Teenagers at the gym

Went at 9am today, and at half 10 seen 4 high school kids walk in, in uniform. Couldn't believe it tbh. They didn't cause any physical trouble while I was there, but were gawping at all the women and again just formed in a group around various machines taking turns on it and chatting more than anything.

I think adult gyms should be adult gyms, and there should be separate ones for U18s.

This is why I prefer to go either about 9:30 or 2:30, it’s mostly pensioners and the odd lone youngster. The pensioners are great, always clean the machines and put things away properly. No posing in scrunch bum leggings or roaring when they lift weights.
Any earlier and it’s full of gym wankers and too late it’s a free for all.

It is quite entertaining watching the teenagers peacocking in the gym.

Yabu (a bit). Early evening is peak attendance time for teenagers.

YABU and silly.

If they were actually exercising, it wouldn't be an issue.

YABU because there are regular reports of lack of exercise once school is finished, increasing obesity rates, lack of physical movement for young adults.
Approach the gym managers about your issues, they may not be aware.

I'm a member of my local university gym and was worried about this – particularly young 'uns filming themselves – to start with, but have actually been really pleasantly surprised by how little nonsense goes on there.

The students are all very respectful and focused (to the point where I've had a few interactions where I've come away thinking "their parents should be very proud of them" and then feeling EVER so old 😂)

One guy on the bench next to me in the free weights section asked me if I could keep an eye on his water bottle while he went to the loo, and then when he came back, he waited and avoided eye contact until I'd finished my set before leaning over to say thanks.

There are a few who like to swing around on the rig doing upside-down crunches and are clearly hoping they're being 'noticed', but even they always check to make sure there's nobody nearby before they start wanging their legs around!

By the sounds of it, a few years makes all the difference.

Like what?? I’m all ears cos I’m sick of my gym!

This is not exclusively a teenager problem, it’s pretty normal that the only thing people exercised in our weights area is thumbs on mobile phones! Yes, I know you need rests between sets but when I’ve done 3 sets with rests and you’ve not picked up the weights in that time cos you’re on your phone, you’re taking the piss.

This is the reason that I was put off a lot of gyms. I ended up at a scruffy gym on an industrial estate that does small group personal training. Just come home from a session with just 4 other people with fitness goals. I got some correction on my form and my trainer made some adjustments to my weight on a couple of exercises. I couldn't be ar$ed with screeching teens

I was pleasantly surprised at how many teens were at the gym around 4pm midweek. Until I realised that they move (and work out) in packs. So 6 to 8 of them taking it in turns on one piece of equipment.

Are there? I have to exercise. I can't go for a jog, medically I have issues that mean running is a no go for me. I live in a small 2 bed flat with my DH and child, I can't work out at home. Where should I exercise exactly if not the gym?

I'm mystified why all the pp pay to go to a place where groups of teenagers hang out. I can't think of anything worse. There are plenty more options.

16-18 year olds don't always get discounted rates in gyms.

it’s groups of boys at my gym. It is really annoying when they are all stood round one piece of equipment and there are signs up saying not to do this.
The under 16s can only come without parents at certain times at my gym but typical it’s the time thats most handy for me!

I have this at my gym but I politely ask them to move and they always do. I found them annoying and intimidating at first but actually you are the adult, you need to tell them when you want to use a machine if they're just sitting on it. Annoying but that's the only way.

It's not silliness at my local authority gym, it's just the 6th form boys hogging the machines. One will sit at the machine for 20 minutes and do in total all of 5 reps over that 20 minutes in between phone scrolling, I know this because I used 3 machines in the meantime whilst waiting for this particular leg machine. I'm happy for them to use the machines, bit not just use them as a chair.
Interestingly the girls are much more focused on actually working out.

Definitely have a word with someone. A manager could come and observe what's happening and enforce rules.
You're not getting what you're paying for so you're within your rights to complain

And the side eye, giggling, whispering to each other and making other users feel uncomfortable. I very nearly confronted a pair of girls who were making a point of staring at women in the changing room before turning away and laughing. Something funny girls? But then I’d be the instigator if it escalated so I refrained

go for a power walk instead? Fresh air and exercise and peace and quiet

I believe so. I’ve never had any complaints from gym staff.

Oh come on... were you never young once? Live and let live! Imagine if they were on their platforms (TikTok I guess?) moaning about too many old fogeys in the gym, we'd be fuming

I'd love for the teens at my gym to be exercise conscious/getting off the screens, but most at my gym are a nuisance.

Lots of filming themselves, screeching, preening, machine hogging, slamming the weights around/down - but the worst behaviour typically is the girls, who I've seen mock someone's size, outfit, hair etc. This is DL though, so parents are either nowhere to be seen, or they don't seem to care if they are.

People.hogging machines and hanging out are annoying but I dont think its uniquely teen behaviour. And yes, staff should be stepping in.