Top 10 Annoying Habits of Gym Rats
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Chances are you know how to behave on a date, and at work, but for some reason even the savviest guy can forget all etiquette rules the moment he steps foot in a gym. Please stop it. If you’re still unclear on your insanely annoying habits, this guide’s for you.
The Sweaty Guy
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“Of course you’re going to get sweaty during your workout — that’s proof that you’re working out hard — but don’t leave a wet imprint of your body on every machine you use or a big puddle on the group fitness studio floor,” says Rafique Cabral, a personal trainer at Equinox in New York. “Ask yourself how gross it would feel to get drenched in someone else’s sweat, then mop up after yourself.”
Related: How to Prevent Sweat Below the Belt
The Toddler
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“People will leave their weights on the floor or on the rack and just expect someone else to put them away for them,” says Andrew Aranzamendez, head of personal training for Life Time Athletic. “This is annoying and dangerous. If you leave a dumbbell out on the floor and someone else drops a weight on it, they could end up losing a finger because they smash it between the two weights — it sounds crazy but I’ve actually seen that happen!”
The Unsolicited Adviser
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It can be tempting to let someone know they aren’t going to get results lifting five-pound weights, but keep your mouth shut. “It’s harder than you think to assess someone from across the room and say they’re doing something the wrong way, and yet it happens all day every day,” says Marc Megna, co-owner of Anatomy at 1220 in Miami Beach. “You don’t know if that person is working their way back from an injury or what, so don’t presume to give them tips on what they should or should not be lifting.” The one time this doesn’t hold true? If you think they are really going to hurt themselves. “In that case, talk to a trainer who is skilled at speaking to members in the right way,” says Megna.
Related: 10 Common Bad Habits and How to Break Them
The Talker
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The gym isn’t a quiet place, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good place for conference calls or karaoke sessions. “You would be surprised how many people take business calls while at the gym,” says Tommy Konefal, trainer manager at DavidBartonGym in Astor Place in New York. “One guy would get angry with whomever he was talking to on the phone and it was super annoying — I had to talk to him.” Clearly, you shouldn’t be singing along to whatever’s playing in your ear — you’re not working hard enough if you can — and please try to refrain from grunting with every rep.
Reek
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Gyms don’t always smell so good. That’s why you should never smell worse than the atmosphere. We can’t believe we have to say this, but: Never wear old gym clothes, shower daily, put on deodorant, and get powder or odor eaters for your shoes if they smell. That, or go run around the park instead where you’re only offending the birds.
Related: Tips to Smell Better
The Wannabe Weightlifter
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If you’re taking up precious squat rack, barbell, or bench space, you better be using it — and not just to flex your biceps. "I hate seeing people doing curls or some other move in the squat rack,“ says Konefal. "The squat rack is hot property where people can safely do big compound movements. Don’t use it to do a simple move that you can do anywhere.”
The Selfie Strongman
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“The mirrors in the gym are there so you can watch yourself do movements and ensure you have correct form (and sure, feel inspired by how strong you look),” says Aranzamendez. “But you know what they aren’t there for? Snapping photos of yourself doing overhead presses. All that does is hold up other members from using the machine or equipment you’re using.” His rule: You aren’t working out hard enough if you have time to post to Instagram.
Related: Don’t Get Hurt at the Gym: How to Avoid Common Injuries
The Machine Owner
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“One of my biggest pet peeves is watching someone use a machine, then rest on it between sets while shooting daggers at anyone who looks like they might want to work in,” says Megna. “And now that everyone has their phone on them while exercising, I even see people texting for five minutes while others are waiting for the machine.” Bounce between multiple machines and work different body parts instead of just sitting and resting, or do mobility work between work sets. You’ll be a better member, while also being more efficient with your time.
Related: How to Protect Yourself Against MRSA at the Gym
The Space Hog
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Back squats, chin-ups, bench press, kettlebell swings, and medicine-ball twists are awesome workouts, but they take up lots of space. If it’s super crowded, try deadlifts instead of kettlebell swings, or ditch the circuit and focus on your form for individual moves instead. In other words, "don’t spread out and take over the whole open area just to get in the workout you want,“ says Megna. This holds true even if you’re just using an ab mat, too. Find a corner to plop it down in, not in the middle of the path everyone has to take to get to the water fountain.
Related: 14 Moves That Are More Effective Than Sit-Ups
The Inflexible Flexer
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Anyone who comes to the gym with a plan should be commended. But all circuits need some flexibility, especially when it comes to sharing equipment. "Don’t be the guy freaking out if your rest period takes 20 seconds longer because someone else is using the lat pull-down machine,” says Megna. Come with a backup plan, be flexible with your routine, and just calm yourself.
By Alice Oglethorpe
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