To be annoyed by new people in the gym

[NotHereToMakeFriends]

So I'm an avid gym-goer (been going to the same gym for 4 years) and always encouraging people to join. However there is a usual spike in January (always to be expected) but these new people can cause annoyance and outrage to use regulars as they don't know the gym etiquette, hog the machines without even using them (just standing their and talking) or talk on phones ridiculously loud. Now I know that most people will drop out after a few weeks and I try to move my workout around the rush but AIBU for thinking that new people should try to respect the regulars routine as they will be there long after they stop going?

Yeah, but they don't know what the regulars routines are.

I'm also a regular gym goer. January is a pain. We all know this but you can't really do much except grin and bear it. We were all new and useless once anyway.

haha! I know what you mean, but it won't last long.

It seems even worse after it being so quiet in December

Yabu for using the machines. If you were serious about the gym you’d be using kettle bells, free weights, HIIT

Were you never new to gym going? I'm trying to build up the courage to join and the thought of people like you put me off

Were you never a new gym-goer?

I’m quite sure you annoyed people at some point. Let them learn.

I’m a regular gym goer but surely all members are equal? You don’t know that the new members are going to drop out - some will but others could attend more than you do. Everyone was new once.

It’s those new gym goers who join in January then never go for the rest of the year that keep your gym fees down so you should be grateful for them!

@Olliephaunt4eyes January is the worst. I always grin and bear it but it really bugged me the other day as I deliberately went late to avoid the rush, two people came on the treadmills next to me, despite there being 20 other treadmills free. They threw their towel over their arm and my arm, stood their talked ridiculously loud, took loads of photos of each other with me being in the background. Didn't do anything and walked away.

I hate January

The people signing up but dropping out without using their membership fully is what helps keep your own mbership costs lower, so you should be grateful to them! Either that, or they themselves will become a regular like you, and everyone has to start somewhere. People with your attitude are exactly what puts some people off joining - a bit of tolerance goes a long way.

You get this with any activity. The activity my DD does (has done for 5 years) gets a spike of newbies in September every year and they do the acting like they own the place. Then they drop off.

Problem is that they don't know the routines of the regulars, unless somebody tells them, so really it isn't their fault. It just drives me nuts when they decide to sit in my seat!

StrongMummy

Eh? I only use the machines as recommended by my health team for my arthritis, weak spine, sciatica/disk issues

And I go 4 times a week. None of the equipment you describe is suitable for me and we're all individuals.

Im rejoining my old gym, i used to do 3-4 classes and 1-2 weight sessions a week, but for this exact reason I am missing the new year offers and waiting another month or so to rejoin. The classes only hold about 10-12 and get booked up really quickly.

God yeah it drives me nuts too. Can't get booked onto classes unless you book the minute they're released, and the car park is heaving. Then they all eff off sometime around the end of February!

Also to clarify, when I first started working out I did so at university at my accommodation which was always empty so I didn't really annoy anyone and when I moved to my now gym I treated the gym-goers how I would want them to treat me so no hogging machines, not invading personal space, no phonecalls etc

Give it till the 21st and normal service will be resumed
It's the same every year

You were new at the gym once, you need to be more tolerant,

It took me a lot of courage to join the gym to improve the state of my back. I try to make sure I'm considerate to other people but it's the knowledge that there are people like you, OP, looking down on newbies that nearly stopped me in the first place. Care to share what I'm doing wrong without knowing it?

Firstly you dont own the gym or its equipment.
Just because you have been a member for longer and see yourself as a superior member doesn't mean you have the right to look down upon new joiners or make them feel uncomfortable.
Honestly reading your post makes me wonder who you think you are!

I’ll have to be especially organised and quick in booking classes online .

This is just live

I see this every year, by the middle of February they’ll all be gone

PS I'd also love to know how I'm meant to know other people's routines (even before we get into the question of whether it's reasonable to expect newbies to keep out of your way to accommodate them).

Don't be ridiculous. The gym does not belong to you or the "regulars". Why in earth should new people mind your routine? Or even be aware of it?

If someone is on a piece of equipment that I want to use I'll just ask how many sets) how much longer they think they'll be - regardless of whether I recognise them as new or not. Why can't you do the same?

Also to clarify, when I first started working out I did so at university at my accommodation which was always empty so I didn't really annoy anyone

Errr... good for you? Unfortunately, 98% of us don't have access to an empty gym at a university, so the alternative is an actual gym. If that bothers you, maybe you need to find something else to occupy your mind while you're there. I recommend a podcast.

The golden rule of the gym is to help/encourage anyone who looks unsure/uncomfortable.

Gyms can be very daunting for people who are new to them.

You’re not a very nice person. It’s people like you that stop me joining a gym