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Original poster

Why do people have to check their phones in the gym?

58 replies

lucydogz · 17/08/2018 15:04

This happens all the time at my gym - someone settles down on a piece of kit, takes out their phone and just sits there for ages, like they're in an armchair, looking at their screen. Or does a bit over exercising, but then goes into their phone. Half the people in the gym were at it today. I 'n just thankful that you can't text and swim. Seriously though, what's wrong with people that they can't do an activity without having to look at their phones every few minutes?

OP posts:
hivisibility · 17/08/2018 15:08

Inbetween sets?

Neverender · 17/08/2018 15:10

Yep, in between sets and having a breathe.

MyRelationshipIsWeird · 17/08/2018 15:10

Checking on their DCs? Mine are pre-teens/teens so they are old enough to be left for an hour or two but I'd still check that they were ok and that they didn't need anything when I had the opportunity. Or maybe they're just instagramming a sweaty selfie?!

IceCreamFace · 17/08/2018 15:12

It's bloody annoying when people just get on a machine and spend ages faffing on their phone during busy times.

KurriKurri · 17/08/2018 15:12

It's in case someone texts them to ask 'where are you' and they have to answer 'at the gym'.
It isn't actually possible to live your life without informing everyone you have ever met of every single detail of everything you do. Even if what you are doing is 'nothing'

NotTheFordType · 17/08/2018 15:13

Well in my case because I'm recording my reps, sets and the weight on the Fitocracy app.

WeeBeasties · 17/08/2018 15:14

Inputting their rep data into a note app or something like fitocracy so they don't forget their stats?

Picking a new playlist or podcast to listen to?

Looking at their workout app to see what rep is next?

Phones do more than text.

Thatsfuckingshit · 17/08/2018 15:14

In between sets.

Probably fe3l awkward sat there doing nothing between sets.

They may also be replying to a text, changing their music, checking email. I still need to be available for work, even if I am not in work. I need to be available for the kids too.

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 17/08/2018 15:25

when i look at my phone at the gym I'm changing songs between reps.
People can procrastinate on equipment chatting to someone there or staring mindlessly into space, the phone isnt the issue here.

CherryPlum · 17/08/2018 15:25

I've wondered this too. Lots of times it's men on the weight machines, I've wondered if they're looking at the time, or taking a breather between repetitions? They seem to be on there a while though.

Trollop1 · 17/08/2018 15:26

Checking exercise apps? Checking on children? Work? The world is fast paced these days, if its not for you , you dont have to do it

InterstellarSleepingElla · 17/08/2018 15:26

I used to do that but was likely changing music (I prefer to use my headphones and block out anything going on than listen to the music in the gym).

TheMobileSiteMadeMeSignup · 17/08/2018 15:27

I use my phone to record reps etc, time breathers, check messages while on static bike.

JellyTeapot · 17/08/2018 15:30

My PT sends me workouts, sometimes I have to watch video clips so I know how to do the exercise and then I need to record weights/reps. Or sometimes I'm just changing the podcast I'm listening to.

Nononannette · 17/08/2018 15:32

I mumsnet

CherryPlum · 17/08/2018 15:32

Trollop1 but if they are checking on children or work they should really get off the weight machine and let someone else have a go

Kpo58 · 17/08/2018 15:33

Because being at the gym is really really boring.

TeaStory · 17/08/2018 15:41

I'm on my phone while using the bike or plodding on the treadmill. It's because cardio is incredibly boring and the TV and music in the gym is utterly shit.

Sofabitch · 17/08/2018 15:43

I get bored...it's just repetitive movement...I'm usually setting up music or a podcast. Checking my emails/texts etc

MrsTerryPratchett · 17/08/2018 15:46

DH records his weights and gets it ready for the next set. I sort my music for running.

Id rather not be presentandlive in the moment in the gym, thanks. Its smelly and painful.

peanutbutter310 · 17/08/2018 15:47

Usually taking a breather between sets, and occasionally get sucked into a work email. But I go at pretty quiet times, if it's busy then I'm more aware of holding machines up.

Straycatblue · 17/08/2018 15:50

I use mine because my gym programme is on my phone and i cant remember it without looking and checking what weights i should be doing, i also log each set on the app which gets sent to my personal trainer to review my progress. There are also videos and tips for each exercise on the app if im struggling to do it and need a refresher.

Seriously though, what's wrong with people that they can't do an activity without having to look at their phones every few minutes?

Sounds like you would you prefer it if I painstakingly etched my progress onto a stone tablet between each set rather than using helpful modern technology.

Madein1995 · 17/08/2018 15:52

Spotify and my workout effectiveness are definitely liked. I've got lots of music on my spotufy - some aren't great to exercise to, some really make me fired up and raring to go so I use it a lot to skip songs. I probably do it every 10-15mins during a workout, and I don't apologize for it :) ultimately, it improves my workout

PeanutButterCheesecake · 17/08/2018 15:54

The gym is well boring so I watch old episodes of Shameless that I've downloaded 😊

MeMyselfand · 17/08/2018 15:55

Changing music.

What does it matter what they are doing on their phone