10 Characters found in every gym

Photo courtesy of Robbinssports.com

When first starting a fitness and weight loss program, you may be like a lot of others out there who are intimidated by stepping foot in a gym.  There are characters of all types in almost any gym that, by their actions, show us exactly what not to do.

At first, some of these characters may actually be a source of intimidation.  It is hoped, however, that by knowing these guys (or girls) are more of a spectacle than a source of intimidation, you may feel a little more comfortable getting started...and know what not to do yourself!

1.  The Over Achiever

There is lifting heavy and then there is lifting too heavy.  Lifting heavy means that you are at or above 80% of your 1 rep max.  Lifting too heavy means you are over 100% of your 1 rep max.  The signs of lifting too heavy are easy to spot.  There are two signs that will tip you off.  The first is an extremely small range of motion.  On the bench press, it could be referred to as 'chest flinches'.  An example of this is a with a spotter who is lowering the bar down 2 inches and then back up.  Really?  The second is when you see a guy with a spotter and he's helping on the first rep...then he continues to help through the rest of the set at which time he yells, "Awesome set, dude!"  Ugh.

2.  The Social Butterfly

Most of us go to the gym to work out.  A select few go to the gym to socialize.  The former is irritated by the latter.  These are the guys/girls that might do a set, then chat with their friends...loudly...for the next fifteen minutes or so, then do another set.  This ties up the equipment unnecessarily which, quite frankly, is rude.

3.  The Mirror Flexer

Ok, well, this one is as funny as it is irritating.   Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, wants to see you flex in the mirror.  The girls will NOT be impressed.  Most gyms are equipped with a lot of mirrors that some feel are there for their vanity rather than so you can see if you maintain good form.  It is quite funny to watch the skinniest guy in the gym finish a set of bicep curlz and then check out his gunz in the mirror.

4.  The Weight Slinger

This usually happens in the dumbbell area but it isn't only limited to dumbbells.  It can actually be seen with barbells and machines.  These are the people that are usually long time gym goers that want everyone in the gym to know they are lifting heavy.  This is most commonly seen doing dumbbell bench presses.  At the end of the set, these people, rather than gently lowering the weights, send them crashing to the floor in a resounding BOOM.  Two things: you're are probably damaging the equipment that we help pay for with our monthly dues and we don't care how much you are lifting!

5.  The Advice Giver

This is the person that gives unsolicited advice on your lifting technique or on your workout in general.  This is often the one person in the gym that shouldn't be giving anyone advice.  On top of that, the advice is often wrong.  So, please, if someone doesn't ask you for advice, don't give it.  There is one exception to this rule.   If you see someone doing something that can seriously hurt them, speak up.  The caveat is that you better know what you're talking about.

6.  The Screamer

The screamer is usually also guilty of other pet peeves on this list.   This is the person that screams as if they're in a horror movie during their workout.  It is ok to make grunt when you lift but, please, don't scream as though you are being tortured.  This is usually done to bring the entire gym's attention to the massive weight the screamer is lifting.  Again, nobody cares. 

7.   The Machine Hog

This can be associated with the Social Butterfly but it can be someone that decides they just need 10 minutes between sets.  Obviously there needs to be a period of rest between sets but the seasons shouldn't change in between them.  Most people have a limited amount of time they can spend in the gym everyday.  Please be cognizant of others' needs.

8.  Mr. Funk

This one should be obvious.  Deodorant is made for a reason.  If you stink before you workout, it is only going to get worse.  Oh, and those gym clothes you've worn all week?  Not cool.  One more thing: yes, we do see the green fog of funk trailing you wherever you go.

9.  Captain Morgan

From a guys perspective in the locker room:  If you shower, please cover.  It's really, really not cool to pop a 'Captain Morgan' pose buck nekkid.  We don't need to see that!  Cover it please.  If you don't get the Captain Morgan reference or know what the pose is, you can see some HERE.  As for the women's locker room, this Examiner has no experience in there!

10.  The Squat Rack Curler

The squat rack, in most gyms, is probably the most underused piece of equipment.  In most gyms, there is one or two squat racks.  It is almost a given that if you are going to do squats, there will be someone in the cage doing curlz!  Why?!?!  Two steps over is an ez curl bar.  It's called a curl bar for a reason!!  We don't squat with your curl bar so don't curl in our squat rack!

That's it for now.  Do you know of some other gym characters that aren't listed?  Please leave them in the comments below!

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