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?

Loving the 'gym snobbery' on display here (I.e. 'if you were serious'), even more irritating than the newbies hogging the machines

@MrsHardbroom just to clarify my “if you were serious” comment was a joke 🤣🤣

@RumbleMum as long as you are respectful and considerate when using machines (don't hog them when there all full) and don't talk really loud or shout unnecessarily and don't keep talking selfies than your a good gym user.

I'll clarify that if someone is looking lost or doesn't know how to use the equipment I do offer to help them. I wish someone could have shown me (although they would have stopped me using them due to issues) so I do try to help but a lot of people in January aren't there for the health benefits only for the resolution.

@Strongmummy I avoid weights in January as there is never any free.

Really not okay OP and yes YABU. Everyone is new at the gym once and instead of acting all high and mighty like YOU own the place, how about congratulating people on at least trying to make some positive changes in their lives. Yea, January is a bit cliche for this type of thing but for some people this will be a new healthy habit that they do stick to and judgemental people like you are one of the primary reasons many people feel unable to make the step to join a gym. I really do find your post quite disgusting if I'm honest. Worst case, you're workouts are a bit disrupted/busier for a month. First world problems indeed.

@NotHereToMakeFriends I was being a deliberate tool OP, ignore me. As an FYI however, I actually gave up my gym membership as I can’t bear other people. I now just do kettle bell/weights at home so the only person who can annoy me is me

YABVU. Regular gym goer for over a decade here. People paying their memberships but not going are what keeps gyms having money but not being too full. Gym rely on people signing up in January for resolutions, April for summer bikini goals, September when childcare issues ease etc. But then they drop off going regularly. People like you and me benefit from gyms having spikes of interest and lulls as long as the money keeps trickling in.

They pay their money and are as entitled to go as you are.

Preparing to get flamed but here I go... I may be wrong but I don't think @NotHereToMakeFriends is against all newbies, she is against newbies who lack common sense, decency and the ability to socialise with other gym members. It's not about considering herself a superior member, it's more about people who come into a new space and instead of respecting the community's way of operating, they often choose to disregard it because they don't care enough to respect others. It's not about regulars having more benefits but about the new and the old members being able to integrate.

I am a competitive powerlifter which means I train four to five times a week. There are assholes who don't give a toss about others all year round but it's a bit more noticeable and common in January. Having said that, there are also many new people who are great to balance it out and I love seeing them at the start of their fitness journey.

the ability to socialise with other gym members.

going to the gym is to get/keep fit and not socialise

@BadBear thank you. You said it better than I did. I'm more than happy to help those who are at the beginning of their journey and I have made friends that way it's just those who disrespect those who are willing to try or those who are in their fitness journey.

I've helped many people (and noticed one person who was in a similar situation to myself when I started and got her help) and made friends along the way and those people are still working out to this day.

Congratulations on being a much better person OP.

I absolutely intend to start going to the gym more often this January and I couldn't give a flying fuck if superior beings like you don't like it. I probably won't even keep it up but in paying exactly the same as you and I can do what I like.

going to the gym is to get/keep fit and not socialise

DH has made quite a few friends at the gym. It's not all about Ivan Drago style train in absolute silence and go home.

paying exactly the same as you and I can do what I like.

This x1000000000000%

As an 'avid gym goer' you should expect this every January.
Even if 90% of these people only go for a couple of months - good for them. They tried.

Those selfish people trying to better themselves. For some people even walking into a gym is a big achievement, how on earth are you expected to know etiquette that has been developed by regular users, but isn't actually in the 'rules' so things you aren't told at induction? You go regaularly so it is no doubt almost like second nature to you now, but for people just starting surely it isn't.

This isn't AIBU so your title makes no sense. Also, you don't own the gym so leave people be.

@bettybattenburg I meant socialise as in behaving in a way that is acceptable to the society in this particular instance. FYI though, I did meet one of my best friends at a gym. All it took was some conversation about stretching. To this day, I am grateful for that chat. The way I see it, as long as you're not in anyone's way and don't cause a racket then mingle with people as much as you like.

@NotHereToMakeFriends you're welcome yes they pay their fees but that doesn't mean they can act however they like. You can pay for your meal in a restaurant but that doesn't mean you can throw your food around at others or start shouting next to their ear. You don't need to be a regular gym goer to know when you're too loud or are wasting yours and other people's time by being on your phone.

ffs

@Strongmummy 'so the only person who can annoy me is me'

Love that!

I think OP is more annoyed by people standing by machines and chatting / taking selfies as opposed to using them. This annoys me too - yes everyone has to start somewhere but that's usually by having an induction and using the machines, not using it as a way to show how wonderful they are on social media

Very selfish. Everybody has to start somewhere and people like you put others off going.

@Strongmummy

So the IFBB Pro Athletes who regularly use the machines 'aren't proper gym goers' ?!

Please come along to our local gym where some of the Worlds top bodybuilding competitors train and throw that comment out there.

A serious 'gym goer' would never criticise another's persons choice of equipment.

@Glittertwins Exactly my point. We all start somewhere but you have to actually do something to start.

And this is why I'm terrified of going to a gym. I've not managed to find one yet that isn't clicky and judgemental.

@BayandBlonde I was joking 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Crikey it’s exactly op attitude that would put me off going to gymn!!