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Gym Etiquette: Do You Make These Mistakes?

ploomy.com — The Gym - A safe haven after a taxing day at work, a glorified happy hour to pick up chicks, the #1 Ally we have in our constant "Battle of the Bulge" Here are a few rules of gym etiquette you should always follow, because you don’t want to end up being “that guy”

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  • alanocu, on 03/24/2008, -6/+101Don't scream when lifting weights. Even the large meatknockers can manage this. And when you're done with the 140 lbs dumbells, don't throw them down on the floor and cause an earthquake, put them back on the rack. And for God's sake, do not take your cell phone into the weight room - unless you are a doctor on call. If it rings, take it outside - please!
    • whoomp123, on 03/24/2008, -12/+43i see nothing wrong with dropping the weights in a controlled manner (when lifting to failure), thats the reason why most gyms have a padded rubber floor
      • matthewf01, on 03/24/2008, -15/+6It's obnoxious, and unless you saw it coming, it's startling.
        • surKaz, on 03/24/2008, -0/+8he said controlled manner. Plus, rubber floor = less noise.. He's not advocating clanging weights like a percussion band..
      • lankrypt0, on 03/24/2008, -2/+6Agreed. Before I got into lifting at all, I used to think the that the lifters were "throwing" the weights to the ground to show how tough they were. But now, after getting into it, I realize that most are putting down large amounts of weight in a controlled manner. If you are lifting to failure, there is NO WAY to gently place that kind of weight down and it, unfortunately to some who it may "startle" (boo hoo), makes a noise.
      • Prototek, on 03/24/2008, -1/+7They have padded floors so you don't crack the floor or the weight.
    • oilcan, on 03/24/2008, -27/+9and also, who gives a flying ***** about cell phones in a gym? it's not like it's movie time, sheesh.
      • rhyss, on 03/24/2008, -10/+15Actually I do. When I finally manage to get my butt in the gym and am trying to fight off the little voice in my head that keeps telling me to go home, the distraction of someone talking out loud makes it that much harder to keep going. Same goes for two people talking out loud across the gym to each other for extended periods of time.
        • whoomp123, on 03/24/2008, -18/+14maybe you should workout at a library
        • rossisdead, on 03/24/2008, -0/+4Holy crap, why is whoomp being dugg down? People talk at the gym, especially people work out together. Is everyone supposed to communicate through sign language there or something?
          • WilliamDavis, on 03/24/2008, -1/+2He's being dugg down by people who don't work out.
      • tophu, on 03/24/2008, -15/+5Sounds like you need a home gym. The point of going OUT to a gym is to have people there WITH you to talk to and keep each other in spirits.
        • Namco, on 03/24/2008, -5/+8What're you Canadian? I go to the gym because it forces me to work out, like when you go to a movie theater and you always end up watching a movie. Home gyms tend to gather dust for a reason, because they suck... unless your name is John Stone.
          • Dissonance, on 03/24/2008, -1/+5Why did this turn into a Canadian slur? Really unnecessary.
          • Namco, on 03/24/2008, -2/+6Sorry, but Canadians are a lot more open and friendly in general. In the US, and especially in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, people are very apathetic and won't even look their neighbor in the eye. I've never met a Canadian I didn't like :D
        • rhyss, on 03/24/2008, -3/+6I'm not saying that no one should talk in the gym, but there are people who do it to the point of distraction. It's the difference between pep talk and loud gossiping. For some reason, one gets blended into the background and the other is irritating.
      • oilcan, on 03/24/2008, -11/+7my god, seriously people?! I don't know what your gym is like, but in mine, people aren't whispering to each other and tiptoeing about to avoid ruffling your precious little feathers. you go in there, you work out, you sometimes might get a phone call, and nobody gives a ***** if you talk to somebody on your phone or somebody on the machine next to you. seriously, think about how retarded it is to care about somebody talking at a gym. if you want to have a pet peeve, at least pick one that makes some damn sense!
        • Rahodeb, on 03/24/2008, -2/+5Seriously, there's usually grunting, gasping, music overhead the clang of weights, and the white noise from the ventilation system in a gym. I wouldn't even notice if two people were carrying on a conversation, let alone give a *****.
      • BurnTees, on 03/24/2008, -1/+7no, but when some girls spends 30 minutes on the machine next to you yapping away on the phone, it is pretty freaking annoying.
        • edwartica, on 03/24/2008, -1/+4So, that pretty much happens everywhere you go. On the bus, at a cafe, at the grocery store.
          It doesn't make it any less annoying mind you, but why single out the gym?
        • rossisdead, on 03/24/2008, -1/+2@edwartica: Because this article is about gyms, not busses, cafes, or grocery stores.
        • WilliamDavis, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1That's hogging the equipment. It makes no difference if she's talking on the phone or painting her nails. In fact, if she wants to go paint her nails in a corner of the gym, nobody serious about working out will care.
    • datastorageguy, on 03/24/2008, -4/+23I was in the locker room getting dressed and some guy, who had just gotten out of the shower, took off his towel and answered his cell phone. To make matters worse, he kept talking for a good 5-10 minutes. Dude! Keep a towel on or get dressed and call them back.
      • tophu, on 03/24/2008, -0/+47Sorry about that. I like to air dry, and it was an important call.
      • KyleGoetz, on 03/24/2008, -2/+14I'll never understand some people's provincial obsession with never seeing a dude's genitalia. Is it really that big of a deal? I couldn't give two ***** if I saw another man's junk; it doesn't make me feel anything, and I just go on about my day.

        To be honest, I think it smacks of insecurity to be so afraid of penis photons reaching your retinae.
        • logan074, on 03/24/2008, -6/+4A locker room isn't a place to just chill out naked though, get the ***** done you need to then head out.
          • subliminalurge, on 03/24/2008, -1/+4How about YOU get your ***** done then head out, and stop being so obsessed with what other people are doing.

            It's a ***** locker room, you know from the start that there will be naked people in it. Learn to live with it.
          • KyleGoetz, on 03/25/2008, -0/+4logan074: I'm sorry, but I usually spend 5 minutes in the locker room changing clothes, so I don't get a chance to see if some guy is hanging out for 20 minutes naked on a bench. You see, I have better things to do with my time than go off on a search for old man balls.
        • logan074, on 03/25/2008, -1/+0If you had read my comment you would know that there is nothing wrong with that. Also please point out where I said I was searching for anything? If someone if letting it air dry right behind you so they can make a phone call it would seem like that would be a little annoying.
          But thanks Kyle, it is good to see that people are displaying proper locker room manners down there in Austin.
      • darkcooger, on 03/24/2008, -2/+4I have a similar complaint. I have absolutely no desire to see 60+ year-old men wet and naked, so to all those old guys that go to the gym: great job on keeping yourself in shape, keep up the good work, and GET DRESSED. :)
      • exomni, on 03/24/2008, -0/+5Who cares? Since ***** when do you stare at people's crotches even when they're clothed?
        • yingjai, on 03/24/2008, -0/+2when the locker room is busy and you're trying to make sure none of them touch you.. otherwise, i couldn't care less if i know they're several feet away.
    • IglooBurner, on 03/24/2008, -2/+17If you can put down a pair of 150's down gently, or whatever it is that your doing on your last set, than your probably doing it wrong, especially if its shoulders or chest.
      yeah and its not like i yell on my cell phone, i do carry it to the gym and so does almost everyone else in my gym. What ***** me off more are people who just sit and chat while your waiting on their machine.
      • KyleGoetz, on 03/24/2008, -9/+3You don't drop weights on the ground. Period. It's rude to other people, damages the equipment, damages the floor, and is potentially dangerous to passers by. You don't get a free pass because you're HURRR HULK SMASH.
        • anenokoji, on 03/24/2008, -4/+13You know what else is ***** dangerous? Trying to gently place 150lb dumbbells down after you just did a set to failure. I'm going to take a wild stab that a lot of you diggers can't lift that much weight. As a bodybuilder, I've lifted up to 180lb dumbbells. They are heavy as *****. Think of it, that's almost holding 200lbs in each hand. Which is more than most of you weigh. Put them down gently? ***** that. I make sure nobody is walking around me when I throw them down. But, they are sturdy enough to be thrown from 3 feet in the air. It's not like we're dropping them from a high-rise building.
          • logiktrip, on 03/24/2008, -0/+8"They are heavy as *****. Think of it, that's almost holding 200lbs in each hand. Which is more than most of you weigh"

            This is digg.
          • KyleGoetz, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1anenokoji, maybe you should be a little more considerate about the equipment and the other lifters at your gym, and do one less rep and place the weights down gently
            Hell, my gym has a sign saying, "Please do not drop the weights." If anyone drops the weights there, that makes them a certifiable asshole at my gym (you know, that whole "using the facilities but not following their rules" thing).
        • IglooBurner, on 03/24/2008, -0/+2If you see some dude pushing 120+ and you're still trying to squeeze past him... than its really ur fault if he drops it on u.
          Its basic safety rules... to not pass between the person lifting and the mirror in front of him/her, and to keep clear of someone thats lifting heavy.
          If you didn't know it before, here u go, now you know, very basic gym manner.
    • leffunov, on 03/24/2008, -6/+10There's nothing wrong with gasping or arghing when you lift heavy weights. You do what you need to get that weight up. No one screams, and if you can't get used to the idea of gaining muscle as a serious goal don't come to the gym; stay home on your tredmill
      • Namco, on 03/24/2008, -2/+3I agree, do whatever it takes to get that goddam weight up on the last rep or two and use negative resistance as you let it down. Only way to make progress most times.
      • ctp722, on 03/24/2008, -0/+9Some people absolutely do scream at the gym. I've seen and heard in a number of gyms. and how loud you gasp or argh has nothing to do with how much muscle you will gain.

        There is no need to yell or sigh or argh or any of that while lifting heavy weights, and yes I've done and still do my share of heavy lifting
        • TJ11240, on 03/24/2008, -2/+6Making noise while lifting generates upwards of 20% more power.
          • ctp722, on 03/24/2008, -3/+0Are you saying this because of personal belief or based on facts? I've never seen evidence of this in myself nor anyone else I've ever lifted with or consulted with about lifting.

            But I would love to see real evidence of this 20%
          • pegisys, on 03/24/2008, -0/+5Making noise actually makes you breath more correctly during sets. There have been many times that I have noticed people that don't make any noise when lifting are often holding their breathe which does make you tired faster
        • bigbadbowtie, on 03/24/2008, -0/+145lber's don't count as heavy weight. :-)
      • SzaszMan, on 03/24/2008, -0/+4I agree that screaming isn't necessary, but I will not spend my time muffling my grunts and arghs. It simply hurts my form to be lifting silently.
        • ctp722, on 03/24/2008, -2/+0What do you mean hurt your form, take deadlifting for example....
      • jspegele, on 03/24/2008, -0/+5There's a guy at my gym who literally barks, and does it extremely loud, when lifting weights. He sounds like a ***** golden retriever and it's annoying as hell. There's nothing wrong with "gasping or arghing" but there's no need to bark so loud that I can hear you loud and clear on the treadmill with headphones on.
    • blindmonkey, on 03/24/2008, -0/+11What the hell's a meatknocker?
      • WilliamDavis, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1A purple tipped thing-a-ma-jig?
    • jemka, on 03/24/2008, -0/+5http://www.funnyassblog.com/2008/03/07/weightlifte ...
    • gherikill, on 03/24/2008, -3/+3I find it annoying when someone is jabbering away at the top of their lungs in a foreign language.
    • Aros, on 03/24/2008, -0/+0That's pretty much the entire pool area at my gym.
    • trafficlights, on 03/24/2008, -1/+2I always catch ***** when I forget to wipe the pus from my running sores off the equipment.
  • Harboggles, on 03/24/2008, -3/+74Tip for guys: Don't hit on girls at the gym unless it's someone you know or your girlfriend.
    Women feel really unattractive (even though we think it's hot that they are in skin tight clothing sweating and looking very similar to how they look after a good sex session) and don't want our jaws dropping and gaping...
    • sjbdallas, on 03/24/2008, -0/+82But they look so hot on the stairmasters. And on that machine where they work their inner thighs.
      • Bukowsky, on 03/24/2008, -1/+55oh... I love that machine that works their inner thighs.
      • caffiend, on 03/24/2008, -1/+41It's affectionately called the "Yes/No" machine.
      • springo, on 03/24/2008, -2/+14Approach a girl on that machine, set weight to 200lbs. and then say "you can't shut them now".
        • tonicboy, on 03/24/2008, -0/+10man, you must be a hit with the ladies
        • jspegele, on 03/24/2008, -0/+5What would you do if she actually did?
          • subliminalurge, on 03/24/2008, -0/+6Run like hell.
          • Alfredosauce, on 03/25/2008, -1/+1Assume that she is a roider a tranny or both.
      • BrewBeau, on 03/24/2008, -2/+13I prefer the leg curl machine where you lay on your stomach. Their butts clench and stick up in the air. Very nice.
    • surKaz, on 03/24/2008, -14/+16oh, you said don't hit ON them... I thought you said not to hit them.. I'm fine then..
      • surKaz, on 03/24/2008, -3/+20Yes, even I would've buried my comment if I could...
      • itsthebrod, on 03/24/2008, -3/+25A world where we can't make women beating jokes is a world I don't wish to live in.
        • surKaz, on 03/24/2008, -0/+5I would've made a beating joke about anything else as well... eggs,'you-know-what', odds, etc..
        • bagboyrebel, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1would it have been okay if he made a joke about hitting men? He had a setup and went with it, he didn't come here to talk about beating women.
    • jeff419, on 03/24/2008, -25/+2I think you meant don't hit on girls at the gym unless you're in really good shape. I'm always chatting with girls and always see lots of other girls hitting on/getting hit on and it seems like everyone's cool with it.

      Just realize you're in an environment where your competition is much higher as everyone there is in kick ass shape. Don't be the pudgy guy trying to mack, you'll just embarrass yourself.
      • thespiff, on 03/24/2008, -0/+27You are a tool. Sorry buddy.
      • logan074, on 03/24/2008, -1/+0"When i'm nervous I work out, and I wasn't working out, so I must not have been nervous."
      • aprestia, on 03/24/2008, -1/+2It's not the pudgy guy vs. hot guy that that's the issue - it's if the girl is interested! If you say "hey how are ya?" to the girl who gets on the treadmill next to you and she smiles and starts chatting back, feel free to flirt all you want as long as its not offensive and she doesn't start to get ***** about it. But if she DOES get *****, or if she brushes you off with a "hey" and then goes determinedly back to her workout, BACK THE ***** OFF FOR THE LOVE OF GOD! Harassing women will NOT make them like you more.
        Also, just cause you're hot and a girl is too wide-eyed in disbelief that a hot guy is talking to them in the gym (where women DO tend to feel unattractive) to give you the brush off, it DOESN'T necessarily mean she is interested in you, or anyone at all - unfortunately we women, particularly those of us with body issues, find it difficult to be rude or even vaguely dismissive of an attractive guy who isn't being a COMPLETE jerk, simply because our lack of confidence equates that with shooting ourselves in the metaphorical relationship foot. If an attractive guy started talking to me at a gym and was nice enough, I'd probably have a hard time telling him to get lost myself, but I wouldn't DREAM of taking him home and probably wouldn't even accept an offer of a date, unless I thought he might be my soul mate.
      • rvalverde86, on 03/26/2008, -0/+0I thought that was hilarious. Sarcasm anyone?
    • Kohaxx, on 03/24/2008, -0/+9I don't see any harm in talking to people while in the gym, clearly more and more people opt for the being completely antisocial route wearing their Ipod and avoiding all eye contact, so if you don't want to be bothered just put the earplugs in and ignore everyone.
      • ElSnuggles, on 03/24/2008, -0/+4I dont think there is a problem "talking" to people, but poster is right about hitting on. Yeah, I'm one of those people using the ipod + earphones. It takes me to a different world and helps me zone out all the people in the gym that dont look like an out of shape slob like I do.
        • Ikulus, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1What's your distinction between "talking" and "hitting on"? Are you picturing a guy with banaca and a popped collar bragging about his biceps?

          "Hitting on" just means chatting. If a guy is talking to a girl, you can assume with 95% accuracy that he's hitting on her. If he's doing it right, you won't notice anything unusual. It's just two people talking / flirting / having a good time.
      • Clumber, on 03/24/2008, -1/+1It also helps hide my laughter when noticing the "want to kiss my own biceps" dudes grunting at themselves in the mirrors...
      • 13thfloor, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1iPods and avoiding eye contact are for more than just the gym...
    • Ikulus, on 03/24/2008, -2/+5Nah you can chat with girls anywhere, even the gym. Just be cool about it.
    • jayb1rd, on 03/24/2008, -1/+2As a girl, I agree. Even if a guy does find me attractive, the last thing I want to do is talk to guys at the gym. I kind of just want to get my workout done and get out of there, hoping no one is looking at me too much while I'm there.
    • phenolholic, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1the gym i go to, women look for dick more so then men for *****. i guess its a miami thing
  • queenmoweeny, on 03/24/2008, -28/+40Tips for guys...don't make noises like you are having sex when you are working out.. it is a real turn off.. keep it quiet.
    • timbofirstblood, on 03/24/2008, -3/+106Tip for girls... don't assume that we care if you are turned on by what we do in the gym. Chances are, that's not why we're in there.
      • noahhoward, on 03/24/2008, -27/+6You're one of those man on man guys who's married to the gym right?
        • mcse2k3, on 03/24/2008, -0/+34My guess is that he is there to workout....
        • whiteninja, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2You can only get married to Gym in Massachusetts
          • timbofirstblood, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Actually, I'm from Massachusetts. Me and Gym have more of an open relationship though.
      • altinnovation, on 03/24/2008, -2/+4It's not exactly easy to not grunt when you're lifting weights that are as heavy as you are while maintaining a perfect posture for optimum efficiency.
      • jeff419, on 03/24/2008, -10/+2BWHAHAHAHAHA...

        That's hilarious.

        And FYI, chicks dig hot sweaty guys putting up lots of weight. At least girls that go for alphas do.
        • MacEnvy, on 03/24/2008, -6/+3I find it hilarious that you think hardcore weightlifters are "alphas". These days, the nerd down the street probably makes three times as much as you do and has a smoking hot wife. The kind of girl that goes for muscle-bound idiots who think they're god probably deserves what she's getting.

          Good luck with that. I don't think you'll find much sympathy on digg though.
        • nonsequitor, on 03/24/2008, -1/+5@MacEnvy: Who says the guy putting up those heavy weights isn't the nerd down the street?
        • KyleGoetz, on 03/24/2008, -5/+1@nonsequitor: I think it's because it's fundamentally impossible to be both a "hardcore weightlifter" (implying practically a full-time job at the gym) and a nerd (implying practically a full-time job hitting the books).
          I'm a weightlifter and a HUGE nerd, but there's no way I can ever envision being both a nerd and a /hardcore/ weightlifter.
          • subliminalurge, on 03/24/2008, -0/+3If you bother to learn about weight lifting, you'll discover that having "practically a full-time job at the gym" will generally be counterproductive. Google the term "overtraining".

            It's perfectly within reason to be serious about your workouts, yet only dedicate an hour or two to them a few nights a week. I've made serious gains on a 45 minute / 4 nights a week routine.
    • teamr, on 03/24/2008, -5/+30Worst tip ever. If your a serious lifter then screaming or loud grunting is just part of the routine (for most people). When your lifting When i'm lifting heavy and my arms feel like jelly under the weight, sometimes a loud grunt is just enough for one last rep. I don't care who's watching and I don't care who thinks my grunts are unsexy. When I go to the gym, women are the last thing on my mind. That's the way it should be. Work hard in the gym so you can go out and pick up ladies later
      • antibastard, on 03/24/2008, -2/+18loud grunting? sure. screaming? please don't.
    • darny, on 03/24/2008, -4/+8"There are no dumbbells in this room, just my balls, baby."

      Seriously though, I've never been to the gym, but I heard some gyms actually have rules against grunting. Some people find it intimidating.
      • BOFH2, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1Why would it be intimidating? I have done both and find it really no big deal. I just ask that if you are going to do it that you do it when appropriate not on 2 lb dumbells or when standing up or walking
      • bigbadbowtie, on 03/24/2008, -0/+2Any gym that frowns on noises won't get a dime of my money.
    • edwartica, on 03/24/2008, -2/+8Yeah...I grunt when I get my swell on at the gym...'cause everyone should see how jacked and tan I am!

      OOONE! OOOONE! OOONE!
      • jspegele, on 03/24/2008, -2/+4Jagerbombs? I ***** bathe in that *****. Jagerbomb, jagerbomb, jagerbomb...
      • Clumber, on 03/24/2008, -2/+2Monica Seles? Is that you?
    • anenokoji, on 03/24/2008, -10/+5You try squatting sets of 6 @ 455lbs and try not to make any noise. Building muscle takes intensity. If you're one of those pussies that "tones"(***** word) just stfu and pick up your pink weights.
      • edwartica, on 03/24/2008, -3/+6wow, this guy is obviously trying to make up for a lack of masculinity. He's probably wearing a pair of "my little pony" panties right now.
      • darny, on 03/24/2008, -3/+2When did Roger Clemens become a digger?
      • BOFH2, on 03/24/2008, -1/+3I have. what next? you want to compare other body parts? idiot
    • groberts1980, on 03/24/2008, -4/+5All you guys who are defending the noises you make, I wish you knew how utterly stupid you sound. Please, shut the hell up. I've left the (small) gym in my building before because some douchebag sounded like he was having sex with the dumbells.
  • Jakyll, on 03/24/2008, -1/+47Under "Avoid Bad Form," one should include "perform the full range of motion." Muscles are weakest when they are at their "longest," so running through that bicep curl at only 30 degrees of rotation is useless - straighten those forearms out and try it again the right way.
    • EBFoxbat, on 03/24/2008, -0/+21But that's so much more work.
    • theinept, on 03/24/2008, -0/+13Partials are a totally legit way to add strength and help you get over a plateau. I also like to use them at the end of some set to get closer to failure. You're doing yourself a disservice if you avoid partials.
    • over900000, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1I don't know man. Curling heavy weights with your biceps stretched out is probably just muscle tears.
    • surKaz, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1I agree with 'theinept'... Don;t partial everything obviously, but when you're failing and could only do one set, do 3 partials or so.. different things work out for different people ,but the point is to do a few partials if you can't do one 'Full' at all.
      • bluesfan2000, on 03/24/2008, -2/+0I hate to tell you, but some dude named Arnold did partials all the time. Try telling him he couldn't do one 'Full' because he did partials. And yes if you fully extend your arms and lock out, you are asking for a muscle tear.
        • surKaz, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1so you're saying doing partials most of the time *may* work too?.. I guess..
    • antipoet, on 03/24/2008, -1/+4Also in the 'bad form' category: There's a guy who is always at my gym and swings his whole body while he's doing chin ups. I have no idea how his arms get any exercise at all from the exercise and I always think he seems like he's just going to start spinning around the bar at any moment. It's very hard to keep a straight face or not giggle when he's around.
    • somnium, on 03/24/2008, -0/+2Please don't consider *Jakyll's* comment to be fact. While full range of motion reps are generally fine for younger trainees, as you get older (or if you have had an injury) you will find that you simply cannot straighten out the arm without pain or damage.
      My usual recommendation is to do full range movements in the early warm up sets, then restrict yourself as you go heavy/get fatigued.
      ***
      As *theinept* stated, partials are a great way to get strong. Ever heard of "21s"? Incredible workout.
      ***
      *antipoet*, those pullups that you are seeing are called 'kipping' style, and are a great exercise. Remember, pullups are primarily a back movement; arm strength is a bonus. Kipping pullups let you do many more reps than you could do otherwise.
    • finista, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1That's a straight way to injure your joints.
  • JLecker, on 03/24/2008, -3/+182Don't be that guy. You know him--the guy who screams like his balls are on fire, who drops the weights at the end of each set, who makes creepy passes at the girls on the cardio machines; the guy who wears headphones but blasts his music loud enough for people to hear it on the other side of the gym; the guy who cuts the sleeves so far off of his shirt that you can see his nipples.
    Yeah, don't be that guy.
  • FluffyWolf, on 03/24/2008, -12/+85What about "Don't be that guy constantly looking for flaws and annoyances in other people"?
    • timbofirstblood, on 03/24/2008, -4/+26Exactly. I can understand a few of the rules in the article, particularly the ones related to sharing equipment, but where does the author get off telling people what they can and can't wear in the gym? Furthermore, how is using poor form a violation of gym etiquette? It's not like it affects anyone else. This author needs to pay a lot more attention to his own workouts.
      • shieldss, on 03/24/2008, -4/+6Please read: http://www.t-nation.com/tmagnum/readTopic.do?id=48 ...
        • BurnTees, on 03/24/2008, -0/+2i have no clue why you're getting dugg down.
      • jrandyw, on 03/24/2008, -0/+2Dead on. Hell, why didn't the guy go ahead and tell people to be sure and stretch, and how much cardio to mix in with weights. Just a gym snob. How much you want to bet he sneaks his cell into the gym, but just makes sure nobody else can see it. You know, because it's different for him, he might get an really important call.
    • SLockhart, on 03/24/2008, -6/+4So you're that guy.
    • darkcooger, on 03/24/2008, -0/+3There's an older retired guy at the gym I use who likes to talk to everyone in the place. He playfully critiques everything you do, always encouraging more weight and more reps. Honestly, I wouldn't do as much weight as I do if it wasn't for him poking fun at me all the time. I guess he's like the opposite of the guy you're describing.
  • surKaz, on 03/24/2008, -0/+8 I've encountered most of the tips and sometimes it's really an annoyance when you can't find the other dumbbell..and have to walk around the whole place looking for it to be in some corner..

    Good tips BTW..
  • GlassCalx, on 03/24/2008, -6/+51What? No mention of curling in the squat rack?!?

    Buried as lame.
    • shieldss, on 03/24/2008, -0/+9+1 for stealing my thunder.
    • DiggsOnlyJew, on 03/24/2008, -1/+7It's only those guys who have bigger biceps than quads and don't realize that you can work out your lower body... or just don't care.
    • JazzCatDRP, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1Dugg for truth
    • BornWithRage, on 03/24/2008, -0/+4we only have two racks at our huge bally's. why must curlers use them when there are plenty of barbells lying around?
  • kaptainchump, on 03/24/2008, -2/+53Don't bring your snot nosed 10 year old to the gym and expect everyone else in the gym to put up with him/entertain him.
    • rageforth, on 03/24/2008, -1/+8You're right! I hate that. Not only do you have to worry about dropping the weights on your face, now you have to worry about the kid getting to close to your weights and knocking them in the face.
    • Asmodeus04, on 03/24/2008, -1/+9OMG yes, damn kids running around on the weights like a jungle gym...keep your spawn at home, don't "treat" us to them.
    • AYork, on 03/24/2008, -0/+10Kids? Really? Every gym I've ever been to doesn't allow anyone under the age of 13 in the weight area. I've seen people get kicked out before, and that was at the YMCA gym. Hell, I can't imagine bringing my kids to the gym. They'd be bored out of their minds.
      • kashk5, on 03/24/2008, -0/+2Yup, every gym I've been to has signs stating that anybody under 13 is not allowed...and not to wear jeans
    • rdoger6424, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1At my gym the policy is 13+, except for the swimming pool.
    • exomni, on 03/24/2008, -0/+4Dude, if your gym allows 10 year olds in the weight room, you need to find yourself a new gym.

      Where do you go? Playskool's "My First Gym" or something?
  • GordonV, on 03/24/2008, -41/+2Front page in 2 minutes @ 112 posts
    • itsthebrod, on 03/24/2008, -0/+14Thank you Captain *****. Tell your cousin Captain Obvious he's not welcome here either.
  • shempey, on 03/24/2008, -20/+67yeah right anyone here goes to the gym.
    • m0tbaillie, on 03/24/2008, -21/+15I run 25 miles/wk and lift 6 days a week my good man.
      • shempey, on 03/24/2008, -1/+9You're a bigger man than I my friend. Figuratively and more than likely literally.
      • KMartSheriff, on 03/24/2008, -0/+7I wrestle alligators for funsies.
      • IncogMosqui, on 03/24/2008, -2/+1in all seriousness, how do you have any time for anything else? I'll assume that you don't spend day 7 on a long run, so that means your runs are likely spread out... what, about 5 miles a day? Assuming a decent pace, that's 30 minutes plus your weight workout.
        I'm not criticizing, I'm just curious how you manage to fit it all in!
        • DCUK, on 03/24/2008, -0/+2You know how some people waste away in front of the TV?
          Some people do other things you know!
          30 min work out plus weights! WOW there just aren't enough hours in the day!
        • m0tbaillie, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1I run approx. 4 miles per day every day (takes me about 30-35 minutes) on top of about 45 minutes of lifting (almost non-stop). I'm a full time college student and I also work 20 hours a week plus I'm an RA. How do I do it? Like every other college student with too much to do and not enough time - late nights and naps.
      • CamperBob, on 03/24/2008, -1/+3In fact, he can't stay to argue, because he has to be at the gym in 26 minutes!
    • DCGUY12, on 03/24/2008, -14/+3Triathlete here! 200 miles biking, 10 miles swam, 30 miles ran in ONE WEEK.
      Muscle heads (lifting six days a week) makes you look big and healthy IMHO, but you can do better with your body than just be "Beefcake!"
      • SpaceMonkeyZero, on 03/24/2008, -2/+22Yeah well, I run 1000 miles a DAY
      • dcollins, on 03/24/2008, -2/+3I am totally buff guys...beefcake....BEEFCAKE!!!!!
      • miriv365, on 03/24/2008, -0/+31001, 1002, 1003.

        Just doing my workout. Tuesday's arms and back.

        Ohh, it's the deep burn. Oh, it's so deep. Oh, I can barely lift my right arm 'cause I did so many. I don't know if you heard me counting. I did over a thousand.
      • 2smooth4u, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1Oh, so you're THAT guy.......
    • Jiran, on 03/24/2008, -1/+24You know, these have come up more and more lately, but what exactly is it with thinking that all Digg users are fat slobs who never get out and have absolutely no social skills? It's like the stereotypical Digg user has become the new Something Awful Goon or 90's teenage hacker. I'm not sure where this stereotype came from, but it's starting to get annoying and repetitive.
      • jpmoney03, on 03/24/2008, -0/+9Digg started as a mostly tech news site.
      • groberts1980, on 03/24/2008, -0/+5Agree completely. All the "digg users never work out, go outside, have sex" stereotype got old a while ago.
      • bagboyrebel, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1well those are all nerd stereotypes and Digg used to be mostly tech news, which of course attracts nerds.
    • mjfitzge, on 03/24/2008, -9/+3i'm actually going to the gym in 26 minutes.
    • mcse2k3, on 03/24/2008, -8/+5I go every night for an hour and a half or so.... unless im out of town for some reason.
    • gweedo767, on 03/24/2008, -5/+9I started going right after Thanksgiving. I now go 5 days a week (6am, great way to start the day) and have lost 30lbs and gained some nice muscle. You really should try it.
    • CrazyZ, on 03/24/2008, -8/+54 - 5 days a week here. No drugs, machines, or long routines. Going in 40 minutes. Chest and Tri day.
    • scubaman5000, on 03/24/2008, -7/+3Funny thing about stereotypes is not everyone fits into them.

      /heads to gym for usual lunch time work out
    • offspring06, on 03/24/2008, -4/+5Yes there are some of us who actually do workout.
    • meninostongue, on 03/24/2008, -2/+2Marathon runner here with trips to the gym a few times a week.
    • cambob76, on 03/24/2008, -0/+5Maybe you don't. Little girly-man! Some of us nerds actually use our brains with regard to our bodies.
    • kashk5, on 03/24/2008, -0/+6Five days a week here
    • phenolholic, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1this is for the 6 of us who do
  • Picaroon, on 03/24/2008, -6/+33Using a little bit of your body to get in a couple more reps is not necessarily a problem. And why does this guy care if I throw my body into my last two curls so that I can do those two more? None of his ***** business.
    • shieldss, on 03/24/2008, -17/+5Why? Because curls are for girls. At your gym who has the bigger biceps: The groups of posers doing "full body curls" for an hour straight (while texting with the free hand) or the guy squatting 600lbs in the power rack?
      • CrazyZ, on 03/24/2008, -5/+3I'd say neither. You can squat all you want, it ain't going to do any more for your biceps as improper curling would do. Got to work everything and everything properly. Full range of motion, nice tempo, good weight and rep range for what you are trying to accomplish etc. It's not an exact science and everyone is different. I have friends that are huge and do minimal workouts where as I have to struggle for every pound of muscle gained and if I slack off for even a couple weeks, I loose it....
        • shieldss, on 03/24/2008, -3/+3"I'd say neither. You can squat all you want, it ain't going to do any more for your biceps as improper curling would do."

          If that is what you believe, good luck with that. Any major powerlift (bench, squat, and deadlift) will do more towards bigger arms than 1000 sets of curls will ever do.

          "I have to struggle for every pound of muscle gained and if I slack off for even a couple weeks, I loose it...." To quote Yoda, "And that is why you fail."
      • bagboyrebel, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1it depends on what you are going for. You do exercise differently if you are training for strength than if you are training for muscle mass
    • cambob76, on 03/24/2008, -0/+9I agree. It's none of his business if you're doing it wrong.
      • darkcooger, on 03/24/2008, -0/+3Though if he really wanted to help out, he'd politely point it out to you when he sees it. I know I don't mind when people point out bad form to me because honestly I don't usually know what the hell I'm doing anyway.
  • ChairShot83, on 03/24/2008, -2/+126How about a time limit to lull around the locker room naked? Old men are notorious for this. Please stop! I just want to get to my locker without seeing 8 old naked men.
    • Scrappy1850, on 03/24/2008, -2/+20no erections, please!
    • kiwiboyus, on 03/24/2008, -4/+18Seriously WTF is up with that?! My wife and I joined a gym a month ago and both of us have had to learn to walk into the changing rooms with out looking up because of all the oldies standing around starkers. How difficult is it to wrap a towel around your self? I feel sorry for her because the first time we went she walked in and some old woman was naked and bending over ewwwwwwwwwwwww We just run in wash our hands and wait until we get home to shower and change.
    • DCGUY12, on 03/24/2008, -3/+1We must stop this, please dear FSM let's fix this.
    • slaver, on 03/24/2008, -18/+4If any of you nerds would ever play a team sport you'd pay no attention to naked man in the locker. If you're bothered it's prabably because it awakens some deeply suppressed homo feelings inside you. Get over it.
      • Takfam, on 03/24/2008, -2/+12There's a difference between normal locker room nudity and these geriatric morons who sit their bare ass down on the benches and want talk about gas prices for 20 minutes before they put a goddamn pair of boxers on.
        • slaver, on 03/24/2008, -9/+1Who cares, why does this bother you? Is it because your eyes keep on wondering towards the exposed junk? Or is it because some other insecurities/deficiencies?
          • Takfam, on 03/24/2008, -0/+10It appears to me your entire theory is "Dislike of penii = repressed homosexual urges." Do you have a scientific basis for this or are you speaking from personal experience?

            I think it's great that someone is that comfortable with their body image that they can sit there naked as a baby, but there are other people present who don't want to see that. It's not a matter of insecurity, deficiency or sexual preference. It's a matter of common courtesy. If you have been on Digg for any length of time, you should know that the mob rules. The majority of men in the locker room don't want to see another man's junk, they shouldn't have to.

            Also note that I said "see" not "look at." There is a difference (which you have chosen to ignore). You see the sky every day, but rarely do people look at it.
          • IncogMosqui, on 03/24/2008, -0/+6odd fact, the plural of penis is "penes"
            The more you know...
          • slaver, on 03/24/2008, -4/+1You don't have to subject yourself to mob rule everywhere. ***** mob rule. If you don't wanna look at other men's junk don't got to the gym or petition for it to change the rules (good luck.) Also how do you know it's the 'majority'? Cuz digg says so? Or did you take some sort of poll. Be a man for a change and call those naked guys on it if it bothers you. Posting whiny ***** only makes a crying bitch.
          • ChairShot83, on 03/24/2008, -0/+2As soon as you roll up on a naked man and tell him your thoughts on an issue, you let me know.
        • BrewBeau, on 03/24/2008, -0/+8What's worse than the nakedness are the giant clouds of gold bond powder you have to hold your breath in that the old dudes cake themselves with. I like to gold bond my Charlie Brown's as much as the next guy, but a little dab will do you.
        • ChairShot83, on 03/24/2008, -0/+7Dugg for the reference "Charlie Brown's" lol
      • slvrbullet87, on 03/24/2008, -1/+9I played basketball through highschool and even i get disturbed by some of the guys at golds gym. Last week some ass hole was blowdrying his hair butt naked.
        • slaver, on 03/24/2008, -2/+2Comedy gold!
          • edwartica, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1Makes me wish I had a sharp pair of scissors....snip snip, just like at the vet.
        • MacEnvy, on 03/24/2008, -0/+7I read that as "blow drying his hairy butt, naked." That would've been way cooler.
          • ChairShot83, on 03/24/2008, -0/+7Thank you for posting that. I thought I was the only one who read it weird. I thought he meant he saw the guy blowdrying his 'butt hair'.
          • WilliamDavis, on 03/24/2008, -0/+2Makes sense to me. Those oldsters don't like to walk out of the gym with dripping wet butt-hair, ya know.
      • thespiff, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1@slaver
        I have no issues with the idea of 2 men naked in the same room. Whether it's gay sex or just changing at the gym, good for them. I do have issues with naked men in the same room as me. I just don't want to see it. Do you want someone taking a ***** in the same room you're eating dinner? If you say no does that mean you have something against *****?
    • Jade10145, on 03/24/2008, -1/+3His name is Herbert, hes very friendly, but he always asks me for the sweaty gym clothes...
    • wgasa, on 03/24/2008, -1/+3whats even worse s when they try to strike a conversation. GET THE ***** AWAY YOU OLD BAG!! it aint the 60's no more, and wear a towel
    • Takfam, on 03/24/2008, -1/+22The rule in the locker room should be "If your junk is out for longer than 3 minutes, everyone in the locker room gains the right to start beating on you mercilessly until you cover up."
      • KMartSheriff, on 03/24/2008, -1/+12Beating you off?
        • Takfam, on 03/24/2008, -0/+2If you've ever been in the sauna at 24 hour fitness, you'd know that happens regardless of whether or not you can find someone else to do it for you. I don't know how women go in there.
    • roosterjm2k2, on 03/24/2008, -18/+6Wow...what a bunch of homophobes.

      Welcome to the human body, we all have those peices (most of us) ...

      If simply seeing a naked human makes you uncomfortable, you got some "you" issues to work on...
      • kashk5, on 03/24/2008, -1/+9It's not the naked body that grosses us out, it's that it's OLD naked bodies
      • antipoet, on 03/24/2008, -2/+2While it is impressive at how fast the 'digg down's are coming for your comment, I agree with you. I don't see the big deal of a naked body, though I guess there probably isn't a better collection of amazing bodies than the people that browse digg.com...
      • rossisdead, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1What about gays that don't wanna see fat, naked old guys? It's not exactly a candy store for them either. Me? I just ***** and get the hell out, I don't know what's so enjoyable/sociable about a locker room, and I've seen plenty of porn.
        • chrisdancy, on 03/25/2008, -1/+1You will be old one day, and you wll be comfortable in your skin, if getting old or having to look at old men freaks you out, you do have some "you" issues to work out.
    • elijahalcantara, on 03/24/2008, -0/+2"Someday this can all be yours!"
      http://youtube.com/watch?v=ePazKStdNPw&feature=rel ... 6:30
    • halogenic, on 03/25/2008, -0/+0I'm sure, some people only go to the gym to hang out in the locker room.
  • Matt174e, on 03/24/2008, -6/+7No looking in the shower...
    • doctechnical, on 03/24/2008, -1/+14No peeing in the shower.
      • timusca, on 03/24/2008, -8/+6Why? All drains lead to the ocean...
      • datastorageguy, on 03/24/2008, -6/+16Peeing in the shower is every man's God given right.
        • slaver, on 03/24/2008, -2/+18At home.
        • ParticleMan420, on 03/24/2008, -0/+3why? you're already washing off nasty sweat, whats the difference?
          its not like they're peeing ON you, unless you need a new gym or something
          • slaver, on 03/24/2008, -0/+2Suppose we work together and I come to your office all sweaty and sit on your chair. Gross, but w/e. Now picture me walking in and ***** on your chair instead.
          • rossisdead, on 03/24/2008, -0/+2slayer: Is the chair also sitting under a constant stream of fresh water?
      • NeverReturnKid, on 03/24/2008, -1/+21No pooping in the shower.
      • jserio, on 03/24/2008, -5/+5Dugg for Seinfeld reference.
      • BadassCheese, on 03/24/2008, -1/+2They're all pipes!
      • kingvik, on 03/25/2008, -1/+1No sex in the shower.
  • 955701, on 03/24/2008, -3/+52Does anyone else reading this list feel like the gym is turning into a mall?
    Don't smell bad? Don't wear junky clothing? Don't spend too much time evaluating your results in the mirror?
    It's no wonder there are so many people who never make gains in gyms - they brought the outside world that puts them out of shape with them.
    • akatherder, on 03/24/2008, -0/+9The gym I go to makes a point of catering to the "casual" exerciser. I don't think they have any mirrors. They have more cardio equipment than weights.

      They go overboard with some things, like having little alarms and sirens go off if you drop your weights too hard. I've never seen them set off but they are actually there.

      Unfortunately, they are too far away and it's a pain in the ass to drive up there so I am looking for a new gym.
      • gudnbluts, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1" I don't think they have any mirrors"

        The mirrors are there so you can watch your form, ie. they're for making sure you're doing the exercises properly, smoothly, and not throwing unneccessary bits of your body all over the place. They're not there so you can check you look good. They're important.
        • akatherder, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1That's a good point. Most of their equipment is cardio and most of the weight machines are pulleys and pneumatic (whatever they're called.. not free weights). So your form is pretty well-defined by the machine.
    • bbear, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Someone joined Planet Fitness gym :). Is it true that doing deadlifts is against the rules?
  • xsquirrel378x, on 03/24/2008, -7/+74gym etiquette? you got the wrong site buddy
    • dorkino, on 03/24/2008, -14/+5This joke is old
      • rossisdead, on 03/24/2008, -1/+1Dugg up for truth. How witty can you feel if you made the same joke 20 other people made right above you?
    • groberts1980, on 03/24/2008, -2/+3Congratulations, you brought up the "classic" stereotype and got lots of diggs. And by "classic" I mean old, outdated, and no longer true.
    • xsquirrel378x, on 03/24/2008, -1/+1yeah you guys are ***** weirdos. i wasnt even trying to make a joke, i saw this ***** on the front page this morning and i seriously dont know why its here? i cant imagine more that 4-5% of digg users go to the gym and apparently 54+ people agree with me so STFU already
  • btraxx, on 03/24/2008, -1/+28I'll keep that in mind when I am watching TV tonight, I mean go to the gym.
    • bigsteve, on 03/24/2008, -5/+3Funny you say that, my gym has TVs on every treadmill and eliptical machine, and they have cable, which I don't. So I get to watch *better* TV at the gym.
      • surKaz, on 03/24/2008, -0/+2Yeah,.... I simply watch TV while running... but I usually prefer the track rather than the treadmill, I think it's more natural.. so it works better... I don't know if that's true tho..
        but yeah. by putting TV in gyms.. you've gained 60% more people.ok maybe 30%..
        • slvrbullet87, on 03/24/2008, -0/+2as far as track vs tread, on nice treadmills they should have incline, dont set it to high, but a few degrees will help out a ton. Therefore treadmill is better.
          • surKaz, on 03/24/2008, -0/+2oh yeah.. I use the incline whenever I use the treadmill... Maybe I'll stick with it then.. Thanks..
            /I know this ain't no forum
  • DamageInc, on 03/24/2008, -10/+26A note to all the people complaining about making noises....exhaling while doing the actual lift (and inhaling while returning to set position/recovering) is an important part of a proper lift. Breathing correctly not only continues to bring oxygen to your muscles, but also prevents the blood pressure build up caused by holding your breath. Now there is no reason to exhale extremely loud and exaggerated, but letting the air out controlled and slowly throughout the whole lift, causing a "sssss" noise, I think, is perfectly acceptable.
    • ChairShot83, on 03/24/2008, -0/+35I don't thik the argument was for the "ssss" sound. Rather, the 'battle cry' after every rep. It's gets annoying.
      • DiggsOnlyJew, on 03/24/2008, -0/+18A noise that can phonetically be described as: RRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
        • surKaz, on 03/24/2008, -4/+1lions don't work..
        • Durrok, on 03/24/2008, -0/+9I always let out my Khan cry after every rep.

          KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    • xevidentx, on 03/24/2008, -0/+13excessive grunting isn't
    • tonymono, on 03/24/2008, -7/+5The Valsalva maneuver, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valsalva , is commonly used by power lifters. Which involves holding ones breath and straining to exhale throughout the full range of motion. This usually results in a loud grunt at the end of a rep. It gives extra stabilization to the spine and helps keep a tight core. The rise in blood pressure is completely safe for anyone with a healthy heart.

      I honestly don't want to go to a gym where I can't drop bumper plates or let out a loud grunt at the end of a hard rep. Because, if you can do an entire workout without making any noise then it's not much of a workout.
      • ctp722, on 03/24/2008, -3/+4"Because, if you can do an entire workout without making any noise then it's not much of a workout."

        That is macho BS!

        • anenokoji, on 03/24/2008, -0/+5No it isn't. Working out, and making changes with your body requires intensity. I'd like to see you do heavy sets to failure w/o grunting or making noise. I squat 455 for reps, and I make lots of noise. It's heavy weight. Especially when I get close to failure. I up my intensity like crazy. I don't ***** around with that much weight on my back.
    • Takfam, on 03/24/2008, -1/+11I don't think anyone has a problem with heavy breathing (and if they do, ***** 'em, their workout isn't hard enough) or even the occasional succinct "hut!" grunt to push the last rep. The issue lies in meathead idiots who want to get a full set of their 1 rep max. These idiots generally have 6-8 spotters to help them lift and are screaming bloody murder on every rep.

      When I see crap like that, I find myself hoping that the bar somehow snaps, stabbing the lifter in throat while the spotters have their knees irreparably crushed by falling plates
      • ShadyG, on 03/24/2008, -1/+1I'm having trouble visualizing this, unless the lifter is doing deadlifts or bent rows. The snapped bar would go up in the middle, no?
        • Takfam, on 03/24/2008, -0/+2Yeah, it's unrealistic, but it's still fun to pretend. If it ever were to happen, I think the satisfaction of seeing the spotters having the bones in their feet shattered would be enough.
    • phre3k187, on 03/24/2008, -2/+1SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
    • jasondragon, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1Blood pressure increases during a set. Breathing or not breathing probably isn't going to prevent an increase in blood pressure my friend. And unless you're sitting on a machine pumping out 50+ repetitions, the muscles probably aren't too worried about oxygen delivery until after the set is over.
      • barkus, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1You can actually jack up your blood pressure by psyching yourself up... powerlifters need to do this because their sets are usually heavy weight/low reps.

  • WaveRunningNakd, on 03/24/2008, -0/+33Does "not going" count as a faux-pas?
  • deltron, on 03/24/2008, -12/+1mirr0R PLEZ.
  • oakj423, on 03/24/2008, -17/+11digg users: see here for reference http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/00/ ...
    this is a "workout room". you get to those places via "outside"
  • radink360, on 03/24/2008, -17/+3I can haz mirrorz plz?
    • mcse2k3, on 03/24/2008, -9/+10Why do people keep putting "I Can" into every comment now? That's stupid, and your stupid for doing it too.
      • Light11, on 03/24/2008, -1/+12i can not tolerate it anymore
      • Entonias, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1I can get a correct spelling of "You're?"
    • Cloned, on 03/24/2008, -3/+4Every time you Can Has, God kills a LOLcat.
  • jadenar, on 03/24/2008, -1/+6Dugg for mentioning smell. May this article prevent the guy next to me on the treadmill from deciding that his not showering for three days doesn't matter, because he's only going to the gym.
    • jcraig, on 03/24/2008, -0/+8On the other hand, please don't bathe in perfume before you head to the gym. We have a few of those at my gym.
    • nonsequitor, on 03/24/2008, -2/+2I'm not skipping a workout just because I forgot a fresh shirt. You're in a building full of sweaty people, deal with it.
      • init100, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1On the other hand, sweat from a newly showered guy doesn't smell. The smell comes from bacteria consuming the fatty secretions under your armpits and around the reproductive organs, and developing a smell takes at least a day. Read more here (especially the part about the two types of sweat glands):

        http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perspiration
      • jadenar, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Sweat is fine. And a certain level of smell is OK too (I don't smell like roses after a workout, either). But at least make sure that when you walk INTO the gym, you don't already stink.
  • xsecretfiles, on 03/24/2008, -0/+29Huge Gym Ettiquete Alert! To the OLD GUYS in the sauna room, keep IT under the covers. I don't want to see your junk or pretend not to.
  • whoomp123, on 03/24/2008, -1/+22if there is a line at the water fountain dont be a jerk and fill your 1 gallon jug.
  • Scrappy1850, on 03/24/2008, -9/+2No erections! Please!
  • akilleen, on 03/24/2008, -3/+21Uhh, how does what I am wearing affect anyone? If I want to wear some old pajama pants and a crusty old t-shirt to work out in (and it doesn't stink), then that is exactly what I am going to do. I'm not at the gym to participate in a fashion show, I am there to work out.
    • chubbybunny, on 03/24/2008, -0/+12I'm lost as to what's so bad about pajama pants but makes sweat pants acceptable. (I don't have an issue with either of them) I'm going to wear my damn pajama pants if I want to. Hell, I wear 'em to class, what makes the gym so much better?
    • SpaceMonkeyZero, on 03/24/2008, -0/+28I workout in a tuxedo.
      • surKaz, on 03/24/2008, -1/+12I work out in diamond encrusted shorts.. That's it.. only shorts..
        • akilleen, on 03/24/2008, -0/+16I work out only wearing a diamond. That's it, only a diamond.
      • itsthebrod, on 03/24/2008, -9/+5Oh yeah, like the guy in the $6,000 suit is going to do bicep curls on that machine... COME ON!
        • rune420, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2I'm surprised more people didn't get that reference.
    • Aadain, on 03/24/2008, -2/+4There is a couple of reasons. First, most people's old ratty clothes smell (you mentioned you'd only use them if they didn't smell, which I thank you for).

      Another is that ratty clothes are usually stained with a variety of substances, such as food, BO, paint, cleaning chemicals, etc, etc. No body really wants to use a weight machine covered in sweat and 'other' liquids left from a really nasty shirt/shorts.

      Finally, some people wear things that they really, really, really shouldn't when they will be doing squats, lunges, lifts, etc, such as spandex that is two sizes too small. Or clothes that have wholes in them that shift over areas best left to the imagination while you are moving or running.

      There is no need for it to be a fashion show by any means. Just a bit of common curtsy so that other people aren't shielding their eyes or holding their noses when you want by is all that is needed. I work out in a basic shirt + shorts outfit, nothing ascetically pleasing or appalling, just something to keep me from being naked :)
  • SailRacer, on 03/24/2008, -0/+21Google Cache: http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:wsWCmEBEY1QJ: ...
  • Tr33fiddy, on 03/24/2008, -1/+18Just a small observation of my own; if you bring your kids to the gym, don't let your infant son unrinate in the walkway between the two rows of showers.

    You know who you are you Mr. Oblivious Frenchspeaker at the 02 Esporta, Finchley Road.
  • mcse2k3, on 03/24/2008, -9/+20I hate it when these middle-aged bastards come in and do NOTHING BUT TALK TO CHICKS HALF THEIR DAMN AGE the WHOLE ***** TIME THEY ARE IN THE GYM... That ***** me off like nothing else. I wish I could tell their wives, and then they wouldn't be allowed to come back. The gym is a workout place, not a socialize/hangout place you idiots!
    • HoratioHellpop, on 03/24/2008, -4/+7So ... just ... ignore them? Problem solved. Also: what counts as "middle age" here at Digg? 35?
      • mcse2k3, on 03/24/2008, -2/+2We are talking about guys at the gym... not guys on digg... im talking about 45+

        Pretty hard to ignore some shmuck running his mouth next to you the whole time you work out. I even try turning my headphones up to where it about busts my ***** ears and that still doesn't do it. I pay $50 a month to go there, and not to hear some dickweed try to talk to girls.
        • jserio, on 03/24/2008, -0/+2Why don't you tell the guy to get lost or shut up - in front of the girl. Embarrass him a little. Works at the movies... usually.
        • HoratioHellpop, on 03/24/2008, -0/+4'zactly what jserio says. If it annoys you so horribly, grow a pair and tell the middle-aged dickweed to shut the hell up. Two possible reactions: 1.) he shuts up, or 2.) he kicks your nancy ass. From the way you're posting, I'm sure #1 will occur ... right?
    • jserio, on 03/24/2008, -2/+12Jealous?
      • mcse2k3, on 03/24/2008, -3/+1Probably not.. They have nothing that I am jealous over.
    • pvaras, on 03/24/2008, -7/+4Middle Aged Bastards? I have news for you.. women probably enjoy talking to the "middle aged bastards" because they have reached a stage in life where they are still healthy and attractive, but also set in their careers and have a maturity level that makes whiny complainers look like little boys.
      • mcse2k3, on 03/24/2008, -3/+1Your probably one of the guys at my gym that I'm talking about.... shutup
    • shadowfoxmi, on 03/24/2008, -1/+1wow.. I think we might have a winner here!
  • Nelka, on 03/24/2008, -2/+11I would also add that you should never tell a girl that she's lifting too heavy, or that she should do high reps/light weights if she wants to tone. Don't assume her goals are the same as every other woman out there.
    • over900000, on 03/24/2008, -1/+7hireps/light weight toning is a myth.
    • surKaz, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1yeah, maybe she wants to bulk up... or get ripped...
    • anenokoji, on 03/24/2008, -3/+1I tell girls in the gym to lift heavier. The toning myth is *****. It's just an excuse for people to workout with out putting any effort into it. It doesn't change how your muscles look. You want more definition? Lower your body fat. You want abs? Abs show at less than 10% body fat. As a bodybuilder, my workouts don't change from when I'm bulking to when I'm prepping for a contest. The only thing that changes is the amount of calories I eat, and the amount of cardio I do. Thats the only difference between me gaining and losing 30 lbs.
      • jayb1rd, on 03/24/2008, -0/+4Or you could leave girls the hell alone while they're trying to work out. That works too.
    • cmiller1, on 03/24/2008, -2/+1Haha, I'm usually yelling at my female exercise buddies for not using enough weight
      • gudnbluts, on 03/24/2008, -3/+0Good for you. A lot of girls do waste their time going to the gym. They walk on the treadmill without ever breaking a sweat, and you see them doing 50 reps with some tiny weight. That doesn't do anything. You may as well be watching the telly. If you're doing weights, they need to be hard to lift, and if you're doing cardio you need to get your heart rate up (and, yes, sweat). Doesn't really seem that complicated to me.
  • rageforth, on 03/24/2008, -5/+6How about guys that make loud grunting noises. Yes, I'm very impressed that you can bench the bar plus 25 pound plates. You don't have to grunt and yell so loud to impress everyone though. And does it always seem like it's always the guys that don't lift much that grunt and scream the loudest?
  • jzuska, on 03/24/2008, -4/+3No kidding. Women with the Velour are everywhere now. Airports, gyms everyplace. Are they the same girls that think the sack dress looks good?
    • SpaceMonkeyZero, on 03/24/2008, -1/+1Or worse, those shirts that make even skinny girls look like they're 5 months pregnant.
      • caramba420, on 03/24/2008, -0/+2Maddox had a good term for that. He called them "tit curtains."
  • bigsteve, on 03/24/2008, -1/+30I'm surprised the entire shower situation wasn't discussed. There's a whole lot more etiquette points that needs to be addressed. Like naked conversation, or that guy that seems to put everything else on after his shower before his underwear. I swear, if I walk back there and there's one more guy buttoning up his shirt or tying his tie with his dong showing, I'm going to need to drive back home to shower before work.
    • ibilenjkij, on 03/24/2008, -4/+4Intimidated?
    • diggopolous, on 03/24/2008, -0/+2...or the guy loudly hacking up loogies and spitting them on the shower stall floor.
    • bbear, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2or the guy using the hair dryer to dry his balls in front of the mirror

      or the guy rubbing lotion into his nipples while standing in front of the mirror completely naked
      • Yond, on 03/25/2008, -0/+0If a guy is doing what you are doing, then he is likely trying to solicit sex. It is my understanding that down low men that are looking to hook up with other men go to the gym and to do this stuff. Also this is how some male prostitutes advertise that they such people.
      • bigsteve, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1If I ever see either of these things happen, I'm switching gyms.
  • bovox, on 03/24/2008, -8/+18Oh please. Digg users are too busy downloading pirated music while eating Hot Pockets to be going to a gym.
    • sgtkwol, on 03/24/2008, -3/+3That's what I was thinking. I'm kind of shocked that this is on the front page.
    • monkeydrummer, on 03/24/2008, -1/+0Hooooooot Pockets!
    • wootup, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1Speak for yourself please.
  • aoki4, on 03/24/2008, -9/+3these tips suck you will never look cool at the gym
  • shieldss, on 03/24/2008, -11/+2For a better list: http://www.t-nation.com/tmagnum/readTopic.do?id=48 ...
    • edwartica, on 03/24/2008, -3/+1forum spam. And terrible design - very hard on the eyes.
  • Number23, on 03/24/2008, -2/+36While it wasn’t cheap, years ago I bit the bullet and bought enough equipment to have a gym at home. I have:
    Treadmill
    Dumbbells 15-50lbs and wrack for them (a must)
    Chin-up and dip station
    A great, multi function bench with lots of plates; it’s important to get one that has catches so the bar doesn’t end up on your neck.

    The whole business was probably around $2200 but it’s always open, I’m the only naked dude and the TV is always on what I want.
    • 41k1d0k4, on 03/24/2008, -9/+3I think that last line falls into the TMI category...
      • Number23, on 03/24/2008, -0/+9That didn’t come out the way I meant, I don’t work out in anything less than shorts and t shirt. I meant that there’s no chance of encountering dudity in the shower apart from my own.
    • HoratioHellpop, on 03/24/2008, -12/+0//but it’s always open, I’m the only naked dude// way TMI. Fail.
    • iet2004, on 03/24/2008, -13/+3Sigh....digg...there always that one guy who comes in and comments about how he's so ingeniously solved the issue being discussed because he's soooo super smart. Congratulations genius, you built a home gym.
      • BurnTees, on 03/24/2008, -1/+3sigh....congratulations on feeling the need to even say something about it. Let's rip on everyone who comments, then nobody will comment and it'll be so much fun with no comments!
    • caramba420, on 03/24/2008, -3/+3How can anyone on Earth justify buying a treadmill? Last time I checked, going outside was free.
      • Jonsey, on 03/24/2008, -0/+2Try that in my -40 weather!
        • thespiff, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Do some research. There is clothing out there to make that doable. Much cheaper than a treadmill.
    • groberts1980, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1I have the next best thing, a gym in my building, just down the hall from my place.
    • MateyO, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1I got a good weight bench, olympic weight set and full set of dumbells about 8 years ago for less than $400. I'm with you, it's a LOT easier to go to the basement to work out.

      Funny thing was the girl behind the counter trying to sell me an extended warrantee on the free weights. 'Kiddo, if I wear these out, I'll be GLAD to buy another set!'
  • moraldebate, on 03/24/2008, -5/+41"A partner to push you to your max is the best supplement a guy could have in his diet." is quite possibly the gayest line I've ever read. Are you going to eat your partner for protein?
    • surKaz, on 03/24/2008, -1/+5man, that made me laugh,, I just imagined somebody saying that... Hilarious..
    • xsecretfiles, on 03/24/2008, -1/+7I want his protein in my mouth
      • ricemonster, on 03/24/2008, -1/+4Now why on earth would you want his prote....... ohhhh.......


        EWW!!
  • haggie, on 03/24/2008, -1/+5grooming in the mirrors in the weight room. pop those roid zits on your back at home...
  • wnoble, on 03/24/2008, -2/+7useless article - the comments had better tips
    • jrandyw, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1Exactly. How can you not include screaming/yelling (which the first commenter did), but tell people not to have bad form? Useless.
  • mcse2k3, on 03/24/2008, -3/+3There is a LOT lacking in this article. I could list probably 30 more "don'ts" for the gym!
  • jayb1rd, on 03/24/2008, -9/+7God, as if I need a list of more reasons I can feel self-conscious at the gym.

    I'm in college and our gym is full of sorostitutes who do nothing but work out and guys with necks as thick as my waist. It does nothing but make me feel bad about myself. And now I know that people are looking at me with mirrors and judging my form. Great. I hate the elitism that surrounds going to the gym.
    • mandarin, on 03/24/2008, -2/+3Its you dude, not them. No one cares about you
      • aprestia, on 03/24/2008, -0/+3NOT true. Getting dirty looks from the hard core athletes at my school's gym just cause I'd never been there before and it took me a while to figure out which machines I wanted to use and how they worked was the most mind numbingly horrible experience of my life. Not to mention virtually everyone else I know who's gone (and isn't a hard core athlete themselves) has had the same experience. Maybe the people at my school are particularly big douchebags, but I think it's just gym rats in general a lot of the time. Suffice it to say I've never been back.
        • jayb1rd, on 03/24/2008, -0/+2I agree! It feels like in order to go work out you have to be "in" with the system and know how everything works. In my experience no one is ever very kind to newcomers. It just seems really cliquey.
    • surKaz, on 03/24/2008, -2/+1there's that.. but if you keep going, you'll be putting on muscle.. one thing that you can do different from those *big* guys is get into training of agility and flexibility.. It's easier to put on muscle and be agile when you start out skinny.. This way you can do front flips and lift a bit one the same day....
      • jayb1rd, on 03/24/2008, -0/+3I'm a girl.
        • surKaz, on 03/24/2008, -1/+1Dang... Dugg down... Hmm. .well.. Like I commented above.. you may be wanting to bulk up.. or get ripped.. .Girls want that too..
        • surKaz, on 03/24/2008, -1/+2more seriously tho.. why'd you be comparing yourself with the guys with necks as thick as your waist... You're not trying to be anywhere close to that (I assume).. and they may be staring at you for other reasons.. ..
          Plus.. you'll have to deal with people staring at you and what not... Just hope somebody steps up and helps you when you're doing something wrong..
          • jayb1rd, on 03/24/2008, -0/+3I was just trying to emphasize the fact that the majority of the people at the gym I sometimes go to are really hardcore about it. I do not enjoy being looked at like I'm an idiot or a piece of meat.
    • BurnTees, on 03/24/2008, -0/+3you shouldn't care about what other people do at the gym, because they certainly don't care about what you're doing. go, do your thing, and don't even worry about it.
    • caramba420, on 03/24/2008, -0/+4dugg for "sorrostitutes."
    • YamiJim, on 03/24/2008, -1/+1lol apparently working out to gain some self esteem, i bet it doesn't work.
      Self-worth is in your head, not on your arms.
    • tierkreis, on 03/25/2008, -1/+0There always seams to be a rite of acceptance at every gym that is mostly a function of time. I would say 90% of the people who walk into a gym probably won’t be there in three months. That said, why should people invest time and effort getting to know you, or show you how to use the equipment if the overwhelming odds are that you won’t stick to the routine. This is particularly acute if you show up during one of the ‘resolutionist periods (post holiday or pre summer) when the herd of fatties have their biannual, month long migration through the gym. You quitting because you felt uncomfortable just reinforced this dynamic. If you would have just kept going for a few months, I guarantee you that you would have found a different side to the gym experience. Chances are, those meatheads are pretty good guys. You just need to prove yourself by being committed to the gym, not by benching 225.
      • jayb1rd, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1That's the thing though, I shouldn't have to "prove myself" to anyone. I just want to stay in shape. I already play on two intramural teams and have basketball class for an hour 3x a week so I get a fair amount of exercise. I just go to the gym to add to this and I don't go every day.
  • drmobutu, on 03/24/2008, -3/+19I can't believe they didn't include this: Don't Rest on the Equipment!
  • Torbar203, on 03/24/2008, -1/+14Jokes on you! I don't go to the gym.
  • demne, on 03/24/2008, -1/+0Perfect for those who go to the gym to socialize.
    Maybe some useful ones like the proper way to face plates on the bar and on the tree would be of more benefit.

    shieldss - nice call on t-nation, but way above the "you smell gym set".
    • WilliamDavis, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1What's the proper way to face plates on a bar? As long as they're consistent, I don't see how it makes a difference.
      • demne, on 03/26/2008, -0/+0When you put Olympic plates on a bar the numbers face in. When on a tree numbers out. Reason is how you hold to load. The ridge of the plate you hook onto with your fingers, so on a tree you want numbers out. Numbers it to get the plate on the bar.
        Most load the bar numbers out, so people can see what they are lifting.
        Like you said, it really doesn't make a difference, its just proper etiquette.
  • mcse2k3, on 03/24/2008, -13/+1www.bodybuilding.com
  • Inflammo, on 03/24/2008, -7/+13This article seems a bit irrelevant to Digg's target demographic
    • MrSkyGuy, on 03/24/2008, -1/+1What are you talking about? Some gym's have an XBox room or an iPhone parking lot, afterall.. :-)
  • mandarin, on 03/24/2008, -2/+1Cant stand the smelly ones or the ones who use the same clothes after theyve been there yesterday
  • jjustice, on 03/24/2008, -6/+6How about unnecessary nudity in the locker room? Look, I know you have to change, but you don't have to walk all the way from the showers to the locker holding your towel in your hands.
    • init100, on 03/24/2008, -0/+1This is one out of very few moments when myopia (near-sightedness) can be an advantage. I don't see the details of other people when I have my glasses off. :)
      • jweinraub, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Ditto that. The very firs thing I do is take off my glasses.

        Once though, I left in such haste, I left my trainers on the ground, and the bloke next to me said, are those yours? I said yeah, and since I had my glasses back on, what I saw was the most horrifying thing of my life. This old man, was putting baby powder on his sack, and smacking it to allow it to sift in his pubes. I grabbed the shoes and ran out.
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