Can someone please tell me what the proper gym etiquette is??? I went to the gym on Tuesday night and it was PACKED. Everyone is turning over a new leaf for New Years I guess, which is great, but every machine was taken. I was so frustrated. My first choice is the elliptical, and I finally found a bike near the ellipticals where I could "stalk" the people riding them and grab one when they became available.
There are 30 minute limits on the machines, so I knew it couldn't be too long before I could grab one. I sat down and started peddling. I noticed the girl on the elliptical next to me had ridden for 26 minutes. SCORE. Well I peddled, and peddled. She hit 30 min, 34 min, 36 min, finally at 37 minutes the guy next to her hopped off and I lurched for his elliptical machine. In the time it took me to move my stuff 8 feet, two people came up and asked if I was using the elliptical. Yet this girl just kept going! Finally I leaned over to her and said, "I think there is a 30 minute limit on the machines." She smiled sweetly and said, "Oh I know. I'll be off in a minute."
So tell me what the deal is. I've only been going to the gym for about the last 6 or 7 months, but it seemed so rude to ignore everyone waiting. I will be the first one to tell you, that if the gym is not full and there are elliptical machines available I will put in 40 minutes. Was I wrong to say anything?? Can you ask someone if you can use the machine when they are done? I don't know what "proper gym etiquette is." I really don't know what to do, but I hear the gym will be crowded for at least a few more weeks, so I'm open and tips. Thanks!
You did the right and courageous thing. We live in an ever-growing self-absorbed society.
ReplyDeleteLikely your comment was lost on this person, but perhaps not. If we don't have thoughtful people like you to remind the thoughtless, we are further doomed.
I thank you!
Kyle
kgershman.blogspot.com
I think you did the right thing. I ended up saving for and purchasing my own treadmill a few years ago due to the very problem you mention. And it even gets used! Sporadically, I'll grant you, but I'm on the move again at the moment and it's so good to have it here.
ReplyDeleteYou weren't the one lacking etiquette...with tactless people a bullhorn and some public humiliation might be in order.
ReplyDeleteYou weren't wrong at all! It's people like that girl that can make the gym a horrible place but hopefully there's enough other people who know better.
ReplyDeleteMine has a sign in sheet so you cna write your name on the machine you want at the time you want it. There is a big notice on the sign in sheet and on the machines that there is a 30 minute limit (for the ellipticals). I will admit that when I am there and it's not busy, I use it for however long I need. :)
ReplyDeleteI think if it continues being an issue (I would give it ONE more trip) then you should bring it up to the floor manager of the gym to be enforced. What's the point of having rules if they aren't going to be followed! Good on you for bringing it up to the elliptical hog!
ReplyDeleteAlison :)
It is rude. The girl might have had reasons, but it was still rude. By reasons I mean I know I have some physical issues that make most exercise bikes excruciatingly painful for me, but I can do an elliptical with no problem, so it would be tempting for me to hog the elliptical too, but if there was a rule about 30 minute limits, and there were people waiting, I would get off.
ReplyDeleteI've alwasys wondered about gym etiquette. Sadly enough (but good for those of us that will use the gym past the new years resolution craze) the gym will only be busy until probably the beginning of February.
ReplyDelete