Health Club Ettiquette

Why does it bother you? Most people like to be around other people let it go if it bothers you that much move to a different one if they get off and move to one near you then there's a problem.

I feel you. It's like when you go to a matinee movie, the theatre is practically empty and the only other movie goers sit right in front of or next to you. It is soooo frustrating. Pamela F. is right...people are sheep :)

i think it's kinda weird to be this upset over it. the ellipticals are placed a reasonable distance apart, even the one right next to you is not 'right on top' of you. if you're that phobic about the presence of others while you're working out, why not just get one for your home?
personal space is important, but at a public gym you really can't have a personal space zone that's bigger than the machine you're using.
khairete
S.

I guess I am just one of the clueless ones.

Honestly, what is the big deal?

I tend to go to the same machine each and every morning. Creature of habit. Don't pay attention to people being around. I am there to turn up my music and concentrate on my workout. I assure I am paying zero attention to your workout and I don't feel like I am on top of you. I am not at all sure why it is against "ettiquette" to utilize an open piece of equipment in the gym I am paying the same money for as you are.

Count your blessings if this is the most frustrating thing that happens to you in your day.

Even if they are all the same, people can still have a favorite. Mine is the fourth one in from the right, with simultaneous view of 3 different TV's, the pool and the entrance door.

Oh I HATE that! My husband and I say people are sheep! They herd together! I also hate when I am taking a fitness class and after the class starts people walk in and decide to squeeze themselves in between me and someone else when there is plenty of space say on the other side or in the back of the room!! Not sure what people are thinking, but just make yourself giggle and think BAA!!

Have a happy day!

I get why it's annoying, but it's really not a breach of etiquette... There are plenty of reasons. Maybe they just LIKE that machine, (like other posters said, habit, quirks, whatever) It could be that the air blows better in that spot, or it has a better angle on the TV. MAYBE the other person works out better with someone next to them. If it bugs you that much, you could just switch machines yourself... the regulars will eventually catch on that you don't like them next to you.

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It only annoys me if they are breaking another etiquette rule, such as talking on the cell phone, not showering, or not showering but dousing themselves in cologne.

At my gym, I'm picky about the elliptical that I use. Yes they are all the same brand (I only use the Precor), but some of them have little 'quirks' that I don't like. For instance, one of them is a little off balance so the machine slightly rocks back and forth. I never use that one. Another one is a little 'loose' in the foot pedals so there's some wiggling back and forth when I step, so I try to avoid that one. Finally, there is another one that is really loud when I cycle through. If I have to use one of the last two machines because they're all that is left I will but I would prefer not to. If there are three machines left - the wobbly one, the loud one, and the one next to you - I'm going to take the one next to you because I'd rather focus on a good workout as opposed to focusing on the machine.

Personally I think a breech of etiquette would be:
-dousing self with cologne or perfume prior to working out
-not using a towel or wiping down your machines after use
-talking on a cell phone
-using a lifting machine but not allowing others to rotate in for sets
-being super loud and grunty
-excessive nudity in the locker room (please, dress before drying your hair)
-not racking your weights or picking up after yourself

Maybe you're right next to their favorite machine. I have certain bikes, ellipticals, treadmills, etc that I favor over others. If the one I favor is free and there is someone on the machine next door, I still choose my favorite machine. I'm not trying to get close to you or invade your privacy bubble. My choice has nothing to do with you.

Edited to add: not all machines are the same. Sure, all the ellipiticals are in a row, but maybe their favorite one is the one that has a more accurate heart-rate monitor. I always choose the bike that doesn't squeak when you peddle. Some treadmills are more worn than others. You get the picture.

Maybe the elipitical they are choosing is the one they always go to. And right now on some message board they are writing.... "Why is this lady always on the eliptical next to the one I always pick" LOL. (I get they are all the same in the row but people still have their fav. spot. Maybe they can see their car or the TV).

Get yer' workout done and move on! :-) OR do annoying stuff.... you could make loud grunting noises, you could try to talk their ears off, get off and move to a different one or bring your own sign that says, "This Eliptical is in need of repair, sorry for the inconvenience" - you could have fun with this!
:-)

At my club, the many TV's on are on different channels, which I think is what determines where many people go in the long rows of ellipticals, bikes and treadmills. Personally, I can't use any of them due to scar tissue in my foot from a few surgeries a few years a go (hurts to "roll" on my foot)..so I row. I LOVE the rowing machines! No tvs to watch...but its a FULL body workout all by itself! But at my club there is only 2 of them...so this issue doesn't exisit! I just watch the "bunching" from down below where I row.

Hubby says its due to the Tv's and their stations....

I haven't read the other answers yet, but here is a possible explanation: Some poeple just seem to develop an affinity for a certain machine--say, they LOVE elliptical #4. Well, darn it, they're getting on elliptical #4 no matter what! Maybe that's the machine that is in front of the TV with their favorite show on; maybe for whatever reason it calculates their calorie burn to be the most of any machine they've used. I know how you feel--I go to the gym to work out in relative peace, and I can't stand it when all of a sudden it seems like my peace will be disturbed. Not to mention the increased smelliness of having someone next to you. I would just ignore it the best I could.

Ugh! I agree with you. Picking the machine right next to the one I am using when there is a ROW full of empty machines just creeps me out. I apply the same etiquette rule to public bathrooms. It skeeves me out when someone uses the stall next to mine when they have so many others to choose from.

I am hoping one of your responders can uncover what deep psychological need these space invaders are trying to fill.

I think people have an innate need to be close to other people. They probably have no idea they are doing it and that it bothers you. I say get over it. Could be worse, my friend had a woman straining to see what my friend was putting in as her numbers (weight, age, etc) on the elliptical! We just laughed.

Maybe they are hoping to strike up a conversation and make a new friend when you both get done.

It's the club that arranges the machines. If their arrangement really, really bothers you, you could talk with the manager, but you'd have to make an awfully persuasive case.

I don't think it's any breach of etiquette for you to use the machine next to the one I'm using. It's no different from your sitting in the seat next to me on a public bus.

If you insist on having a conversation with me because you're using the machine next to mine, that's something else again.

even when all of the machines are the same, i still have a favorite one. some are in better shape than others and run more smoothly.

this has happened to me and i go to the gym at 430am so many of options. i just don't let it get to me. life is too short to let this get to you.

maybe they use that specific one. I wouldn't look into it so much! If you dont want them near you, move to another one where you are by yourself!

M

maybe the spot you picked was a machine they like that is near the tv, or the aisle

I think you are looking too far into it. Most people go to gyms and health clubs for the social aspect as well as health aspect. Maybe they didn't want to feel alone in the almost empty gym.

Perhaps they just "always" use that one. Or is there a TV positioned so that the best viewing is from that one? Maybe they are looking for a friend and are hoping to strike up a conversation with you at some point.

There could be several reasons for it. Although, there could also not be any reason at all... just not thinking about it.

I'm with you though. When I am at the gym, I generally like my "privacy" and "space". lol