12 Gym Behaviors That Make Everyone Roll Their Eyes
The gym should be a place where everyone can focus on their fitness goals. Unfortunately, certain habits can make it a less pleasant experience for others.
Understanding the common things people do at the gym that bother others can help you navigate your own experience with more ease and patience. Recognizing these habits might even inspire you to be more mindful of your own gym etiquette.
Staying on a unique machine for 15+ minutes without letting others wait
If you’re using a piece of gym equipment that’s in high demand, be mindful of how long you stay on it. Sticking to one machine for 15 minutes or more without breaks can frustrate others who need it.
Try to keep your rest periods short or step off briefly so others can work in between your sets. Most gym-goers appreciate when you’re willing to share time rather than monopolize equipment.
If you notice someone waiting, a simple gesture like asking if they want to work in with you can go a long way. It shows respect and keeps the workout flow smooth for everyone involved.
Avoid doing long circuits that rely on just one machine if the gym is crowded. Mixing your routine with other equipment helps prevent hold-ups and keeps your workout efficient.
Being aware of others waiting saves time and maintains a friendly atmosphere. Sharing equipment politely is a small habit that makes a big difference to those around you.
Wearing sunglasses indoors while working out
Wearing sunglasses inside the gym can feel a bit unusual to others. Some people do it to avoid eye contact or to create a personal zone while they focus on their workout.
You might also wear them to protect your eyes from bright or harsh lighting. However, sunglasses indoors can sometimes increase your light sensitivity because your eyes adjust to darkness, making bright areas feel more intense.
If you choose to wear sunglasses, consider the type of workout you’re doing. For example, they may not be ideal for exercises where you need clear vision or quick reactions.
Wearing sunglasses can also send mixed signals. Some may see it as a fashion statement, while others might think you’re trying to avoid interaction.
In any case, whether you wear prescription sunglasses or just want to stay low-key, it’s important to find a balance that works for you without distracting others.
Pulling out the phone between every set and scrolling endlessly
When you pull out your phone between every set and scroll endlessly, it can slow down the flow of the workout for everyone around you. It often breaks the focus not only for you but also for others trying to concentrate.
Using your phone in between exercises may seem harmless, but it can drag your rest time longer than needed. Ideally, you want to keep phone usage to a minimum or leave it in your gym bag or car to stay in the zone.
Constantly scrolling can also make your workout less effective. Instead of letting your body rest briefly and prepare for the next set, your attention gets pulled away.
If you find it hard to resist your phone, try setting specific limits on its use or use it only for necessary tasks like tracking your sets. Cutting down can improve your focus and create a better experience for others as well.
Doing complicated dance routines in the middle of the gym floor
When you start a full dance routine right in the center of the gym floor, it can catch others off guard. The gym is a shared space, and taking up a large area with complicated moves might block others from their workouts.
Dance moves can require a lot of room, especially if you are practicing tumbling or floor routines. These moves need space for safety, but if you’re in a crowded gym, it’s easy to disrupt those nearby.
If dancing is your favorite way to exercise, try to find a quieter corner or a dedicated dance area. This helps you stay focused and keeps others comfortable while they use the equipment or walk by.
Making exaggerated facial expressions while lifting weights
You might notice people grimacing or making funny faces as they lift heavy weights. This is actually quite common and happens because your body is working hard to generate force.
When you lift, your facial muscles tense up along with the rest of your body. These expressions sometimes help with things like jaw clenching, which can improve your grip strength by up to 16%.
Breathing also plays a role. Exhaling properly while lifting helps keep your core stable and maintain pressure inside your abdomen.
This can make your face scrunch up as you focus on steady breathing and muscle control. You’re not alone — almost everyone makes funny faces while weightlifting.
Constantly adjusting gloves mid-exercise
If you find yourself constantly adjusting your gloves while working out, you might be unknowingly annoying those around you. Repeatedly stopping to fix your gear can break the flow of your workout and disrupt others’ focus.
It’s a good idea to make sure your gloves fit properly before you start. Taking a moment to adjust them thoroughly outside of active sets helps you avoid interruptions during exercise.
If you do need to adjust gloves during your session, try to do it quickly and away from equipment others might want to use. This shows respect for both your workout and the space of those around you.
Attempting unusual or outlandish movements that don’t target muscles effectively
When you try strange or exaggerated moves at the gym, it can distract others. These types of movements often don’t focus on working the right muscles.
It’s tempting to show off or invent new exercises, but if the moves aren’t effective, your workout may suffer. Plus, unusual motions can sometimes increase the risk of injury if they aren’t done properly.
Stick with exercises designed to target specific muscle groups. This way, you get better results and keep the gym environment comfortable for everyone.
Forgetting to wipe down machines after use
When you finish using gym equipment, wiping it down is a simple but important courtesy. Sweat can carry germs that linger on surfaces, which might make the next person uncomfortable or even sick.
Taking a moment to clean the machine shows respect for others sharing the space. It’s helpful to keep disinfectant wipes or spray nearby while you work out.
This way, you can quickly clean handles, benches, or mats without interrupting your routine. Many gyms post signs reminding members to wipe down equipment before and after use, so following this rule helps keep the gym environment healthy.
If you forget to wipe down a machine, others might assume you don’t care about cleanliness. By wiping down equipment, you contribute to a cleaner, friendlier space where everyone can workout comfortably.
Talking loudly on the phone during workouts
If you take phone calls at the gym, try to keep your voice down. Loud conversations can distract others who are trying to focus on their exercises.
It’s best to step away from the workout areas if you need to talk. Finding a quiet spot or lounge helps keep the space respectful for everyone.
Using your phone briefly to check messages or track your workout is fine. But spending your whole session talking loudly on the phone occupies equipment and annoys others.
Being mindful of your phone volume shows respect for those around you.
Hogging multiple pieces of equipment at once
You might see someone moving between machines, holding spots on two or more at the same time. This often happens during supersets or circuit training, but it can frustrate others when the gym is busy.
It’s important to be mindful of how long you occupy multiple pieces of equipment. When you hog several machines, you slow down others who are waiting.
Even if you need to switch between exercises, giving others a chance to use equipment or sharing when possible keeps things fair. Leaving weights on machines or not returning them after use signals you want to keep that spot open.
It’s better to put things away or allow others to jump in between your sets. If you’re doing supersets and have to take breaks, try to keep those rest periods short.
Taking gym selfies excessively during peak hours
When you take gym selfies during busy times, it can slow down others who want to use the equipment. People might feel frustrated if machines are held up for photos instead of workouts.
It’s fine to capture your progress, but try to keep it quick and considerate of those waiting. The gym is a shared space, so others appreciate when you focus on your routine during peak hours.
Shooting selfies in crowded spots may make others uncomfortable, especially if they accidentally appear in your photos. Asking for permission or choosing less busy times can help respect everyone’s privacy and comfort.
Limiting selfie time can actually make your workout more efficient too. When you stay focused, you get better results and keep the flow going for everyone.
Using chalk excessively causing a mess
Chalk is a common tool in gyms, but using it carelessly can quickly create problems. Excessive chalk dust can spread everywhere and create a messy environment.
This can bother others who prefer a cleaner workout space. Using too much chalk can also lead to chalk residue on the floor and equipment.
The gym may look untidy, and chalk dust can even cause slipping. If you spill chalk, try to clean it up quickly.
Many gym owners limit chalk use because of this mess. You can bring a towel to catch chalk residue or use liquid chalk as a cleaner alternative.
Keeping your chalk use controlled helps everyone enjoy their workout. Chalk is helpful for grip, especially during heavy lifts.
Just balance its use with good gym etiquette to avoid creating unnecessary messes.
