The new year always brings lots of new members to the gym.  For regulars, this is a mixed bag.  We always encourage everyone to get into shape and wish everyone well with their workout goals.  However, a gym full of fledgling members brings with it a number of challenges.

Of course, these new members have lots to learn, from where the equipment is located to the unique rhythms of each individual gym.  In our gym this newness can manifest in sudden shifts in crowds.  One minute the free weight area is empty, and the next every bench is filled.  It seems to take some time for workout newbies to figure out when they will be at the gym and how they will organize their workouts.

We regulars can be patient, but we do find ourselves giving some friendly “helpful hints” to those who seem oblivious to some common courtesy.  Sure, many are nervous and feel awkward in the new space, so I’ll cut them some slack if they don’t realize they are standing in front of the mirror blocking your view during ‘behind the neck’ presses.

Where we do get aggravated is when someone will not extend some basic common courtesy.  One area this manifests the most is the use of benches in the free weight area.  There are a limited number of benches of different types, and we all have to share and work together to get our workouts accomplished.  But when the gym is crowded, it’s important to pay attention and not hog a bench that others are waiting for.

My usually amenable workout partner John almost went “postal” on a young man recently.  All benches were full and we needed to use one.  The offending gym newbie was standing next to a bench on which his dumbbells were resting.  John politely asked him if he was using the bench, and he said yes.  Then the young man proceeded to pick up the dumbbells and do a set of standing curls.  The bench was not used.  Then when he was done he sat his weights back on the bench.

Yes, this gentleman was using the bench simply to sit his weights on between sets.  Heaven forfend he should have to bend down and pick them up all the way from the floor.  John just stood and glared at this clueless fellow.  Odd, we have not seen him since.

Most folks are friendly and try to work together, and if you ask them to share they will try to accomodate.  But if you are new to the gym and a gym regular mentions the need to put your weights away when you’re done, don’t shrug and walk away.  Have the courtesy to help keep the gym tidy and in order.  Share benches and get out of the way when you’re done.  Then regulars like John can have a great workout without wasting energy “mean muggin” the clueless.

Thanks for listening!