If you go to the gym as often as I do you’re bound to find some gems.
Here’s the summary (just for this week):
GYM HOGGERS
I need to use the squat rack. 2 guys are on there. I ask how many sets they have left. They actually have the audacity to tell me that they have quite a few sets to do and it’ll be another “20 minutes”.
Really?!?!? Does that sound reasonable? I’ll be done with my workout in 20 minutes. What do you want me to do? Sit here and wait until you’re done?
THE LESSON: Show a little consideration for your fellow gym goers. Maybe you can don’t need to do all your exercises on one rack. Perhaps you can let someone use the area for their 3-4 sets. Or here’s a novel idea. Why don’t you offer to let me work in?
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CHATTY CATHY’S & OTHER LOUDNESS
On to the next one. 2 guys chatting…non-stop chatting. Today is one of those days where I have a hard time getting into my workout. Then my iPod dies. Ugh. So I finally find a spot away from these guys. Step-ups on one of the boxes (2nd to largest). What happens next? These 2 fools come over and start jumping on the box literally inches from my box where I’m doing step ups.
So you couldn’t wait until I was done with my set to start jumping?
Here’s the kicker. These 2 men were NOT graceful jumpers. It was worse than having elephants trying to jump on the boxes. They sounded like they were 300 pounds. And believe you me these two were far from heavy. They were just the opposite. You would never expect that much noise coming from 2 small men…but nay…BANG…BANG…BANG…. with each jump.
Of course being in the snarky mood I was in I walk over and ask “um excuse me. Can I please jump?”
To add fuel to the fire right before I do my first jump this guy has the audacity to say “it’s really hard”. Um thanks buddy. I’ve done this a few times. I love how some of these guys at the gym get “worried” about me and offer unsolicited advice.
Before the last word is out of his mouth I am jumping my little heart out. Quick and light. You can’t even hear me land. Piece of cake.
Silence. It’s about time.
I think one of them got the hint because his last set was much lighter. I’d say I got my point across. Please don’t patronize me…and again show a little consideration for other people. If they had just asked if it was ok to jump right by my head I may have reacted differently. A little courtesy goes a long way.
THE LESSON: Again, be considerate. Ask before you sit on top of someone already working out. Some people might not appreciate that much closeness.
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OVERLY FRIENDLY
Let me start by saying that I’m at the gym to workout….NOT make friends. When I go to the gym I put my head down and headphones in. I’m all business. That’s not to say I’m not friendly to any regulars who may say “hi”. But this way I set the precedence. They know I’m there to workout and not socialize. When I’m done with my workout and ready to cool down I’ll be more than happy to “chat”. Until then, leave me be. 
I guess this guy didn’t get the memo when he tried to engage me in conversation during squat day. “What’s that you have there?” He’s referring to my workout journal. “Is that your diary? Do you write everything in there?”
I hope for his sake he’s joking. As if females don’t already have a hard enough time getting up the courage to go into the lifting area. We have fools like this who make it harder. This is exactly what’s wrong with some of our gyms. Luckily for me I can ignore it. And I can ignore it well.
How do you handle this situation? Very simple.
THE LESSON: IGNORE! This is where the headphones are crucial. You barely look at them. Act as if you didn’t hear them and get back to your set. It’ll work 99% of the time. For the other 1% you be very direct. If you need help let me know and I’ll come set them straight for you.
That’s it for the week…well except for the guy that says “your hair looks good like that”. “Um thanks.” I tried not to be too rude but again this isn’t really the place for me to receive compliments…or for you to dole them out.
A rest between sets is NOT an invitation to speak to me.
