The summer season may well be in full swing, but it still isn’t stopping folk from flocking to the gym.
Whether you’re looking to lose some last-minute weight before your holiday or burn off a couple of cocktails, gyms are still packed to the rafters. With that, of course, comes the worst in gym habits.
Online golf store GolfSupport.com analysed thousands of tweets using hashtags relating to common gym pet peeves. This was then followed up with a survey of 1,250 gym goers.
The result is an extensive list of more than 50 of the most annoying gym habits. For the sake of brevity, we’ve narrowed it down to 10.
From loud, grunting lifters to inconsiderate people who don’t put their weights away, the list contains some well-known faux pas, and some pretty surprising inclusions.
Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 most annoying gym habits, alongside the percentage of people who see them as a pain.
1. Someone choosing the machine next to you, despite all the others being free (86%)
It’s surprising to see this come out on top, as there are arguably far worse gym habits. Context is also an issue. In most gyms, there may only be one machine working a particular muscle group. You might have to move right next to someone.
There’s a big difference between that, and having someone breathing down your neck when curling dumbbells in an empty free weights area.
2. People that stand and wait for you to finish on a piece of equipment or machine (82%)
Granted, the gym might be busy, but you at least need people to keep a safe distance. The only time you need someone invading your personal space in this way is when you’re going for a one rep max.
3. People that try to ‘reserve’ machines or equipment (80%)
Your favourite bodybuilder might incorporate tri-sets and giant sets into their training routine, but remember their job is to go to the gym. They can train when it’s empty and have free reign over kit.
If you’re training at rush hour when the gym is particularly busy, realise that machines may be difficult to get on. Share with others. Don’t hog equipment or act like you’ve reserved it when someone else could use it.
4. Loud grunters (77%)
Making loud, grunting noises when you’re setting a new deadlift PB is ok. When you’re using the cable crossover? Get out.
Aside from the obvious noise annoyance, you don’t want to put off new gym users if they think everyone in the free weights section acts like this.
Another trait highlighted at the gym that is sure to frustrate gym-goers are, ‘People that come over and ask how many reps you have left’, with 71% in agreement.
A disregard of basic etiquette seems to aggravate most gym-goers, with the following also ranking among the top 10 gym pet peeves:
- People that ‘Listen to music without headphones’ (66%)
- ‘Not putting equipment away’ (60%)
- ‘People watchers’ (54%)
- People that take ‘Loud phone calls’ (47%)
- ‘People that spit in the water fountain’ (44%)
Golf Support can also reveal that the following slightly more unusual gym pet peeves also ranked highly:
- ‘Strangers that try to compete with you’ (38%)
- ‘People that video themselves working out’ (36%)
- ‘Couples that grope each other in between workouts’ (31%)
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