Thursday, April 1, 2010

Top 10 Gym Pet Peeves

I wish I wasn't, but I am really easily irritated.  Not sure what that says about me...maybe that I grew up with a Dad and sister who were even more easily irritated, so they called my attention to otherwise trivial noises and behaviors.  I know people aren't trying to get on my nerves and usually they are just oblivious.  The gym has some of the worst offenders.  Here are my top ten:

10.  Squatters --  No, I'm not referring to people doing actual squats.  This is when someone just sits on machines, resting a ridiculously long time between sets.   Either push the weight or get off
9.  Worker-Inners -- "Can I work in?"  Seriously?  There are plenty of other machines and Joe Muscle has to come work in with me on the cable fly.
8.  Sweaters -- Nope, not referring to a wool knit.  These gems leave their sweat pool whereever they go and don't wipe down the equipment after they've used it.
7.  Daters -- people who use the gym as a pick-up joint.  I guess I'm used to it with men, but it is especially cheesy when women do it.  My old gym was full of these chicks who dressed provocatively and talked to any guy who would give them the time of day.
6.  Stinkers -- either because of B.O. or cologne/perfume.  Nothing is worse than getting a big whiff, particularly if I'm already gasping for air doing cardio intervals.
5.  Noisemakers -- Excessive noise, whether grunting, dropping weights or cracking gum.  
4.  Out of shape aerobics instructors -- if you can't make it work for you, why should I believe it will work for me?
3.  Women who only lift tiny, colorful dumbbells.  Come on ladies, you are stronger than that.  I promise, lift heavier...you won't "bulk up."
2.  Chatters -- People who do more talking than working out.  Chatters are especially annoying when they are on the machine next to me.  If you can carry on a full conversation, particularly if that conversation is on a cell phone (major gym faux pas) you are obviously not working hard enough.
1.  Not reracking weights -- This is when men (yes, it is usually men), load up the chest press or squat racks, do their sets and then just leave the weights on the bar.  They are relying on the next person, namely me and my scrawny arms, to struggle with their 45s.  Please, for the love of Pete, just return the plates back to where you found them!  

Did I miss any of your gym pet peeves? 

3 comments:

Unknown said...

You hit the top 10 for sure. #11 would be people that leave behind their workout towels on the floor or machines, and those that leave their shower towels on the floor instead of putting them in the dirty towel bin to be cleaned.

Bitter Bartender said...

OMG!! I don't go to a GYM, but this SH#T is funnY!!!

Unknown said...

P&C.