I work at our college's fitness center, so that's partially why I'm writing this but I do have some major complaints. Also, at Wells the athletes don't have their own gym, so some of my complaints stem from there, too. Whether or not you are an athlete, if you go to the gym with some frequency you'll understand what I'm talking about.
1. People just really need to rack their weights
This is the first one on the list because it is my biggest pet-peeve. I hate when I'm going to squat or bench and I have to stop and re-rack weights. It's a big inconvenience to re-rack the two 45 pound bars you've racked, especially if I'm trying to get a quick workout in. The same goes for when I'm working. I really don't like spending ten minutes trying to take a clamp off a bar because you were too lazy to take it off. So, PLEASE RACK YOUR WEIGHTS!!!
2. If you are going to go to the gym, please actually workout
This is more specific for my home gym, but don't sit there for a good two minutes in between reps on your phone. There is a good chance there is someone else waiting to use that machine and you sitting on your phone is quite annoying. I totally get taking a break in between reps, but if in the time that you've been sitting on your phone I've already finished a set of three of my workout then you are taking way too long.
3. Please limit your gym selfies
One time I was enjoying my very hard workout and the guy next to me decided to take a classic gym pic. I'm used to watching this action take place in the women's locker room, but this guy was doing this in the middle of the gym! I really don't want to be in your gym pic because I know it's going on the internet, so please wait to take the pic until you're in the locker room. The same goes for your friend who is taking your picture in the middle of the gym. This is not a photo shoot so please don't.
4. Please don't stare
Whether it's because you think I'm doing something wrong or it's because you just want to, please don't stare. I'm here to do my workout and you're supposed to be doing yours so let's do that. Also, it makes me feel self-conscious and no one wants to feel bad a the gym.
5. Be nice to the people who work at the gym
It really makes my day when gym-goers come in and say hello or just smile. Sometimes I'm stressing about homework and it de-stresses me when someone comes by and says hi. Also, sometimes it gets lonely sitting behind the desk by myself. So, please say hi or smile at the people that work at the gym.
I love the gym because it's a place I am free to work on my insecurities while getting better, faster, and stronger for my sport. I really want it to be a place where everyone wants to go. If all these problems were eliminated then I think more people would love the gym as much as I do.
