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30 Of The Cringiest Things People Have Witnessed In The Gyms They’ve Gone To
Interview With Expert
Going to the gym can be an intimidating experience. People want to go there to get fit, build strength, and become healthy, but it can be tough to do that because of certain gym-goers. You know, the folks who don’t clean up after themselves, hog machinery, and basically act obnoxious.
Nobody wants their experience wrecked by such people, which is why we compiled a list of terrible gym-goers and their behavior so that you could at least get a laugh out of it. Let us know how many of these folks you’ve encountered before.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Apparently This Gym Has A Sauna-Pisser Problem
Neon 1 year ago
Hahahahahahah, just literally at this moment stopped binge watching Seinfeld to scroll a little :)
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StarCrossedFriday 1 year ago (edited)
What if he hands himself in? Does he get a year free too? Maybe this was the plan all along…
Montanavanna 1 year ago (edited)
The sauna at my gym had a new sign one day. I don't remember the exact wording but apparently there was enough hanky panky going on in there they had to put up a sign that said, please don't do that.
RELATED:
#2
Every Disabled Spot Filled At The Gym, Not One Disabled Badge In Sight
Ordhaj 1 year ago
My mom spent the last 20 years of her life in a wheelchair and had a disabled tag. The number of times I had to push her wheelchair across the entire god damn parking lot because able-bodied people were using all the disabled spots...
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Papa 1 year ago
Am I the only one who sees the irony in people searching out the closest place to park . . . so they won't have to walk so far . . . to go to the gym to exercise?
June 1 week ago
I've got a priority card (not a parking one tho... yet), and I'm working out on a regular basis. I've got a very low energy amount on a daily basis, but working out improves my condition regarding chronic pain (yet it can be very painful too) and I've also seen wheelchair bound folks at the gym. Tell me again where the irony is please?
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Acruss 1 year ago
Call the police? Take photos and send to the to police if they don't want to come?
Richienotsorich 1 year ago
It's not a criminal offence. The police aren't interested in private car parks.
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Red Hair Blue Soul 1 year ago
As a disabled person, I want to set these cars on fire and laugh as they burn
David Martin 1 year ago
As a person with disability, this angers and pains me. Right up there with the time I arrived somewhere to find a UPS truck horizontal blocking all three disabled spaces at a medical clinic...and the driver coming outside even told me "I know, but it's closest to the door"
Wheelchair athlete 1 year ago
I use a wheelchair and this happens way too often than it should. I need these spots or im trapped in my vehicle because I can't get my chair out. Please, please never park in these spots unless you need them too.
#3
Someone Cut Their. . . Um . . . Hair In The Gym Shower
Everyone wants to get healthy and fit, but many people actually fear going to the gym. Even though most fitness centers seem packed, a survey found that around 50% of Americans feel intimidated to workout there. Maybe you’ve also experienced this anxious feeling, and there’s a name for it. It’s called ‘gymtimidation.’
Many struggle with this feeling because they don’t want to be watched or judged while working out. This self-consciousness can make it even harder to visit a gym. Apart from social anxiety, people with horrible etiquette can also make the experience that much more unpleasant.
#4
People Like This At The Gym That Just Sit On Their Phones Taking Up The Equipment You Would Like To Use
Brian Long 1 year ago
10000000000000000000% why i hate planet shitness. its a gym not a hangout.go sit at the tables if you want to be on your damn phone.
Marc Lauzon 1 year ago
I don't know, but seems like the concept of "set" eludes a lot of people and it was one of the thing I get taught by a trainer. You workout then take 4-5 min breaks between each sets. You're not done with the machine.
Owned-by-dogs 1 year ago
I used to go to a very small YMCA just because it was right on my way home from work. Then they made it part of the community center network. The teens would sit on the machines and text, never working out.
aldebar 1 year ago
People continue to do it because they don't expect anyone to call them out. That's why I do. It disarms them every time and they end up moving without making a fuss.
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Lene 1 year ago
When I went to the gym I'd just gently approach these ppl and ask if I could quickly do my sets and then they'd get the station back. I never had any problems with ppl getting angry. Usually they'd just get up and say sure, sometimes they'd just do the last set of their exercise and move away.
Michael Murphy 1 year ago
I live in China, and this is staggeringly common, so I just walk up and ask them to move. A few get prickly about it (some because of entitlement, others because they resent a laowai - foreigner - telling them), but most people are pretty polite and/or apologetic, apparently unaware that they were so lost in their phones.
#5
The Dumbell Rack At My Local Gym
Melissa Sawicki 1 year ago
Um what about the dude with no damn shoes on? That's freaking gross man
Hollie Marie 1 year ago
I hate this so much cuz I want to be the nice person and put everything back but the size of the weights are too heavy. My old gym used to be mostly old people so finding that one person who either did this or can fix it is a pain in the a*s
#6
Someone Dropped (And Left) Noodles On This Piece Of Gym Equipment!
Whether you’re a gym enthusiast, a newbie, or a fitness trainer, you might have witnessed weird and bizarre things at your gym as well. That’s why we at Bored Panda reached out to Ganesh Kelkar, a fitness instructor based in Mumbai, to ask him what funny or annoying things he’s witnessed at the gym.
Ganesh told us that he has noticed things like:
- “Guys using heavier weights when a woman is nearby.
- People occupying gym equipment while chatting on the phone with someone.
- Customers visiting the gym and spending most of their time chatting and having fun with others rather than doing workouts.”
#7
People Who Put Their Stuff On Equipment At The Gym
Shelley Dawson 1 year ago
I have no shame. It all would have been in a neat pile on the towels, on the floor.
Colleen Glim 1 year ago
That’s like somebody putting a towel on a beach chair at a resort. If you aren’t there, sorry about your luck. You get to wait in line
Celtic Pirate Queen 1 year ago
If I wanted to use that machine, I would move that sh*t in a heartbeat.
Marc Lauzon 1 year ago (edited)
This is clearly not someone between sets as there is 2-3 bundles of items (based on drinks).
#8
Guy At The Gym Always Takes Up Four Spots
#9
At The Gym During The Busiest Time Of Day
WindySwede 1 year ago
*puts up note and start the lifting* "Be patiens, my lift is only 10 minutes"
Load More Replies... Inglourioustmnt 1 year ago
You take longer than 3 min im working in. Go workout at your house if this is what youre like
Joshua David 1 year ago
Writing in all caps is a small sign of potential narcissism. I didnt quite believe that till this.
Apart from fitness enthusiasts who go there to work out, gym trainers are the ones who actually get to observe everything going on at the center. That’s why we also interviewed Vinod Channa, a celebrity trainer and fitness consultant.
Vinod told us that many people “block space or equipment and justify it by saying they are lifting heavier. They don’t allow other people to use the equipment until they complete their workout. It’s difficult to make them understand that it’s a public gym and we should alternate with other people.”
He also said that “different age groups have different targets. Youngsters think if they work out more they will reach their target faster, so they lift very heavy weights, even more than their capacity. So it seems very funny because they might not be able to push the weights but they still try.”
#10
Spent My Whole Gym Session Looking For The 25 Lb Dumbbells, But It Turns Out Someone Left Them In The Locker Room
ArodTheHorrible 1 year ago
Your whole gym session? Are you sure you just didn't want to work out? /s
Colleen Glim 1 year ago (edited)
Now that’s just rude. A five year old can understand put it back where you found it
Michael Largey 1 year ago
They brought the dumbbells with them because they wanted to be with a peer group.
#11
This Is A Gym Trash Can, Not Your Personal Shelf
WindySwede 1 year ago
*stomps the foot pedal* (well not really, not a jerk like this person...!)
Kat 1 year ago
I would 100% walk up to this trash can and throw away my water bottle without a second thought.
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Mark McCawley 1 year ago
Oh, I would 100% press the foot pedal to dispose of something. I would find something to throw away.
#12
Apparently Nobody At My Gym Cleans The Dumbells
Captain McSmoot 1 year ago
That usually happens when someone *did* attempt to clean the dumbbells, but didn't use the appropriate cleaner. That's oxidation on those hands, not dirt. How the hell would that much dirt get on the dumbbells? Also, how the hell would you not notice copious amounts of dirt being on the handles before you grabbed them? ("Apparently Nobody At My Gym Cleans The Dumbells")
George Costanza 1 year ago
Might just be rust. Some gyms have old school plain iron dumbbells/barbells that rust like crazy.
If you’re new to a fitness center, the most important thing to do is to read the rules. Even staff members can guide you through the do’s and don’ts of the place. Simple steps like wiping your sweat off the equipment, cleaning up chalk stains, and not dropping weights unless specified by the gym help make the experience better for everyone else around.
Vinod Channa shared that, “when you go to the gym, wear separate shoes. Carry napkins or cloths to wipe the bench you work out on. Alternate with other people during rest cycles. Everyone should cooperate with each other so that they can exercise equally, finish their workout, and go home.”
#13
These Two Guys At My Gym Who Hoard All The Dumbells
Andrew Bridge 1 year ago
"Hey I'm using them!" Looks at dumbell they're blatantly not using "looks like it mate, using the force are you?"
Load More Replies... #14
Seeing This, You’d Think This Gym Had Zero Locker Rooms
#15
This Guy Talking On His Phone, And It's On Speaker
Do-nut touch da donut 1 year ago
I would get on the treadmill next to him and very loudly say "HELLO SUSAN" whilst making direct eye contact
David Martin 1 year ago
This is when you approach this man, put in your best authority/security style voice, and say "Sir, I'm gonna need you to put your penis away, there've been complaints"
Jane Hower 1 year ago
Heard a story like this on the subway and the gal was talking loudly on speaker to her husband, so the guy next to her, said "Hey, hon' get off the phone and back in bed, ok?" hehe
Marc Lauzon 1 year ago (edited)
Depends how loud. it doesn't bother much more than two people talking to each other unless they're somewhat yelling at each other because the phone is too far.
One of the best things you can do as a gym-goer is to follow the specified guidelines to make the environment comfortable and safe for everyone else. Here are a few of the most basic rules you need to know, according to fitness experts:
- Don’t take long rest breaks on the equipment and deprive someone else of using the gym amenities in the meantime.
- Be mindful of how noisy you’re being while working out, and try not to be too distracting or disruptive.
- Don’t gape at other people; you’ll make them feel uncomfortable when they’re only trying to exercise in peace.
- It might be hard not to dole out friendly advice or pointers to fellow gym-goers, but this can be annoying and could distract them when they’re in the middle of a set.
- Put the equipment away when you’re done using it, instead of leaving it scattered about.
#16
People At The Gym Love To Leave A Bar Loaded With Weights On The Floor For The Next Person To Worry About
#17
There's A Pigeon In My Gym
Hollerfloozy 1 year ago
LMAO! This comment wins the internet for the day. Well done.
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#18
People That Don't Put Their Weights Away At The Gym
The fitness instructors also shared a few other important pointers that gym-goers should know. Ganesh said that “it’s important to motivate newcomers and juniors so that they know that they can also achieve their goals.”
Vinod also added, “I see so many people watching videos and trends and trying to achieve that. They don’t realize they need to put in years of effort for that, and it doesn’t happen within just a few months.”
#19
Bad Gym Locker Room Etiquette
Blaze Onyx 1 year ago
No, its a rubber type mat with holes in it for drainage.
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#20
In The Gym Of The Hotel I’m Staying At
#21
No Respect For Public Places
Going to the gym doesn’t have to be like the posts on this list. It can be a rewarding experience and also help you to get healthy. Hopefully this listicle hasn’t scared you further from going to work out. We also truly hope you’ve never done any of the things on this list or come across any of them, either.
If you have, tell us your experience in the comments. We’ll know which gyms to avoid then!
#22
Someone Left Dumbells In The Sauna At My Gym
Do-nut touch da donut 1 year ago
... its a sauna, yknow, steam (hot water vapors) :3
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#23
The Gym Was Empty, But He Still Stood Next To Me
Marc Lauzon 1 year ago
Kind of lack any view of the surrounding, but if the dumbell rack is nearby and etc, but 3 ft is fine. How f**king large is your bubble?
Do-nut touch da donut 1 year ago
Tbh if im ever at a gym, id like this, itd be very akward in an empty gym by myself... but i completely understand this guys concerns
#24
This Person At The Gym Hogging Dumbells
Melissa Sawicki 1 year ago
Walk up, kick them out from under him making eye contact the entire damn time
#25
The People At My Gym Are Animals
#26
Lockers At The Local Bouldering Gym
Myoviridae 1 year ago
If they wanted to be creative, they could have used names of famous bouldering routes. If the wanted to be catty/cheeky, they could use names of famous mountaineering or rock climbing routes.
#27
The Vending Machine At My Gym Selling “Healthy” Snacks And Drinks
Neon 1 year ago
Came into a sports"hall" and at the lets say recption they had a mini sports bar- "So you are a sport club?" " Yes..." "so you sell cigarettes?" " OF COURSE WE DO!!!" ;) still laughing about it
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SkyyCaramba 1 year ago
i read that as "us" not "US" and I was so befuddled. made me giggle-snort
Load More Replies... #28
Why Do Paying Gym-Goers Do This?
Joshua David 1 year ago
Because being in a room full of straight males peacocking I'd imagine it to look as such.
#29
All The Tvs In The Gym Were Stuck On This Channel Like This My Entire Workout
David Martin 1 year ago
That's your personal trainer for the day; He's watching you...make him proud
#30
Was Wondering Why There Were Only A Few Plates In The Gym
Captain McSmoot 1 year ago
This one is dumb. He has just as much of a right to be there and get the workout that's appropriate for him while he's there. He's using the weights. Some of them or all of them, it makes no difference. He needs that many, is using that many correctly, and is lifting that many, so leave him alone.
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Taibhse Sealgair 1 year ago
I'll throw a comment on this one. More funny than "cringy" This was a few years ago. At the local gym. On a tradmill. Guy gets on the treadmill next to me and suddenly has a phone call. Spends the next 30 minutes on his "phone call" talking to his "good friend" about this incredibly awesome bitcoin investment he found. It was pretty obvious it was a pump. But I just let him go. When I was finally done, I suddenly had "phone call" with a "good friend" and talked about his bitcoin pump. He did not look happy that he put all that time and effort into a failure, then went to another machine. :)
Guess Undheit 1 year ago
This fails to mention the failure of corporate "gyms": ALL of them have parking lots. NONE of them have bicycle racks, refusing to provide any. If you're really about "fitness", WHY is lazy driving encouraged and fit and healthy cycling discouraged at best, banned at worst?
Mike F 1 year ago
I'll bet $ to donuts these people are driving lifted pickup trucks so no need for a bike rack.
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Cathy Jo Baker 1 year ago
Everyne gripes about and makes fun of Planet Fitness, but I've been to several across the states and it's a great gym for normal people who need exercise. If you can exercise at home, on your own, bully for you. I need my gym. For my $20 a month, I think PF is fabulous!
Littlemiss 1 year ago
I know a person who used the gym as her personal babysitter. She'd workout and leave her 3 kids to go harass people and trash the place. She used the excuse she was also the cleaner there and would moan how disgusting and lazy people were. Not once acknowledging she was the cause of the mess every single day.
Lene 1 year ago
My experience is that most of the staff in gyms are tiny women and men, usually late teens/early 20s by age. And then just one, maybe two people at work at the same time. And of course these people do not want to risk upsetting someone whose arms are wider than both employees together. It is still super frustrating. But this is the reason I voted for more staff at the gym in the poll. If I could I'd have voted for older and more strong staff. Seems that staff that are over the age of 30 have more confidence in their ability to solve gym-problems (have seen it with every "older" person working at a gym).
Taibhse Sealgair 1 year ago
I'll throw a comment on this one. More funny than "cringy" This was a few years ago. At the local gym. On a tradmill. Guy gets on the treadmill next to me and suddenly has a phone call. Spends the next 30 minutes on his "phone call" talking to his "good friend" about this incredibly awesome bitcoin investment he found. It was pretty obvious it was a pump. But I just let him go. When I was finally done, I suddenly had "phone call" with a "good friend" and talked about his bitcoin pump. He did not look happy that he put all that time and effort into a failure, then went to another machine. :)
Guess Undheit 1 year ago
This fails to mention the failure of corporate "gyms": ALL of them have parking lots. NONE of them have bicycle racks, refusing to provide any. If you're really about "fitness", WHY is lazy driving encouraged and fit and healthy cycling discouraged at best, banned at worst?
Mike F 1 year ago
I'll bet $ to donuts these people are driving lifted pickup trucks so no need for a bike rack.
Load More Replies... Cathy Jo Baker 1 year ago
Everyne gripes about and makes fun of Planet Fitness, but I've been to several across the states and it's a great gym for normal people who need exercise. If you can exercise at home, on your own, bully for you. I need my gym. For my $20 a month, I think PF is fabulous!
Littlemiss 1 year ago
I know a person who used the gym as her personal babysitter. She'd workout and leave her 3 kids to go harass people and trash the place. She used the excuse she was also the cleaner there and would moan how disgusting and lazy people were. Not once acknowledging she was the cause of the mess every single day.
Lene 1 year ago
My experience is that most of the staff in gyms are tiny women and men, usually late teens/early 20s by age. And then just one, maybe two people at work at the same time. And of course these people do not want to risk upsetting someone whose arms are wider than both employees together. It is still super frustrating. But this is the reason I voted for more staff at the gym in the poll. If I could I'd have voted for older and more strong staff. Seems that staff that are over the age of 30 have more confidence in their ability to solve gym-problems (have seen it with every "older" person working at a gym).
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