Trainers reveal their seven pet peeves at the gym

Gym workers have revealed the most annoying habits of workout junkies. Find out if you’re guilty of a gym floor faux pas.

These are some pet peeves at the gym to avoid.

If you’re a regular gym junkie or a newcomer to the fitness world, you’ve probably seen some questionable people in your time working out. Whether it’s those who don’t sanitise their space, or gym-goers who think everyone loves to hear their music out loud, habits of others can really weigh down the atmosphere.

When it comes to annoying practices of others, you probably think you’ve seen it all, but chances are, you actually haven’t.

We spoke to employees, trainers and owners of popular gyms in Melbourne, Sydney and Queensland to find the most annoying traits members have. Read the list to find out if you’re guilty or innocent in the gym scene.

#1 Don’t be a hog

A common factor bought up by most employees is that gym equipment is communal and should therefore be used that way.

Time at the gym is super valuable for many. Owner and head coach of Momentum Health & Fitness, David Coyne, said more people needed to be self-aware of the time they spent on equipment. “Hogging equipment or not being willing to share has become ordinary in gyms,” he said. “People commonly stay on their phone whilst others are waiting behind them. If you’re looking at a program that’s okay but don’t just sit and browse social media.”

#2 Clogged drains

You might not know it, but that pre-workout or protein powder you’ve been pouring into the water-fountain is slowly but surely breaking it. Many employees have seen individuals pour clumps of powder straight into the gym’s water system, not understanding its effects.

These clumps block the plumbing and in return stop the supply of water reaching other members’ bottles.

Pouring protein powder into the water fountain is not a good idea.

Ex Plus Fitness worker Mia Hajje said that in her three years working at the gym, the drains would be blocked consistently.

“People would dump their drinks in the bubbler and because they have really tiny drains, they’d clog up straight away,” she said.

“I even found toilet paper in there once.”

It’s important to remember to not pour your workout drinks down the drain, sink or toilet.

#3 You unpack, you put back

The most frustrating habit of gym-goers was members not re-racking used equipment.

Genesis Gym club owner Mel Tempest said that gym staff and members were at risk from weights being left on the floor or on equipment. “Not putting weights away is dangerous not only to gym members walking around the club but also a concern if a member goes looking for a weight, picks it up off the floor and hurts themselves,” she said.

Put your weights away when you’re done.

Personal trainer Loz Antonenko also said that leaving weights on equipment showed a blatant disregard for other members. “For clients with disabilities, those immovable weights make equipment inaccessible,” he said.

#4 Chatty Cathy’s and Unsolicited Advice

During workouts, it’s nice to make yourself comfortable around other members of your gym. A friendly hello or a question about today’s activities is a nice place to start … and stop. During busy times, it’s important to allow others the time and space to do what they need to.

Additionally, training in front of others can be intimidating, so it’s important to be respectful and not comment on people’s bodies, form and technique (unless they are potentially injuring themselves). Gym employees commonly described seeing others uncomfortable with being interrupted during their sets by others acting as teachers.

Ms Antonenko said she saw so many young and unqualified people giving unsolicited advice. “Lots of people give technique advice when they’re not actually qualified to do so,” she said.

“Often people see videos on TikTok and think that they are now teachers.”

#5 Lights, Camera, action! (But away from other people)

This one may seem harmless, but fitness experts said that people don’t appreciate being filmed while working out, especially when the content is uploaded online. Filming can be a great tool to look back on progress or see your form but there are unspoken rules when it comes to taking pics or clips inside a gym.

Ms Tempest said to check the gym’s policy before you start filming.

Our club has signs informing members to seek the club owners’ permission to film. It’s all about the culture of the club’s demographic,” she said.

Ms Hajjes said it was important to get approval from others before taking your videos. “You need to get other people’s permission before filming. But as long as it’s just yourself I don’t really see an issue with it,” she said.

#6 The worst is sweat to come

The most common annoying habit discussed by gym employees was found to be when people leave their spaces unnecessarily dirty. Sitting in another person’s pile of sweat is nobody’s idea of fun, so it’s super important to sanitise when you’re finished with your pump.

Ms Antonenko finds it annoying that people who bring towels don’t actually use them. “Most gyms have policies surrounding wipes, hygiene and towels but there lots of people don’t actually use them.”

If you're sweaty wipe up after yourself.

“Gyms are breeding grounds for bacteria, if people wiped stuff down and had etiquette it would be a much nicer place,” she said.

7# Grunting?

The most unique habit that gym employees found irritating was those who made unusual sound effects whilst working out. Grunting, or guttural noises are often made by those who want to exert greater force while lifting. Sometimes these noises are taken to the next level. A pity for those who forgot their headphones.

Ms Hajjes said that “excessive grunting can make people feel really uncomfortable” so it’s important to try to keep the groaning to a minimum.

Originally published as Trainers reveal their seven pet peeves at the gym