FitSugar

From the Fit Community: Leave Your Phone at Home When You Work Out

Fit Community — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:25:08 PST

FitSugar reader JessicaSmithTV wants you to know: you're hurting your workout when you bring your cell phone into the equation. She shared her three reasons you should stay cell phone-free at the gym in our 10 Pounds Down! community group.

1. It’s hurting your workout (and could cause you to get hurt)

If you can text or talk on the phone during any part of your workout, you aren’t working hard enough. Exercise requires a mind/body connection (yes, even the time you spend on the treadmill) and your cell phone seriously disrupts the communication signals between your mind and your body.

Even if you think you are the most talented texter, or multitasker to ever walk the earth, don’t kid yourself - many studies have shown cell phone distraction as even worse than being drunk – so if you wouldn’t run that mile, take that spin class or do Pilates totally wasted, then your phone shouldn’t be out during your workout. Not paying attention during exercise is dangerous and can cause you to hurt yourself - in a big way. Not to mention, it slows you down! Even if you stop to text in between exercises, you are slowing down your flow - and your heart rate. Not a good way to get results.

Read more reasons for keeping your cell phone at home after the break.

For Newbies and Gym Rats Alike: Best Practices of Gym Etiquette

Michele Foley — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:06:52 PST

Going to the gym is more than just walking in and jumping on a treadmill: there's etiquette to follow. With so many of you making good on your New Year's resolutions and hitting the gym this month, make sure these gym-going tips are fresh in your mind.

Gyms are ridiculously busy in January. Check out our tips for navigating when yours is overcrowded.
No one wants to get sick from exercising. Protect yourself from the germiest spots in the gym. And do your part by always wiping down machines before you use them.
Nervous about taking a fitness class? Why it's important to tell the instructor you're a newbie, spy on a class before you go, and always stay for the stretch.
Know the ins and outs of navigating the machines: it's important to be able to deal with treadmill hogs, but if that doesn't work, try one of these underused pieces of cardio equipment instead.
Even when you're worried about time, there are ways to fit in a workout. Here are ways to maximize a treadmill workout and save time when strength training. When you're done, make sure to follow our time-saving makeup routine for the locker room - no one will even guess you just worked out!
Make sure to know how to act when you're there. From weight room etiquette to dealing with unsolicited advice, always be on your best behavior.
Gym mishaps? No problem, we've got you covered! Here are the 10 biggest mistakes you're making at the gym. No sports bra or socks? Still not a problem. How to deal with gym wardrobe fails.

Have You Ever Left a Fitness Class Early?

Leta Shy — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 03:44:04 PDT

Maybe I didn't read the class description right, or maybe I just wasn't in the mood, but I recently went to a fitness class that left something to be desired. I was all ready for a sweaty, motivating workout that, as the description said, would focus on strength training, but what I got instead was extensive stretching, modified Pilates moves that we'd only hold for mere seconds, and a teacher whose voice I could barely hear over the pumping music. So what did I do? I snuck out barely halfway through the class and did my own workout instead. I felt bad for slinking out that way and hoped I didn't disturb the other students or the teacher, but when you only have so much time to fit in a workout, you have to make sure it's effective!

Have you ever left a fitness class early?

Gym Tips For Newbies

Michele Foley — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 12:30:00 PST

It's crowded at the gym right now. Folks are making good on their New Year's resolution to get fit, and gyms are responding in kind by slashing enrollment fees. For longtime gym rats, this influx of new members is both good and bad. We love seeing people get healthy, but when newbies don't know proper gym etiquette, it's kind of annoying. Luckily, the gym code of conduct is easy enough.

Always clean equipment properly - The gym is a breeding ground for germs; do your part by thoroughly cleaning any equipment you use. Make sure to use a clean towel and disinfectant, and wipe down everything that your body came into contact with. We also make it a habit to wipe down machines before using them. Viruses and superbugs can linger on gym equipment, and there is no way to know that the person before you cleaned the machine that you're using.
Honor machine time limits - Every hour seems to be a peak hour at the gym right now. Don't piss off another member by being a treadmill hog. If people are waiting for equipment, make sure that you adhere to your gym's posted time limits. If 30 minutes just isn't enough time for your workout, choose a less popular machine to work out on instead of the treadmill or elliptical. If you're dealing with a treadmill hog, don't hover. Ask them nicely to honor the machine time limits or get someone who works at the gym to do it for you.
Err on the side of caution with other members - It's great making friends at the gym, but don't overdo it. Not everyone likes to have their ear chatted off (especially in class), and unsolicited advice is usually frowned upon. Along these same lines, don't stare at people, gab loudly on your cell phone, or sing along with your iPod.
Practice proper hygiene - Since gyms get hot and sweaty, they also get pretty smelly. Make sure the clothes that you're wearing are clean and don't be afraid of deodorant. Also, leave off any strong perfumes or scented lotions since other members might be allergic. Practice proper hygiene in the locker room and make a point to be tidy since it's a shared space.

How Should I Handle Unsolicited "Advice" at the Gym?

Kristen Hawley — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 11:04:37 PST

I'm all for helpful tips when it comes to working out, but unless you are my personal trainer (disclosure: I don't have a personal trainer), I don't really want to hear your best "advice" in the middle of my workout. First, it's distracting: if I'm focused on a run, the last thing I want to hear is someone's voice behind me, especially if I'm wearing headphones and they need to tap me on the shoulder to get my attention (yes, this has happened).

Second, he or she may not know what I'm hoping to achieve with my workout. Once, when I was nursing an injured knee back to health, a gym employee came over and increased the incline on my treadmill without asking, thinking she was helping my workout when I was just trying to get my endurance back without re-injuring myself. And finally (and slightly indignantly), if I want help, I'll ask!

After the break, three suggestions and potential outcomes on different ways to handle that friendly-but-unsolicited "advice."

What Do You Do If Someone Is Annoying You at the Gym?

Michele Foley — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 10:00:43 PST

This morning I was treated to a loud (and unwelcome) karaoke session in the gym by a gent working out near me. I was 20 minutes into my workout when a guy hopped onto an elliptical behind me and started singing whatever song he was listening to on his iPod. It was funny at first, but after 10 minutes it became downright annoying. And because I work out without music, I didn't have any way of shutting his singing out.

I kept quiet and dealt with it, but eventually an employee of the gym came over to tell him to quiet down. My guess is that someone went down to the front desk to complain.

Treadmill hogs, people with bad hygiene habits, and karaoke masters - there are a lot of obstacles just to get a good workout! How do you deal with annoying folks at your gym?

Wipe Down That Machine Before You Use It

FitSugar — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:00:31 PDT

Here's an important tip to take with you to the gym: wipe down equipment before using it. The gym is a breeding ground for germs, and even though it's nice to think that the person on the treadmill wiped it down before you, this isn't always the case. Keep in mind that you can catch more than the everyday flu or cold from gym equipment. Superbugs - like the staph bacteria MRSA - can survive on gym equipment that hasn't been cleaned properly. Staph is an incredibly aggressive skin infection that is hard to treat - something none of us should have to endure. An Idaho hospital recently reported a rise in staph infections, and officials cite that improper hygiene at gyms and other fitness facilities are the culprit.

The next time you hop on anything in the gym, give it a quick disinfecting. And to be on the safe side, wash your hands when you're done. Better safe than sorry.

Gym Dilemma: Dealing With a Treadmill Hog

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:00:38 PST

I try to avoid going to the gym during peak hours because of the long waits and time restrictions on the cardio equipment, but some days I can only manage to hit the gym during prime time. While it's tough to adhere to the 30-minute gym-imposed time limit on the treadmill, if there's a long line of people waiting (and there usually is), I play by the rules. But, of course, there's one woman who does not get off the treadmill for at least an hour - more often 90 minutes - no matter how long the wait.

Until now I've ignored her, but recently, someone politely asked me to give up my treadmill after going over the 30-minute limit while treadmill hog was at least on minute 45. I bit my tongue, but I don't think I can hold in my anger much longer. I'm not the only one with serious feelings about treadmill hogs, but what's the best way to deal? I've come up with three suggestions and possible outcomes; to let me know which route you think I should pursue,

read more. Ignore her. While this approach has served me (and just about every other person in the gym) well for a few weeks, her hogging the machine is clearly starting to bother me. I'm rather non-confrontational, so I default to this approach, silently hoping and waiting that someone else will say something to her. Pro: I don't have to deal with it. Con: I have to stew in anger silently watching her marathon workouts three days a week. Tell the staff. I feel a little passive-aggressive approaching the gym staff, but that's what they're there for, right? Pro: Again, I don't have to be the one to confront her. Con: She might know I reported her and get confrontational. Or, she might end up embarrassed that I've dragged someone else into the situation. Just tell her nicely. I should simply say, "Hey, I'm sorry, but there's a huge waiting line and I've noticed you're over the time limit on this treadmill. Do you think you could wrap it up?" Pro: She probably won't say no to my polite, direct approach. Con: She still might say no, and then I'm back to square one.

Hitting the Gym? Check Your Etiquette

FitSugar — Mon, 18 May 2009 03:30:00 PDT

The gym is a shared space where we sweat, work hard and relax. There are some important spoken and unspoken rules when it comes to working out with others, so please keep these in mind the next time you go to work out. Some of these are FitSugar readers' ideas.

"Don't go to the gym if you're sick." - jkat
Come clean. Your clothes should be washed and smelling fresh. Also, Spectra says, "Please wear deodorant at the gym, especially if you plan on getting really sweaty. "
AMP says "Please no perfume [or cologne] at the gym." The powerful smell could cause an allergic reaction in tight quarters.
Leave your cell phone in the car or locker room. If you're expecting a call, turn off the ringer and call the person back once you're away from other gym-goers. No one wants to here you gabbing away.
Don't be a hog. The equipment is there to share so be mindful of the time limits on cardio and weight machines. If you're training for a marathon and need the treadmill for more than an hour, hit the gym mid-day when it's not so crowded.
LesleyP825 also says, "You know what I hate? Hovering. Like if I'm on a machine in the middle of a set and someone is standing over you. Then when I get off they practically jump on top of me to use it. Have some patience!"

For more etiquette advice

Where Do You Stand: Talking in the Sauna?

FitSugar — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 03:30:00 PST

After a long swim workout, or a short one for that matter, I like to treat myself to a relaxing sauna. I like a quiet sauna, no matter if it is at my gym or a fancy spa.

A friend from my moms' group complained that when she swims with a mom friend, the only time they have to gab is in the sauna, as swimming doesn't really lend itself to conversation and neither does hanging out with four kids under the age of five. She asked me about sauna etiquette: talking or no talking. While I understand her maternal need to squeeze in adult conversation, I stood my ground on the keeping quiet in the sauna rule but was wondering what you all think? So tell me . . .

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