I love going to the gym. It’s where I go to de-stress, get my aggression out, and train. But, as with all public environments, there are people who are extremely inconsiderate of others and act as if they’re the only ones using the gym. Buddy, I’m paying the exact same membership fees as you are, so show me some respect too. This goes for both guys and girls. The gym isn’t your house, so don’t treat it as such.

Don’t be THAT guy or girl.

THE WEIGHT LEAVER

My LEAST favorite person at the gym. You used a set of weights. That’s great. I’m glad you’re lifting. But you couldn’t return it to the rack? You obviously could pick it up, so put it back please. Other people need to use it too. I don’t care if it’s 5 pounds. I don’t care if it’s 50 pounds. You used it. Put it back.

Hunting down misplaced dumbbells is time-consuming and annoying. No one should have to clean up after YOUR mess. It takes less than ten seconds to re-rack weights, so do it. As much as I think you’re bad ass for bench pressing 225 pounds, removing four 45-pound plates should be YOUR job when you’re finished, not mine.

This is not limited to just dumbbells. Barbells, weight plates, bosu balls, yoga balls, mats, foam rollers, ANYTHING.

If you used it, return it to its proper location.

THE GRUNTER

I know the last rep is brutal. You’re giving it all you’ve got. Your arms are ready to fall off. Your legs feel like they’re ready to buckle. But I promise you, grunting like you’ve got a hernia won’t make you stronger. Adding to my gym soundtrack won’t make you put on more muscle. You don’t need to grunt like a dying bull every single rep. Sounding like you’re constipated will not earn you more gym cred nor will it help you bulk.

Tone it down, buster.

I know you’re working hard. I don’t need to hear it, too.

THE DROPPER

Seriously. You HAD to drop that 60-pound barbell from four feet above the ground? That’s just dangerous. For you and everyone around you. I realize that once again, you might be giving 150% of your effort and your arms feel like they’re ready to detach from your body. But despite what you might see in YouTube videos of Olympic weightlifters completing cleans and dropping the bar, you’re not an Olympic weightlifter, you’re most likely not doing cleans, and you’re at a crowded gym where other people are walking around or near you.

Please don’t break my foot.

THE SPACE VIOLATOR

The entire row of treadmills is open and you HAD to take the one immediately next to mine. All treadmills are created equal. Those ten other ones you see? Yeah, they work too. I’m flattered that you want to run right next to me because that means I don’t stink.

But I like my space. Don’t you?

And last but not least…

THE CELL-PHONE TALKER

I use my iPhone as my iPod but personally, I HATE it when I get phone calls during my workouts. It interrupts my personal time. My gym time is when I fully unplug and concentrate on myself, disconnecting from the outside world. I realize that sometimes, there’s important phone calls that need to be taken, so go answer them outside or tell the person you’ll call them back. Your friend will not cry a river if you drop their call.

Also, nobody at the gym needs to hear about how wasted you got last night. Nobody at the gym needs to hear about that guy you picked up at the bar. And frankly, nobody at the gym gives a damn about that new Gucci purse you just bought. If you need to be on the phone for longer than 5 minutes, take it outside. Bragging about last night’s hook-up does not make you a hot shot.

Nobody at the gym cares.

 

So get your workout in. Be efficient. Be effective. But be courteous as well.

Remember: Don’t be THAT guy.

 

Who’s on your THAT guy list?

 

THE DAILY BITE

Pizza Margherita – Dinner: lavash topped with tomato paste, fresh tomatoes, white onions, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.

Asparagus, Mushrooms & Feta Pizza – Dinner: lavash topped with asparagus, mushrooms, white onions, thyme, Swiss cheese, mozzarella cheese and Feta cheese.

Nacho Fries – Dinner: baked fries topped with black beans, ground pork, onions, Colby Jack cheese, fresh tomatoes, and jalapenos.

 

Consumption: 2383 calories, 69.25g of fat.

Workout: Biceps. Triceps. Interval run. Swim.

Swam a total of 600 meters with 300 meters freestyle non-stop.