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?

Can we just have a bit of a run down on what constitutes 'hogging' equipment , is there a timescale that you should use it for and then move ? Asking for a friend

@IHaveBrilloHair. - when I was ill and 5 minutes was all I could manage (and like you wasn’t able to walk outside) I used to go to the mall instead of the gym. Or even a large supermarket. Going to the gym annoyed me due to the cost/lots of people/frustration at not being able to do more.

Fuck me! Just listen to yourself.
Do you realise how much if an arrogant twat you sound

This!

I think all of the horrified replies on here are from non gym goers. Selfish behaviour is selfish behaviour - not acceptable.

YANBU. Tell the staff about people who hog machines or weights stations on their phones. Hope they fuck off soon. New Year's resolutions are such a pile of wank. Diddums at all the 'put people off going to the gym' and 'be nice to newbies'. Not there to be their sales team.

Can we just have a bit of a run down on what constitutes 'hogging' equipment , is there a timescale that you should use it for and then move ? Asking for a friend

Easy Here are a few examples:

Sitting on a machine for 10 to 15 minutes playing on your phone and not using the machine you are sitting on during that time.

Don't leave your stuff by a machine to make others think it is taken when you alternate between once machine and another for your reps. If you are not using it, it is free for someone else to use. Use something else and wait for it to be free.

If you don't know how to use something, just ask. We were all new once. Don't stand there for 10 minutes over the machine trying to figure out how to use it.

I find it’s the more confident regulars that hog machines and don’t put equipment back. Newbies tend to be quick and non pushy imo.

I think all of the horrified replies on here are from non gym goers. Selfish behaviour is selfish behaviour - not acceptable.

I think it's just from idiots who can't read and are offended by everything. It's actually getting funny at how badly they are taking something that hasn't even been said. Even their children could have figured this out quicker.

KatherineJaneway thank you , that's actually really helpful, so if you are using it properly, 15 minutes is an OK amount of time ?
Not joining until February, when its apparently a bit quieter

@IncrediblySadToo
Actually that's a really good idea, I might try that during January.

@posterfrumpety

However long you use it for is not an issue, the issue is sitting on the machine or weights machine and not using it. That is what regular gym goers get annoyed with. Resting between reps is fine, but 10 minutes on your phone while sat on a one of a kind weights machines will have the regulars really

Also, wipe down after you use a machine. Take a small towel and wipe off any wet marks or sweat when you leave.

Just remember all those non-attendees subsidise our fees. They've also as much right to be there.

I started at a gym about 12 years ago. Obviously, as I was starting at the gym I wasn’t a honed example of physical perfection. A group of male ‘regulars’ came in when I was puffing away on the treadmill and started talking loudly about how it must be ‘the fat cow session’. I left, cancelled my membership and will never use a gym again. It doesn’t surprise me at all that people are made to feel uncomfortable by ‘regulars’.

It's sad isn't it. Rather than helping people out you complain about them.

And what is Gym etiquette anyway? Some unspoken rules of an "insider club"?
(I can tell you, there is a twatt at the gym i go to. He hoggs 2 of the weights exercise mashines and uses them alternately... if you dare to use one he will tell you off in a very loud patronising way. The guys around him accept this as gym etiquette. Me? I just use what I want when it's free- earphones are fantastic!!)

A group of male ‘regulars’ came in when I was puffing away on the treadmill and started talking loudly about how it must be ‘the fat cow session’.

That's really horrible, and I've never seen this happen in my gym. But that wasn't the point of the OP's post.

It doesn’t surprise me at all that people are made to feel uncomfortable by ‘regulars’.

What happened to you was disgusting and no way would it be tolerated at either of the gyms I have been members of. Indeed if I'd heard that I'd have said a few choice of words to them myself!

Just remember all those non-attendees subsidise our fees. They've also as much right to be there.

I don't care who is there, just that they are considerate.

It took 3 different gyms before I found one that had friendly, helpful regulars. Ones who, in a nice way, gave pointers on etiquette etc to newbies and weren't so far up their own arse that they looked down on them. Been using the same place for 5 years now and always try and be a help to any new folk. It's not hard.

But don't you think it is the responsibility of the staff to inform all users of relevant etiquette. I use a swimming pool and etiquette is important for safety as well as efficiency and some of the staff do inform users if they are not adhering to the etiquette.

How can people know what expectations there are if nobody explains it. It can be done in a friendly welcoming way. Staff should be more alert in January and should make efforts to inform users.

@jewel1968 totally agree with you. Unfortunately the staff at my pool expected the swimmers to fight it out amongst ourselves and rarely got involved. Hence why I don’t swim anymore 🤣🤣

Got to start at some point 🤷‍♀️ in a month most will have quit - you pay the same membership so you have the same rights

Maybe the gym regulars could start a thread to help newbies know what to do?
It would help me for one, I've never been to a gym in my life and have no idea about anything.
I really don't want to piss anyone off or get laughed at.

Actually, same with pools, I know not to go in any lane swimming, but I've seen walkers being laughed at.
Is that really awful to walk if it's in the free area of the pool?

@jewel1968 yes, it is. But along with that, I do think that as regular gym users, it's just the right thing to be decent to new members too. For lots of people it's so daunting joining in the first place.

Gosh, this is what makes me not want to join the gym, I want to but worried people will just think I'm here because it's January and not taking it seriously!

@applepineapple don't be put off by the minority. Also, if you're not sure how to use a particular machine, just ask someone if there's no staff around. I've no problem showing someone how to use a piece of equipment.