be good, no one likes to be corrected or advised without asking, especially if the “advisor” isn’t a trained professional.
Solution: If you’re not a certified trainer, focusing on your workout is best. If someone approaches you with advice you didn’t ask for, thank them politely, and if you’re not interested, let them know you’ve got your routine covered or are working with a personal trainer.
6. Forgetting to Put Weights Back Properly
– Why It’s Annoying: Dumbbells scattered around or weight plates left on barbells can be a tripping hazard. It’s also frustrating when you can’t find the weight you need because it’s not in its designated place.
Solution: Always rerack weights after use. If someone forgets, giving them a gentle reminder doesn’t hurt. Gyms can also place clear signs indicating the importance for safety and courtesy.
7. Taking Extended Selfie Sessions
– Why It’s Annoying: It’s fantastic that you’re proud of your progress and want to document it. However, spending too much time taking selfies, especially in front of equipment or mirrors others use, can be inconsiderate.
Solution: Designate specific areas or corners for selfies or use less crowded times to snap that perfect shot. If someone’s selfie session is getting in the way of your workout, approach them with a smile and ask if you can use their space.
8. Talking Loudly on the Phone
– Why It’s Annoying: The gym is a place to focus on workouts, and a loud phone conversation can be quite distracting to others.
Solution: If you need to take a call, step outside or find a quiet corner. If someone else is talking loudly, consider using noise-canceling headphones or, if comfortable, kindly ask them to lower their volume.
9. Not Respecting Personal Space
– Why It’s Annoying: Whether standing too close while waiting for equipment or working out right next to someone in an almost empty gym, not respecting personal space can feel uncomfortable.
Solution: Always be mindful of giving others enough space, especially during times of heightened health awareness. If you feel someone is too close, it’s okay to politely ask for a bit more room or to adjust your position.
10. Playing Music Out Loud Instead of Using Headphones
– Why It’s Annoying: Everyone has different musical tastes, and what pumps one person up might not work for another. Playing music out loud can clash with the gym’s music or others’ personal playlists.
Solution: Always use headphones. They allow you to get lost in your own world without disturbing others. If someone else is playing their music loudly, a friendly suggestion to use headphones can be beneficial, or you can request the gym staff to address the issue.
At the end of the day, everyone is at the gym to better themselves, so approaching these situations with kindness and understanding can make all the difference. Let’s make the gym a happy place for everyone! Remember, the gym is a shared space where everyone aims for self-improvement. Patience, understanding, and open communication can go a long way in making the gym a pleasant environment for all!
