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.

I and with you and it is annoying. Especially when there is a limited amount of treadmills

My gym markets itself as a social space among other things so yes, that's what it is. For lots of people, social interaction is part of why they go and there's nothing wrong with that. People often go to the gym in pairs or more (serious lifters need spotters). They're allowed to interact with each other.

You're allowed to sniff and judge and privately believe that the morally superior position is to exercise in total solitude and silence with never a human interaction but a) you're wrong and b) it doesn't matter because they're allowed to socialise at the gym whatever you think about it.

Agree, it's absolutely bizarre. Just go for a walk.

They’re using the treadmill. There is no requirement to run on a treadmill. Walking is a perfectly acceptable form on exercise.

Get over yourself.

(I saw that as somebody who has been a recent treadmill “walker” as I am still in recovery from
an ankle sprain and jogging is too much for my ankle currently.)

UrbVu.
Im disabled, I not only have v bad joints, but also had a stroke nearly 5 years ago. but visually you wouldn’t know if not for the walking stick.
Everybody has there own reason to go to the gym, and have paid for the service same as you.
What doesn’t cost money is being kind, especially when you haven’t walked a mile in other people’s shoes.

Excellent point.

Oh god don’t tell a runner that!

op a lot of people who weight train start with a walk , they are “getting something out of it” or they wouldn’t be doing it.

I am recovering from plantar fasciitis in feet and can’t run at the moment. However I walk FAST on a gradient and I can tell you that it gets my heart pumping and my legs are toning up more than when I would run.

Is driving to the gym frowned upon as well now?

so fucking what

I have very poor circulation 😂 I get chillblaines. Also yes.. wet feet can harm you! Do you want a list how?

What is with this thread so many know it alls 😂 Jesus Christ

I don’t know if you have a comprehension issue - I do run outside and said I do. I just am aware it’s admin and the inside of a gym is far easier and less hassle. Come on, it’s disingenuous to pretend otherwise. UK winter is not always an enjoyable running experience. I’m 45 you don’t need to explain how weather works 😂

Are you a man?

I can only imagine that a man is not able understand why a woman would choose a safe indoor walking environment over outdoors, where they are under constant threat from random attacks by Men!

Oh this is really the issue.

You have a problem with young women. You should interrogate why that is.

My friend had a stroke and is gaining her fitness back by using the treadmill to walk.

If people pay, they can use the equipment however they damn please.

I hope when your child is a teen or young adult @crinklechips that they won't be judged by what they wear to the gym by a grown adult

It's noore selfish than someone running on it for half an hour

YABVU, and I say that as a long distance runner who uses treadmills in the gym for my short sprint sessions. You’re not a priority for the equipment just because you want to go faster. That’s like saying people who lift light weights should gtfo and make space for people who lift heavier.

OP would then complain about the inconsiderate walkers taking up space on her pavements 😆

It is I believe.

Yes that is me, that’s why I said “personally”

My gym has a sign telling people not to hog any of the machines for more than 15 minutes when it's busy. No special rules for fit people leaping about nor for young women with pink tracksuits and headphones taking a stroll. Fine by me.

And this is why I bought my own treadmill. So I don't get judged for how slow I am.

when no young women were strolling on treadmills while checking their socials, and gyms today, when a lot of young women are.

Generally, MN sexism and ageism are directed at older women, but here's a lovely example of MN sexist ageism directed at young women. Beautiful!

It’s not your concern what they’re getting out of it. Unless you’re somehow paying more for your membership, it’s absolutely none of your business

I do think it’s an issue yes. I don’t think it’s a rule you need to look like a swamp monster to be a legit gym member. Plus no one is going round checking your gym credentials. These women at my gym doing a slow treadmill look a billion times better than me, put together, calm, unfrazzled and enjoying their life, so I can see that people might judge them perhaps from envy? I don’t know