Gym Etiquette

[archive_Mr. Nobody]

I am usually very easy going and friendly, but certain things in the gym really annoy me. Well yesterday I discovered a new thing that bothers me. Some guy came over to me and without introducing or saying a word started counting the plates on my leg press....he never said a word and then walked away again. WTF

Also, certain jokes make me gag: "You can leave the weight on for me to warm up" muahahah.... funny....never heard that one before, or "you need me to sit on that".....arrrgh, or..."you still warming up?"...hahahahah, get lost, come up with something original then come back and we'll talk.

Anyways all those stupid one-liners are boring and I hear them every day from regulsr folks trying to "connect" with me. But the guy just counting my weights without saying a word takes the cake. And if you wonder I just starred at him in disbelief...he was not phased.

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Disclaimer:
Mr. Nobody is presenting fictitious opinions and does in no way, shape or form encourage, use nor condone the use of any illegal substances or the use of legal substances in an illegal manner.
The information discussed is strictly for entertainment purposes only and shall not take the place of qualified medical advice.

[archive_Ulter]

Maybe he thought you were over your plate limit and wanted to tell on you. Plate cops.

"Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school." -Albert Einstein

[Curious George]

Mr N....I'm with you on this. The trainer that Monster and I got into a couple weeks ago is a perfect example of someone teaching this type of stuff.

She was putting plates away that her client was using. She was sitting the 10's where the 5's go and vice versa. I asked her why she was doing that because I needed a plate under her mess. She told me "as long as it's picked up right?"

NO it's not right. You are a trainer who is responsible not only for showing somebody how to train the safe and right way (which she doesn't), but also teach them gym etiquette.

Another thing that bothers me is people asking questions and then telling me what their qualifications are.

We were training last week and we were doing kneeling hip thrusts with the bar on our back in the power cage. You kneel down and sit on your haunches with the bar on your back, and then rise up on your knees thrusting your hips out.....it works the glutes and hips. We saw it in a Louis Simmons video and thought we would try it.

A guy asks us what we were doing and we told him. He started to tell us that he works with elite athletes around the world and he is a CSCS with the NSCA and other crap. We told him that was very nice and went back to training.

I look over by the smith machine and see our ELITE TRAINER buddy doing a SMITH MACHINE PRESS OFF A STABILIZER BALL

The smith machine (which is garbage as far as I am concerned) takes the stabilizers out of the motion.....which is what the ball is supposed to work. Just leave me alone to train already.

Monster has been known to throw a dumbell or two at people walking too close to him while pressing.

I have a whole bunch of gripes on this topic for later.

Take Good Care,

Cg

[PQ]

I swiped this from another site...it's hilarious and accurate...I'm sure you guys have read this before...if you haven't, I'm betting you can relate to it!

Things To Do To Avoid Getting Your Azz Kicked In The Gym

1) Re-Rack Your Weights
There is nothing quite like looking for a 45 pound plate on a busy Monday night and not being able to find one. But as you look around you notice there are several on different machines and no one is using them. GRRRRRR!

2) Use One Machine at a Time
People who bounce from machine to machine really get my goat. Most of them are either older people who don't have a clue, or teenagers who don't have a clue. Stick with the machine or equipment you are using until you are finished. If the gym is busy and you leave your equipment, someone will be on it when you return...if you move and you’re not done...tough.

3) Wipe Down Equipment After Use
If you are a sweaty person, you really need to wipe off the surface of each machine you use. Sweat is a good way to transmit Staph bacteria and other communicable diseases. Also, it's freaking disgusting!!!

4) Don't Get in the Way of People Doing Squats - (Personal Favorite!)
This is one problem I have almost every time I work legs. You are doing reps with 455 pounds on your shoulder and the clueless idiot of the gym (there's one everywhere) walks in front of you on their way to the 5 pound dumbbells. Do not do this. This is a very good way to either get yelled at or get the crap beat out of you. Doing squats in front of a mirror is important to maintain good form. If you walk in front of someone you are not only distracting them, but you are potentially fouling up their form. I repeat, do not do this.

5) Stay Away From Anyone Using 100 Pound Dumbbells.
Am I right here guys? Typically, anyone using 100 pound dumbbells is a pretty large fella. Also, that much weight makes one grumpy. (LMAO)

6) Wear Headphones
Listening to Celine Dion or anything country is not very motivating. Ever tried to do a 320 pound set of bench presses while listening to the theme from Titanic? Or how about doing knee extensions to Pink Floyd. It's not going to happen. Ahhh the almighty MP3 player!

7) Leave the Big Guys Alone:
Pardon me, but nothing pisses me off more than someone who is only in the gym to socialize asking a bunch of questions about what I take. F*#! You. Most bodybuilders do not like people to automatically assume you take steroids. Yet another good way to get beat up.

8) Don't Ask Too Many Questions.
Most people are more than happy to answer questions. You just have to pick the right time. If you have a question make sure it requires only a yes or no answer and do not move your arms wildly. This might frighten the bodybuilder and make him go into defensive mode. Just kidding. Just be courteous and remember that most people are in the gym to train. Do not interrupt during sets and especially during breaks.

9) Do Not Hit on Every Girl in the Gym
I hate to tell you guys, but most women are in the gym to workout and get out. They don't want you coming up to them, using your best pickup line, and flexing your 10 inch biceps. Also, I've always heard it is bad karma to date someone at the gym. If you break up, they might still come and tell everyone about your inadequacies. Go to the bar if you are looking for a date. If a girl has on headphones or is reading a book that should immediately tell you "leave me alone". Always be aware that one of them may be dating the big hairy guy with the red face who’s got the 100 lb. dumbbells. He will crush you...after all he’s still pissed because you walked in front of the mirror during his squats. (NICE!)

10) Keep Your Conversations to a Low Volume
Have you ever been doing a heavy set and the guy next to you starts screaming about…well, anything? Very distracting. If you have to talk, talk quietly. Especially if you are making a crude comment about someone because they might be in the gym.

11) Bathe
Nothing is worse than being hot and out of breath and the first chance you get to take a breather, the guy down the dumbbell row lifts his arms. A little warm. It takes a much nicer person than myself not to say anything and usually someone will tell you that you stink. It's embarrassing. Do not fear the holy water and the round white object on the rack is the divine soap. They are your friends. And please remember the deodorant.

http://anabolicfitness.infopop.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[archive_Mickey]

People piss me off in general but it goes to another level in the gym.

The other night I am sitting on a bench holding 100 lb dumbells and some kid is doing incline dumbell presses with the 30 lb dumbells. When I am done my set I go to get up and put my set back and what does he do, he jumps on the floor and starts doing push-ups right in front of me http://anabolicfitness.infopop.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif I just stared at him with the "what the fukk are you doing?" look and he said sorry and moved.

Really the only thing that makes me really mad in the gym is people walking in front of me or being close to me when I am doing a set. I just like my space.

"Come on, get serious!" Arnold in Pumping Iron

[archive_Mr. Nobody]

The Golds where I work out solves most of the above propblems by separating the area for the big boys from the main area. But that guy just entered my domain without paying homage to the master, lol and acted like he was evaluating me by counting my weights. He actually wrote some shit in his little book as well.....next time he does that I will definately grunt sumpn....I was just too perplexed.

Or maybe too much M1T makes one paranoid, lol

__________________________________________________ _____________________________________

Disclaimer:
Mr. Nobody is presenting fictitious opinions and does in no way, shape or form encourage, use nor condone the use of any illegal substances or the use of legal substances in an illegal manner.
The information discussed is strictly for entertainment purposes only and shall not take the place of qualified medical advice.

[therealj]

I walk around my gym with an angry scowl on my face so I don't normally have too many idiots doing stupid things. But these two have happened within the last two weeks and now that I think about it one of them happens way too often for my liking

1) While doing dumbell side laterals and making a point to be out of everyones way, someone will walk right in the line of your dumbell forcing you to stop mid way through your rep or knock the idiot silly. I normally just shake my head and blurb "you fucking idiot" which creates a quick look, followed by a head down tail between legs quick exit, people getting in my way or walking between me and "my" mirror mid-rep always get a f-bomb from me http://anabolicfitness.infopop.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

2) So I'm doing some calve work the other week and I get off the standing calf raise and start stretching between sets about 5 feet from the machine when this 40-50ish woman jumps right on the machine lowers the height and does a set. She gets off the machine after her set and at this point I'm still going to be polite, so I inform her I still had two sets left(the fact I only like 45 seconds of rest was already wasted) to which she replies like a complete bitch "Well you were done your set so can't I WORK in" To which I reply in a tone you would have to know me to understand " Well sure you can but it's common courtesy to ask before just jumping in between someones fucking set"...she grabbed her towel and walked away...I hate people

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therealj@anabolicfitness.net

[PQ]

"I hate people"

LMAO...you sound like PA!!
http://www.anabolicfitness.net/smileys/lol2[1].gif

[Pharm Animal]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="**-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by therealj:
...I hate people
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Here, here! http://anabolicfitness.infopop.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Pharm Animal]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="**-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Curious George:
...He started to tell us that he works with elite athletes around the world and he is a CSCS with the NSCA and other crap. We told him that was very nice and went back to training.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
CG, FUCKING PRICELESS...

i would have said the same thing...Hahaha

[macdaddy]

I don't talk, I don't look like I wanna talk I don't wanna socialize I don't wanna hear your freaking cell phone. You guys may find this wierd, but I actually only have one eye, I have a fake one. Usually at the gym I leave the fake eye at home and wear the eye patch, it seems to get people to just leave me be. Don't piss off the big fat pirate looking guy.

All that being said, the only Gold's in Columbus is pretty good, no one bothers anyone, but I also belong to Clifornia Fitness (I know I know), it's really close to home and on the way to work, plus they have a daycare which helps with the 4 kids. I can't go to that gym after work, I'd have to kill someone, a bunch of asshole kids who are in need of an ass kicking.

[Curious George]

Hey....right by the Doll's house? We go to that place every year when we go to the Arnold. I didn't like the World's in Downtown Columbus....too crowded in there.

I'm going to try and take a trip out to Louis Simmons place soon if he will let me.

It's hard with kids. It really takes a lot of dedication to train.....Which you have for sure.

Take Good Care,

Cg

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." Mahatma Gahndi

[macdaddy]

I forget where the Doll House is, The Cali Fitness I go to is in Upper Arlington, a little west of campus. Gold's is on Indianola, about 8 miles from here. I go there to work out with a bud on Monday's. Next year for the Arnold I'll host a cookout or something, maybe we can get a side of beef?

You know I lift as much for the good of the family as I do my own good, if I don't exersize I get really grumpy, and if too much time goes by I get depressed, and everyone pays, know what I mean? Well, it's mostly for my own good. The gym is my refuge it's the place I can go and have peace and quiet in my head,I can focus on the task at hand and not worry or even care about anyone or anything else for the time I'm there, and then I can take a shower without people banging on the door asking to come in. I love being a dad and I'd have 10 kids if my wife would let me, but everyone needs a little quiet time.

[Pharm Animal]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="**-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by macdaddy:
...Don't piss off the big fat pirate looking guy...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
That's fucking awesome! Had me crackin up for a minute straight!!! http://www.anabolicfitness.net/smileys/lol2[1].gif


<BLOCKQUOTE class="**-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>...I can't go to that gym after work, I'd have to kill someone, a bunch of asshole kids who are in need of an ass kicking.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
At my gym, sometimes kids (aged 10-16) from the basketball court wander into the gym and decide to play around on the machines. That irritates the shit outta me, especially since they are "playing" and loud. I keep my MP3 on and run into them whenever they present the opportunity. I act like they aren't even there....Too bad if they don't get outta my way!
http://anabolicfitness.infopop.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif http://anabolicfitness.infopop.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[therealj]

PA we should really train together,lol...it's sounds like the chip on your shoulder in the gym is easily as big as mine http://anabolicfitness.infopop.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

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therealj@anabolicfitness.net

[Pharm Animal]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="**-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by therealj:
PA we should really train together,lol...it's sounds like the chip on your shoulder in the gym is easily as big as mine http://anabolicfitness.infopop.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Totally. I wish we could have done so when I was living in WA state, we were about 3 hours away from each other http://anabolicfitness.infopop.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

Someday brother, someday. http://anabolicfitness.infopop.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[archive_Killer]

http://www.anabolicfitness.net/smileys/lol2[1].gif

I am laughing my ass off!!

I where headphones, so no one really bother me to much.

But, just last week there was this kid sitting there, staring at me about the whole time I was doing arms. WTF???? He made me nervous... guess I should have made a realj comment.

CG - I have seen that too, someone doing a stability (or "functional training"- gag") exercise in the Smith. Things that make you go Hmmmmm http://anabolicfitness.infopop.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[archive_Mr. Nobody]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="**-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by therealj:

2) ....when this 40-50ish woman jumps right on the machine lowers the height and does a set
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yup, been there. I was doing leg extensions (shame on me), but was doing them in a rapid set manner when this woman sqeezed herself into my personal space (while I was still holding on to the machine all breathless) and just sat down on my sweat-drenched seat. She proceeded to do a loooong fucking set of super slow reps with no weight ala some "gay magazine" she just read about and just sat there. I told her: "Don't worry I dont mind you working in between MY sets...." thinking she got the message......and remained there starring at her. She finally moved on.....Next time I will be so close that she can smell my sweat or I'll just cut some nasty creatine cheese.

__________________________________________________ _____________________________________

Disclaimer:
Mr. Nobody is presenting fictitious opinions and does in no way, shape or form encourage, use nor condone the use of any illegal substances or the use of legal substances in an illegal manner.
The information discussed is strictly for entertainment purposes only and shall not take the place of qualified medical advice.

[archive_Mr. Nobody]

Oh and I remember some old fucker once having the balls to tell me that I had done enough sets (leg extensions again, sorry).....to which I replied: "based on what?" He then showed me his little chart given to him by gym staff.....I totally broke down laughing while crying please move on....
__________________________________________________ _____________________________________

Disclaimer:
Mr. Nobody is presenting fictitious opinions and does in no way, shape or form encourage, use nor condone the use of any illegal substances or the use of legal substances in an illegal manner.
The information discussed is strictly for entertainment purposes only and shall not take the place of qualified medical advice.

[archive_Ulter]

A chart from the gym staff? I wouldn't be able to control myself. I would have grabbed the shart and eaten it. Congrats to you.

"Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school." -Albert Einstein

[archive_Caligula]

We used to have a spaz at my gym who would rush through everything real fast. He had some real problems and it would seriously take him only 15 minutes to do like 10 exercises. I love getting on the machines he was going to go to next just to watch him twitch. He would seriously ask me like 5 times, "are you done yet". Then after he would get dressed in his business suit he would hit like 5 more machines for a couple reps on his way out the door. It's funny seeing a man in a business suit doing dips.

http://www.anabolicfitness.net/images/caligula.jpg

"That Which Does Not Kill You Makes You Stronger"

Curious

[charlie brown]

You wanna talk annoying??

First off, I love the convenience of my cell phone. It's always not too far away, but I'll never have it in the gym. (Not to mention movie theatre...library...doctors office...the list goes on...).

Anyhow, this kid doing incline presses has the ringer on his phone set on high so he can hear it in the gym. He gets a call right at the beginning of a set. Now, I have to admire his ability the concentrate, because I almost went over and answered the phone myself, but he let the phone ring...and ring...and ring...and ring...all the while he's busting through a set of quarter plates on the bar. By the time he gets around to answering it, EVERYONE in the freeweight area is staring at him. It's one thing to talk on you phone in the gym, but another altogether to piss everyone off with it.

ERTW!
aka the Hungry Wolf

[Stud Diesel]

I agree on the dumb jokes that you mentioned, but I cracked one the other day. Dude was benching 315 lbs. and I said, “hey, mind if I work in”? He said, “sure”, so I said, “yeah I just want to do a quick set of curls”. (badda-boom-splash) So what do you think, Mr. Nobody? Would you slap me for that one? I do have my moments you know, but for the most part I just keep my mouth shut and give people dirty looks. http://anabolicfitness.infopop.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Mister B.]

I think the one that bothers me the most at our gym is the one "plyometrics-specialized personal trainer" and PT manager doesn't know what equipment is available in the gym. There a are TWO standalone dip/chin "machines", a dip/chin machine with a counterbalance weight set (so you can start off with less than bodyweight) and then the four (or so) on the squat racks/cable machines. This guy, who's all of 5' 2", insists on training his new clients by finding the box, intended for box squats, carrying it to the opposite end of the gym, places it between the cables and steps up to the chin bar to do the chins. Naturally, he always leaves the box there...

OK, just a little annoying right? Well it gets worse... so EVERY newbie INSISTS that that they ABSOLUTELY MUST repeat this process and MUST use the chin bar between the cables.

Consistently people interrupt me and Mrs. B on the cables to work-in and do chins... EVERY FUCKING TIME, I look around and the standalone machines are empty and even a couple squat racks (I mean, at least go there first). Even the one with the weight allows you to clip the knee pad all the way at the floor and use the machine as only bodyweight... (nobody will do this, though, for fear that they'll look stupid or something). I try to be polite and once I allowed a guy to actually work in... guess what happened after I finished my set when he was done? ANOTHER FUCKING GUY, holding the box, wanted to work in.

HAHA, I've started lecturing them about the other machines and they do the tail-tuck that PA described http://anabolicfitness.infopop.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif. What I really need to do is chew out the PT who insists on preparing every new person to continue this madness. Unfortunately, they just look for excuses like that to throw me out. So I just bite my lip... HARD... if I can't open my yap, the least I can do is bleed all over http://anabolicfitness.infopop.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

B

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"... my mom says I'm cool..."
-- Milhouse

[archive_Mr. Nobody]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="**-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Stud Diesel:
I agree on the dumb jokes that you mentioned, but I cracked one the other day. Dude was benching 315 lbs. and I said, “hey, mind if I work in”? He said, “sure”, so I said, “yeah I just want to do a quick set of curls”. _(badda-boom-splash)_ So what do you think, Mr. Nobody? Would you slap me for that one? I do have my moments you know, but for the most part I just keep my mouth shut and give people dirty looks. http://anabolicfitness.infopop.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

No, I would take your hands and tie them to the bar while I'd lift the weight off the bench.....

__________________________________________________ _____________________________________

Disclaimer:
Mr. Nobody is presenting fictitious opinions and does in no way, shape or form encourage, use nor condone the use of any illegal substances or the use of legal substances in an illegal manner.
The information discussed is strictly for entertainment purposes only and shall not take the place of qualified medical advice.

[Billy_Bathgate]

I hate it when my dog gets in my way when doing squats...I tell her to move and she just wags her tail...

[archive_MR. BMJ]

Cell Phones by far.

Old dudes with short shorts. Well, any guy for that matter.

I hate the side-lateral thing as well. That really irks me when in the middle of a set, someboday just walks in your 'motion domain.'

Also, at my gym, they have the seated presses, squats, flat presses for dumbbells, etc...in front of the mirror. When people enter the domain between me and the mirror, I get a little bit of Mr. N anger...lol.

People using the leg press and talking on the phone while doing pansy-ass reps.

I hate when the gym closes early on the weekends. http://anabolicfitness.infopop.net/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

BMJ

[Sculpted Granite]

I'm quiet and polite most of the time while working out.My gym is full of hippies,tree huggers and rich elderly people so being a young man who stays in the small free weight room I'm left pretty much alone.Sometimes I'll go through a whole 45 minute workout without seeing anyone as they all stay in the cardio,machine,aromatherapy,or massage room.

One small bothersome thing is the high number of lesbians,something about female couples working out thats just hard to get used to.

Strange place,but I'm able to concentrate and get in good workouts so I'm happy.

[macdaddy]

OK, so I'm working out the other day, doing curls, no big deal. This really obese woman keeps walking by me (she had a 5 lb dumbell she was curling) and giving me the dirtiest look. What the hell did I do? I didn't say anything, I didn't look at the fat wench, nothing. It did irritate me she was struggling curling a 5 lb dumbell, I bet if it had been a 5 lb hoho she would have had any trouble at all curling that thing up to her gaping pie hole.

[archive_Mr. Nobody]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="**-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by macdaddy:
OK, so I'm working out the other day, doing curls, no big deal. This really obese woman keeps walking by me (she had a 5 lb dumbell she was curling) and giving me the dirtiest look. What the hell did I do? I didn't say anything, I didn't look at the fat wench, nothing. It did irritate me she was struggling curling a 5 lb dumbell, I bet if it had been a 5 lb hoho she would have had any trouble at all curling that thing up to her gaping pie hole.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Was the bench you were using pink and wide? You know those are made for the gym cows...

__________________________________________________ _____________________________________

Disclaimer:
Mr. Nobody is presenting fictitious opinions and does in no way, shape or form encourage, use nor condone the use of any illegal substances or the use of legal substances in an illegal manner.
The information discussed is strictly for entertainment purposes only and shall not take the place of qualified medical advice.

[macdaddy]

ROFLMAO