People walking on treadmills in the gym

[crinklechips]

OK to start with I know I'm being a bit U but I need to have a mini-rant.

I use currently use the gym mainly for running intervals and speedier sessions which are easier to manage indoors.

Every time I go in all the treadmills are taken, and mostly by people walking.

Now I can totally understand that people have different fitness levels, might be using the treadmill to warm up or for recovery and that's absolutely fine.

But there seems to a growing number of people (actually, exclusively younger women in my observation) just using the treadmills for a gentle stroll while messing around on their phones.

I ended up next to a young woman last night who spent the entire half hour I was on the neighbouring treadmill walking at 3kph, no incline, while scrolling instagram. I can barely call that exercise, it's below a normal walking pace. If that's how you want to kill time then I guess it's up to you but it just seems selfish when there's a queue of people waiting for a treadmill.

Well probably the same as you but without the judgy shit.

Absolutely none of your business, are you Paula Radcliffe and require a treadmill ASAP?

Why on earth would you even think for one second that what you want to spend time doing trumps what they want to spend time doing? Baffling. Yabu.

It affects her because she can’t get on a treadmill. Did you read the op?

I know everyone pays the same, can do what they like, it’s none of my business etc etc but @crinklechips I too find it infuriating!

Almost as annoying as the people walking up a 12° incline but holding on and leaning Back so they are at 90° to the treadmill as if they were walking flat. Just walk flat if you’re going to hold on like that.

the other day the lady next to me was walking at 0.4kph!

Even all the posts and votes that you are y reasonable and you still can’t see it?

People exercise and move their bodies how they choose and how they can. Sometimes a stroll is all they can do. Not everyone can run. Injuries and disabilities happen.

Why don’t you run outside or on a running track?? It works both ways?

They're using it for its intended purpose. Moving the body by using the legs. None of your business.

If they were setting up afternoon tea on it then you'd have a point.

😂

You know you're BU but I get you OP. It's not just slow-paced walking, sometimes they're literally sauntering like they're filling time and not even bothering to get to a proper walking pace. It is annoying, they'd get as much physical activity wandering around the gym and not taking up equipment, honestly.

However everyone pays the same membership and gets equal access so what can ya do.

I walk (inclined, of course) on a treadmill due to a dodgy knee. I didn't realise this is less worthy than your exercise.

OP!! YABVU

Why is your usage more important than theirs? It is none of your business what they get out of walking on the flat. At the end of the day they pay the same as you and they got to the machine first.

What happened to wanting people to be as considerate and empathetic as your DS is, OP?

😂☕

Yabu. At least she was actually using the treadmill!

Better than those guys who sit on the weight machines literally just reading their phones waiting for their next set and not doing any exercise whatsoever. Hate that, so annoying.

I walked for about 45 mins at about that speed on a treadmill last night after a quick workout, also doing a bit of mindless scrolling. Granted it's my one in my garage and not the gym, but I think I'm one of the vast majority of people who want to increase their steps and reduce their phone use, so doing the two together means I have a bit of guilt free time off doing something that's otherwise a bit of a chore. Everyone who pays their membership has the right to use the equipment for the time and intensity they want.

Obviously I could have done it outside but dinner was in the oven and it was raining. You could also do the intervals outside if waiting bothered you so much.

If it helps, I have also run plenty of marathons and half marathons and used the treadmill for interval sessions, so understand why you want to but I never felt more entitled to use them than anyone else.

But they are getting out of it precisely what they want to get out of it?!? Absurd, and extraordinarily self absorbed that you think what you want to get out of it trumps theirs.

For some people 0.4kph is going to be the best they can do.

Hopefully it's not something you ever have to experience.

Why don't you make more time to go to the gym so that you can stay longer and complete your all important workout?

Sorry OP but I do think you’re being a bit unreasonable! I often go on the treadmill for a warm up walk at a gentle incline before a bodypump class in the studio, as going in cold (especially at this time of year) makes the class harder! Now I’m thinking people must wonder what on earth I’m doing only spending 10/15 mins walking and then leaving 🤣

I do a 20 minute walk at the end of every workout to cool down. Usually I do have a scroll down my phone at the same time. You’re BU, you don’t know what they’ve done before or what they’re going to do after.

On a wider note - do people think runners are edging towards being as selfish as cyclists - ‘get out of my way mere walking pedestrian as i am superior to you’ ?

I genuinely couldn't give a tiny shite if someone thinks I'm ruining their workout. I walk uphill on a treadmill because I have achilles tendonitis and it's a great way to gently exercise my problem areas. Your preference isn't my concern.

I don't go as fast as men on the rowing machines, but I'm still going to use them. I prefer lighter weights to lift and take up floor space that someone who can lift heavier weights might want to use. Tough!

I walk on a treadmill. I dislocated both ankles recently and my rehab is slow purposeful walking on a treadmill with no chance of uneven or slippery ground.
Go and run outside.

This is why I don't go to a gym - hate being judged by the regulars and fitness freaks for daring to use the equipment.

Perhaps the person has some MH issues and a gentle stroll is improving their mood. As others have pointed out, it's safer in a gym than walking a dark street alone, or being out in cold, wet weather.

I walk on the treadmill - I’m not able to run. I’m recuperating from cancer treatment and I also have a fractured shoulder and arthritis. I have full membership to the gym.