Since I’ve been spending more time in the gym (as opposed to doing my workouts at home or running the roads), I’ve been reminded of some of my biggest pet peeves about the gym. Be Well Philly recently had a post about the 10 gym etiquette rules the wish everyone would follow.  I thought their list was 100% spot-on, but I had a few things of my own I wanted to add:

• If you are using the Express Circuit Workout area, follow the rules.

This one probably only applies if you work out at Planet Fitness, like I do. Each gym has an Express Workout area, which is a great option if you’re A. short on time, B. new to the gym and not sure where to do, C. a total dunce about strength training and need a fool-proof plan.

I’m a big fan of the express workout. I’m less of the fan of gym-goers who ignore the posted signs that the express workout area is for people completing the express workout, not for people who want to use the Lat Pull-down Machine since the one on the general floor is in use. Whenever I’ve done this workout in the past, there’s always at least one person not following directions. I realize this is really a minor inconvenience, but it’s pretty annoying to have my workout disrupted by people who don’t want to follow to rules.

• Walking on someone’s yoga mat.

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In a crowded yoga class, like my usual Sunday morning class, space is usually at a premium. Although I find that people (at least the people I interact with) are good about respecting people’s personal space during class, every so often someone will walk on my mat in the time before or after class. Seriously? You do realize that my face will be coming into contact with that mat at some point, right? I know where my feet have been, but I have no idea where your feet were. Plus, I’m lazy and don’t like to clean my mat that much. Please, keep your feet on the floor and off my mat.

• Clean the equipment when you’re done.

This one was on Be Well Philly’s list, but I think it bears repeating. In case you haven’t heard, it’s flu season people. Let’s all keep each other healthy and clean up when you’re done sweating (and before too, just to be safe).

All this in mind, I hit the gym bright and early yesterday morning for some cross training. I decided to take another stab at the FitSugar circuit workout I did last week (without the motivation of a free bagel). I finished the workout in about 33 minutes, 7 minutes faster than my first attempt. This was probably because I spent less time reading how to do the exercises since I was already familiar with the workout.

Yes, this picture is from last week. Same workout, same setup.

Definitely had my butt kicked just as much this week. The Ab Scissors are no joke. Hardest part of the workout for sure. Three weeks into the new year and I’m still sticking to strength training. I think this might be some kind of record for me. It’s still early so I’m not seeing results yet, but I’m excited about the possibilities. (The fact that I have a black tie wedding to attend in May has nothing to do with it at all. I swear.)

Now it’s your turn! What are your gym pet peeves?

Tagged: Cross Training, Gym Pet Peeves, Morning Workouts, Weights