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.

Young women trying to get their 10,000 steps in without getting murdered? How unreasonable of them!

I think this would annoy me too if I ever went to a gym. If they are walking that slowly, can't they just do laps round the gym ? The benefit would be the same ?

Sounds like your local canal towpath would suit you better.....real, genuine terrain and gradients without having to put up with all those slow fuckers that have paid just as much as you have to use the equipment.🙄

OP, you come across as incredibly entitled. Gyms are communal spaces for all members to use. If it frustrates you so much, get your own treadmill and run to your heart’s content in the comfort of your home.

If she paid for her membership and that's what she wants to do thats up to her and none of your business. If she was outpacing a cheeter on it other people would still be waiting.

It depends on the layout of the gym. I used to be able to do a farmer's walk round our gym, but it's not really possible since the December refurbishment.

Your post has made me decide I will never, ever go to a gym. I am already anticipating the embarrassment I would feel for being silently judged in this way.

Honestly, this is a wild hill to die on. Being annoyed that someone is walking on a treadmill is like going to a swimming pool and getting furious that people are… swimming too slowly? It’s equipment, not the Olympic trials.
Unless they were doing a full Tesco shop on it or lying down having a nap, they’re using it exactly as intended. Walking is allowed. Shocking, I know.
If you need a machine that’s always available for your personal sprint session, you might need a home gym… or a time machine to get there before everyone else. Other paying members aren’t morally obliged to leap off the treadmill the second someone faster fancies a go.
Everyone gets their turn. Even walkers. Even slow ones. Even ones who don’t meet your internal treadmill speed minimums.

Hi i have hypothyroidism and one of my lovely issues is when i used to attempt any form of high impact it causes massive issues with my joints and musclea. I also do extended warm-ups and cool down stretches as well. So, for my cardio, i have the pleasure of walking or using the bikes. I do slowly increase the incline and speed of the treadmill over the half hour. But as a i am 2 yrs in and have lost 2 1/2 st, i shall continue with my selfish walk. Or as i usually say 'you do you and i'll do me' a littlw bit of empathy goes a long way

I can see how it might look irritating, but people rest in between sets so their muscles, CV system and mind are ready to complete another set at the working weight in order to maximise strength and/or muscle growth. I'm not a scroller. I'm usually focused on what I'm doing, psyching myself up for the next set, thinking about my form, the feel, if my angles are right or if something doesn't feel right etc. If it's busy I'll often let someone else hop on to a piece of equipment during my rest periods. I don't find others scrolling whilst resting annoying personally. I know some people find excessive performative grunting (usually by men) annoying but I find it amusing.

Sorry, you’re unreasonable and it’s people like you that puts people off using gyms.

They’ve paid their money and can use the treadmill to exercise however they want.

When I first used the gym I used the treadmill a lot for uphill walking. I hadn’t realised what a selfish bastard I was.

Why don’t you run outside? Same reason as why the walkers aren’t I guess, you have seen the weather.
Your fitness isn’t more important than theirs.

Well, yeah. It's baffling that OP feels the walkers could stroll outdoors, yet she must run indoors.

Does the ground where you live collapse if trodden on at more than 3kph?

ETA: Sorry, hadn't noticed the extra pages! I'm repeating something that's already been said dozens of times. Oh, well ...

Tough!

I can’t run due to damage to my knees and feet. I pay my gym membership same as everyone else and if I want to walk on the treadmill I will. You’re not more worthy because you’re a runner.

YABU

LOL massively unreasonable!!!

I walk in the gym often - far more preferable than being freezing cold, wet through or walking alongside traffic fumes. And it’s safe!!!

We have the most beautiful woodlands near our home and I would simply love to be able to walk leisurely through them alone with our dogs - I have lots of time during the day to do so - but DP has banned me from doing so on safety grounds as a lone female

I do however run often outside as my running route is usually busy roads so I consider it to be safe - why is it more reasonable for others to walk outside but you must run in the gym?

Also to add, I spent most of my late teens wasting money on what is effectively a shit load of boring hamster wheels.....unhygienic ones at that..... much prefer the wind on my face, the cooling rain and nature now....and guess what? It's FREE....I guess you live, you learn! Don't begrudge people who are less abled.

@WearyAuldWumman what is a farmers walk ?

You do you. Why are you worrying about how other people are living their lives?

I bet a quid you wouldn't find a farmer in a gym!

They pay their membership like you I guess. You don’t really have a say how they use the equipment.

You have no right to dictate how others use treadmills. Their walk is just as valid as your run and you have no idea for their reasons.

It’s those who just sit or lie down on the weight machines playing on their phones for over 15 mins that are really annoying.

Entitled much? Why is the way you workout more important than anyone else's? I have bad knees and my GP told me not to run on a treadmill, do you want to see my GP's email? I suggest you mind your own business or buy your own treadmill for use at home.

You walk with heavy weights in each hand. It looks easy but after 20 or so steps it becomes a killer. Very good for overall fitness and improving strength With minimum risk of injury.

I assume they pay the same price as you to use the gym. Therefore if they want to lie on the treadmill reading their book they can. Irritating yes but they are paying their membership so can do what they want!