As a long-time runner adding cross-training to her routine, there are things this runner doesn’t love about the gym. Being new to the whole gym system, I’m proceeding somewhat cautiously, doing my best to figure out the culture and the environment. So far, so good, but there are still some things that I haven’t adjusted to quite yet.
It’s Hard Being Inside
As a strong proponent of “get outside” whenever possible, the whole inside workout is challenging for me. This runner doesn’t love being cooped up indoors, even when the gains are worthwhile. On the plus side, our gym has high ceilings and lots of windows, making it more open. However, there’s still the claustrophobic feeling of being stuck inside, away from the sun and sky.
Being Part Of Everyone Else’s Experience
Running can be a very solitary activity. Even when in a group, everyone is all moving in one direction towards a common goal. At the gym, it’s a little different. The gym is full of sounds and movement, not entirely synchronized. There are grunts of exertion, conversation, banging weights, and people moving in and out of spaces and classrooms. For someone easily distracted by sensory stimuli, it’s hard to focus. And I hate the vibration of dropped weights, especially if I am downstairs or in a classroom. Mr. PugRunner even got me noise canceling ear buds to help keep me on track.
Knowing When Its Your Turn
I try to go to the gym during lower traffic times, but my schedule isn’t always quite that flexible. When someone is on the piece of equipment you want to use, it feels uncomfortable waiting. I never want to hover, but I also want to establish that I’m next. Ugh. I don’t love the feeling of that little dance to get on the leg press. It’s even worse when several people camp out at a machine, and make no moves to hustle through their workout.
People In Each Others’ Spaces
Of course, gyms are public spaces, and no one owns those spaces, but crowded days are hard with people being close together. When running, it’s pretty easy to adjust your pace and route if things get crowded, but it can be harder to navigate the gym floor during crowded times. Right now, I try to take up as little space as possible, but I probably need to get over that in order4 to feel more comfortable.
And What’s That Thing I Don’t Mind?
Honestly, I don’t care if people don’t wipe down the equipment after they use it. Yes, of course they SHOULD do it, and it’s a jerk move not to. The truth is, I’m going to wipe it down myself anyway, even if I see it being wiped down directly before I use it. I know this ranks high on the list of gym etiquette, and of course, I clean after myself, but this is one hot topic that doesn’t get to me.
If you’re a runner who just started with a gym, what are some things you don’t love?
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I have a different perspective. While I agree that it can be distracting being around other athletes, I often find inspiration in the athlete who might be struggling or pushing through a tough workout. My gym celebrates PRs and we have a bell we get to ring when we get one! I do like to be outside too, but sometimes it’s nice to have a covered space!
I love that celebration. And I know a lot of it is just a me thing as I figure out my place. You know me – so prickly around all the people lol. Most people have been super cool and nice, and I’m seeing people I know which is great too.
There are definitely things I dont miss about going to a gym! Now that I have a pretty well established home gym I dont think I could go back to a public one. It is nice that gyms have such a big range of equipment though.
There are things I really like having access to that I don’t think any home gym would have. I also feel slightly more motivated being around other people. Like if I’m struggling, but someone is working out across from me, I would rather pass out than have them see me struggling lol. For now, it’s a good thing.
It can be a big adjustment to start going to a gym. Each gym has it’s own flow and “rules” but you will soon adapt and thrive!
So far, I feel good. I think I need to get a lock for the locker room, because it would be easier than leaving my clothes in a cubby on the gym floor, but I’ll figure that part out. So far, it’s better than I expected.
As someone who works at a gym and also (as of yesterday) just joined another gym (first in a long time and mostly so my husband will go), I understand your feelings. I never (or I should say 99.9% of the time) do my cardio in the gym, that’s running and since I, like you, live in a place where you can mostly run in year-round, I refuse. 🙂
The noise-cancelling headphones should help. It can be noisy and people who just drop their weights annoy the hell out of me but you’ll get used to it. And if people are just hanging around a certain machine, politely say, “can I work in?” They’ll get the hint and move it along.
I hate the dropping. Stop that. If you can’t put them down nicely, they’re too heavy! That’s what I say on the inside.
I did have to tell a man I was just starting my reps the other day, and that was bad enough LOL! He was hovering and I was just wiping things down to get started. He acted annoyed, but oh well.
Oh, I know! When I first started going to the gym I had to work hard at overcoming the feeling that I was an outsider and didn’t belong there. I still feel self-conscious sometimes, and when I’m using the squat rack I’ll think “Maybe I should leave this free for someone lifting heavier weights.” I just have to remind myself that I’m paying for the gym just like everyone else, I’ve come to do my workout and I’m going to do it! It definitely gets easier as time goes on.
Isn’t it funny. And some people are certainly more territorial than others, so it’s hard for me to get past that. But, no pain, no gain, right? I’m a little nervous to see what happens when I get to big weights, but for now, I’m happy with where I’m at.
Oh, I know! When I first started going to the gym I had to work hard at overcoming the feeling that I was an outsider and didn’t belong there. I still feel self-conscious sometimes, and when I’m using the squat rack I’ll think “Maybe I should leave this free for someone lifting heavier weights.” I just have to remind myself that I’m paying for the gym just like everyone else, I’ve come to do my workout and I’m going to do it! It definitely gets easier as time goes on.
As a new gym goer, I agree with everything you said.
I FORCE myself to go because I know it’s good for me.
I HATE waiting for a machine because someone is scrolling on their phone!!!!!!!!
I use the same machines because I’m comfortable with them but I think I should vary and maybe use weights? But it’s just easier to get in and out.
My routine mixes up machines and some free weights (dumbbells). Today was the first day I ventured to the side with the barbells and benches, because I needed the incline bench for some crunches. Ick.
I can be in and out in an hour, if i don’t add the stair master. Most people are respectful as far as scrolling on their phones. I’ll play a fast game or text during my rest breaks, but only quickly.