We all know that were here at the beach to have fun outside, go shopping, and enjoy a leisurely dinner with friends (among other activities). But all that nice civility seems to evaporate whenever we crowd into the gym.
Having worked out in many different gyms over the past ten years, Ive seen a big decline in peoples attitudes and courtesy while working out. Why is that? I think people are so stressed from their jobs, families, finances, and environment that they dont take the time to consider the effects of their actions on others.
Whether youre part of the pre-beach or pre-bar workout crowd, youve probably observed many of the following types of people...are YOU in this list?
Monopoly Man: Hes doing squats at the squat rack, finally getting through the 5th set after half an hour. You ask, "how much longer are you going to be?" He gives you a dirty look and says "Im going to be a while Ive still got 5 more sets!" In the mean time, a couple of other people have lined up to wait. Come on, lets be realistic. Three sets should be your limit if its crowded. Any more, and youre wasting your time as well as that of the other gym goers. Try not to monopolize a piece of equipment.
Aqua Man: Theres a guy on the flat bench doing his bench presses with pretty heavy weights, all the while sweating up a storm. He gets up and leaves enough perspiration on the bench to make the people in Fargo, North Dakota nervous again. The really bad thing is that he doesnt wipe it up leaving you to take care of it. Be sure to bring your own towel and leave the equipment dry when youre done. If you dont have one, most gyms will supply you with one or let you use paper towels.
Super Man: Hes doing heavyand I mean heavypresses on the leg machine. Hes loaded up at least ten of those 45 pound plates on both sides, and two guys are standing on top of the machine for extra weight. But when hes done, he just gets up and walks back to the locker room, leaving you stranded with about 1,000 pounds of iron to put away. Instead of causing someone a hernia, its your job to unload whatever weights you use so that the next person wont have to do it.
The Jaw Exerciser: You observe 3 people talking at the abdominal machine, laughing and giggling about their time last night, the day before, and the day before that. Theyre just sitting on the machine, not even using it, with no idea that others are waiting. Be aware of your surroundings and make way for others when youre done.
The Screamer: We all know him or her without even looking. Theyre the one who loads up the barbell usually with too much weight and grunts, yells, or lets out a blood-curdling, high pitched scream after every repetition. Talk about a distraction! No one wants to hear your workout, even if you ARE giving it everything youve got.
CK No Way: Talk about chemical warfare! Unfortunately, there are those of us who come to the gym with too much cologne, after shave, or perfume. If one stands still, one shouldnt leave a puddle behind! Perhaps you smell great, but youre probably nauseating your neighbor. I personally get a headache from strong perfume. Save it for the nightclub! Or at least try to keep it under a gallon.
The Saturday Night Special: Youre really into environmentalism and natural living, but conserving water by taking only one shower a week is a little more than your gym mates can tolerate. Maybe you think youre going to sweat anyway, so why come clean, right? Well, you may not smell yourself, but others sure do. Please shower before you come to the gym, especially if youve been active at the beach all day or had a swinging night at the bar.
The Ego Maniac: These are the people who load up the bar with too much weight. You offer to spot them, but they refuse. They proceed to take the bar off the supports on the bench press, and let it drop right on their chest. It takes two big guys to lift it off. But they get up and say something like, "I could do that much weight before! I must be having an off day." Be safe, dont be embarrassed to ask for a spot.
The Fashion Disaster: You know them, youve seen them theyre wearing shorts so tight that the Beebe emergency room has been placed on alert. If you could picture it on Richard Simmons, or if youd get a ticket for it at Cape Henlopen State Park, leave it home when you head for the gym. No need to advertise your wares here, as youll find plenty of time for that later.
OK, so weve had some fun. Please dont take these stereotypes too seriously. What Im trying to say is that common courtesy should be observed at all times in the gym, safety too. No matter who or where you are, you need to be respectful of others. Courtesy, patience, and good manners go a long way.
Rick Moore, a personal trainer certified by the American Fitness Professionals and Associates organization, believes in drug-free, common-sense training and a healthy lifestyle. Visit Rick on the Internet: http://www.enrapt.com/ricksfitness, or call him at Rick's Fitness & Health, (302) 684-3669.
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5/30/97 Issue. Copyright 1997 by CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. All rights reserved.