Rule No. 7
Rule No. 7 of the weight room at the gym I attend basically states that you should let other members work in-between sets with you if asked. In other words don’t hog the equipment be couteous and share.
Simple enough I’m pretty sure all of that simplicity was instilled in me around the age of 5 as I prepared for Kindergarten and reiterated throughout my life developing into my unconcious awareness of the unwritten rules of gym ettiqutte that states don’t be an Ass Hole other people pay their gym dues just like you!
And so my fellow Body Spacers my ordeal began Thur April 3rd 2008. I woke up happy energized and ready to train. I showered, dressed for the gym made breakfast for my little boys and was out the door.
I dropped off my 8 yr old at 2nd grade and headed to the gym with my 6 yr old he loves going to the gym he equates going to their child care as working out with daddy at the gym. We had a wonderful conversation on the way discussing the plight of the Rebel Alliance in their battle against the Evil Galactic Empire yes my little ones have discovered STAR WARS!
At any rate we arrived and I got him settled in and stowed my gear in the locker room and set off to train legs I had a wanderful training session great pumps, great strength levels and just all around feeling good.
I was just finishing up Calves when I decided to hit Abs then move on to Cardio. As I approached the two ab machines I wanted to use I noticed to middle aged women sitting side by side on them not training but talking.
I contemplated going elsewhere but said no this is what I want to use so I’ll wait a few, I went and got some water then came back the one woman who was specifically on the machine I wanted had probaly 50% or more weight than she could realistically handle or need on the machine and was panting and groaning doing these painful looking little quarter reps very quickly herky jery type of thing.
I patiently waited till she was done destroying her connective tissue then asked politely.
The Bodyguard: May I work in with you please?
Her: What? (Read incredulous indignation!)
The Bodyguard: May I please work inbetwen sets with you?
Her: Unh Uhn I don’T think so not a ****ing chance! Please!
I put my hands up and simply said "OK" and proceeded to walk away. As I walked away she yelled "Hey!" I turned around and was greeted with "Don’t roll your ****ing eyes at me!" I said-
TheBodyguard: Ma’am I only asked to work in-between your sets thats it! I’m not sure what the problem is but it’s not that serious.
Her: Listen here buster why don’t you just go away!
TheBodyguard: I am sorry youre having a bad day but I suggest you not say another thing to me.
Her Freind: Don’t tell her not to speak, who the **** do you think you are? Youre not gonna pull any of that he man woman hater shit with us tough guy.
TheBodyguard: Wow youre really rude and obnoxious, why are you interjecting your self into this she lipped off to me now youre jumping in on this you have got to be kidding me. (I might add the whole time I am trying to back away and leave, but they kept reengaging me.)
Both of them: If you don’t quit picking on us you got a world of trouble coming your way! Youre gonna get ****ed up! (I might also add that all of their responses were screamed at the top of their lungs!)
At this point it was so out of control I can’t even describe it. I could jsut see this blowing up in my face, I am about 5′5" and carry 190-200 lbs I was dressed in a black under armour and running shorts and look every bit a weight lifter I could here the accusations of roid rage and how the big tough barbell boy was abusing two helpless middle aged housewives etc.
I finally was able to free myself of the situation and grabbed a female fitness competitor who is a trainer there and broke it down for her she was so nice my temp started to drop immediately she was like don’t even finish explaining you have trained here since opening day and you nevr do anything except train and go home youre the quietest person in the gym get up to the front desk I think the owner is here.
I was met upfront by the owner and the head trainer again reliving the mess with them, I wrote out a statement urged them to review the video tapes as it will clearly show I kept trying to leave and kept getting confronted several times. The head trainer said he thought he knew they were and went to check.
The owner said it wasn’t my fault and he didn’t want it to affect me coming there (It Won’t) he put a copy of the statement in my file and a note in hers, she came up to the desk and was ranting while I was talking to him but he didn’t want to talk to her.
The head trainer said while there hadn’t been any direct complaint about her or them yet he knew who they were and they have issues he like the other trainer got my back and told the owner I was a good guy and a founding member of the facility (I actually signed up yrs ago before they opened for business) and that I came in kept to myself did my business and left.
The owner was compassionate professional and understanding. And the employees had my back I felt relievd I told the owner my only concern was because of the various He-Man statements mad that I may have a confrontation coming from a son or husband next which I am not fearful of but I’m not looking for a fight or public incident. He assured me that that would be a horrendous mistake on their part and as it stands now if they get another complaint he will revoke their memberships.
I went back in and trained the day after as I consistantly train 5 days at the same time I’m not altering my way of life for anyone no incidents so far but DAMN!!!!
If any one thinks I should have just walked away trust me I did several times they just kept coming at me, if anyone thinks I shouldn’t have said anything back listed Bullys and Obnoxious people do what they do because no one stands up to them and I tried not to say anything but I like evryone else have a right to defend myself against attacks on my person or charactor and I did nothing but ask them to work in-between sets they rudely told me to basically go ‘F" myself and I walked away they pusued and engaged me.
I feel enough is enough man woman who ever they had no right the whole thing was unnecessary and I am not the kind of person to let anyone impose their B.S. on me it was unprovoked I didn’t deserve that.
Finally when the dust cleared I picked up my little man and he started engaging me in one of his wandeful little conversations before I knew it instead of the knot in my gut I was feeling I was just smiling and laughing with my little boy. He has know idea how much I needed him that day but he reaped the benefits after he got out of kindergarten cause I took him to his favorite resteraunt.
As for the two nasty women at the gym I hope evry day they see me in there training as usual it tears them up inside eventually the law of averages will catch up with them and their nastiness will be their undoing.
My wish for everyone who reads this is that you treat each other with kindness and respect and that when youre feeling down spend some time with youre children we need them as much as they need us and there is nothing better in the world than seeing their smiles, feeling their little hugs and hearing their laughter. I promise you’ll feel better!
April 5, 2008 at 10:49 am
Wow!! I have never ever seen anything like that in the gym!!! We don’t have a written rule, but must people are willing to work in sets w/ you. I’m surprised w/ their response and I don’t think you did anything wrong….atleast you asked…the pet peeve I have, is when someone stands over you trying to intimidate you as if that will make you move faster, not saying a word, just staring at you..that’s when I ask, "can I help you." Then they will say I was just waiting on you to finish." Then I usually say I have x amount of sets, but your welcome to work in with me.
It’s very apparent that these 2 ladies aren’t very familiar with the gym or gym etiquette for that matter. It’s like they had a coaching and were waiting for someone to approach them!!!! Wow, with me dieting right now, who knows what would have happened if that were me!! I commend you on keeping your cool!!!
April 5, 2008 at 10:57 am
I’m so glad that you manage to keep such a positive outlook even when you encounter insanity from others!! =0) Half makes me glad that I train at home! Seriously, I’m glad that it did work out for you and that the staff there realizes the type of person you are. I imagine little guy really did help pull you through that ordeal. I’m glad he was there for you to pick up afterwards. They have a way of making us forget stupidity!!! Keep training!!
April 5, 2008 at 11:16 am
What a story! Knowing you, I am not at all surprised that you kept your cool. I’m sure it was tough tho! My blood would have been boiling! Unfortunately there is no reasoning with people like that — and you’re right, Karma, what comes around - goes around. I always believe that & just try to be happy and polite, there’s no excuse not to be
April 5, 2008 at 11:26 am
I find the situation at my Y when on fridays a bunch of guys get together and play basketball. There are only two hoops and its not the size of a regular regulation court a bit smaller so 5 on 5 is crowded. So when around 16 to 20 people show up its tough to make sure everyone can play. The only fair way is for us to shoot up teams. Its the unwritten rule. If your not one of the first 10 to make it you sit and wait to shoot up the next 5 to play the winning team. Problem come when you have the people from the losing team trying to line up in front of the people who havent played yet to shoot. Happened last night So i step in being the only guy in the group looking like i might be on roids and interject for the sake of fairness of everyone else. I decide that if you were on the losing team you cant shoot. You have to give other people a chance to play. I had one kid try telling me well you guys can shoot but im playing no matter what. I interjected with if you dont shoot you don’t play, his comeback for this is ,you wanna bet watch me. Eventually the kids saw that no one was about take his side and he decided to shoot. We all want to play all night but like with the ab machines there are only two and there are only two hoops you gotta be fair other people want to use the equipment that pay to use. And props for keeping a cool head I’m sorry ladies I dont think your special for being woman at the gym your another lifter mouth off to me and I’ll treat you like the next lifter. I think those woman thought they could get away with it because you are a big guy and seeing them mid middle aged house wives that everyone would think you were trying. to bully them
April 5, 2008 at 11:39 am
Good for you keeping your cool. Haven’t had that issue but my trainer is with me and he does all the asking. I agree with DeborahAnn, what comes around ~ goes around.
Bodyguard you are so right about the kids, there smiles, love, laughter and hugs ALWAYS brighten my days.
April 5, 2008 at 11:41 am
OMG. You showed incredible restraint. This incident had the potential of derailing your great workout, but it seems as if you handled it well. I’m not sure I would have been so cool. Thank goodness for our little ones.
I’ve been the one who was sitting on the machine (not talking) and politely refused to allow a guy to work in his sets b/c I thought he was obnoxious and I only had one more set (which I explained). For the most part, I try to be nice and "take turns" when possible.
April 5, 2008 at 11:43 am
I think you handled it well and kept your cool as much as humanly possibly. Sometimes there is no diffusing irrational people. It’s simple gym etiquette to share the equipment. But I’m glad to hear you still had a great workout!!
April 5, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Its unbeliveable how some people act! You did the right thing, and just be happy one of them isn’t the mother of your boys-LOL!!
April 5, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Its unbeliveable how some people act! You did the right thing, and just be happy one of them isn’t the mother of your boys-LOL!!
I hope the gym fairies are with you and you never have a run-in with them again!
April 5, 2008 at 2:07 pm
I’m so sorry you had to deal with that. Some people can be so rude and irrational and I definitely think you did the right thing. Good for you for still being able to have a good workout. I’d have been extremely flustered if I had been in your position.
I totally agree about the children too. Nothing brightens up my day or perks up my mood more than spending time with my daughter. I could be having the worst day ever, but being with her really helps the tension to dissipate.
April 5, 2008 at 3:14 pm
You should have rolled around on the ground and cried like a woman all obnoxious like and yelled…please dont call me names i’m fragile and insecure……that would have been hilarious!
People suck…I have dealt with this in WalMart though…similar situation about a new line opening up yaddayadda…..tried to get away and their mouth kept on! What the hell do they have to prove!!!!
Sorry, I am sure you will know now to not be nice and KICK THEIR @$$!!!!!
April 5, 2008 at 4:50 pm
That must have been a terrible experience. You held yourself with the utmost care and should be commended (by the gym) for the restraint. I personally, would have expected nothing less from you. I understand working in, and should try to ask more, becuase my workouts are as important as others conversations. It’s funny, my gym has three locations, I choose the one I do mainly becuase it is the "less" social gym and I can usually get to the equipment I need. Thank you for sharing, it just goes to show you that there women can be knuckleheads too.
April 5, 2008 at 5:56 pm
sorry you had to go thru that mess. it goes to show that kindness really does hurt those who do not have God in their lives & are so ignorant & hateful. You did the right thing, taking it all in & being respectful just killed them. they were intimidated & thought that they could break you…. hands up to you!!
April 5, 2008 at 6:42 pm
thats horrible! i’ve had some issues with people hogging equipment (mostly teen girls texting or yapping…not working!) those women obviously have no class…good for you for keeping your head up and being the bigger person
April 5, 2008 at 6:51 pm
OMG….but doesn’t surprise me. You never know what type of people you are dealing with in public places. Obnoxious people are not the "norm" thank God. You handled yourself appropriately!
April 5, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Yeah, you definitely did the right thing. I know they don’t deserve it, but you were still a gentleman about it. I mean, even if the woman in question was resting before her next set, she should have still had the common courtesy to let you work in. That’s just unwritten code and respect from one gym member to another, like you and others have mentioned. Glad the managers were able to see what happened as well. Keep being the great guy you are!
April 6, 2008 at 9:17 am
Sounds like you handled yourself quite well, even thought they didn’t deserve you being so nice! I feel bad that things had to escalate to that sort of situation. People can be so rude. Apparently they are not aware of the rule that you let your fellow gym members work in with you, especially on a machine where it is easy to change the weight amount. I’m glad you’re not letting it discourage you from going to the gym..some people would.
April 6, 2008 at 10:43 am
I have ran into a few rude people myself at the gym. You handled the sitiation well. Good for you and that is very cool that the gym owner and trainer had your back. Thanks for the info.
April 6, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Wow, I’m shocked that people can be so rude! I’m sorry that you had to endure that but what a star you are…not letting them get your spirits down and I have to agree that my children also bring out the best in me and make me appreciate my life even when all doesnt go my way - they’re little healers,these little angels called children! I also never mind when poeple want to work inbetween…after all we all pay a membership fee! Sound like they needed to ‘really ‘work out to relieve some stress!
April 6, 2008 at 12:48 pm
I am having a difficult time believing that rude people like that exist. They must not be getting any sex. Don’t take it personal bro.
April 6, 2008 at 1:46 pm
I witnessed a similar situation over removing the weights. The guy was very rude and insisted the previous person remove them, he was calm and did. Then the rude person put them all back on and then some so he could use the same machine! After he was done he didn’t even wipe down the machine. I was holding back saying anything and as it turns out it was a good thing that I didn’t as I found out it was one of my wife’s co-workers!! You did the right thing!
April 6, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Mean people Suck! And I agree The little ones can change a bad day……
Real Men Have Mass!
April 6, 2008 at 5:08 pm
I don’t know why some people think that they can treat others disrespectfully, I can’t stand ppl like that…I’m glad you stood up for yourself. Kids are blessing
April 6, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Yet one more reason to have a training partner: Strength in Numbers!
The two ladies thought they could actually bully you, it seems.
I have a training partner and we’ve often avoided confrontation by simply picking an alternate machine and then talking sh!t about the person sleeping on the machine we had intended to use. Typically, they’ll move on and it doesn’t hurt that badly to postpone one exercise for a moment.
That said, I still think you should have stepped on her neck. "ROLL MY EYES? I’LL ROLL MY EYES ANY DANM TIME I CHOOSE! I AM HEEEE-MAN!"
Ahem.
Uh, just kidding.
One thing I’m not kidding about, though, is your quote: "painful looking little quarter reps very quickly herky jery type of thing." Man, those people drive me insane.
I don’t always do completely full repetitions, but it’s normally on bench where I don’t always lock out. I’m training pecs, after all, and lock out when I’m training triceps on close-grips. Anyway, those herky jerky quarter reps are the lazy man’s method of lifting.
Kudos on your child bring the laughter and happiness back to your day!
…
I’m sitting here trying to think of the worst gym day or gym experience I’ve ever had. I’ll have to get back to you on that.
April 7, 2008 at 6:32 am
Personally, I don’t like for anyone to work in a set or even ask, but I’d never react that way. I have been asked and I’ve allowed it to happen. I figure they are in a hurry and want to get the hell out of the gym. You handled things well though, they were a pathetic pair if you ask me.
April 8, 2008 at 5:40 am
Wow! That’s just simply uncalled for. Its people like them who make me apprehensive of asking if I can jump in. I have asked that of people in the gym before and was scoffed at as if…well, I don’t know what they were thinking, and it really doesn’t matter…in my cases I was able to walk away and find something else to do.
I’m glad that the employees and owner of the gym were on your side. Too often, you find places where "the customer is always right" and they try to make both parties happy regardless of the situation.
April 8, 2008 at 8:14 am
man bodyguard, that’s a tough situation. I’ve had my fair share of run ins at the gym but have always kept my cool. Some people just weren’t raised right man. Props to the gym for backing you up too.
April 8, 2008 at 7:41 pm
She is crazy. I can’t stand people that act like they can’t share equipment. Like when someone is super setted and they don’t want you to use the machine while they aren’t using it. I just roll my eyes and start working in. I thought it was just a male to female thing. Surprized to find out women are just as stupid. Sorry to hear that happened to you. that would bother me too.
April 8, 2008 at 8:23 pm
OMG! I cannot believe what I just read! I am in awe…that woman is definitely a DESPERATE HOUSEWIFE…she needs some tender loving care before she gives the rest of us a bad name!! She is a negative and angry person…what an awful life to be living like that….Love thy Neighbor…it would be a better place to live!
April 9, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Oh man, that was quite a story! How rude of them! They just jumped right atcha, not cool. I think you did the right thing about keeping your cool and being professional and respectful. I bet that burned their asses even more. Yeah, i believe in karma and i’m sure they will get theirs. I value my kids too and spending some quality time with them this week for Spring Break
Keep being you 
April 9, 2008 at 3:21 pm
OH and i’m glad i workout at home
April 10, 2008 at 7:57 pm
You handled it really well and I’m glad to hear that your upset was able to be diffused so soon afterwards by your little one and you didn’t let it get to you. Kids make all the BS in our life seem so insignificant. They’re little angels here to help us see the simple things in life and remind us to keep laughing and smiling
April 14, 2008 at 6:32 am
Wow, you really handled it well. Were is politeness these days??? It obviously doesn’t exist in her (or his) parole……. anyway, we always have to look on the bright side of things, glad u walked away with a smile:)
April 14, 2008 at 12:27 pm
You went above and beyond the duty of being a patient human being. Blessings to you. I don’t imagine too many people would be that patient with them. Sounds like they were just taking their frustrations out on you, not realizing they are probably the reason for their own frustrations. I’m glad you didn’t leave right after that, but keep working out. I understand how your kids can keep you focused on what’s important. I remember one day after my seperation but before my divorce, I was sitting at the table trying to figure things out and my 4 year old son comes to me and gives me a hug and says, "Hey Mommy, I’m going to take care of you, ok?" It was like the sun broke through the clouds at that exact moment. : ) It brought me right out of my funk. Stay focused!
May 16, 2008 at 9:02 am
I’m glad to hear the staff had your back. What an awful
thing to encounter but hearing this does make me more conscious of others. I don’t work out in a gym - at home but have seen people working out and people socializing. Socializing is okay but hogging up machines is not.
-Kathy
June 27, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Hi Bodyguard - Thank you for sharing. I really was having a hard time wit this lady of mine the othr day. Though my blog was the short version of the story she did tell me to go back to my roid cage lol lol. Can you believe some people? It was so great that you kept your cool and remaied the gentlemen. Just as one of our sisters commented below, it may have been a different story if we were dieting down for comp ha ha ha.
Best wishes to you!